Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, May 25, 1990                   TAG: 9005250337
SECTION: BUSINESS                    PAGE: A9   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: GEORGE KEGLEY BUSINESS EDITOR
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

LABOR UNION ACTIVITY ON RISE, OFFICIAL SAYS

The United Mine Workers, re-emerging after the Pittston strike, are seeking representation at three other coal companies, said Dave McIntosh, of SESCO Management Consultants of Bristol. He did not identify his three clients who are trying to keep the UMW out.

Although union organization has been on the decline for 30 years, the AFL-CIO has spent $13 million on improving labor's image and this means that "employers will have a tough job ahead in the 1990s," said McIntosh, at an employers conference in Roanoke.

About 16.4 percent of the people in the work force are union members.

Employers have to be on their toes, said McIntosh, during a speech on the topic: "Maintaining the Union-Free Work Place."

Some unions are trying new techniques. The Teamsters, for example, are offering credit cards with reduced rates, including a plan for deferred payments during a strike or layoff, McIntosh said, and the United Food and Commercial Workers plan to provide child-care centers.

McIntosh predicted more union leaders will be running for political office, following the election of Jackie Stump of Buchanan County - former UMW district president - to the Virginia House of Delegates. Employee favoritism is first on a list of reasons workers usually seek union representation, said McIntosh.

Other reasons they may turn to unions, he said, are: inequitable pay scales, lack of appreciation, ignored complaints, lack of knowledge about their jobs, unexpected changes, pressure tactics, lack of training and harsh treatment by supervisors.

Managers believe pay is a top reason for seeking union representation, McIntosh said.

However, a national employee survey by the Bureau of National Affairs found that workers rated appreciation first. Money was fifth.

Employees said "they want to be appreciated, in on things, a part of the team."

McIntosh's list of early warning signs of union activity included: small gatherings of employees in unusual parts of the plant or office, a sudden quiet on the company grapevine, a former employee showing up in the parking lot after work, people who are ordinarily amiable becoming sullen, and groups bringing complaints to management.

Speaking on "Recruiting and Retaining Quality Workers," Mike Leach, a senior consultant with SESCO, said the shortage of skilled workers will force managers to answer the question, "Why would anyone want to come to work for me?"

He said some employers are using "800" telephone numbers and restaurant place mats to reach qualified job prospects. Many list jobs with special interest organizations for retired people, veterans and other groups.

Employers are relying on part-time workers, Leach said, adding that temporary help "is an excellent way to screen employees."

Bill Smithwick, another SESCO consultant, suggested that employers administer drug-testing policies fairly. Random testing is absolutely the worst approach, he said.

Rehabilitation from drug use is effective, he said, for studies show that two-thirds of the participants in employee assistance programs return to work with improved job performance.