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Working with unionized employees can be quite different from working with employees who are not represented.

What do companies with effective labor communication have in common?

• Managers understand that employees value open, honest, and direct responses to questions and comments.
• Employers need to understand that their most important assets are: managers and supervisors. They are often seen as the face and voice of the Company and are responsible for the majority of day-to-day communication and interaction with employees.
• Managers always make themselves available, knowledgeable, and responsive to employee concerns.
• Managers and supervisors engage employees. It is important to encourage employee discussion and education.
• Managers always provide facts in an even, respectful manner and take every opportunity to correct false or misleading information. This is often necessary in a unionized environment where employers face unique challenges.