Vedder Price

Labor Relations Vedder Alignment

Vedder Price provides counsel and representation to clients across all industries in labor relations matters, including collective bargaining; contract interpretation and grievance and arbitration handling; unfair labor practice handling; labor dispute handling, contingency planning and strike support; and union representation matters, whether organizing or decertification related. 

Collective Bargaining

We have successfully negotiated collective bargaining agreements with virtually every major union in the United States and in numerous high-profile negotiations in a wide cross-section of industries, including health care, cannabis, manufacturing, construction, logistics and arts and entertainment. Our attorneys serve as spokespersons at the bargaining table, support members of the management bargaining team and off-site resources for counseling, preparation and drafting of collective bargaining agreement language, assist with both strategy planning and strategies, and develop contingency plans.

Grievance Processing and Arbitration

We represent management in labor arbitration matters ranging from simple questions of employee discipline or discharge to complex issues of contract interpretation involving substantial monetary exposure. We stress complete and thorough preparation and aggressive presentation, consistent with our clients’ cost considerations and goals in each matter.

NLRB Investigations and Unfair Labor Practice Charges

Our attorneys are well versed in substantive and procedural law under the National Labor Relations Act, with many years of experience appearing before the National Labor Relations Board and its regional offices in unfair labor practice and representation matters nationwide, and on appeal. 

Strike & Work Stoppages

Our attorneys understand that the point at which a strike or work stoppage is threatened or occurs is undoubtedly the most critical and complex juncture in any collective bargaining agreement negotiation. We offer substantial legal and practical experience in planning for and handling potential work stoppages, including strike and lockout preparation, communication strategies, and supervisory training on practical and effective ways to manage through labor disruptions focusing on strategies that minimize the impact of a work stoppage on a client’s business and shorten a work stoppage without compromising underlying business goals.

Positive Labor Relations and Remaining Union-Free

We have extensive experience advising and assisting clients desiring to maintain union-free status. Prior to any organizing activity, our attorneys assist clients in assessing their vulnerability and developing a positive employee relations culture that decreases the likelihood of ever becoming a target. Once visible organizing is underway, we work with clients to build an effective and legal communications and campaign strategy, provide training to supervisors and managers, and represent the client at all formal NLRB or state agency election proceedings.



Primary Contact(s)



Kenneth F. Sparks

Shareholder



Attorneys



Eugene A. Boyle

Shareholder



Peyton Demith

Associate



Rachel Easton

Associate



Hope S. Goldstein

Shareholder



Javier A. Lopez

Shareholder



Jonathan C. Maude

Partner



Cara J. Ottenweller

Shareholder



Thomas H. Petrides

Shareholder



Marianna E. Politis

Associate



Gregory P. Ripple

Shareholder



Patrick W. Spangler

Shareholder



Kenneth F. Sparks

Shareholder



Lauren E. Wertheimer

Associate



Thomas M. Wilde

Shareholder



Candice T. Zee

Shareholder