Bargaining for the Future/Strategic Bargaining: Long before others were contemplating new approaches to bargaining, ECR Associates was doing it. We help both parties prepare for the process and substance of their negotiations. ECR Associates’ strategic approach to bargaining remains unique in that it helps the parties focus on creating a better future, not arguing about the past.

High Performance Partnerships: Unions and companies have found themselves trapped in the demoralizing scenario of needing to move into new work systems but not being able to forge the union-management partnerships necessary to do so. ECR Associates approach is to grow both the partnership and the new work system simultaneously using a variety of approaches throughout the organization which reflect best practices. ECR Associates has specialized for over twenty years in developing opportunities to involve employees in improving workplace performance including virtually every kind of team.

Future Scanning/Setting Strategic Direction: Too many union-management relationships are driven forward by looking in the rear view mirror. The unique ECR Associates Strategic Scanning Approach, provides a comprehensive and structured way for managers and union leaders to learn together about what their future can hold and then to set clear goals, strategies and plans to reach those goals.

High Performance Leadership Development: Good systems require good leaders operating effectively at all levels. This development approach includes building new and responsible alliances between supervisors and stewards; active engagement of middle levels of management and the union; and coaching and work with senior leadership to demonstrate by their actions their intent and commitment.

Workforce Development for the Future: Union and management leaders easily recognize that the value and future of all employees must be a constant focus for them and that they must help the workforce transition into the future they are building. To do this requires establishing a development process which delivers the new skills, competencies, and behaviors required in the future. It also requires aligning all of the human resource linked activities with this new direction. ECR Associates has the expertise and experience to assist the parties as they do this.

Compensation Systems for the Future: The structure of work is changing and that calls into question the structure of compensation. Examining alternative reward systems that supplement basic wages and benefits can provide drivers that enhance organizational performance and individual income. ECR Associates can help unions and companies analyze the options and select the compensation option which best meets their needs.