If a deadlock is reached during negotiations where neither party is able to reach an agreement with the other, there are a number of things that can be done to help overcome the impasse. One of the most common of these is to try and reach some sort of compromise that suits both parties and involves meeting each other halfway, so to speak. This isn't always possible, however - especially seeing as unions always want to get their own way - and so the people on either side of the bargaining table must consider other tactics to help them reach a satisfactory conclusion.
One of these tactics is to hire a mediator to help the union and opposition reconsider their positions and think about the best way to move forward. Mediators are specially trained to help two or more warring groups set aside their differences and come to some kind of agreement, even if this means postponing negotiations for a period of time until they can feasibly be re-opened again in the hope of striking up a deal. Mediators liaise with both parties independently and without taking sides. All they aim to do is ease both sides into a situation where they consider compromising.
Other techniques employed by unions to overcome bargaining table impasses include standing firm and refusing to budge on their position. Stubbornness doesn't always guarantee results, but if the opposition can see that a union isn't swaying on a particular matter then they may eventually take the hint and cave in to the pressure. This tactic can backfire and so must be used with caution, however - particularly when dealing with experienced opposition who know the tricks of the trade and won't be bullied into giving up on something by a union. This is why it's so important for a union to research their opposition. Knowing the 'enemy' inside out is important to avoid being outwitted at the table.
One of these tactics is to hire a mediator to help the union and opposition reconsider their positions and think about the best way to move forward. Mediators are specially trained to help two or more warring groups set aside their differences and come to some kind of agreement, even if this means postponing negotiations for a period of time until they can feasibly be re-opened again in the hope of striking up a deal. Mediators liaise with both parties independently and without taking sides. All they aim to do is ease both sides into a situation where they consider compromising.
Other techniques employed by unions to overcome bargaining table impasses include standing firm and refusing to budge on their position. Stubbornness doesn't always guarantee results, but if the opposition can see that a union isn't swaying on a particular matter then they may eventually take the hint and cave in to the pressure. This tactic can backfire and so must be used with caution, however - particularly when dealing with experienced opposition who know the tricks of the trade and won't be bullied into giving up on something by a union. This is why it's so important for a union to research their opposition. Knowing the 'enemy' inside out is important to avoid being outwitted at the table.