Why It's Critical That Employers Choose Words Carefully at the Bargaining Table

Employers experienced in collective bargaining know they must toe a fine line in making statements at the bargaining table that could be interpreted as a claim that the employer is unable to pay for some benefit the union is proposing. If a claim of “inability to pay” is made, the union has the right to force the employer to “open its books” so the union can examine its financial condition and test the veracity of the employer’s claim.