We organized and conducted a panel discussion, featuring former representatives from the NLRB and Dinsmore attorneys, to identify current and pressing issues in federal labor law, including social media, collective bargaining and regulations intended to accelerate elections. The training session prepared our client’s human resources and labor personnel on the potential impact of relevant laws and initiatives, as well as strategies for effective compliance.

The City of Blue Ash has four bargaining units in its police, fire and maintenance departments. Every three years, we are the lead negotiator in the contract negotiations.  We are in negotiations every year for the City as a result of the rotation of contracts. The units include: International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 4380, Fraternal Order of Police, Ohio Labor Council, Blue Ash Patrol Officers Benevolent Association, International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 3203, Ohio Council 8, AFSCME and LOCAL 1092-F.

We have represented Husky Energy in a variety of labor matters, including defending against unfair labor practice allegations, handling labor arbitrations and defending against wrongful termination claims. We advised Husky throughout an approximately eight-month strike where they faced 32 unfair labor practice charges from the union.  We eventually reached an agreement with the union that was far less than their asking amount prior to the strike.  We subcontracted out our client’s warehouse and loading operations to ensure that the business faced minimal disruptions.  We have also represented the client in arbitrations surrounding the unilateral implementation of a new work rule concerning dress, a requalification requirement policy, and changes to the company’s drug policy.  We are currently negotiating fatigue and safety management policies on the company’s behalf with the union.

We have assisted various entities in negotiating with the unions that represent Castellini employees and advise management in how to effectively administer the resulting collective bargaining agreements.

• Following several acquisitions of related companies over the years, we have worked closely with company management on complex labor issues, including recognizing the existing union and integrating both unionized and non-unionized employees into the Castellini family.
• We provided counsel with regard to a complex decertification election at Club Chef in which the employees voted to no longer be part of a union.  All of the company’s campaign materials, as well as the NLRB election ballot, were produced in three languages.
• When Castellini closed sites to consolidate aspects of its operations, we handled both the termination  of existing collective bargaining agreements and prepared separation agreements for both union and  non-union employees.