Dispute Resolution Paper
Abstract When working through a labor union contract negotiations tension can rise. Each party is simply looking out for what is best for their party however, it is important to remember that we all play for the same team. At my workplace we recently went through a labor union contract renewal. This process occurs every three years and is usually quite unpleasant for both sides. The labor union representative and the company manufacturing vice-president represent each side. The problem is they stay on these sides and often forget what the end result should be. The union does not want to be out of work and lose pay and the company does not want to lose its’ trained workforce. Dispute Resolution Paper It is commonplace for organizations to work in teams. This is also true when dealing with union labor contracts. The labor union representatives and the company representatives must work together as a team. The hope is when these two parties get together productivity, creativity, and results will be great. The problem these parties must be prepared to deal with is the conflict that will arise as they try to reach the common ground on the labor contract. Conflict arises from the clash of perceptions, goals, or values in an arena where people care about the outcome (Alessandra, 1993, p. 92). If the union and management are not effective in how they control the conflict it can get out of hand.