Bargaining has become civilized, but there's nothing easy about it. The key is to listen.

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070722/BUSINESS01/707220623/1002/BUSINESS&theme=AUTOTALKS072007

WORKING OUT THE DETAILS: Bargaining has become civilized, but there's nothing easy about it. The key is to listen.

July 22, 2007

BY JOHN GALLAGHER

FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER

Old myths die hard.

With contract talks like those between Detroit automakers and the UAW taking place behind closed doors in the coming weeks, a Hollywood-like image endures of angry confrontations between table-pounding union chiefs and cold, indifferent managers.

But across a range of industries, veterans of contract negotiations say most collective bargaining today, while long and intense, is focused, professional -- and ultimately successful.

Steve Hicks, president of Teamsters Local 283 in Wyandotte, which represents chemical haulers and other workers, has negotiated several dozen contracts in 12 years as head of his local. In all that time, he's had just two strikes, and each lasted just one day.

"It can work, if both sides are reasonable," he said of collective bargaining.

Richard Block, a professor of labor relations at Michigan State University, agreed.

FULL story at link.