We have, over the course of many years and negotiations, developed systematic approaches to all aspects of the negotiation process.
These include:
- model contract language
- presentation and explanation of contract proposals
- conduct at the bargaining table
- strategic support, planning and advice for clients who for historical or other reasons do not have lawyers at the bargaining table
- communicating proposals and the status of negotiations to union-represented employees
- communicating with supervision about negotiations
- training supervisors on communicating with employees about negotiations and employee rights with respect to the union
- handling union requests for information
- handling media and community relations issues
- implementing selected or all company proposals at contract expiration
- strike preparation
- strike management
- avoiding and responding to striker misconduct
- discipline of employees for strike misconduct
- advertising for, interviewing and hiring permanent and temporary striker replacements
- discontinuing forced union membership and dues checkoff at contract expiration
- communicating with employees about their rights with respect to the union at contract expiration: resignation from the union, avoiding union discipline, etc.
- obtaining restraining orders and injunctions limiting picketing and enforcing those restrictions
- handling slow downs, intermittent strikes, sickouts, etc.
- decertification and the various legal issues that arise during negotiations and strikes
The firm has successfully negotiated hundreds of collective bargaining agreements, in both the private and public sector, which resulted in attaining or surpassing the employer's bargaining goals.