For more than 50 years, clients have depended on our team to provide informed counsel on all matters related to labor unions, collective bargaining, and arbitration. Whether identifying potential vulnerabilities from a threat to unionize, evaluating potential union issues in an acquisition or joint venture, assisting an already-unionized client in negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement, or advising clients regarding the complexities of multi-employer pension plans, we understand the constantly evolving legal issues and are attuned to the practical dynamics of situations with the potential to significantly disrupt a client’s operations.
The Vinson & Elkins' team has experience handling hearings before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), at both the regional and national level, and we have argued labor cases before federal appellate courts. Our U.S. practice is particularly robust in the South, on both coasts, and in the Midwest. We are familiar with every major union that represents employees in refineries, chemical plants, and ports in those areas, as well as unions that have targeted the arts, health care sector, and other service industries. We work with significant national labor unions, including the Boilermakers Union, the IAM, International Longshoremen’s Association, Laborers International Union, PACE, Service Employees International Union, Teamsters, United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, and United Steelworkers. Because we understand that labor issues have the potential to significantly disrupt a client’s operations, we operate proactively, updating and educating clients regarding opinions, developments, tactics, and trending labor issues as they occur.
