Inclusion as the HOW® for Union Negotiations

Through Inclusion as the HOW, a key plant within a major pharmaceutical company created an unprecedented mood of openness with its union representatives. Beginning the initial meeting by shaking hands rather than simply sitting in the traditional adversarial stance across the table proved helpful in relaxing the atmosphere and the negotiations that followed. By remaining open to one another's points of view and allowing everyone to be heard, the participants created goodwill for future negotiations.

In another key plant within this company, the union and management partnered to develop joint programs for compliance and safety. Using Inclusion as the HOW as a means to begin negotiations, the plant committee participated in a key inspection that resulted in improved understanding of regulators' expectations - and thus improved compliance on the shop floor.