Final answer:
An employee who is a union member can take their complaint about a difference of opinion with their supervisor to their union representative, HR department, or file a complaint with OSHA. Unions help address working conditions and employee grievances effectively, and their roles in dispute resolution vary by country and company.
Step-by-step explanation:
When there is a difference of opinion between an employee who is a union member and his or her supervisor, the employee can initially take his or her complaint to their union representative or directly to their employer as outlined by workplace procedures. Depending on the issue, they might file a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) if it involves a serious hazard or a violation of OSHA standards. Unions serve as a means to legitimately raise concerns about working conditions or disputes with supervisors, without the fear of retaliation. The process of forming a union and its functions in addressing employee grievances can vary significantly in different countries, and within different companies.
It's important to approach conflicts professionally and constructively. Employees can focus on effective communication by staying calm, asking open-ended questions, and actively listening to the supervisor's point of view. If resolution is not possible through dialogue, escalation to a higher authority or HR department might be necessary. In unionized workplaces, the presence of collective bargaining agreements might provide the framework for resolving such disputes.