The Seven Red Flags of Collective Bargaining

In this episode of the Left of Boom Show, host Phil Wilson sits down with Doug Hessinger aka "Data Doug", a veteran labor and employee relations professional with over two decades of experience across retail, distribution, and financial tech services. Hessinger draws on his time as a labor relations department of one, managing six represented units across the US and Canada, to share hard-won lessons on contract administration, building relationships with union reps and frontline supervisors, and spotting the contract clauses most likely to cause headaches down the road. Whether you're new to a unionized environment or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with practical, real-world guidance. Topics 00:03 -- Introduction to Labor Relations and Contract Administration 02:14 -- Navigating Unionized Environments 06:05 -- Building Relationships with Unions and Management 11:52 -- Understanding Contract Language and Administration 13:17 -- Common Pitfalls in Contract Management 17:38 -- The Importance of Proactive Communication 24:35 -- Red Flag Clauses to Watch Out For 33:53 -- Key Takeaways for Labor Relations Professionals