Can you recall the first common mistake managers make? They inconsistently enforce the labor agreement. In some cases unions try to create negative past practice which they can later claim changes the labor agreement or restricts management’s rights. This is why it’s important to always:

• follow the contract;
• be on the lookout for situations where a practice is becoming “fixed and established”; and
• preserve management’s rights to control (make “equivocal”) any areas where a practice is becoming solidified.

The labor contract is a compromise of management’s right to manage in certain areas. So make sure to watch for areas where the original compromise could be compromised further. Don’t compromise the compromise!