The article above suggests that there are opportunities for both management and labor arising from labor union involvement in sustainability iniatives. So how do you get the ball rolling and what do you need to avoid? Here are some ideas ...

 

First, have a clear understanding of the relationship between management and organized labor in your company. It's very important to be sensitive to the history, tenor and style of management/labor relations in order to have an effective dialogue and achieve results.

 

Second, if you're beginning sustainability initiatives, this is the ideal time to engage labor. Discuss options with the bargaining unit leader(s) or shop steward(s) and include representatives of the union's local/regional in those discussions. If you've already done some or even a great deal of sustainability work, then it's likely that your unionized workforce has been involved in implementation. Do you have a easy, standardized way to collect ideas from them? And have you reached out to the local, regional or national parts of the union for their ideas and involvement?

 

Finally, recognize that this topic is equally challenging for management and workers, so avoid turf wars and "political" disagreements whenever possible. You'll have enough to concern yourself with prioritizing projects, implementing ideas and getting used to the changes you'll both have to make.