Florabunda, a national wholesale plant supply company that caters to home gardeners, maintains greenhouses in several locations. These provide flower and vegetable seedlings for nurseries and garden centres nationwide and also pots of flowering plants, such as tulips and poinsettias, for other holidays. Relations with employees seemed smooth for some years, but over time the firm has come to rely on short-term contingent labour, especially in the spring when Florabunda fulfills large standing orders for bedding plants. At one of its largest greenhouse locations, employees invite the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) to represent them as a union. The Florabunda greenhouse engages in collective bargaining with the UFCW. A key issue involves workplace safety, as the greenhouses are often fumigated with pesticides to kill insects. Management claims that it takes customary and effective precautions to protect the health of its workers, whereas the union expresses concerns that the pesticides might cause long-term health problems. The two sides reach an impasse, with the union demanding more expensive safety measures than management feels are necessary. If the two sides opt for arbitration as the next step, which of the following should both sides take care to do?

Question

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Both sides should prepare to present their case as if they were about to argue it before a judge and jury. This means that they should gather all pertinent information, evidence, and documentation to support their position, and craft strong and persuasive arguments to present to the arbitrator. They should also be prepared to respond to any counterarguments or challenges that the other side may present. By doing this, they can present a convincing case that will be more likely to win the support of the arbitrator. None of the other choices are appropriate or advisable. Gaining popular support through media exposure may be helpful in some contexts, but in this case, it is unlikely to sway the arbitrator. Hiding information weakens the credibility of both sides and is unethical. Sticking rigidly to positions will not help resolve the impasse and move the parties closer to a settlement. Drawing out the arbitration process will only increase costs and prolong the dispute without resolving it.

Florabunda, a National Wholesale Plant Supply Company That Caters to Home