I witnessed something today that, as a labor relation's professional, trade contract negotiator and administrator, I have never seen before in Philadelphia.

Every once in a while a day comes along where you witness an event that rings so loudly within and makes you realize just how privileged that you are to work with the clients that you have.  Those clients include contractors and trades here in the Philadelphia marketplace.

As an educated and experienced Interest Based negotiator that has spent years learning and honing my skills, at the table, in the field, on the job site and in the classroom, I’ve given everything to employer groups, contractors and trades attempting to accomplish an outcome similar to what was achieved seemingly effortlessly today.  As “that negotiator,” I would always advise my clients that I simply do not have the “privilege of a position” and that everything I do must be in the best interest of the industry and within the language of the collective bargaining agreement.  Ultimately, that they must strive for the same, despite what they believe may happen because “that’s the way it has always been.”  Despite my best efforts, countless discussions often devolved with someone saying that our goals were simply unattainable “because it has never happened that way before.”  There is no future if all that you can see  is the past.  This is a position that effective, influential and persuasive negotiators simply do not have the privilege of taking; it is a self defeatist attitude.  It’s hard, very hard, trying to keep trades and contractors moving in this direction.  But alas, today it happened.

Today’s facilitation/mediation started off like any other of the 100’s that I have participated in.  The meeting was scheduled to settle a dispute that had been ongoing for several months and an issue that had been previously scheduled to move into arbitration.  One side stated their position and the other side stated theirs.  Usually, the defensive walls go up at this point and the battle of words and accusations begin.  But today was different; today quickly evolved into an open discussion that, whatever the outcome, was agreed that it must be in the best interests of economics, efficiency and industry advancement while respecting the language of the collective bargaining agreement.  I feel fortunate to have contributed to and participated in a discussion that evolved beyond mere positions and quickly into a productive discussion of mutual interests and industry advancement.  I feel fortunate, as a negotiator, mediator and facilitator of communication amongst historically adversarial parties, to participate in and witness a productive discussion amongst contractor and trade where both sides could properly identify their mutual interests and move to a possible solution that was in the best interest of both the contractor and trade.  In the end, as is often the case in true interest based negotiations and mostly academic settings, a potential solution evolved throughout the conversation that was not previously explored, yet a solution that honored and respected all stakeholders.

I’m privileged and proud to do what I do and to serve the community that I serve.  I’ve always said that, when I do my job correctly, without personal agenda and with a commitment to the industry, thousands of people go to work in Philadelphia and the surrounding communities creating the built environment around us.  Today was that day, the day that validates my commitment to my education, career, craft and service to others.

Thank you to all of my clients and industry stakeholders for this rewarding and truly privileged career.  I couldn’t do it without you.