Labor & Employment
We have extensive expertise in traditional bargaining, interest-based bargaining (IBB), modified interest-based (hybrid) bargaining, and expedited negotiations. Moreover, our firm's labor negotiators are able to assist boards in determining which method of negotiations is right for their college and provide the appropriate training. When assisting the board negotiation team during successor contract negotiations, we recognize the importance of clear, unambiguous contract language to enable leadership to administer the negotiated collective bargaining agreement and reduce the college’s exposure to grievances and arbitration.
As the board’s advocate, our firm has handled hundreds of grievance arbitrations and frequently consults with the college’s leadership team who have elected to handle their own arbitrations. These grievance arbitrations involve a significant variety of contract interpretation and “just cause” discipline issues.
Consistent with our preventative counseling approach, we assist our clients in understanding compliance with the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act and how to avoid actions that can lead to an unfair labor practice charge. Additionally, we help our clients navigate personnel matters ranging from the initial hiring decision to reductions-in-force, discipline, and dismissal.
As the board’s advocate, our firm has handled hundreds of grievance arbitrations.
We regularly counsel clients regarding employee misconduct and related investigations. At times, we serve as an advisor to guide the leadership team through an investigation, but we also have served as the primary investigators of employee misconduct when requested. We have a depth of experience in guiding clients on the proper proactive actions and responses that ensure our clients are in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and a variety of state and federal requirements for employee leave and accommodation requests.
