When I was a Board Agent with the National Labor Relations Board, my supervisor used to say to me, “Jason, we had a saying in the Army. It was called K.I.S.S. Keep It Simple Stupid. When you turn in your cases to me remember to be specific, consistent and by all means keep it simple Stupid.”
Well, it is now my turn as a labor relations consultant to give you the simple truth as to why union organizers are so persuasive with employees…It’s the relationship!
They understand something that many managers and companies fail to realize. It is the relationship aspect of employment that keeps employees loyal to their respective organizations. Without a relationship with their manager, then all else is purely about the paycheck.
Unions such as Service Employees International Union and California Nursing Association understand this relationship model all too well. They understand that the best way to organize nurses and certified nursing assistants is to meet them at church or to buy them a cup of coffee and to be that listening ear. That source of comfort that says, “I understand your pain.” The organizer will demonstrate in the most heartfelt manor that she gets “it.” The organizer will convey an emotional message that says the following:
“I understand how hard it is raise those babies by yourself, while your having to work three jobs just to pay the rent.”
“I understand how much it hurt when your partner left…he/she left you with nothing but you still have to raise them babies.”“I understand the trials and tribulations of being a woman…especially a Black woman (insert ethnicity here) and I definitely understand what it feels like to have a resident embarrass by calling you out of your name or throwing something at you. They act like you don’t even matter.”
Related posts:
- Union Organizing: Why Are Labor Unions So Successful? I get it. I finally get it. I know you...
- Who Is The Empathic Manager? Let’s get a couple of things out on the table...
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