Advice for management working with unions

[purduejake]

I just began training for a job as a ramp supervisor for a major airline and am well aware of the problems between management and the unions. Everybody lost their pensions and took pay cuts, including management - at least at my level.

This is the first time that I am on the "side" of management and this is my first real job after college. I graduated from the flight program at Purdue University planning one being a unionized pilot.

I have a few weeks of training left before I am put on the ramp to begin learning my position and am hoping people have some advice for me so that I can have a healthy relationship with the workers and the union. Thanks so much for your time and help!

Jake

[China_cat]

1. Don't automatically assume the union is out to 'get' you.

Just show the same respect for the workers that you would expect and listen to what they have to say if they try to talk to you. Most of the problems between management and unions come from both refusing to listen when the other talks. You don't have to be part of that problem.

[purduejake]

3. Good advice.

I was working on the ramp in San Francisco today and it was great. The workers were very helpful as we messed around with the airplanes and equipment. Hopefully it will be like that in ORD. Thanks!

[chemp]

2. welcome to hell!

I've been in management for years. I've been working the current job for the last 5. No names, but it's the largest food-service company in the world. Multi-national. Not McD's
Well, they were approached with unionizing my account. The company let them in, introduced them to the employees, told management to remain neutral in the decision process, duct taped our mouths, handcuffed us and threw us too the wolves.
Prior to their arrival, we were family. We would ask about a sick relative, giant birthday cakes, bus trips to the local casino, biggest X-mas party in the division; y'know, family.
Now it's just ugly. Traps. Bold faced lies. My boss's car was broken into, with only sensative company information taken. My office was broken into with my pay information and the chef's meds stolen. Talking to an employee provoked looks. Reprimanding an employee is translated into screaming at them. I would be asked a question, and now I need to figure the direction they are heading before I answer. Are they trying to trip me up, set up conflicting answers with other managers?
With no corporate support on our end, we couldn't answer serious questions by employees and the union got voted in based on unsubstanciated promises. $5 raises, free health insurance, more break time. Retirees are now in fear of working too much and losing their SS. Many of the seniors we work with do not do it for the $$$, but for the insurance and to pass the time. If they get paid too much SS is cut off. Younger employees now say they shouldn't be working here.

Now? X-mas party is gone.
Casino trip? gone
Free Thanksgiving turkey? gone

It's bad. When someone is in the shit, I can no longer put on a pair of gloves and apron and help out. Making MY OWN lunch gets me a greivance.

I've always been pro union. In my younger years I was in a union. But these guys are bad news. Food services functions on team work.
Unions focus on single jobs. If someone needs help. we need to hire that help, not shuttle someone over for ten minutes.

Good luck, I hope your situation is better than mine.

[purduejake]

4. It's unfortunate...

that you have had those experiences with the union. Thanks for the info and good wishes!