Labor Relations

Collective Bargaining

Our lawyers routinely handle negotiations for both public and private sector clients, nationally and locally.  We do this in whatever way best fits our clients’ needs--as chief spokesman, bargaining team members, or as a ready, round-the-clock resource for clients who negotiate their own agreements.

NLRB (and MERC) Proceedings

We represent employers before the NLRB on the range of issues that come under that agency’s jurisdiction, including representation hearings and the defense of unfair labor practice charges.  Of course, we offer the same services to clients before the state counterpart agency, the Michigan Employment Relations Commission (MERC).

Strikes and Lockouts

Members of the department frequently handle the multitude of problems, legal and practical, that employers experience during strikes and pickets.  For example, we were successful in pursuing secondary boycott allegations against a service employees’ union at the Renaissance Center, one of Detroit’s largest work sites.  We also have succeeded in obtaining “back to work” orders against striking teachers’ unions.

Public Employer Labor Relations

We represent a substantial number of public colleges and universities and public school districts.  In addition to governance issues, we have several attorneys who are especially well versed in faculty and teacher tenure, labor, and civil rights issues important to educational institutions.  In addition, we represent a number of municipalities and other governmental entities and have extensive expertise in all aspects of MERC practice.

Other services include representation and counsel on:

NLRB (and MERC) Elections

Grievance and Contract Administration 

Union Election Campaigns