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What type of incentives can a supervisor give to his employees in a union environment?
Asked by robertcarbon
The problem I have with running a union shop is the complete lack of positive reinforcement for working hard. People who do not apply themselves will earn the same wage as someone who over achieves. The same pay is earned for a journeyman craftsman with 3 months of service or 30 years of service. The general attitude is to not work hard because it won't pay off. I have new technicians who hire from non-union industries. They are often threatened by their coworkers to lower their level of productivity so that management doesn't expect more from everyone else. I cannot give a union employee a raise, I also cannot give a union employee a promotion. The shop is full of Mechanics, pipefitters, boilermakers, cab carpenters, and electricians. Each shift is 8 hours. The facility runs 24 hours a day and never closes. From what I noticed I lose a minimum of 1 hour of productivity from breaks and line-up per worker and average another 2 to 5 hours of productivity loss due to apathy. HELP The unions will not allow for raises or promotions. If a union employee wants a non-union job, they can apply for one. Most employees are so upset with management, they refuse to become part of it. First line supervisor positions do not pay a significant increase, even more so when you calculate (salary) time on the job vs (hourly) overtime. Union agreements do not provide for bonuses, 401K matching, profit sharing, or paid sick days. We do not have a high turnover rate. People keep working here, but they complain all the time, and use every opportunity they can to "lay down" on the job. It is not uncommon to find workers hiding and sleeping on the midnight shift. The union protects their jobs. It is almost impossible to fire anyone. How do I motivate them?
Asked by robertcarbon
The problem I have with running a union shop is the complete lack of positive reinforcement for working hard. People who do not apply themselves will earn the same wage as someone who over achieves. The same pay is earned for a journeyman craftsman with 3 months of service or 30 years of service. The general attitude is to not work hard because it won't pay off. I have new technicians who hire from non-union industries. They are often threatened by their coworkers to lower their level of productivity so that management doesn't expect more from everyone else. I cannot give a union employee a raise, I also cannot give a union employee a promotion. The shop is full of Mechanics, pipefitters, boilermakers, cab carpenters, and electricians. Each shift is 8 hours. The facility runs 24 hours a day and never closes. From what I noticed I lose a minimum of 1 hour of productivity from breaks and line-up per worker and average another 2 to 5 hours of productivity loss due to apathy. HELP The unions will not allow for raises or promotions. If a union employee wants a non-union job, they can apply for one. Most employees are so upset with management, they refuse to become part of it. First line supervisor positions do not pay a significant increase, even more so when you calculate (salary) time on the job vs (hourly) overtime. Union agreements do not provide for bonuses, 401K matching, profit sharing, or paid sick days. We do not have a high turnover rate. People keep working here, but they complain all the time, and use every opportunity they can to "lay down" on the job. It is not uncommon to find workers hiding and sleeping on the midnight shift. The union protects their jobs. It is almost impossible to fire anyone. How do I motivate them?
A:
Best Answer:
just bide your time - the unions are losing ground everyday
just bide your time - the unions are losing ground everyday
A:
Ask them what they want, how they feel they need to be motivated. Perhaps offering incentives like helping them pay for their transportation or use gift cards to local store and resturants as a measure of performance. With unions be sure to keep all your records! But it can also be with recognition and highlighting the positive.
Answered by wingedgirl
Answered by wingedgirl
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