In a Q&A with the PBJ, Todd Hanchett Offers Some Best Practices for Union Negotiations

In a Q&A with the Portland Business Journal, Portland Office Managing Partner Todd Hanchett shared his insights—gained from nearly 25 years’ representing employers at the bargaining table—as to factors that go into a successful union negotiation.

Hanchett, who practices in Stoel Rives’ Labor & Employment group, suggested some best practices for an employer facing a negotiation—set priorities for its desired outcomes, understand and be prepared to talk about the state of its industry, and be aware of the impact the current state of the economy is having on its business.

Hanchett notes that even though there can be tension between the parties during a negotiation, it is important that the lead negotiators respect the parties’ relationship.

“As the negotiator, you’re the messenger for your client, so your job is to reflect that,” he said. “It’s not about you. They’re the ones that have a relationship and work together day in and day out, management and employees. That’s the situation you’re coming into.”

Asked if he thinks both sides can win in a negotiation, Hanchett said that if the relationship is good and the bargaining goes well, both parties can end up happy with the outcome.

Read the full article here.