10.8 Human Resources in Union Workplaces

Human Resources challenges are continually changing and evolving while working within a union setting. Unions and HR departments need to work together in many ways. In most cases, labour union representatives represent the union, and HR represents the company. This does not mean they are in conflict. They work together to find the best possible outcome for the people they represent.

Bargaining

The HR department takes on the responsibility of bridging the gap between opposing parties during negotiations. In cases where negotiations become confrontational, HR can facilitate a shift towards mutual-interest bargaining. They can offer conflict resolution and problem-solving training to both parties, and help them understand each other’s policy perspectives. Furthermore, HR can highlight the importance of collaboration by demonstrating how each party’s success is dependent on the other. For instance, they may emphasize how maintaining a healthy work-life balance leads to increased productivity, or how comprehensive healthcare benefits can reduce absenteeism.

Grievances

Once the collective agreement is signed and implemented, there will be grievances.  HR has the opportunity to deal with labour relations in ways that benefit both the employee and the company. Often the first step is to offer training for the union stewards (who represent the union employees), and their supervisors. Everyone, then, has the knowledge and tools to try to avoid grievances in the first place. When, there are grievances, HR can help to find solutions that takes care of the needs of both parties.

Communication

Communication is critical to labour relations. HR can work to facilitate good collaboration and cooperation between union and management. If there is conflict between the parties, HR can play a key role to ensure there is good communication between the parties, and offer solutions on how the conflict can be resolved. HR can organize regular meetings between union and management to offer guidance to each party.

Common Goals

HR can help union and management to find common goals which leads to cooperation. This benefits both sides.