Foster Swift attorneys have extensive experience in the representation of public and private employers in a wide range of labor relations and employment issues. We have been involved in labor relations matters affecting public employees since the adoption of the Michigan Public Employment Relations Act in 1965.
Through the years, Foster Swift attorneys have developed a unique ability to advocate on behalf of our public and private employer clients, while maintaining a reasoned perspective on labor relations.
Highlights
- The negotiation of dozens of collective bargaining agreements with bargaining units representing police and fire units, supervisory employees, clerical/technical employees, and public works employees, as well as the bargaining of individual contracts with non-union employees
- The successful representation of public sector clients in Act 312 (police and fire arbitration) proceedings and in numerous grievance arbitrations involving issues of employee discipline and contract interpretation
- The adoption and administration of Police or Firefighter civil service ordinances
- The handling of Veterans Preference Act hearings
- The representation of public clients in matters before the Michigan Employment Relations Commission involving both representation questions and unfair labor practice allegations
Recent Blog Posts
- The Return of the Unpaid Internship
- Health Care Employers Not Required to Post NLRB Notice Until Further Decision from the Courts
- Health Facilities Must Display Notice about Employees' Organizing Rights
- Laid-off teacher says school district didn’t follow evaluation process — and court agrees
- Are You Paying Your Employees Enough to Keep Them?
- UAW Rips Off Employees Twice in Chrysler Fiasco
- Employers Beware – Employees May Lawfully Record Workplace Discussions and Activities
- Contractors Face Jail Time for Worker Fatalities
- Supervisor's One Time Use of Racial Slur may be Very Expensive
- Union Retirees Cut Their Own Pension to Forestall Doomsday Scenario
Publications & Alerts
- Michigan Legislature Repeals Prevailing Wage Law, June 2018 Employment Labor & Benefits Law News E-Blast, June 8, 2018
- Intentional Tort Exception to Michigan Workers' Compensation Act – Court of Appeals Reaffirms High Standard, May 2018 Employment Labor & Benefits Law News, May 31, 2018
- Are Interns Injured on the Job Entitled to Michigan Workers’ Compensation Benefits?, May 2018 Employment Labor & Benefits Law News, May 29, 2018
- U.S. Supreme Court Rules Employers can Prohibit Employees from Filing Class Action Lawsuits, May 2018 Employment Labor & Benefits Law News E-Blast, May 24, 2018
- State's High Court Affirms Teachers can Leave their Union at Any Time, Strengthens Right-to-Work, April 2018 Employment Labor & Benefits Law News E-Blast, April 3, 2018
- Can Michigan Employers Terminate Employees Who Lawfully Use Medical Marijuana?, February 2018 Employment Labor & Benefits News, January 25, 2018
News
- Michigan Court of Appeals Reiterates That Worker’s Compensation Claims Are the Exclusive Remedy for Injured Employees, Detroit Legal News, May 1, 2018
- Employment Attorney Re-elected as Chairman, dbusiness, March 27, 2018
- 44 Foster Swift Attorneys Named to 2016 Best Lawyers in America® Roster, August 21, 2015
- Foster Swift attorneys author human resources publication, May 1, 2013
Events
- Free Seminar to Educate Employers on the Legal Challenges Facing 2018, Foster Swift, May 9, 2018
- Labor Preparedness Seminar, Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc., April 28, 2015
- Legal Update on Employee Issues and Seasonal Employee Options, Michigan Agri-Business Association Winter Conference & Trade Show, January 12, 2015
- Surviving the NLRB's Newest 'Ambush Election' Rules, Michigan Manufacturers Association, April 29, 2014