Labor Relations -- Contract Negotiations

A client had a union contract that was open for negotiations. The Company was in severe financial condition. FHSG was asked to lead those negotiations and secure major changes to their collective bargaining agreement while the Company pursued a new business plan. Unfortunately, the Company did not survive, but FHSG led the "effects bargaining" negotiations and quickly secured a settlement that left both the union and management satisfied with the outcome.

Several multinational companies in the construction industry had been through a number of very contentious rounds of negotiations with their principal union in the U.S. These negotiations had resulted in strikes, lockouts, or very expensive settlements.

The companies decided to form a multiemployer bargaining association to see if a better outcome could be achieved by all parties. FHSG was selected to lead those negotiations.

The parties entered into a protocol agreement with a limited number of openers being presented by each side. A new contract was reached after just eight days of bargaining and five months prior to the contract's expiration date. The union ratified the agreement by more than 60 percent.