Labor & Employment Law
We represent labor unions and related groups in a diverse body of cases seeking to advance workers’ interests in precedent-setting litigation and in legislative reforms. We also advise labor unions, including the American Federation of Teachers – College Guild, on complying with campaign finance reporting and disclosure laws such as California’s Political Reform Act.
State Building & Construction Trades Council
We have represented the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California in defending a statute that imposes training and prevailing wage standards for workers at oil refineries.
Garment Workers Class Action
As counsel to a class of garment workers wrongfully denied minimum wage and overtime pay, the firm achieved a $1.5 million settlement for approximately 350 employees of contractors to Guess?, Inc.
SEIU
We have worked with representatives of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) to develop a legislative strategy and to draft proposed legislation to reform existing laws governing nursing homes in California to improve working conditions for nursing home care aides and the quality of care for residents; expand job opportunities for nursing home aides; and help SEIU increase its membership.
UNITE HERE
We have advised and represented UNITE HERE on antitrust issues concerning consolidation of the industries in which the union represents employees.
AFSCME
The firm has represented the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) in an action to remove the officers of a local Los Angeles bargaining unit for failure to hold elections as required by the International’s constitution and bylaws. We have also advised AFSCME in complying with California campaign finance and election laws.
Defending Union Leaders
We successfully defended the National Labor Relations Board General Counsel from a frivolous lawsuit relating to his previous role as general counsel to the International Union of Operating Engineers.
Wage & Hour Standards
We supported the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy’s campaign for economic justice for truck drivers at the Port of Long Beach, representing a truck driver on a pro bono basis in pursuing a claim for unpaid wages before the state Department of Labor.
The firm has also advised a community group supporting an initiative to institute a minimum wage and earned paid sick leave for San Diegans.
