Welcome to The FMCS Midsouth Newsletter!
The FMCS Midsouth Newsletter will be sent quarterly with valued information about trends we are seeing in collective bargaining, training, grievances, and other labor-management areas of concern. Our first issue kicks off with a different approach to solving the attendance issue, which has become the number one priority for most businesses and unions. FMCS has used Needs Assessment in a variety of different settings to help define what are core issues that are causing the problem and setting a path forward. There is also information on the benefits of a mediator in a collective bargaining negotiation and our steward training offerings.
Commissioners Bennet and Martin have more than 14 years of experience as third-party neutrals and more than 40 years as labor-management process advocates. This newsletter will include ideas from our experiences and insights received from our customers. It is designed to close the information gap and provide areas of assistance that will benefit our region of coverage in Mississippi, Tennessee, and Arkansas.
We also offer information on trends in collective bargaining as well as Collective Bargaining Mediation (CBM). Statistics show that CBM reduces the number of work stoppages, length of a stoppage, if one occurs, and fewer days at the bargaining table. We offer grievance mediation to keep our clients from costly arbitrations and as well allowing the parties to reach unique resolution through communication and deeper understanding of underlying issues.
The final area we want to cover in this newsletter is training. We offer training programs covering all aspects of the labor-management relationship from CBM to contract administration to building and maintaining a strong labor-management committee.
Thanks and enjoy the first issue, we value any feedback that you might have.
- Mark and Luther
Mark Martin
mmartin@fmcs.gov
870-450-0550
Luther Bennet
lbennet@fmcs.gov
901-302-8480
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What Can a Mediator Do to Help Me When I Am Negotiating a Contract?
A mediator can improve the bargaining process by:
• Clarifying and crystallizing issues and differences: Mediators help the parties understand the interests that drive bargaining positions and focus on solutions.
• Generating options for problem-solving: Mediators help the parties focus on the interests that are the root cause of a particular problem.
• Exploring alternatives: Mediators facilitate discussion of the long and short term effects of proposed solutions and what might occur if no agreement is reached, leading to the parties’ shared understanding.
• Keeping talks moving: Mediators strengthen the parties’ focus and keep lines of communication open by engaging in shuttle diplomacy, information-sharing where appropriate, and rephrasing proposals so that both sides fully comprehend the issues.
• Making suggestions: Mediators may offer procedural or substantive recommendations.
• Establishing realistic expectations: Mediators offer experience and specialized knowledge.
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What a Mediator Does in Collective Bargaining
 Click the image to watch the video clip.
Steward Training
The pictures below are from Steward training that was conducted by Commissioners Martin and Bennet on March 7th of this year. This was a day-long training focused on contract administration with interactive role plays where the participants took on the role of the supervisor in resolving grievances. The participants were from different unions affiliated with the Memphis Central Labor Council.
While this training was focused on stewards, we also have training for supervisors and stewards, held jointly, to focus on the relationship and contractual administration. This training has proved successful in fostering a good relationship and sometimes “jump starting” the existing relationship.
The training is offered throughout the year. All you need to do is call us to set it up.
FMCS Steward Training session with participants from various unions affiliated with the Memphis Central Labor Council (March 2023).
The Employee Attendance Dilemma
Are your Employees not coming to work, leaving early, late for work, no call/no show, gone for long periods of time?
Do you spend your time
- Swinging for the fences while trying to figure out a quick fix?
- Trying to develop an understanding of the problem?
- Gathering information necessary to address the problem?
- Ensuring that all problem solvers are addressing the same issue(s)?
- Making assumptions about the underlying values that need to be addressed?
- Struggling with this issue: or why it’s an issue?
- Creating more meaningful dialogue arounds this?
FMCS can help
A needs assessment can be an effective tool for organizations looking to improve job attendance within their workforce. By systematically identifying and evaluating the underlying causes of absenteeism, such as: health issues, work environment, or personal circumstances. A needs assessment can help to uncover valuable insights and opportunities for improvement. With this information, organizations can develop targeted interventions and policies, such as: flexible work arrangements, employee assistance programs, or transportation options, that address the specific needs of their employees.
Action, based on the results of a needs assessment, can help organizations improve job attendance, productivity, and create a more engaged and motivated workforce. It is important to continuously evaluate and refine these interventions to ensure that they are effective in addressing the underlying causes of absenteeism.
FMCS Mediators can administer the needs assessment to your employees in English and Spanish. When completed the mediators will offer feedback on the results.
Call us with questions.
Mark Martin
mmartin@fmcs.gov
870-450-0550
Luther Bennet
lbennet@fmcs.gov
901-302-8480
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