It quickly becomes apparent that there is no medical consensus over wh

QUESTION

It quickly becomes apparent that there is no medical consensus over whether the disputed pesticide causes long-term medical effects when used according to directions.

Management, therefore, does not want to discontinue use of the pesticide as replacing it would be costly; however, it proposes to provide more detailed instructions to avoid misuse of the compound and to train all workers thoroughly. If the union reps are not satisfied, which of the following would be their most productive next step?
A) Threaten a strike if the compound is not removed from use at the greenhouse.
B) Concede the point to management and move on to more difficult issues.
C) Form a joint subcommittee made up of management and union members to study the issue more thoroughly.
D) Organize a boycott among nurseries and garden centers that deal with the greenhouse.
E) Refuse to meet with management negotiators until the union demand is met.

ANSWER

Answer: C
Explanation: C) In a case in which neither side has clear-cut facts that resolve an important dispute, it is best to delegate the matter to a smaller group to study it in private. So Choice C is correct: a subcommittee can often reach a consensus informally, which then can become the basis for more formal negotiation. Choice B (accepting the counteroffer) is also a possibility, especially as it shows good faith, but is less productive as research may well confirm the long-term effects of the chemical. The other options are unproductive and could lead to an impasse that might be costly to each side. Choices A and E, in particular, allow a single issue to overrule the whole negotiating process. Choice D involves a secondary boycott, which is not legal under the Taft-Hartley Act.