At HSGLaW, we proudly stand with labor unions. Our attorneys have spent decades representing union clients across a wide range of industries — from industrial trades and public sector organizations to construction unions and joint councils. We understand the unique challenges labor unions face, and we fight every day to protect the rights of working people and the organizations that represent them.
Our team doesn’t just work behind the scenes — we show up. From joining the picket line to fielding questions at organizing meetings, our attorneys are fully committed to the union movement and everything it stands for.
The labor and employment law practice at HSGLaW Group is rooted in advocacy for working people and their unions. The attorneys and paralegals in the labor section are dedicated to union-side representation, offering comprehensive legal support in areas such as collective bargaining, grievance and arbitration proceedings, union organizing campaigns, compliance matters for labor organizations, litigation before administrative agencies and state and federal courts, and member and steward education. The attorneys bring decades of combined experience, having worked extensively with public and private sector unions across multiple states, including Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, West Virginia, and Tennessee.
HSGLaW’s labor team is distinguished not only by its legal expertise but also by its deep personal and professional ties to the labor movement. The attorneys have served in leadership roles within organizations like the AFL-CIO’s Union Lawyers Alliance and the American Bar Association Labor and Employment Law Section, including serving as contributing editors to the treatise Developing Labor Law. The firm’s approach is holistic, viewing legal representation as part of a broader strategy to empower labor organizations and protect worker rights. With offices in Nashville, Louisville, Cincinnati, and Washington, D.C., HSGLaW is strategically positioned to serve clients across the Midwest and beyond.
What We Do for Labor Unions
We provide full-service legal counsel to union clients, including:
- Grievance Arbitration: Representing unions in arbitration proceedings to resolve disputes under collective bargaining agreements
- Collective Bargaining: Negotiating labor contracts that protect wages, benefits, and workplace conditions
- Litigation & Enforcement: Handling union-related lawsuits in state and federal court
- Representation at the NLRB: Advocating in unfair labor practice hearings, election disputes, and compliance matters
- Whistleblower & Retaliation Cases: Protecting members who speak out against misconduct
- Restrictive Covenants & Non-Compete Agreements: Defending workers’ rights against overly broad employment restrictions
- Severance & Employment Agreements: Reviewing and negotiating exit terms on behalf of union members and executives
We also provide strategic guidance to leadership teams and union staff on organizing efforts, internal governance, and responses to employer interference.
Industries & Clients We Represent
Our union-side labor clients include:
- Industrial and skilled trades unions
- Construction trade locals
- Public sector employee unions
- District and joint labor councils
- State and national labor federations
- AFL-CIO-affiliated organizations
We regularly serve unions in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Tennessee, and beyond — with offices in Cincinnati, Louisville, Washington D.C., and Nashville.
Our Experience
HSGLaW has handled labor and employment law cases at every level of the judicial system — from NLRB hearings to federal district courts, state appellate courts, and even the U.S. Supreme Court.
Key Cases:
Thompson v. North American Stainless LP
In this landmark case before the United States Supreme Court, our firm helped expand protections under Title VII for employees who experience retaliation after their close family members file discrimination complaints. This decision strengthened workplace protections across the country.
Workforce Development Cabinet v. Gaines
Before the Kentucky Supreme Court, we helped expand the definition of a whistleblower complaint, setting an important precedent for public employees who report misconduct.
Tracy Miller v. Canadian National Railroad & Illinois Central R.R.
We represented a railroad executive in a case involving race discrimination and breach of a non-compete agreement. The case highlighted how race and restrictive covenants can intersect in high-level employment disputes.
Representation Before the NLRB
We have deep experience before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), including:
- Filing and defending unfair labor practice charges
- Advising on union elections and organizing campaigns
- Responding to employer interference or retaliation
- Enforcing bargaining obligations and grievance procedures
Whether you’re defending your members or pushing back against a hostile employer, we bring both courtroom skill and on-the-ground support.
Collective Bargaining & Contract Enforcement
Negotiating strong contracts is the foundation of union strength. We help unions:
- Draft and revise collective bargaining agreements (CBAs)
- Resolve contract disputes through arbitration or litigation
- Enforce wage and benefit terms
- Push back against unilateral changes by employers
- Advise on economic strikes, work stoppages, and lockouts
We don’t just sit across the table — we understand your goals and the bigger picture behind every negotiation.
Labor Disputes and Civil Litigation
Sometimes a grievance becomes a larger legal issue. We’re prepared to represent unions and their members in:
- Breach of contract lawsuits
- Discrimination and retaliation claims
- Wrongful discharge and termination disputes
- Wage and hour litigation
- Picket line injunctions or employer intimidation tactics
Our litigation team works alongside union leadership to develop clear strategies, protect member rights, and pursue meaningful resolutions.
Why Unions Choose HSGLaW
- Decades of union-side experience
- Nationally respected litigation team
- Committed to the labor movement — in and out of the courtroom
- Trusted by union locals, district councils, and labor federations
- Offices across the Midwest and South for regional accessibility
Our firm is known for not just representing unions — but standing with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if our union is facing an unfair labor practice?
We help unions file charges with the NLRB and prepare for hearings, investigations, and potential litigation. We’ll walk you through the process and work toward a fair resolution.
Can you help with collective bargaining negotiations?
Yes. We assist in negotiating CBAs from start to finish — including proposals, responses, and language drafting. We also step in during breakdowns in negotiations or if litigation becomes necessary.
Do you represent individual union members?
Yes, we often represent union members in disputes involving benefits, wrongful discharge, retaliation, and discrimination — particularly where union rights intersect with federal employment laws.
What kind of unions do you work with?
We work with industrial, trade, construction, and public sector unions, as well as joint councils and labor federations. We’re comfortable representing unions of all sizes.
Contact HSGLaW
Whether you need help negotiating your next contract, responding to unfair employer practices, or litigating a member dispute — HSGLaW is here to support your union every step of the way.
Call us or reach out online to schedule a confidential consultation with our labor law team.
