The American Red Cross is a really big nonprofit with a really big mandate to address challenges people face on what is often the worse day of their lives.
Many Red Cross employees are unionized. But, at least in Connecticut, these employees have not been successful in getting a contract.
I know there are many issues that affect the ability of an employer and its union to see eye-to-eye. I also recognize that it's a management task to negotiate in the best interest of the nonprofit. But, I believe it's up to a nonprofit's board to set the parameters for which the management negotiates. At the very minimum, the board establishes the values which guide management in its negotiation. And all to achieve mission.
With that said, I am having a difficult time understanding why the Red Cross employees have gone a year without a contract. Isn't it in the best interest of the organization and its mission to have employees have a positive working relationship with management?
So, when the board conducts its annual review of its executive this year, I think one of the outcomes it should be measuring is how harmonious the relationship between management and employees is - not just because I like harmony but because harmony produces the best outcomes.