Posts by Hutchison Group, Inc.
Working With Unions to Improve Company Performance
Given The Right Relationship, Unions Can Help Companies Achieve their Goals and Objectives For those companies that have union-represented employees, working together with union leaders in a spirit of partnership and cooperation can actually help improve company performance. Establish Mutual Interests To begin, it must be understood that neither management nor union leaders can be…
Read MoreHow to Stay Union Free
And What to Do If Employees Attempt to Organize While many companies enjoy productive working relationships with unions, most companies prefer to maintain a union-free environment, as it generally provides for more flexibility and preserves the ability for management and employees to communicate directly. Some Unions Can Have a Negative Impact Restrictive work rules that…
Read MoreResponding to Union Organizing Campaigns
The following article provides an overview of the legal guidelines established by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) governing union organizing campaigns and key actions that management can take in response. First Signs of Union Contact with Employees Unions may randomly appear at an employer’s locations to simply “test the waters” to see if they…
Read MoreUnderstanding Why Employees Resist Change
For companies to remain competitive in their respective industries, they must have the ability to implement meaningful changes from time to time. This is especially true today, as many businesses are experiencing significant challenges resulting from the global COVID-19 crisis. However, getting employees to accept change is not always easy. In fact, most employees tend…
Read MoreStrategies for Creating High Performance Workplaces
To help meet the challenges and pressures of an increasingly competitive world, it is essential that businesses look for new ways to create or maintain highly efficient operations. This article outlines several strategies that Hutchison Group, an employee relations consulting firm, has used with our clients to help reduce costs and improve productivity. Eliminate Restrictive…
Read MoreReducing Labor Costs During Economic Downturns
In response to COVID-19 and other unforeseen events that can negatively impact businesses, some companies may be forced to significantly reduce their labor costs in order to remain solvent. Hutchison Group HR and Labor Relations Consultants have identified several actions employers should evaluate before announcing permanent layoffs, and what to do if it is determined…
Read MoreRenegotiating Union Contracts During COVID-19
During times of crisis or uncertainty, it is important that company management and union officials remain flexible and consider new workforce strategies and ways to improve labor relations in order to keep their business viable, for both shareholders and employees. This message has never been more pertinent as most every business must adapt in response…
Read MoreAcquisition of Union Represented Operations
Important Options and Considerations The following is intended to provide an overview of key considerations and options available to the Buyer when acquiring a union represented operation by means of an Asset Purchase Sale. Unlike a Stock Purchase acquisition, where the Buyer inherits the existing union agreements, an Asset Purchase acquisition typically provides the Buyer…
Read MoreHalf a Wheel Won’t Roll
Far too often blame gets placed solely on the manager if things aren’t going well for his/her department or working group. Of course, managers are responsible for their team, however, they alone cannot ensure success. The entire team must contribute as well. Great managers must know how to create a workplace environment where employees are…
Read MoreBe Part of a Successful Team
While reflecting on my past nursing experience, I realize why I preferred working in a hospital setting rather than a solo nursing career (i.e. home health care or private duty nurse). The reason; working in the hospital setting gave me the satisfaction of being part of a team. Teamwork helps to create a more satisfying…
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