Being aware of developments in your industry is crucial for management and for unions. Factors such as industry productivity, trade policies, and new technologies will undoubtedly determine the business practices for management and the concessions and demands that unions will make.
To understand the big picture, learn about the environment in which companies operate.
The First Research industry database will help you in the following ways:
Industry Strengths
Industry Weaknesses
Industry Strategy
Human Resources section
Organization and Management section
Also there is a "Call Prep Questions" section that will give you a lot of great info as you develop your bargaining argument.