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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.
Assisted an oilfield services client in its sale of a construction company with union-represented employees in Alaska
Advised a large hospital system and other clients regarding the legal issues raised by potential corporate campaigns by unions
Represent the major arts organizations in Houston concerning their union negotiations, including the ballet, opera, and symphony
Represented a port warehouse and short-haul trucking company on union matters in ports in California, New Jersey, and Ohio
Represented a large supermarket portfolio in litigation related to the unfunded liability of union sponsored, multi-employer pension plans claiming damages of $64 million
Represented a manufacturer against unfair labor practice claims and arbitrated a collective bargaining grievance on behalf of the manufacturer
Represented before various government agencies an international airline in relation to the union status of management position pilots
Obtained a significant victory in Spokane, Washington on behalf of a steel building manufacturing company in a labor arbitration filed during negotiations of a collective bargaining agreement; the union filed numerous grievances and each claim was denied and our client’s suspensions of seven employees and termination of a union steward resulting from an organized work slowdown were upheld
Secured dismissal from NLRB of unfair labor practice charge alleging client had obligation to bargain collectively with union
With local counsel, addressed union representation issues among three facilities in Singapore
Labor
At Vinson & Elkins, we bring decades of knowledge, skill, and experience to our clients’ most complex legal matters.
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Articles
The NLRB Pendulum Swing Begins: Tackling Offensive Employee Conduct
On September 23, 2026, the National Labor Relations Board (“Board”) issued a decision with implications for employers navigating the intersection …
October 1, 2026
October 1, 2026 • 3-minute read
Client Alerts
Governance & Sustainability Roundup – May 27, 2026
Welcome to our Governance & Sustainability Roundup — Our regular briefing that gives a quick overview on what has recently …
May 27, 2026
May 27, 2026 • 8-minute read
Client Alerts
On March 26, 2026, President Trump issued Executive Order (“EO”) 14398, titled Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors, directing federal …
April 6, 2026
April 6, 2026 • 5-minute read
Client Alerts
On July 29, 2025, Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a memorandum offering specific examples of what the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) considers to be unlawful discriminatory policies and practices under federal civil rights laws, as well as recommendations on best practices for employers to avoid engaging in unlawful discrimination.
August 4, 2025 • V&E Governance & Sustainability Update
August 4, 2025 • 4-minute read
Client Alerts
On June 5, 2025—in the midst of heightened scrutiny of diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) initiatives triggered by executive orders issued by President Trump as well as various federal agency guidance—the Supreme Court unanimously rejected the heightened “background circumstances” requirement imposed on Marlean Ames, a heterosexual woman who filed a gender and sexual orientation discrimination claim against her employer, the Ohio Department of Youth Services. The decision, as projected, confirms that a majority-group plaintiff is not required to proffer more evidence of discrimination than a non-majority-group plaintiff in order to state a prima facie claim under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (“Title VII”).
June 23, 2025
June 23, 2025 • 3-minute read
Client Alerts
Wage-Fixing: An Alternative to DOJ’s No-Poach Prosecutions?
On April 14, 2025, the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) obtained a high-profile “wage-fixing” conviction under the Sherman Act against a former executive of multiple home health care agencies (“HHAs”).
April 23, 2025 • V&E Antitrust Update
April 23, 2025 • 2-minute read
Client Alerts
The EU’s Proposed Omnibus Package—Sustainability Reporting Simplified
The past few years have seen concerted efforts — both domestically and globally — advancing the reporting and disclosure of various climate- and sustainability-related metrics by businesses and investors.
March 25, 2025 • V&E Environmental Update
March 25, 2025 • 10-minute read
