Final answer:
Fred acts as a facilitator in the negotiation process between the union and management, promoting open communication, but not imposing decisions. This role in industrial relations echoes historical moments like wartime negotiations led by figures like Samuel Gompers of the AFL to address labor shortages.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fred, who has been brought in to resolve the negotiation impasse between the union and management, plays a key role by encouraging open communication, fact-finding, and interpreting messages between the participants. In this context, Fred acts most closely as a facilitator. Facilitators are known for aiding the process of negotiation by promoting dialogue and understanding, but without making final decisions, which distinguishes him from an arbitrator who would impose a settlement. Historical context like the involvement of Samuel Gompers of the American Federation of Labor (AFL) during wartime is an example of early industrial relations where government and organized labor had to come to the negotiating table to address severe labor shortages exacerbated by the draft.