People and Places
Formal Process
Unions and ER Humor
HR Survival Skills
HR Translations
100

Who you going to call when you have a legal question

Who is Barbara Chupp?

100

This type of discussion is usually the first step before written documentation.

What is a coaching conversation?

100

This is the magical time when all employee issues appear… usually right before the weekend.

What is Friday at 3:00 PM?

100

HR uses this beverage to get through back‑to‑back employee relations meetings.

What is coffee? (Or Diet Coke)

100

HR says, “Let’s circle back.” This actually means…

What is I need more time to deal with this?

200

HR was located in this building before La Salle Square

What is Coro?

200

This formal process allows employees to challenge perceived contract violations.

What is a grievance?

200

This is the number of times HR must read contract language before interpreting it.

What is too many?

200

This is the average number of times HR rewrites an email before sending it.

What is at least five?

200

HR says, “That’s an interesting perspective.” This actually means…

What is I strongly disagree?

300

Considered to be a "union whisperer" and guru of all things union

Who is MaryAnn Lemon?

300

When HR and the union agree to modify or clarify a contract provision, they draft this document.


What is an MOU?

300

When HR walks into a department meeting, employees often assume this dramatic outcome.

What is someone’s getting fired?

300

This is the reaction HR makes when a manager says, “I had a conversation — I just didn’t document it.”

What is the internal scream?

300

HR says, “We’ll review this with leadership.” This means…

What is we need a second opinion?

400

This person is quite impressive at filing grievances

Who is Sherry-Ann?

400

This standard phrase kicks off nearly every HR meeting and usually raises blood pressure by 30%.

What is “This is a fact‑finding conversation”?

400

The union Rep that causes Peter stress.

Who is Sherry-Ann?

400

This HR tool is used most often when reviewing policies, CBAs, or employee complaints.

What is deep breathing?

400

HR says, “Let’s table that for now.” This translates to…

What is absolutely not?

500

The Executive VP of Massachusetts for SEIU

Who is Cari Medina?

500

A person's leave expires but an extension is filed. The manager typically wants to fire immediately and forget this very important step.

What is the interactive process.

500

The last time Frank Sims was seen live or on Teams

What is Unknown?

500

The approximate time it takes when someone asks, "Do you have a minute to chat?"

What is an hour?

500

HR says, “We encourage open communication.” This means…

What is please don’t CC the entire leadership team?