Robert Hughes, on February 19, 2019
Management and unions both want the best for those they represent. This is not an easy task since each party has its own interests to protect and defend regarding issues such as wages, working conditions, and benefits. Representatives need to learn how to work together to negotiate effectively and agree upon the best possible solution for both parties.
Robert Hughes, on July 26, 2017
While much can be learned by conducting employee surveys, many corporations have learned the hard way that poor surveying technique can do more harm than good. In fact, generally, when executives are opposed to surveying, their opposition is based on poor experiences with surveying in the past.
Robert Hughes, on March 4, 2016
Recently, I had the pleasure of being a guest lecturer at the New York University Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service for a graduate study course on Labor Management Cooperation. My host was Arthur Matthews, an accomplished mediator, arbitrator and adjunct professor at NYU, Cornell and the Clinton School of Public Service at the University of Arkansas. A colleague of Howard’s, Kathy Drew-King also served as a guest lecturer for the course. Kathy is a Regional Attorney for the NLRB office serving the boroughs of Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island in the City of New York, and Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
Robert Hughes, on October 2, 2015
As the Volkswagen emissions story continues to unfold, the scale of the damages and the scope of who stands to suffer and how continues to expand.
Robert Hughes, on August 26, 2014
HERE'S TO ALL WHOSE LABOR BUILDS OUR ECONOMY, OUR COMMUNITIES AND OUR AMERICAN WAY OF LIFE
Robert Hughes, on April 3, 2014
Let’s start with this simple premise – businesses today talk about the importance of the customer, but in far too many cases make all their important decisions based on short term shareholder behavior.
Robert Hughes, on September 17, 2013
Tuesday, September 10, Tennessee U.S. Senator Bob Corker told the Associated Press that he “was a little worried” Volkswagen could become “a laughingstock in many ways” if they continued their discussions with the United Auto Workers about creating a German-style works council at their Chattanooga plant. Likening the idea to “inflicting a wound,” Corker characterized management’s participation in the discussion as “naïve” and went on to single out the UAW as having created an “us versus them” mentality in plants.
Robert Hughes, on December 19, 2012
Tuesday’s NHL negotiation news created a momentary burst of optimism among hockey fans everywhere, and the flurry of bargaining table and backroom caucusing Wednesday only added to the excitement. Ah, perhaps Santa was planning a pre-Christmas delivery for avid hockey fans. After a frustrating loss of the first half of the season would we soon hear the sweet sounds of skates digging deep into the ice and players being hard checked into the boards?
Robert Hughes, on December 13, 2012
In Michigan this week a Lame Duck set of state officials have now added their state to the 23 other states that are “Right to Work” states. This was accomplished without a popular vote by attaching the act to an appropriations bill that does not require a popular vote to be decided. Naturally, organized labor sees that as a dirty trick and will no doubt find legal mechanisms for seeking to reverse it.
Robert Hughes, on December 13, 2012
After 3 ½ months the NFL League’s lockout of the NFLRA represented referees appears to be over. In retrospect you have to ask yourself, “Was that trip really necessary?” Did the solutions that the new contract contains represent nearly 17 weeks of concentrated problem solving? Does the result represent a significant benefit to the League, the Referees, the owners, the fans and the players?
