Health care supervisors and employee relations success: three C's a day keep the union away

The health care industry is experiencing rapid change and uncertainty. Given the tremendous amount of instability in the industry, many observers are not surprised at the high level of militancy currently being displayed by many health care workers. However, it should not automatically follow that turbulent times will lead to uneasy management-labor relations. Maintaining nonunion status depends largely on the employee relations skills and capabilities of first-line supervisors. The article reviews and discusses three key attributes (communication, consideration, and commitment) that supervisors must display in order to promote employee satisfaction and remain union-free. Practical guidelines and suggestions are provided.