Labour lawyers are the people who work with clients who are in industries with labor unions, like law enforcement and teachers. They will frequently handle cases dealing with collective bargaining, union creation, and union and management negotiation. And these lawyers will typically handle legal disputes through lawsuits or out-of-court settlements.
When Will You Need a Labour Lawyer?
Employees and employers both need labour lawyers. If you’re an employee, consider hiring one if you:
- File a lawsuit against an employer
- Negotiate a contract during a union strike
- Got fired based on unreasonable grounds
- Did not receive any severance pay
If you are an employer, hire a labour lawyer if:
- Employees are planning a strike.
- You want to fire an employee who’s a union member.
- A government agent has visited your facility and contacted you because of an incident.
- An employee has accused you and your business of wrongful termination, hazardous work environment, or any other mistreatment or discrimination and is threatening to file a lawsuit.
Do You Need To Talk To Your Labour Employer Before You Fire An Employee?
It would be best to talk to your lawyer before you terminate an employee, even if you believe you have reasonable grounds for termination, like stealing or other illegal activities.
The complexity of labor laws can take time to understand, which business owners can rarely have. Since labour lawyers are the experts, consulting them should be your priority to get an assessment of your situation and receive advice on how you can protect your business and yourself.
How Much Do Labour Lawyers Cost?
Your budget is essential before hiring a labour lawyer. So determine how much they charge and structure their rates to get an appropriate estimate on how much you’ll spend.
Typically, labour lawyers will charge based on experience and location. For example, someone with a proven track record of 15 years whose office is in the city will substantially be more expensive than a newer lawyer living in the rural areas.
Many labour lawyers charge hourly or monthly, especially if you require their regular service. Others charge a fixed rate. But some will accommodate you on a contingency basis, meaning they’ll ask for a percentage of the settlement you receive.
How Are Labour Lawyers Different From Employment Lawyers?
Labour and employment lawyers handle the same issues. But they do have a key difference. The latter handles cases dealing with non unionized employees and employers. And typically deal with state and federal laws related to nonunion overtime, scheduling, wrongful termination, etc. On the other hand, labor lawyers handle the same cases but are related to unions.
How Do You Find The Right Labour Lawyer?
Looking for a good labour lawyer is hard. So, ask trusted sources or search a directory of lawyers available in your state or region. Then, read their profile carefully to determine if they have the right experience to handle your case.
Narrow down your list to three candidates and request a consultation to compare. Some lawyers offer them free, which is a good way for you to gauge how they’ll handle your case and what outcomes they can achieve.
And lastly, clarify their rates and confirm your case’s timeline. If urgent, you’d want to know when your labor lawyer can take your case.
Conclusion
If you are concerned about union regulations and laws or anything related, labour lawyers can help. Laws regarding unions are complex. And you’d want an expert beside you to get the best possible outcome for your case. So, if you ever get yourself in a labour case, find a labour lawyer immediately.