Tag Archives: Unions

James D. Roumeliotis

Organized labour associations are also known as unions. Besides the “for profit” aspect, unions exist to (supposedly) provide important benefits to employees, such as improved working conditions, job security, and fair compensation. However, as a business, if you are concerned about the possibility of unions forming within your organization, here are some steps you can take to help prevent it:

1. Address Employee Concerns: Ensure that your employees feel heard and respected. Conduct regular surveys and feedback sessions to understand their concerns and take action to address them.
2. Offer Competitive Compensation: Providing your employees with fair and competitive compensation can help minimize their incentive to join a union.
3. Provide Opportunities for Growth: Offer opportunities for career growth, training, and development within your company. Providing a clear path for advancement can help employees feel valued and invested in the company.
4. Maintain Positive Workplace Culture: Encourage a positive work environment by promoting open communication, transparency, and accountability. Make sure your company policies and practices align with your values.
5. Create an Employee-Oriented Company: Show your employees that you value their input and feedback by creating an employee-oriented culture. This includes fostering a sense of community, promoting work-life balance, and providing benefits that improve their quality of life.
6. Consult with Professionals: Consult with labor relations professionals, such as attorneys or consultants, to help ensure that your company’s policies and practices comply with labor laws and regulations.

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the federal agency that polices labor-management relations, has accused Starbucks and Amazon of a slew of illegal anti-union practices, among them firing many workers in retaliation for backing a union. The NLRB had stated that Starbucks committed “egregious and widespread misconduct” in its dealings with employees involved in efforts to unionize Buffalo, New York, stores. 

Remember that the best way to prevent unions from forming is to treat your employees fairly, with respect and dignity. By creating a positive and supportive work environment, you can help reduce the likelihood of unions forming in your business. Keeping unions at bay should not be the prime reason why employees’ working conditions and wages, among other circumstances, ought to be taken seriously. Staff are a crucial business element…and considered the fifth “P” in the modern marketing mix. Thus, they should be treated with respect and well taken care of. Common sense dictates that this should not even be a reminder to employers.

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