Federal labor law gives unions, employees, and employers certain rights and obligations in labor-management relations that are not always a matter of common sense. A party that believes the lines have been crossed may file an unfair labor practice charge with the federal agency that enforces the law, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which then investigates and, if it believes the claim has merit, issues a complaint that can proceed to a formal hearing. At the same time, unions are advocating vigorously for significantly increased penalties under the law that would place all employers at heightened risk.
Reed Smith has been representing employers in this area since the earliest federal labor legislation in the 1930s, giving our labor lawyers an unparalleled depth and breadth of experience before the NLRB. This provides us with an understanding of what does and does not work in dealing with that agency, and how to advocate effectively so as to maximize the likelihood of a solid victory.