Monday, October 5, 2026

Pause. Then Push Back.

Why a strategic response beats a knee-jerk reaction in workplace disputes

By Nathan Koslowsky, Representative

Have you ever felt like you were in a workplace situation where the system was stacked against you?

Being the underdog in the face of overwhelming odds is never easy. In real life, it’s rarely like the movies, where the hero overcomes every obstacle thanks to a unique set of skills acquired through some elite military training.

Don’t get me wrong, our members possess highly specialized skills. But those skills are focused on their trades and professions, not necessarily on navigating the complex workplace challenges that can arise from time to time. When people lack the tools or knowledge to push back effectively, trying to fight the situation can sometimes feel like it only strengthens the other side’s position. This can be overwhelming and frustrating.

Recently, two different workers found themselves in difficult situations. Both responded, but their responses were not equally effective. One bucked and fought and only dug themselves into a deeper hole. The other worker paused, considered their situation, reached out to their CLAC rep, and even did their own research. The first one is in a tougher position than before, while the other is on reasonably strong footing and likely to be in a better position than when they began.

When feeling stuck, it may feel natural to react quickly and fight back. The better way is to keep your wits about you. Pause, take a breath, consider your situation, investigate it a little bit on your own. Then be sure to reach out to your rep, tell them the whole story, then take their advice seriously. This will help to ensure that the best possible strategic response is used to achieve the best possible outcome.

Rarely does a workplace dispute require a solution so urgent that there isn’t time for reflection. Think of it more like a game of checkers or chess than an MMA octagon. Both require skill and strategy, but resolution is possible without the ground and pound.

Pause. Then Push Back.

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