CASE: THE FORCEFUL ORGANIZER

You are the admitting supervisor for Central Hospital. This morning you were called to attend a meeting about possible union organizing activity. On the way to the meeting, you observe a man (his back to you and you do not recognize him) backing one of the building service workers into a corner. The man appears to be trying to get the person to take a card and a pen he is holding. You cannot hear what is being said, but the worker appears to be close to tears and she is effectively trapped in the corner. Your first thought is of active solicitation of interest in a union election; youre reasonably certain the man is trying to get the worker to sign a union authorization card. You move closer in an effort to see the mans face.

Questions: (Note number your responses 1, 2, 3, 4)

1. It seems obvious to you that the building service worker is caught in a stressful situation. What can you do to provide the employee with some immediate relief?

2. The individual who is cornered is not one of your employees. What do you believe is your responsibility, if any, to this employee? 3. What will you do if you recognize the man as an employee (of a department other than yours)? Or if you are reasonably certain he is an outsider?

4. What would you recommend as steps to take to reduce the chances of other employees being subjected to the same behavior?