How to Avoid Labor Unions

When workers are unhappy with their working conditions or pay, they may come together to form a labor union.  There are many things employers can do to prevent a labor union from forming in the workplace.  Open communication and allowing employees to address their concerns are an important part of avoiding labor unions.

Avoiding Labor Unions

• Let employees know that you have an open door policy and are willing to listen to any concerns that they have regarding their working conditions.


• Hold meetings for groups of employees to allow them to discuss any frustrations or issues they are having.


• Take notes to keep track of common complaints that are shared by several employees.  If a large number of employees share the same complaints, they are more likely to come together and form a union to protest their working conditions.


• Hold regular sessions with individual employees to allow them to address their concerns.


• Make a plan to address common complaints and concerns, and talk with your employees about what you are willing to do to fix the issues at hand.


• Be honest with your employees if you are unable or unwilling to negotiate on certain issues, and give them the reasons why you are unable to do it.


• Have the employees form different committees, and have each committee come up with solutions to improve any issues they are having.  This will help strengthen relationships and show them they are a part of the decision making process.


• Treat all of the employees equally, and make sure company policies and rules are followed by each employee.


• Keep up with the latest changes in the industry regarding wages and benefits to ensure that your employees are receiving fair pay.

Training Supervisors

• Talk with your supervisors about how to communicate with employees when issues arise.


• Prepare supervisors by showing them the correct way to deal with employees who are trying to start a union.


• Host seminars and hand out brochures that discuss the laws dealing with union formation, making sure they know what they are allowed and not allowed to do when trying to stop a labor union from forming.