Gladstein, Reif & Meginniss LLP is organized around the principle that labor unions deserve top-quality legal representation, just as much as the large corporations and entities that sit on the other side of the bargaining table. We are nimble, strategic attorneys with a deep commitment to the labor movement and extensive experience as advocates for organized labor. We draw upon our experiences not just as attorneys but also as former organizers and stewards of labor unions. Our labor union representation team includes long-time partner Kent Hirozawa, who served as a member of the National Labor Relations Board.
We have helped our clients clinch unlikely victories in state and federal courts, in labor arbitration and before administrative agencies (e.g., the National Labor Relations Board and the Public Employment Relations Board), and through the legislative process. Our attorneys have represented labor unions and advanced the labor movement together for fifty years, but our advocacy on behalf of our clients continues to be adaptive, creative, and aggressive. The current political climate demands no less, as the labor movement faces new and unprecedented challenges from employers and their political allies.
We provide full-service representation to dozens of labor unions situated both nationally and locally, in the private and public sectors, and in a wide range of industries:
- Health Care
- Property Services
- Higher Education
- Professional Sports
- Agriculture
- Transportation
Our labor law services encompass every aspect of labor union representation, from day-to-day advisory work to high-stakes litigation. The matters we handle range from routine grievances and arbitrations to complex federal court cases and appellate matters. In each and every case, our attorneys are innovative, tactical, and tenacious, because workers deserve top-tier representation.
Collective Bargaining Agreements
We secure contracts in collective bargaining negotiations, interest arbitration, and mediation that enhance members’ economic and job security. We also closely advise on contract campaigns, because we know that collective action helps to secure the best possible contract.
Labor Arbitrations
Our attorneys vigorously represent labor unions and their members in arbitrations, a key aspect of contract enforcement. We routinely secure significant victories in both discipline and discharge cases, as well as in cases that concern other substantive provisions of collective bargaining agreements.
Legislative Advocacy
We advise our labor union clients on the legislative process and on legislative issues that impact them and their members. With our guidance, our clients have helped enact laws that continue to benefit their membership today.
Organizing Drives and Elections
We represent labor unions in both organizing campaigns and representation proceedings, so that our clients’ membership—and the labor movement—can continue to grow. We deftly navigate employers’ many efforts to undercut unionization efforts.
Unfair Labor Practice Charges
When employers bargain in bad faith or penalize employees for union membership, in violation of the National Labor Relations Act or analogous state or local statutes (e.g., for public employees, the Taylor Law or the New York City Collective Bargaining Law), we advocate on behalf of labor union clients to enforce those laws.
Internal Governance
We counsel our labor union clients on matters of internal governance and democracy, such as officer elections and compliance with the Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act. We also help new organizations obtain tax-exempt status and become labor unions.
While many of our labor union clients are in the private sector, we have a strong roster of public sector clients as well. We therefore have deep knowledge of the complex and unique laws that govern public sector clients in New York City and New York State, such as:
- Public Employees’ Fair Employment Act (or Taylor Law)
- Retirement and Social Security Law
- The Civil Service Law
We also represent farmworkers, whose labor rights are governed by the State Employment Relations Act.
Contact Gladstein, Reif & Meginniss, LLP to discuss your union’s legal needs. Our New York-based attorneys are ready to provide the strategic and vigorous representation that your labor organization deserves.