The Authors
Amber’s litigation experience includes regularly representing clients in wage and hour collective and class actions, trade secrets and post-employment restrictive covenant disputes, and complex employment discrimination. As a part of Amber’s partnership with clients to avoid litigation, she frequently conducts and coordinates sensitive corporate investigations, and provides training presentations for clients on a multitude of topics.
Kurt is a recognized thought leader in the area of traditional labor-management relations. He has been recognized as a leader in Labor and Employment by Chambers USA Virginia and as a 2022 Top 10 Labor Lawyer by Benchmark Litigation.
Labor Organizing in Retail: Conditions Remain for Continued Momentum
“The political and social issues of the past few years, inflation, the looming recession, job security, wages, and pandemic-related frustration/unhappiness are just a few of the countless reasons cited for the boom in union support/approval.”
Abstract: In 2022, labor organizing was in the spotlight with workers organizing at a rate not seen in years. The National Labor Relations Board saw an increase of union petitions during the last fiscal year, it was more than 50% higher than the previous year. Relatedly, more unions have won representation and American approval is at its highest in over 50 years. The rise of the “homegrown” union has directly impacted employers of all industries. The year 2022 can provide all industries and companies with lessons learned, particularly from those who faced threats for the first time. It is crucial to note too, however, that many of these companies and retailers have positive reputations. Labor and union laws continue to evolve as the Biden administration takes full control of the NLRB.