The impasse continues, and the UFCW threatens to call a strike during

QUESTION

The impasse continues, and the UFCW threatens to call a strike during the high-demand period of spring. What is the most prudent response that management could use to try to overcome the breakdown in negotiations?

A) Institute proceedings to decertify the union’s right to bargain at the greenhouse.
B) Run the greenhouse for several days with management personnel, helped out with nonunion contract employees.
C) Plan to halt operations at the affected greenhouse for several weeks until the striking workers’ resources are depleted.
D) Ask the NLRB to request an injunction prohibiting the strikers from recognitional picketing.
E) Concede to the union’s demands, even though they will have a serious impact on Florabunda’s finances.

ANSWER

Answer: B
Explanation: B) One of the standard responses to the threat of a strike is the lockout, or denial of work to the unionized employees. So Choice B is correct: if the firm can show that production levels can be maintained in the absence of union employees, labor is likely to resume negotiations. The other choices are either counterproductive or irrelevant. Choice A (decertifying the union) is an option that must be initiated by employees, not management, and Choice D (prohibiting recognitional picketing) is relevant only when the pickets are demanding union recognition. Choice C (halting operations at a time of peak demand) and Choice E (conceding to the demands) hurt the company financially in both the short and long run.