Good employee communications will make the EFCA a non-issue for companies

The impending passage of the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) means companies have just a few months left to make the case against union organization.

If EFCA becomes law, companies will likely lose their ability to campaign against union organizing efforts – something that’s now possible in the weeks leading up to a formal union vote.  Such votes would effectively be optional under EFCA.

So, what companies say and do in the coming months may decide whether their workers organize.  There is no time to waste.  Supervisors must immediately begin a campaign to win over employees – not by directly attacking unions but, rather, by demonstrating that their company doesn’t need one.

Employees unionize for many reasons. Some business people believe a union takes hold because workers want higher wages.  But there’s significant evidence suggesting that employees will stay loyal to companies – even if they are relatively underpaid – if they feel respected and valued.

Companies can build up employee goodwill quickly if they do four basic things:

1. Really listen to what employees say.  When companies listen – and make an earnest effort to address employee issues – they show respect for workers.  Respect is a leading driver of employee loyalty.

2. Act quickly.  Little problems fester with time.  Whether or not an issue can be resolved, the act of responding promptly reinforces the idea that workers are valued. 

3. Demonstrate respect.  Often unions take root because managers disrespect workers – perhaps by changing work schedules without consultation or reassigning employees without explanation.  Most workers will cooperate with such changes, but need to feel they are partners in the solution.

4. Make it clear that ‘we’re in this together.’ If a company shows that it believes employees are partners in success employees will be more understanding about pay raises and sacrifices.

Four months of respect will not overcome years of problems, but it may head off an organizing drive resulting from pressures stemming from current economic conditions.