Collective Bargaining – The United States Supreme Court has observed that during the collective bargaining process, negotiating skills and the rendering of legal advice are "inextricably intertwined." Our attorneys understand the legal pitfalls in bargaining and we have extensive experience in negotiating initial agreements, successor agreements, concession agreements, merger agreements, transfer agreements, and shut-down agreements, for both large and small bargaining units. The knowledge and skills we bring to the table will help ensure that your short-range business objectives are met, and that a solid foundation is laid for your long-term business strategy.
Grievance and Arbitration – While it is every unionized employer's goal to keep grievances and arbitrations to a minimum, inevitably there will be some disputes that cannot be resolved any other way. We have substantial experience in the arbitration process generally, and we likely have experience with the specific issue that you are confronting. In addition, in many cases, our attorneys will have prior experience with the Arbitrator who will decide your case.
Strikes and Lockouts – No employer wants to confront a strike or the prospect of locking out its employees. But sometimes circumstances dictate that result. Dealing with both strikes and lockouts is complicated and the stakes associated with a mistake are high, both from a labor relations perspective and financially. In the course of its extensive experience with all facets of traditional labor law, Bond’s attorneys have counseled numerous employers on strike preparations and responses, including the use of temporary and permanent replacements, effective implementation of Laidlaw rights, and negotiation of strike settlement agreements. Our attorneys are equally versed in the use of lockouts as a lawful negotiating tactic or as a defensive measure.
Unfair Labor Practice Charges – Unions and employees are more often turning to the National Labor Relations Board to litigate disputes that in the past might have been left to negotiation, arbitration, or even inaction. In addition, unions are increasingly relying on unfair labor practice charges as a tool in the organizing process. These trends mean that more and more employers find themselves on the respondent side of unfair labor practice charges. For many, this is unfamiliar territory. Our attorneys have both a thorough working knowledge of the substantive law at issue in these disputes, and a thorough understanding of the intricacies of practice before the National Labor Relations Board.
Union Organizing and Related Matters – In the global economy, most employers consider flexible and efficient management of their human resources to be a critical ingredient to the success of their business. This means having the ability to deal directly with employees. Bond's attorneys are well equipped to analyze your organization's vulnerability to possible unionization and to recommend lawful union avoidance measures, including comprehensive supervisory training. When actual organizing activity is underway, we can provide the legal representation you need before the National Labor Relations Board or equivalent state board, as well as help you manage an effective information campaign to lawfully communicate with your employees. When a union knocks on your door, we are always prepared to provide immediate and exclusive attention to your needs. Given many of the National Labor Relations Board’s recent decisions and its current push for expedited elections, it has never been more important to have access to attorneys who are already well versed in the intricacies of these procedures.
