Developing Leaders for the Workplace of the Future

Abstract

Over the past two to three years, a growing succession of labor disputes have made headlines. In California, the West Coast Ports reached a labor impasse in late 2002. This dispute, which affected twenty-nine ports from Seattle to San Diego, captured the attention of many not only in the labor and management community, but also in the business community, because of its impact on the U.S. economy. The ten-day lockout by the employers prompted by a work slowdown by employees, reportedly cost the U.S. economy nearly a billion dollars a day. A prolonged and even more costly dispute was only narrowly avoided, thanks to the very experienced negotiating abilities of the advocates representing the parties and the dedication and tireless efforts of Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) director, Peter Hurtgen.