As an analogy,the most dangerous animal to come across is one that is wounded because we let our guard down under the failed belief the animal is no longer a threat. While unions today may be in fact wounded they are still very much a threat because of the way we operate our business. It is the employees who elect to join a union by and large because of the way they are treated by their employer. If we believe unions are no longer a threat and the EFCA is no longer a concern that can lead to managing our business right into the hands of a union.

As indicated by the survey, most employers are not focused on this concern which is a significant benefit to organized labor. Union avoidance should not be viewed as an activity or a short term program. There are 2 simple strategies to take related to union avoidance. One is to simply try to keep unions out of the business which is a reactionary short term strategy that only gets activated when there is a real or perceived threat. This strategy is ultimately doomed to failure. The other strategy is a proactive approach to create an environment where employees do not see the need for an outside organization. This is a long term and culture based strategy that is woven into daily operations. Only through this approach can an organization be successful over the long term.

Whether the EFCA is alive or dead should not impact the way organizations manage their business. If it does, then those organizations are already at great risk for unionization regardless of any change in laws or regulations.

It is like managing our personal weight. Some elect to try dieting which never works in the long term, while others learn to eat right, exercise and manage their weight on an on-going basis. One may take a little more effort and discipline, but it certainly has far better long term benefits.