Labor relations at readers' firms - survey results; Where I Stand - Brief Article

Nation's Business, Feb, 1996

Most Nation's Business readers don't have a union at their firm and enjoy good relations with their employees, according to the results of the Where I Stand poll in the December issue.

Moreover, most respondents don't expect to be the target of union organizers and have had little experience with union "corporate campaigns," which can involve harassment of company officials, bankers, creditors, suppliers, or customers.

Here are the results of the survey:

LABOR

Which of the following best describes the state of labor-management relations in your firm?

No union, and relations are good

71%

No union; problems are handled by managers and affected employees

17

Union rejected in the past three years

1

No union, but expect organizing activity and vote within a year

1

Traditional union-management relationship, and relations are good

9

Relations with union are poor; a strike could occur

1

How much do you rely on employees, union or nonunion, to make suggestion about workplace issues, such as safety concerns, benefits, or general conditions?

Don't consult employees

4%

Listen to employees' concerns but don't involve them in decisions

34

Include employees or representatives closely in making recommendations or decisions

62

How much do you rely on employees, union or nonunion, to make suggestions about the design or content of your firm's products or services?

Don't consult employees

8%

Listen to employees' ideas and suggestions but make own decisions

43

Ask employees to help design products and services based on their expertise and experience

34

Let employees or employee groups make own decisions on some products, services, or processes

15

What is the likelihood that unions will want to organize your employees?

Already have a union

10%

Believe company is probable target for union organizing

8

Don't believe company is union target

73

Unlikely; employees have already turned down a union

9

Some unions are engaging in what is known as a "corporate campaign" against firms during contract talks or in organizing efforts. Which one of the following activities, if any, has been the biggest problem for you?

Pressure on customers or suppliers

4%

Harassment of executives or directors

1

Suspiciously timed complaints to regulators

4

Union-inspired shareholder resolutions on labor issues

1

Other unconventional union tactics

4

No problems of this nature

86

Which proposed action by Congress is most important to you?

Repeal of Davis-Bacon (prevailing-wages) Act

26%

Repeal of minimum-wage law

10

Allowing management-employee teams to deal with worker issues

16

Permitting replacement of striking workers

17

Comprehensive labor-law reform

31