I think TPG, Rev BB and Republic EXCO read this article together...




Step1
Make your play when business is down. When business is booming you are not going to get much support to try to break a union. If all is well, no one is going to want to pick a fight with the workers. On the other hand, if you are faced with poor revenues or especially in bankruptcy your position may be much stronger.

Step2
Move when unemployment is high. One of the strengths of a union is that their members make up the workforce of a business. If the business cannot replace those workers then the union has a significant tool to bring the company to their knees. If unemployment is high there is a chance that those workers could be more easily replaced, thus weakening the primary advantage the union possesses.

Step3
Use the legal system to your advantage. If you can find grounds for a judge to dismiss some of your agreements with the union it could significantly weaken their position in negotiations.

Step4
Get the public and politicians on your side. If the people are not supportive of a union, especially a union that provides goods or services from the government, that union is going to struggle to maintain its power. Politicians can make things either easier or more difficult. Trying to break a union is tough enough without political support. With these groups supporting you it is only a matter of time before you break the union.