Final answer:
An open-door policy is the labor relations strategy that can counteract the chilling effect by fostering trust and transparency, allowing employees to voice concerns without fear of retaliation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks which labor relations strategy can counteract the chilling effect. The chilling effect refers to a situation where employees are discouraged from exercising their rights, such as the right to raise grievances, due to perceived negative consequences like retaliation from management. To counteract this, an open-door policy would be most effective. An open-door policy encourages an environment where employees feel comfortable voicing concerns, ideas, or issues directly to management without fear of retaliation.
This approach creates trust and transparency between employees and management, fostering a more collaborative and responsive workplace. Unlike options such as final offer arbitration, expedited grievance hearings, or distributive bargaining, an open-door policy is proactive and helps prevent issues from escalating by ensuring that concerns are addressed promptly and fairly.