Our attorneys counsel public and private employers on all phases of traditional labor law, ranging from handling labor arbitration to collective bargaining negotiations to addressing NLRB issues. We also have extensive experience representing and advising management concerning union campaigns and labor relations matters. Finally, when disputes arise, our team has represented clients before courts and administrative bodies throughout the country to protect their interests and ensure their business can move forward.
Labor Arbitrations
Our attorneys have extensive experience successfully representing both public and private employers throughout the country in labor arbitrations under collective bargaining agreements and employment arbitrations under employer ADR agreements. Our representation in arbitration proceedings includes matters ranging from employee discipline and employee terminations, wage hour and discrimination claims to complex issues of contract interpretation. It also encompasses researching and selecting arbitrators from AAA or FMCS panels, preparation of witnesses, presentation of the case at the arbitration hearing and drafting post hearing briefs. We are also involved in court proceedings seeking to defend or vacate arbitration decisions.
Collective Bargaining Negotiations
Public and private employers in a variety of industries have entrusted our team to navigate the collective bargaining agreement process, from preparing contract language to negotiating to representing them at the table as their spokesperson. We employ a practical approach, relying on our extensive experience at the bargaining table, to ensure our clients’ interests are protected at every step.
NLRB Issues
Our attorneys counsel employers on all matters arising under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), including charges of unfair labor practices, as well as representation and election proceedings where a union is seeking to represent employees or employees no longer want their union to represent them.
During election campaigns, we work closely with our clients to provide both legal advice and practical strategies. We represent our clients before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and through the appellate levels when necessary. In addition, we also represent clients in the public sector in traditional labor matters under applicable state laws.
Our services include
- Representing management in all NLRA related proceedings, including unfair labor practice charges and hearings before administrative law judges and the NLRB
- Advising management in the handling and processing of grievances filed pursuant to a labor agreement’s grievance procedure
- Negotiating collective bargaining agreements either as spokesperson at the bargaining table or as a behind-the-scenes advisor
- Presenting management’s case at labor arbitration hearings
- Representing management in actions arising under § 301 of the Labor Management Relations Act
- Advising management in strike preparations
- Representing management in strike-related proceedings, including injunction and damage actions in court or before the NLRB
- Defending against union organizing campaigns, including formulating and implementing management strategies to defeat organizing efforts
- Aiding employers in developing and implementing strategies in response to corporate campaigns
Strike Preparation/Litigation
In anticipation of a strike, we provide both practical training and legal advice to the employer and its supervisors letting everyone know what to expect, how best to prepare, and what to do in the event of a strike. If a strike occurs, we move immediately to obtain any injunction necessary and react quickly throughout the strike to situations that arises.
- Whether it involves an organizing effort, a secondary boycott strike, a peaceful contract strike or serious acts of violence, our team represents and advises companies on preparation, evidence gathering, handling unemployment comp questions, getting people across picket lines, and filing NLRB charges. We obtain state court peace-keeping injunctions; litigating Section 303 damage suits for lost profits and damages due to an unlawful and/or violent strike; and have obtained very rare Norris-LaGuardia injunctions and litigated RICO cases following extreme violence.
- We provide assistance to employers concerning the many legal and practical issues present before, during and after the strike ends. From the beginning to end, we offer our clients the counsel they need to navigate strikes in the most effective and efficient way to meet their business goals and weather the disruption a strike brings their business.
- When there is a serious threat of a strike, it’s critical to have a team that knows the law and has experience with the practical issues that often arise before, during and after a strike.