Whiskey Fridays

If an organization is progressive and cares about its staff, then workers don’t need a union, right? 

Employee survey says: Nope.

Unions are taking off in all sorts of mission-driven non-profits and small businesses.

Management can work with the union or against it, stagnate in defensive mode, or ultimately see it as an opportunity for the organization to get stronger.

That’s what Melissa Weiler Gerber, President and CEO of Access Matters, found out when some of her nonprofit’s employees announced their intent to unionize.

Melissa walks John through the unionization process—from the first announcement to the signed collective bargaining agreement. She shares how her thinking evolved and explains why it is important for leaders to be introspective rather than reactive so that they can approach each union request with curiosity and a solutions mindset.


Learn more about Melissa Weiler Gerber:
  • Access Matters
  • Confidential Access Matters Information Hotline: Call (215) 985-3300  or text (833) 667-3377

Learn more about John Gerber:

Featuring Music by Dan Matz:

Creators and Guests

Host
John Gerber
Founder and principle at Unlawyer

What is Whiskey Fridays?

Real talk at the heart of creative entrepreneurship with Kate Tyson and John Gerber.

Kate and John, longtime small business advisors, drink whiskey while dishing hard-won wisdom for entrepreneurs and leaders. We also publish "Boss Talks" episodes: interviews with leaders on new possibilities in business and economics and are possibly the only business podcast out there to feature special musical guests.