case study
Labor Negotiations: Aligning Organizations, Leaders and Workforce Priorities to Build Trust
the challenge
High-Stakes Negotiations with Reputation on the Line
A large healthcare system in California engaged in potentially contentious contract negotiations with its represented nurses with a goal of avoiding a lengthy labor dispute that could result in one or more strikes and damage the health system’s reputation with its patients, community and stakeholders.
our approach
Turning Transparency into Trust
HudsonLake partnered with the C-suite to develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy that aligned with an aggressive bargaining schedule of three sessions per week.
Leader-led Communications
We gained the trust and support of nurse leaders by sharing timely notification updates with them before information was broadly shared with represented nurses. This ensured leaders were prepared to confidently answer questions, reinforce key messages and serve as trusted conduits for two‑way dialogue through regular feedback loops with their teams.
Communications to Nurses
Our communications strategy prioritized transparency, consistency and respect. Each message was intentionally designed to keep nurses informed, protect the organization’s reputation and foster constructive collaboration with the union. Tactics included post‑negotiation updates, “Did You Know” handouts, personalized compensation statements and a dedicated website that served as a one-stop shop for the latest negotiations information — helping reduce misinformation and build trust throughout the process.
Internal and External Stakeholder Communications
We deployed a coordinated internal and external stakeholder communications approach to ensure that other health system employees, leaders and the board of directors received accurate information at key negotiation milestones, reinforcing the health system’s role as a trusted source of information.
outcome
A Swift Agreement Secured Through Consistent, Clear Communication
The health system’s consistent communication to the nurses stymied the union’s attempts to generate support for additional pressure tactics from the nurses.
An agreement between the health system and the union was reached relatively quickly and ratified by nurses, avoiding a drawn-out process and potential work disruption that could have damaged the health system’s reputation.
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