Employers, labor become 'foxhole buddies' striving for survival in tough economy - By JACK KATZANEK, Press-Enterprise, CA
Irwin Trester, a Temple City-based consultant who represents employers in union negotiations, said the economy has created a strange year. Much of the usually contentious rhetoric has been replaced by two sides that are both in survival mode.
"These employers are saying they just want to keep their businesses going, and employees are saying all they want to do is keep their homes," said Trester, who mostly represents smaller business with 300 or fewer workers. "It's like employers and unions have become foxhole buddies.
"This is not management trying to get more leverage. It's not quite like 'Kumbaya,' but there is a mutual balance of concerns on both sides," Trester said.
Trester said most of the employers he represents are looking for one-year contracts. Most of their concerns revolve around the fluid costs of health care.