Conflict Resolution: Tight Budgets Are Dictating How Unions and Employers Resolve Conflict

Kansas City Managing Partner Brian Finucane was featured in the article "Conflict Resolution: Tight Budgets Are Dictating How Unions and Employers Resolve Conflict" in the September 2011 issue of KC Business. The article noted that the tough economy and high levels of unemployment have put a great strain on businesses in all industries. Since strain produces stress and stress produces dispute, it would be easy to assume that labor and employment lawsuits are at an all time high. Brian said that assumption would be incorrect. " Levels of litigation have picked up a little because of the recession and the down economy, but not as much as you would have expected. People are happy to have jobs, so they are less likely to complain." Brian also advised employers that the best thing a company can do is to curb employee complaints and avoid legal battles altogether. "Internal complaints should actually be looked at positively as a way to solve a problem and avoid a lawsuit. It's a good thing if an employee makes a complaint because then the employer can fix it."