The attorneys at the Firm have expereince representing Companies in:

  • Counseling businesses on union avoidance strategies
  • Managing labor representation elections, including union decertification
  • Negotiating union contracts and collective bargaining agreements
  • Preparing strike responses
  • Arbitrating grievances

The Firm’s attorneys have represented employers before numerous labor arbitrations (see also our employment law experience), NLRB and state labor relations agency hearings. The Firm’s main labor attorney is Carol Shay. As former in-house attorney for PNM Resources,Ms. Shay handled union representation campaigns in New Mexico and in Texas. She helped the Company through the process of negotiating terms and conditions for new employees accreted after an acquisition. In conjunction with outside counsel, Ms. Shay handled the legal aspects of negotiations for implementation of contracts for two new units and she participated as legal counsel on the bargaining team for main table negotiations and negotiations with one new unit. Along with the Labor Relations Department, operational management, and senior management, Ms. Shay also participated in the construction and implementation of the Company’s labor relations strategy. Ms. Shay trained management during union campaigns on applicable rights and obligations under the National Labor Relations Act, limits and duties under Weingarten, administration of the collective bargaining agreement, and proposed changes to the NLRA by pending legislation. Ms. Shay regularly interacted with the Labor Relations Department as well as union business agents, stewards, and officials.

The Firm has experience with the following unions:

  • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (New Mexico and Texas)
  • Plumbers and Pipefitters Union
  • International Brotherhood of Teamsters
  • National Union of Hospital and Healthcare Employees
  • United Food and Commercial Workers Union
  • Communications Workers of America
  • Transportation Workers Union