Note: Although these partnerships are referred to differently across the country and across

sectors, they effectively differ in name only. For simplicity in this document, we refer to

them as Forums.

Labor-Management Partnerships, Forums, and Committees

FMCS Rev. 7/2022

What is a Labor-Management Forum?

A Labor-Management Forum (LMF) is a tool used by

labor and management, acting together, to jointly

improve their workplace. An LMF is composed of union

members and managers who meet periodically to

identify, discuss, and resolve issues or problems that

are not typically covered under their collective

bargaining agreement. Labor and management must be

mutually committed to the success of the LMF.

More specifically, an LMF is:

A collaborative process between labor and management

Jointly determined by labor and management

An attempt to improve the labor-management relationship

A way of dealing with workplace problems directly and effectively

An ongoing commitment to collaborative processes

However, an LMF is not:

A substitute for collective bargaining or the grievance procedure

Unilaterally implemented

A quick fix for workplace problems

The solution to all workplace challenges

Meant to work overnight
Why should we create an LMF?

To improve overall communications between labor and management;

It is an effective way to (1) address problems that may fall outside the scope of the

collective bargaining contract and (2) avoid the need for some grievances and/or

unfair labor practice allegations;

It is a great way to review new or changing employer practices, improve working

conditions, increase morale, and solicit positive and/or timely feedback from each

respective constituency;

A high-functioning LMF will undoubtedly create a positive image for both labor and

management and demonstrate collaborative leadership in action; and

It creates a foundation for effective and respectful communication, even during tough

collective bargaining negotiations and necessary grievances.

2

When should we form a LMF and who should be a part of the team?

An LMF can be formed at any time, regardless of whether or not it is explicitly 

referenced in the collective bargaining agreement. 

The ideal LMF team is comprised of leadership from both labor and management.

Labor representatives may include: President and/or Vice-President, Board Officers, 

and Stewards.

Management representatives may include: High ranking officials with decision-making 

authority, Director of Labor Relations, and key supervisors or department heads.
For additional information or to request FMCS services, contact your local FMCS

mediator or visit our website to learn more about initial contract services and skills

development training.

Useful links from other federal agencies: 

Department of Labor – https://www.worker.gov and https://www.employer.gov

National Labor Relations Board – https://www.nlrb.gov

Federal Labor Relations Authority – https://www.flra.gov

3

What should we expect?

First, in order to have a successful LMF, all participants, facilitators, and committee

members must have realistic expectations of what an LMF is and how it can be used

to improve the labor-management relationship;

Both sides should expect to work diligently and cooperatively towards their collective

goals and towards the success of the LMF;

Both sides should expect to have difficult and/or challenging conversations that may

not always end in agreement; and

You should expect to resolve tough issues if both labor and management stay the

course and avoid well-defined pitfalls that may impact the success of the forum.

How do we get started?

Contact your local FMCS mediator to learn more about initiative your LMF process,

planning, and training;

Recognize that your labor-management relationship could use improvement, whether

large or small;

Develop a willingness to better your labor-management relationship and to resolve

issues in a non-adversarial or power-based manner; and

Bring an open mind about how to build a more collaborative, high-functioning labormanagement partnership.