I have repeated that frustrated sentence numerous times in my 20plus years working in a Union environment. Unions and managers are like frenemies, more often than not it feels like we are trying to get along, but it hardly feels genuine. Both sides tend to stay guarded and like secret agents they never what to give away too many trade secrets.
Can you imagine what we could succeed in if we managed to communicate well and actually got along?! I try and remember that if we can work together as a team, we could not only have a stronger more united front but also create a happier, healthier, more productive workforce. Afterall who enjoys watching mommy and daddy fighting?
Nearly 30% of Canadian workers belong to unions, that works out to be about 4million Canadians. (UFCW.ca) I work in a municipality that is unionized, and I have learned over the years that it is easier to work along side the union. So, what are the strategies help to make this possible:
- Document, Document, Document. No matter how small it seems. It is better to have more documentation, than not enough. I received a great tip to start a notebook and try and take a few minutes to write in it, especially after any conversations with staff. It seems so simple, and I wish I used it more often.
- Be as clear as possible. “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place” George Bernard Shaw. Staff need to be clear on their workplace expectations, never assume that someone they know what to do. Especially youth who are in their first experiences in the workforce. They need guidance on everything from vacation day requests to what is appropriate work attire.
- Listen to feedback often. When managers and employees discuss issues openly to create change, employee engagement will increase. Confronting the elephant in the room with good communication is better than ignoring it.
- Give yourself time to make decisions. Unless its absolutely necessary, take a moment to breathe before making a decision. Talk to others involved in the situation, if possible, and see how a decision will impact them. Then reflect to make the best possible decision with the facts you have.
- Be a tough cookie. Don’t take thing personal. Never stoop to the level of people who misbehave. Keeping a strong but firm attitude which will always achieve better results. It’s never easy to overlook personal attacks but it is the cost of good leadership.
Unions have been around since the 1800 in Canada and have been responsible for many positive changes that many of us take for granted. Making change in the length of workdays, to higher paid wages, to creating parental leaves, and my personal favorite, a safer environment for workers everywhere. Unions have established their place; they aren’t going away. And though I have spent many hours being frustrated at, what I consider, petty fights when the Union Contract seems to protect the employee who doesn’t deserve it, there is no way for me to ignore that they have and continue to have the best interest of the employees. On the tough days, when exchanges are heated and seeing eye to eye seems almost impossible, I try and take that breathe and reflect on the bigger picture and find some common ground.