Train Your Managers Like They Matter—Because They Do
When a union campaign begins, your frontline managers become your front line of defense.
They are the ones employees go to with complaints. They are the ones whose actions get talked about after hours. They are the ones who set the tone for trust—or distrust.
And yet, many companies promote supervisors based on performance, not preparedness.
A strong shift lead or top-performing team member isn’t automatically equipped to handle employee concerns, enforce policy consistently, or lawfully communicate about unionization. Without the right training, even well-meaning managers can become a liability—especially during organizing efforts.
Training your managers isn’t optional. It’s a business necessity. The wrong phrase, the wrong reaction, or even the wrong silence can create legal issues under the National Labor Relations Act. And worse, it can fuel the narrative that management is out of touch.
But with proper training, managers can do more than avoid legal missteps. They can build the relationships that prevent union interest in the first place.
Managers need to know how to listen—really listen—and document what they hear. They need to know how to address issues early, de-escalate conflict, and follow consistent protocols. They need to understand their rights, their limits, and their role in maintaining a positive work environment.
When managers are trained, employees feel safer. They don’t need to guess how complaints will be handled. They don’t feel like policies shift depending on the person or the mood. That consistency creates confidence. And confidence in management is the antidote to union messaging.
A trained manager also knows how to protect your company without fear. They’re not afraid of conversations around union talk. They know what’s lawful, what’s not, and how to reinforce your values without violating rights.
In a union-free workplace, your managers are more than supervisors—they are the culture carriers. So train them like they matter. Because when organizing starts, they’re not just on the floor. They’re on the front line.
