Employee Relations Assessments (Union)

Preparing to Secure Competitive Labor Agreements

In order to affect meaningful change, it is essential to first have a comprehensive understanding of the current employee relations environment. Using a proprietary focus group methodology we actively “listen” to employee ideas and concerns. This proven process provides valuable information and insights for improving communication, working relationships and business performance. Typically focus groups are arranged to meet separately with management, union leaders, shop supervisors and hourly employees.
Having performed many assessments over the years, employees almost always express appreciation for the opportunity to share their concerns and are gratified that the company values them enough to “listen” to and consider their ideas for improvement. This assessment or listening process is an important first step toward improving communication and setting the stage to secure competitive labor agreements. During the initial assessments, key topics for discussion typically include:

• Initial Planning Meeting with Management and Union Leaders to Discuss Process
• Reaffirm the Company’s Interest in Listening to Employee Ideas and Opinions
• Understand What is Working Well
• Identify Problem Areas
• Recommendations for Improvement
• Develop Practical Action Plans
• Joint Follow-Up Meetings to Track and Discuss Progress
• Demonstrate to the board of directors and shareholders that management is proactive

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“The process we started with the Hutchison Group gave people an opportunity to share their opinions in a non-threatening way, improving the lines of communications and setting the stage for productive labor contract negotiations.”
– President Local 317T, Bakery, Confectionery and Tobacco Workers Union