the bosses are afraid

pretty fascinating column by a hospitality industry mogul:

Some Hospitality Businesses feel they are exempt from the possibility of a union organizing attempt. They would be dead wrong. Strong Unions can bring cities to their knees with examples of Los Angeles and San Francisco most recently in the news. And, you are not safe from the type of business you are in, for the Service Sector is all around – the laundries, the parking lots, the janitorial services. We are surrounded!

I find the unpreparedness and complacency within our Industry astounding. The major players spend an enormous amount of money protecting their non-union status or fighting organizing attempts, yet what readily appears on today’s horizon is dismissed by most others. And, they have no excuse, except for perhaps arrogance or wishful thinking,

What you need to do right now is the following:

• Review your internal policy and procedures to ensure that they are being administered fairly, consistently and equally.
• Find a means to do an Employee Relations “check” on your staff, find the areas of discord, meet with your employees, open communication.
• Consider appropriate training for your staff and your Supervisors/Managers, emphasizing proactive Employee Relations.
• Have Legal Counsel/Consultant provide an audit of your business to uncover shortcomings and potential problem areas.
• Task your Afiliations (Chambers, CVB’s, Hospitality Associations) to be on top of issues and prepared to address them for the community at large, emphasizing Workshops, Roundtables, Seminars. Do keep in mind that Meeting Planners will avoid your area and your Businesses with any hint of unrest.
• Become informed yourself. To be candid, I have seen little written or spoken about the “Plum”, which Hospitality represents, which is surprising. But, I do not think you need to be a visionary to figure this one out.

Our employees are our messengers, our representatives who deliver the valuable products and services of our businesses. I would prefer to deal directly with them than through third party representation. Wouldn’t you? Our employees are that most remarkable asset. You cannot afford to be shortsighted in this matter, and, with the proper attention, you might even run a better operation. Let me know your thoughts at: jhendrie@hospitalityperformance.com.