Union Labor Representation: How We Make Sure Your Union Is Treated Fairly

At HSG LaW, we believe that strong labor unions are vital for protecting worker rights and fostering fair workplaces. With deep roots in union households and decades of experience, our attorneys—including Pamela Newport—provide hands-on, strategic representation for unions and their members. We help strengthen your position through every phase of labor relations: organizing, collective bargaining, grievance handling, internal compliance—and when necessary, litigation and advocacy before government agencies.

Here’s how we drive fairness and results for your union:

1. Empowering Union Organizing Campaigns

A successful organizing campaign begins long before any vote is cast. Our team collaborates with union leaders to:

  • Educate members about their legal rights under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)
  • Develop compliant communication strategies to counter anti-union rhetoric.
  • Prepare and file necessary NLRB documentation, including petitions and election objections.

Drawing on Pamela Newport’s background in organizing and legal training, we craft legally savvy and member-focused campaigns. Pamela grew up in a union family, then served labor organizations—from the National Labor Relations Board to the United Steelworkers—before she joined HSG LaW. That lived experience helps us authentically support unions through the pressures of employer opposition.

2. Negotiating Strong Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs)

Securing a powerful CBA shapes the workplace for years. We guide unions through:

  • Setting priorities: wages, benefits, seniority, job protections, grievance procedures
  • Crafting proposals that balance member expectations with legal and market realities
  • Strategically negotiating with employers to win enforceable contract provisions
  • Ensuring compliance with federal and state laws (Wagner Act, Labor‐Management Reporting Act, etc.)

Our advocacy ensures your contract reflects the real-world needs of your members—whether combating insecure scheduling, protecting health coverage, or establishing meaningful job protections.

3. Grievance Handling & Arbitration Support

When grievances arise, they must be handled promptly and effectively. We support unions and stewards by:

  • Reviewing grievance documentation to determine validity and contractual violations
  • Offering training for stewards in grievance intake, investigation procedures, and tracking systems
  • Representing unions in internal hearings and at arbitration, guided by Pamela’s track record in cases like Churchill Downs and Zeon Chemicals.
  • Enforcing arbitration decisions and ensuring employers implement remedies

Proper grievance resolution builds trust in union representation and enforces the practical value of your negotiated contract.

4. Building Internal Compliance Programs

Unions are subject to evolving legal obligations—from new transparency rules to electronic communications. We assist with:

  • Conducting internal policy reviews: bylaws, officer conduct codes, conflict-of-interest guidelines
  • Advising on financial disclosures, member records, and electronic info management
  • Offering training sessions for officers and staff on LMRDA compliance, privacy laws, and ethical duties
  • Handling internal investigations around harassment, discrimination, misconduct, or member complaints

A proactive compliance program reduces risks and strengthens the credibility of union governance.

5. Handling Internal Investigations & Sensitive Disputes

When allegations—like harassment or financial misconduct—surface, independent and fair investigations are crucial. We help unions:

  • Develop neutral fact-finding and investigation protocols
  • Assist with interviewing involved parties, preserving evidence, and maintaining unbiased documentation
  • Offer advice on disciplinary processes and ensuring due process
  • Mitigate legal exposure and safeguard union reputation

This approach ensures fairness within the union and shields it from potential legal and reputational harm.

6. Strategic Litigation & Advocacy

Sometimes, fighting for union fairness requires escalation. We offer skilled representation in:

  • Filing and defending unfair labor practice charges at the NLRB
  • Litigation in federal court, including injunctions to stop employer interference
  • Appellate work in the Sixth Circuit and beyond—extending legal protections for collective bargaining, dues check-off, and protected concerted activity
  • Securing remedies like bargaining orders, backpay, reinstatement, or damages

Our litigation is always grounded in the practical goals of your union—not abstract legal victories.

7. Training, Member Education & Steward Development

Well-informed members are active members. We design tailored educational programming that includes:

  • Workshops on member rights under NLRA, age, disability, race/gender discrimination laws
  • Steward training in workplace investigation, effective communication, and meeting facilitation
  • Materials on contract benefits, grievance rights, and representation procedures
  • Updates on legal changes that affect your union

By focusing on practical knowledge, we empower members to advocate for themselves and their coworkers.

8. Leveraging Government Enforcement & Funding Opportunities

Unions often need outside resources to protect their rights. We guide you in:

  • Filing federal and state civil rights or workplace discrimination claims
  • Seeking relief or intervention via agencies like OSHA or the Department of Labor
  • Leveraging grant or public funding for organizing campaigns, training, or member services
  • Engaging with bodies like the AFL–CIO Union Lawyers Alliance—where Pamela serves as a board member—to strengthen advocacy networks

By combining legal strategy with external resources, we maximize support for your union’s mission.

9. Ensuring Long-Term Partnership & Responsive Support

Union representation seldom ends with one contract or dispute—it’s an ongoing relationship. At HSG LaW, we model that commitment by:

  • Offering retainer or subscription-based legal plans for steady access
  • Maintaining a rapid response hotline for urgent workplace issues
  • Holding periodic check-ins to revisit contract strategy, emerging disputes, or compliance needs
  • Providing customized legal updates and newsletters on industry shifts

Our goal is to be your trusted partner—through calm and crisis.

Why HSG LaW Stands Out for Union Representation

🔸 Proven Leadership & Union Roots

Pamela Newport’s journey—from her union upbringing to her legal service at federal labor agencies—shapes our mission and approach.

🔸 Decades of Complex Case Experience

Our team has successfully led cases before the NLRB, federal courts, and collective bargaining tables—resulting in lasting gains for workers and unions.

🔸 National Perspective, Local Foundation

With offices in Cincinnati, Nashville, Louisville, and Washington, D.C., we support unions across jurisdictions—tailoring our approach while leveraging national legal expertise.

🔸 Holistic Advocacy

From organizing to bargaining, grievance handling, compliance, training, and litigation—we provide a full-service legal partnership for union empowerment.

How to Get Started?

If your union is seeking stronger representation and legal partnership, here’s what you can do next:

  1. Schedule a consultation with Pamela Newport or another experienced union-side lawyer.
  2. Prepare for review: bring your current CBA, grievance logs, bylaws, membership info, or investigation concerns.
  3. Discuss your priorities: organizing plans, upcoming negotiations, dispute patterns, or internal governance issues.
  4. Set goals and strategy: together, we’ll craft a legal roadmap designed to achieve fairness, enforceability, and union strength.

Get the Fight Started for Union Representation with HSGLaW!

Union strength doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built through informed organizing, strategic bargaining, transparent governance, effective dispute resolution, and robust legal advocacy. At HSG LaW, these pillars define our approach to union-side representation. Whether you’re bringing together new workers, negotiating a better CBA, streamlining grievance procedures, or defending your rights in court, our team is deeply committed to ensuring your union is treated fairly—and emerges stronger.

Ready to strengthen your union’s legal foundation? Reach out to Pamela Newport and our union-side team today for strategic legal partnership that empowers your membership, enforces your contracts, and protects your rights.