Strategies used by employees and employers to gain an upper hand during periods of conflict

STRATE

GIES USED BY

EMPLO

YEES AND

EMPLO

YERS TO GAIN AN

UPPER HAND DURING

PERIODS OF CONFLI

CT

P R E P A R E D BY S

A N D R E A BU T C H E R

EMPLOYER STRATEGIES1. Negotiation - reach a compromise

with workers or their representatives

2. Public relations - use the media to try to gain public support for the employer position

Embattled Principal Jeff Broomes used the media well in his case against the Barbados Secondary Teachers Union to have him removed from the school he was appointed to

3. Threats of redundancies – these put pressure on unions to agree on a settlement

4. Closure of the business – rather extreme

Would you prefer

redundant workers?

5. Lockouts – short term closure of the business to prevent employees from working and being paid

6. Employment of other workers to break strikes/ scab labour

EMPLOYEE STRATEGIES1. Go slow – employees work

at a minimum pace

2. Work-to-rule – employees refuse to do any work outside the precise terms of employment contracts

3. Overtime bans - workers refuse to work more than their contracted hours

4. Strike action – employees totally withdraw their labour services

6. Sick outs – employees claim to be sick, and do not turn up for work. They submit certification and are expected to be paid.