The union is at the door. Do I have to meet them?

Dear Aunty B,

I run a marketing services business that owns a call centre subsidiary. I recently received a call from someone in the union and they want to come and meet me. I have no idea what to do or what this is about. I have a sales background and am unfamiliar with the union. Do I have to meet them?

MK

Dear MK,

Well, there is no law saying you have to meet them. But it is a good idea to understand what is behind the call. SmartCompany’s IR advisor Peter Vitalie advises asking the union to put in writing exactly what it is they wish to discuss – and not talking to them until they do.

This will affect the type of strategy you adopt. For example, if it’s an individual grievance and the union has been asked to act as an intermediary it might be resolved relatively easily.

If there is a request for enterprise bargaining you need to think about your strategy carefully. Majority support determinations and good faith bargaining orders might be a long way off just yet, but at that point you might be compelled to talk to them, whether you want to or not.

Most importantly of all, speak to your employees. Do they have any issues? Are they dissatisfied about any aspect of their employment, such as terms and conditions or OHS issues?

You don’t have to tell them about the union call but you should take responsibility for communicating with your employees and trying to find out if there are any issues you have missed – otherwise someone else will.

In the end, a simple “thanks, but no thanks” reply to the union might be enough, but only give that reply once you know the issues you are dealing with.

Good luck!
Your Aunty B

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