Title
What Effects Do Public Relations Actions Have on Labor Disputes? A Look at Corporate Campaigns
Document Type
Seminar Paper
Date of Original Version
2005
Abstract
Strikes were once considered an effective “go to” weapon in the labor movement. As union density has declined, so has the frequency and effectiveness of strikes. Strikes were once a tried and true tactic for labor unions to force employers to make concessions at the bargaining table. However over the past twenty-five years strikes have become a somewhat risky gamble with uncertain, often disastrous results. This paper examines the new role of public relations campaigns that labor unions employ in bargaining as it relates to work stoppages. What, if any, pressures do these “corporate campaigns” exert on employers during work stoppages? Do they help labor unions further their objectives? Do they force concessions in order to avoid a strike or to quickly end a strike?