Labor Management Relations and Litigation

Attorneys: Joseph M. Price Richard W. Gallagher David S. Russo Mary E. Snead E. Ryan Kennedy

Effective labor-management relations are important as a union workforce brings about special concerns for West Virginia employers. Though the American labor union movement is not as dominant as it once was, it remains a force dedicated to expanding and mobilizing its ranks, and wielding its power through a renewed effort to make union organizing easier than ever before. Avoiding unionization and dealing effectively with a unionized workforce requires experience and an understanding of the specific issues related to organized labor and the West Virginia labor climate, as well as knowledge of applicable labor laws and experience in National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) practice.

Nearly every employment decision by West Virginia employers, from wage structures and work rules to restructuring and downsizing, can have significant impacts upon a company’s ability to avoid organization. This is why good labor-management relations are imperative.

Robinson & McElwee can help where a collective bargaining unit has already been certified. Union management relations are even more difficult because of the need to comply with complex statutes and regulations, and the limitations imposed by labor contracts. Whether our clients have longstanding bargaining relationships or have no prior experience and are facing organizing efforts for the first time, Robinson & McElwee offers a custom-tailored approach that results in the development of strategies specifically designed for each situation.

We have extensive experience and an excellent track record of success related to the grievance and arbitration process and at the negotiating table.

Robinson & McElwee works closely with West Virginia employers in dealing with all facets of their labor relations and collective bargaining needs, including:

Robinson & McElwee’s clientele is diverse, and we are routinely involved in handling a wide array of cases for West Virginia employers ranging from small businesses to large, multi-national corporations. We are careful to get to know each client, its business, and its industry. At the forefront of all representation is a focus on the client’s objectives in a particular matter with the development and analysis of alternative strategies that will provide maximum flexibility and the greatest chance of meeting the objectives at the lowest cost.

Please contact Joseph M. Price at jmp@ramlaw.com or (304) 347-8306 for more information regarding our labor management relations and litigation practice group.