Labor Law

Payne and Fears attorneys represent our clients in traditional labor matters as well as individual or class action employment cases. We regularly counsel our clients in union representation matters, collective bargaining, and arbitration, as well as litigation before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). We work to develop clear strategies to remain union-free and oppose union organization efforts. As union organizers continue to scale up their recruitment and organization efforts, we work to protect our clients and their employees from misleading campaigns and damaging press or social media activity.

Labor Law: Union-Management Proceedings

We train management to encourage employees to voice their concerns openly to their supervisors, without fear of retaliation. We work to ensure that employees know that their voices are heard without the need for an outside union.

Labor Law: Collective Bargaining

Contract negotiations between employers and unions are complex procedures, and often involve issues above and beyond compensation and benefits (e.g., worker rights, working conditions, safety, etc.). However, with proper preparation and the use of dispute resolution techniques, employers can achieve acceptable results from collective bargaining.

We know that employers can be wary of the collective bargaining process in part because of what may happen when it breaks down: a labor strike. We work to keep the collective bargaining and grievance arbitration process moving forward, including keeping the relations between the two sides friendly. Neither side benefits from a breakdown in negotiations, and any offer made should be reasonable and paired with a compelling argument in its favor.

Labor Law: How We Can Help

Payne & Fears attorneys have experience with traditional labor relations involving the NLRB and union-related activities. Our attorneys are also experienced in the following areas:

• Union avoidance
• Labor contract negotiation
• Grievance arbitration
• Strike management
• NLRB and court litigation

Payne & Fears attorneys work with employers to implement policies with the goal of avoiding union formations. However, in the event of a union election, we work closely with employers throughout the election process to enhance the odds of victory while ensuring compliance with applicable laws. 

Additionally, our attorneys assist employers in negotiating labor contracts, by giving behind-the- scenes advice or taking the lead in negotiations. Payne & Fears also represents employers in unfair labor practice proceedings before the NLRB and, when appropriate, the federal courts.