The Importance of Communication in the Workplace
Whether you are a union labor lawyer or a company looking to hire one, you need to be aware of the importance of communication in the workplace. Good communication is not just about the words that are said. It is also about the actions that are taken, the ways in which you are able to convey information, and the way in which you are able to connect with your employees.
In-house union lawyers deal with all types of employment issues
Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, there are a variety of in-house union lawyers to help you with all of your employment matters. Whether you’re dealing with workplace discrimination, pension security, or any other employment issues, you need legal counsel who can help you navigate the complicated issues that arise.
In-house union lawyers deal with all types of employment issues, from collective bargaining negotiations to arbitrations. They also advise clients on business-related issues, such as tax concerns and insurance. Some lawyers also work on personal matters, such as family law and real estate. They may even farm out work to outside counsel.
A few of the best in-house labor lawyers include Sidney F. Lewis, who has a lengthy background in labor law. He has been a labor counsel and has handled labor arbitrations. He also has extensive experience in litigating cases involving discrimination.
The firm of Fisher & Phillips has a team of skilled lawyers who deal with labor-management relations matters. They have extensive experience in representing employers in both unionized and non-unionized workplaces. In addition to negotiating collective bargaining agreements, Fisher & Phillips assists employers with their union recruitment efforts. They also guide their clients through strike preparations and disputes.
The law firm of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is a leader in labor-management relations. Its lawyers regularly advise leading unions on collective bargaining issues. Its labor and employment litigators handle matters in state and federal courts.
NLRB determines whether true impasse was reached
Whether or not a union labor lawyer reached a true impasse is not a simple question. It depends on the nature of the impasse, the circumstances surrounding it, and the particular case.
A true impasse is one that requires the parties to rethink their respective positions. A true impasse may be on a single issue, or on an entire contract. The most important factor in a true impasse is whether or not the parties can reach an agreement on the subject.
If the parties can’t, then they may agree to go on hold while they try to settle the matter. The NLRB may ask the parties to resume bargaining, or it may issue a ruling based on the totality of the circumstances.
A bona fide impasse is a good-faith bargaining effort. This can be achieved by negotiating a number of permissive subjects, such as the selection of a bargaining representative, and internal union affairs. It is also a good idea to negotiate on the subject of unfair labor practices, such as discharge for union activity, and implementation of terms and conditions.
A good-faith bargaining effort may be the first step towards an impasse, but if the parties are still unwilling to compromise, the employer may unilaterally withdraw. The NLRB is able to determine whether or not a true impasse exists and whether or not the party has met the required thresholds.
In-house union counsel must be good communicators
Having an in-house legal department can be a boon to an organization. These attorneys are also responsible for representing their respective unions. Hence, they have a vested interest in making their department look as good as possible. However, in order to do so, they need to be competent and effective communicators. They also have to be able to handle the most demanding of clients. As a result, they have to be well-versed in all things legal and be able to juggle the big wigs with the little guys.
In-house attorneys are also responsible for conducting training and announcing major departmental milestones. In-house attorneys need to be able to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, in order to keep their clients happy and their department afloat. In addition, they have to be able to keep a lid on a few naysayers. These individuals also need to keep track of the most important company news and developments in order to avoid a mutiny. In short, the in-house attorneys are the movers and shakers of their respective unions. They are also the epicenter of the organization. Consequently, they need to be on the ball in order to perform the aforementioned miracles and be a force to be reckoned with. A word of caution, however, is that they often end up being inundated with requests for favors, thus, they must be extremely tactful.
The First Amendment protects speech when union is involved in supporting a grievance
Besides the obvious, the First Amendment protects speech when it comes to union labor lawyers defending their clients from draconian employers. For example, if the union fails to win a contract, the employer cannot promise employees their well deserved wages and benefits. On the other hand, if the union wins, employees can count on a fair shake. The First Amendment is a great protection for the average worker, but it does carry a price tag.
It’s no secret that a lot of journalists aren’t attorneys. That said, they may not be able to rely on an expensive lawyer to tell them the First Amendment is on the books. For this reason, many reporters are left in the dust when it comes to legal matters. The First Amendment entails a delicate balance of public relations and privacy, and it’s the nexus of the two that makes or breaks a good relationship. A First Amendment lawyer is a good resource for keeping up with the latest developments, but he or she can’t be relied upon to know everything.
In the end, the First Amendment is not a get out of jail free card. Those seeking to assert their legal rights should consult an attorney, but if they decide to take their business to the courts, the First Amendment is their friend. This is especially true if the plaintiff is a unionized employee.
The fight for union recognition is not just an issue of the moment
Despite the recent rise in anti-union rhetoric, the fight for union recognition is not just an issue of the moment. A new wave of labor organizing is sweeping the country, in unexpected places. Labor leaders see this as a moment for radical change.
During the 19th century, many American unions called strikes in hopes of gaining recognition. However, the big industrialists used the Haymarket Riot as a pretext for a major counterattack. They also attacked picket lines and broke up meetings.
During the 1910/11 wave of industrial violence, workers went on strike in Seattle, Boston, New York City, and the coalfields of the United States. The biggest strike occurred in the steel industry. It was accompanied by explosions at construction sites and the Los Angeles Times building.
Many workers were injured in labor disputes during this period. In the midst of the conflict, a commission was created to mediate between business and labor. The Commission on Industrial Relations was headed by William Howard Taft.
The National Association of Manufacturers was founded in 1896 and was the largest anti-union organization in the United States. By the time the first president of the NAM, Harry Smith, left, the employers had taken over.
Following World War I, a new power balance emerged between business and organized labor. New forms of work organization were created, and the National War Labor Board helped mediate corporate/union conflicts.