Accentuate the Positive, While Getting Rid of Unions

PR Week's "Toolbox" column provides tips on how to increase the effectiveness of various PR techniques. But in the August 15, 2006, issue, the feature hints at union-busting techniques. The question is how "to reduce the level of acrimony, improve communications, and facilitate a more pleasant outcome" to labor disputes. James Lukaszewski of The Lukaszewski Group advises "talking about moving forward into the future." He says, "The question to ask is, 'Are you a force for yesterday or a force for a better tomorrow?' The choice is yours. ... If given the chance, your employees will choose happiness and candor over anger, fear of the unknown, and the regimentation third-party membership requires." And lower pay and benefits over collective bargaining? Lukaszewski also suggests managers "eliminate all negative words" when speaking of labor issues.