SCOPE OF WORK
The Labor Management Committee exists to serve employers and unions in Southwestern Illinois. The Committee strives to promote labor-management cooperation and communication.
Education Programs
The Committee provides speakers for area high schools (e.g., economics, business, history, social science and civic classes). The speakers discuss the importance of labor and management cooperation in building a secure future for the region, the importance of career choice, and the demand and supply of labor. Committee members are also available to address middle school or junior high classes.
The Committee also provides a mock collective bargaining exercise for area schools. In this exercise, students represent either labor or management and attempt to negotiate a labor agreement. Members of the Committee act as advisors to both sides. Students learn the importance of negotiation in setting wages and selecting among a variety of benefit options.
Training Programs
The LMC customizes two training programs for union officials and supervisors and covers topics such as leadership, motivation, conflict resolution, the grievance process, arbitration and mediation, and communication. The programs provide an in-depth treatment to these issues as well as opportunities to explore solutions to their particular organizational problems.
The LMC provides support to companies and unions that want to establish an on-site labor-management committee. Participants receive sample bylaws and learn how to facilitate committee discussions, identify and solve problems, and properly use brainstorming techniques. For companies and unions with established committees, the LMC provides tailored training programs to enhance committee effectiveness.
The LMC provides training for unions and companies which desire to engage in other cooperative programs. These programs might include problem solving processes, cross-functional teams, team building and quality processes.
Other Services
The Committee members are available to assist organizations to resolve conflict. Staff members are trained in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) while Committee members are experts in a variety of industries and occupations (e.g. education, construction, manufacturing, service).