A Guide to Labor-Management Committees in State and Local Government. Executive Report

摘要

The publication is intended as a summary and guide to a published guide to labor - management committees (LMC). The report examines major issues for union and management leaders who want to consider an LMC as a potential remedy to problems in labor - management relations in a collective bargaining environment. The LMC is formed by two distinct parties: the employer and the employee organization recognized by the employer as speaking with one voice on behalf of those choosing to have their interests represented this way. Expected benefits of LMC's include improved labor relations, improved quality of working life, and improved productivity, greater worker voice in workplace issues; improved personnel administration, and promotion of harmony among employee groups. Most LMC's are not involved in contract bargaining, but deal with subjects that both sides have decided cannot or should not be bargained. Most LMC's have only advisory powers. LMC's should usually be established following development of a framework for labor - management relations. The experience of existing LMC's is sometimes relevant to new ones. LMC's must face such initial procedural issues as putting intentions in writing, sharing direct or indirect costs, deciding on key committee members and establishing a committee structure. The report also includes critical issues a committee is likely to face such as the need for a third party, priorities among potential topics under consideration, problemsolving techniques, committee's lifespan, coping with change, and evaluation of the committee.