Collaborative Process pays off
‘UAW, Accident Fund cooperation will serve as a model’
Local 2256 and Accident Fund of America’s joint endeavor began in the 1980s when the company was still a State of Michigan organization.
When Accident Fund privatized as a workers compensation insurance company in 1994, it was committed to maintaining and improving labor/management relations with its newly renamed Collaborative Process.
The Collaborative Process provides greater access to information and establishes regular communication between union and management. It allows for continuous innovation and process improvement thanks to the active participation of Accident Fund’s union workers.
This team approach to achieving business objectives means a stronger partnership because union members have a clearer understanding of Accident Fund’s direction and goals.
“I believe the UAW and Accident Fund’s Collaborative Process will serve as a model for other companies to follow,” said Billy Faust, Region 1C representative.
“A lot of companies talk about wanting a partnership with their union, but often don’t follow up on that promise. However, the UAW and Accident Fund are both committed to learning to talk the talk and walk the walk together to achieve the best results possible,” Faust said.
Committees were formed with a cross-section of employees. The partnership creates the foundation to establish an open corporate culture where employees feel as though they are integral to the company’s success and have the ability to impact positive change.
Lisa Heilman, a department systems technician at Accident Fund, currently serves on the joint Product Quality Standards Committee.
“Both sides are very interested in working together to achieve the same goals,” said Heilman. “We are all a part of one team and achieving an open culture creates a win-win atmosphere for union, management and all employees.”
“Ongoing training and employee involvement is the key to continuing to move forward and strengthening our partnership,” said Tammy Thompson, Accident Fund’s UAW unit president. “Eventually we want every employee, whether they are a part of the union or not to be trained on the Collaborative Process, as well as taking part in the other numerous opportunities we will offer.”
“The Collaborative Process has made Accident Fund a better company,” said Sonya Bennett, a premium analyst who has been a Local 2256 member for six years. “The union and management are working together to improve processes and strengthen their relationship. That can only see positive results.”
Despite the fact that upcoming contract talks can sometimes be looked upon
with dread, Local 2256 and Accident Fund are prepared for negotiations. A
training process to become familiar with the
mutual gains bargaining process has already begun. The purpose of the training
is to encourage open communication and foster an environment where compromises
can be reached for the greater good of both the membership and the company.
“With the UAW and Accident Fund, it’s not about “us and them; it’s about ‘we.’” Faust said.
