Six Tips to Avoid Labor Disputes

No small business owner welcomes a labor dispute, especially when operations are running smoothly and sales are up. When the union knocks on your door and your workers threaten to walk out, resist the

temptation to unleash a few hot blooded words and close the door in their face. Instead, understand that most labor disputes are a result of poor communications and that some constructive two-way dialogue can probably help you to achieve an amicable resolution.

Communication is not barking orders. It's listening, understanding, interpreting, and remembering. These distinctions — and the tact and sensitivity required of strong communication — are especially important when dealing with something as turbulent as a labor dispute. Research shows that successful small business owners spend as much as 80 percent of their time communicating with clients, staff members, and colleagues: all the more reason for your communication skills to be top notch during this time.

Labor disputes can happen for a variety of reasons, but they never arise because your employees are happy with the current system. Before you respond to your employees’ particular requests or demands, ask yourself why they have complaints or are making demands. According to About.com, the top four reasons for union organization and labor disputes all stem from employee desires.