Part Seven- An Interim Assignment

Always make an early meeting with the Unions or the employee’s forum. Reassure them and listen to what they have to say. A few days later I found myself sat at my table with the union representative.

‘Hi I’m Chris McAteer union rep for the business.’ A burly, middle-aged man extended his hand (looked like a bunch of butcher’s sausages) for a welcome greeting. We shook hands warmly.

‘So, Chris how long have you been here?’

‘28 years man and boy.’ I smiled. One of the very first meetings to arrange on your first day in the job is with the representation of the workforce, even if it’s not a unionised plant. I have been fortunate to work with all types of unions. Mostly good reps though some not so good. This shows clear intent that you value the representative and respect the position they hold and the workforce is being listened to and taken seriously.

‘Well Chris what would you like to discuss? How is the morale on the shop floor?’ His mood changed.

‘Well this total mess the management have made of this plant.’ I nodded. ‘You’re the third GM we have had in as many years.’ I continued to nod and not interrupt him. It was clear I was going to get the torrent of his frustration. I decided to brace myself for incoming.

‘This is a community factory; most of us have been here all our lives and live in the surrounding areas. If this goes pear shaped there’s a lot of people who are going to lose more than their livelihoods. Due to the total incompetence of senior management we have got to this point.. I know we are in trouble but no one talks to us, no one communicates with us as about what level of trouble we are in. Treated like kids we are, but we're all adults! We have responsibilities, mortgages and *we even to manage to bring up children. So why can we not be treated as such?’

‘We have employee forums which have died off now because we don’t go to them as whatever  we ask for; nothing gets done. Waste of our time! No pay rise and no explanation as to why. I’ve got outstanding bullying and harassment cases to resolve but no one from HR can give me dates. My members are nervous, anxious and thoroughly disappointed. So, Mr Walsh what are you going to do about it?’

He paused and sat back, red faced and angry.

‘Well firstly please call me Frank. Is it ok if I call you Chris?’ Chris nodded in agreement. This technique puts both people on a level playing field as equals.

‘I’m sorry that your members feel this way and I can completely understand their frustrations.’ I continued. ‘It might help Chris, if you could indulge me so I can tell you something about my background.’ Chris grunted arms folded.

‘I am one of five sons to a working-class family. I was bought up on a council estate and I have never gone to university.’ Chris looked surprised with my honesty. ‘I came from the shop floor and have dealt with incompetent managers all my working life. I found through years of experience it’s usually because the managers haven’t been supported or trained and are expected to do what is a difficult job.’

I continued ‘However, that does not excuse bullying and harassment for which I can assure you Chris I have zero tolerance.’ * Chris’s arms unfolded.

‘Well there’s this outstanding case I’d like you to take up immediately.’ This was the first challenge and a barometer of what I would do. ‘Nadeem the operator in the warehouse. Nice lad and he’s been on suspension now for weeks.’

‘Weeks?’ I said in disbelief.

‘Welcome to the plant Frank. I’d like you to look at this case. Nadeem is worried he’s going to lose his job even though he is being paid, he is not getting the opportunity to work overtime.’

‘Chris I will look at this right away I can assure you.’ Chris nodded but continued to tell me other cases, grievances and issues the workers had, when he ran out of steam he stopped and asked me what I was going to do about the rest of the cases he had to deal with.

 ‘What am I going to do about all the points you raised?’ Chris leaned forward, waiting for an answer. ‘Ok let’s get a list together now, a proper one we can work on. I need time to evaluate it all. I assure you I will get back to you by the end of the week. We need a monthly schedule for employee forums whereby you and the representatives can talk directly to me with HR in tow. I will instigate monthly town hall meetings for all the shifts and will be present at them all. I can assure you all your concerns will be addressed in a timely manner. After all it’s the workforce that makes the competitive advantage against our competitors. People with ties cost me money people without ties make me money.’ I paused.

Chris smiled, ‘Well you got a lot to live up to Frank. I guess we will see.’

‘Yes, we will, talk is cheap, actions are what we need.’ Chris stood up and held his hand out. We shook warmly and then he left. I knew I could work with Chris because * his only concern was not for his empire but for the people he represented. To help and support his fellow workers for such little reward. I picked up the phone to Paula.*

‘Hi Paula can I have a copy of Nadeem’s files please? Right away.’