Are They are playing with fire? Could this be a class action Hostile Work Environment suit against the Union? They are playing with productivity and safety by not discussing good will type intrinsic work environment practices that make productivity and safety better. If you damage moral that much, does that plant become unproductive? A winning Corporate Culture is everything, this move is a playing a hand against that win.
The union has the option of only bargaining for concessions for “union workers”. Nothing is stopping them except the almost-sure lawsuits for discrimination that would be filed against them and the employer. Unions want their cake (dues) and to eat it (concessions) too.
Most people I know don’t go to work to make friends - they go to work to pay the bills. Choosing to talk or not to talk to “Sally”, “Sue” or “Bill” makes no difference at all. Decent companies train employee’s regularly on safety and the such. Nothing hostile about not talking to someone.
Heck, I wish 99% of the folks at my place of employment would just shut up and leave me alone ! Most are useless idiots anyway with no plans to change. Are you a progressive socialist ? You gonna FORCE me to talk to folks? Should I have something to say, I’ll damn well say it - if not, silence is GOLDEN !
Snoot ;o)
IF any non-member individuals are hurt as a result of the non-communication, they can be sued for conspiracy.
If most of the women quit and face hostile treatment because of that, sexism versus union in court could be interesting.