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 Workers' Compensation Issues Raised by Coronavirus Pandemic and Michigan's Newly Promulgated Emergency Rules for "First Response Employees"
- Health Care Employers Not Required to Post NLRB Notice Until Further Decision from the Courts
- Health Facilities Must Display Notice about Employees' Organizing Rights
- EEOC Issues New Guidance on Religious Discrimination and Accommodation of Religious Beliefs
- The Pro-Union PRO Act passes the U.S. House of Representatives
- Remote Work in the Pandemic Age: Employer Obligations and Best Practices
- The End is Here…How to End the Employment Relationship
- What Every Michigan Employer Should Know About Occupational Safety and Health in the Workplace
- The Return of the Unpaid Internship
- Laid-off teacher says school district didn’t follow evaluation process — and court agrees
Publications & Alerts
- MIOSHA to Increase Inspections of Manufacturers’ COVID Preparedness and Response Plans and Remote Work Policies, Foster Swift Labor & Employment Law News, November 23, 2020
- Guide to Bringing Back Workers and Resuming Operations for Michigan Municipalities, July 29, 2020
- Employers Remember to Take These Steps by April 1, 2020, Foster Swift Legal Update E-blast, March 31, 2020
- New DOL Guidance Excludes Workers from Federal Emergency Paid Sick Leave, Foster Swift Legal Update E-blast, March 29, 2020
- Employee Fraud Not a Condition for an Employer's/Insurer's Recoupment of Overpayment, Foster Swift Workers' Compensation Update, January 3, 2020
- DOL Issues New Rule Regarding Minimum Salary Level for White Collar and HCE Overtime Exemptions, Foster Swift Employment Labor & Benefits Law News E-Blast, September 25, 2019
Events
- Hot Employment Law Topics for HR Teams in 2021, Foster Swift, February 25, 2021
- Employer Guidance for a Lawful and Safe Re-Opening, Foster Swift, May 27, 2020
- 2019 Comprehensive Guide to Employment Law, National Business Institute (NBI, November 13, 2019
- Your Employee is Hurt, but is it FMLA, ADA or Workers Comp?, Michigan Chamber of Commerce, March 7, 2019
- No, that Employee is NOT an Independent Contractor, Michigan Chamber of Commerce, January 31, 2019
- "A Swinging Pendulum or Course Corrections: Recent Cases and Upcoming Changes", 26th Annual Bernard Gottfried Memorial Labor Law Symposium, October 11, 2018
- Why Worry About Unions Under the Trump Administration?, American Society of Employers (ASE), August 9, 2018
News
- Weekly TV Show Launches to Help Businesses Navigate the Pandemic, mConnexions, March 15, 2021
- Hammond Weighs in on Minimum Wage Hike, Grand Rapids Business Journal, January 8, 2021
- Foster Swift Listed in "Best Law Firms" 2021, Best Lawyers, November 5, 2020
- Foster Swift Attorneys Named to 2021 Best Lawyers in America©, August 20, 2020
- Sanders Named to 2020 “Leaders in the Law", February 24, 2020
- Foster Swift Attorneys Listed in dbusiness 2020 Top Lawyers, November 12, 2019
- Foster Swift Listed in Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms" 2020, November 1, 2019