With the formation of a union, workers create leverage for themselves. The power unions possess is, essentially, their right to have the bargaining unit strike as a group. While there are a myriad of reasons for union strikes to occur, an organization’s ability to navigate its way through the negotiation process is integral to avoid union picketing at the first sign of conflict.
Union leadership cannot call a strike unless its union members have voted to do so — and it does’t happen every time a union has a disagreement with management. When union members want to avoid an all-out union strike, there are lesser workplace disruptions that unions may opt for which include:
Often times, union strikes are initiated because, during contract negotiations, neither side could come to a resolution. Regardless, union leadership strives to exhaust other possible solutions before opting for the union members to start picketing against their employer.
If management recognizes the potential risks of a union strike prior to one occurring, they have a better chance of avoiding union picketing all together. In its simplest terms: when union employees strike, it places pressure on an organization. Without a Business Continuity Plan, if the union is not working because of a particular grievance, then the company’s customers will be affected.
