Focus Managers on What They Can Say, Not What They Cannot

Abstract

Crucial to the success of any training program is educating managers on what they are permitted to say during a union organizing campaign. The most common mistake in such efforts is to overtrain them on what is not permissible, with undue emphasis on the rules prohibiting supervisory speech. The result of this improper training is that managers are discouraged from communicating. They adopt a silent attitude during the campaign in fear of committing an unfair labor practice. The result significantly limits the likelihood of legal liability, as well as employer success in the election.