CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

The firm works closely with clients to evaluate the merits of potential grievances.  Depending on the case, grievance evaluation may involve assisting the union with information requests and meeting with the grievant and potential witnesses.  Firm attorneys have arbitrated a range of grievances, ranging from just-cause disciplinary cases to contract interpretation regarding overtime provisions, subcontracting, holiday pay, and scheduling provisions, among other subjects.  Contract administration may also require, on occasion, a suit to compel an employer to arbitrate a particular grievance.

LABOR STANDARDS

Wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment are regulated by numerous federal and state laws.  Laws establishing labor standards include the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Davis-Bacon Act, the Service Contract Act, state prevailing wage laws, and state wage and hour laws.  The firm also works with the Family Medical Leave Act, Title VII, Americans with Disabilities Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act, along with the state law versions of each federal law.

WAGE & HOUR

The firm handles a wide range of wage and hour claims for individual employees and classes of employees.  For wage claims based on violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Davis-Bacon Act, the Washington Minimum Wage Act, and the Prevailing Wages on Public Works Act, our lawyers represent both individuals and classes of employees to recover unpaid wages, overtime pay (for both nonexempt and misclassified exempt workers), prevailing wages, minimum wage issues, and wages for missed meal and rest periods.

APPRENCESHIP

The firm represents several joint apprenticeship and training funds in addition to its union clients. Firm attorneys regularly appear before the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council on apprenticeship issues, including registration of new proposed programs, apprentice appeals, complaints against existing programs, and sanctions for non-compliance with apprenticeship standards and regulations.  The firm is responsible for the lead apprenticeship case from the Washington state Supreme Court, Seattle Building Trades Council v. CITC, along with several other successful appeals at the court of appeals level.

TRAINING

Our firm offers customized training solutions for each client’s particular needs.  There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to training.  We tailor our training to fit your industry, workplace, and unique circumstances.  Some of our training has included collective bargaining basics, negotiating a first contract, serving as a shop steward, non-discrimination, anti-harassment, paid family and medical leave, diversity awareness, handling grievances, and various other types.  We will partner with you to develop the training that meets your needs and ensures the best outcome. 

DEFENSE
LITIGATION

We have broad experience defending clients from a variety of claims in federal courts, state courts, and the National Labor Relations Board.  Defense litigation includes: lawsuits and damages actions stemming from strikes, duty of fair representation claims and charges, RICO claims, discrimination claims and charges, and various state tort claims.