Labor and Employment

We provide the finest representation available in this highly specialized field.  We provide training programs for management on wage and hour law, harassment, discrimination and termination. We assist in the preparation of employee handbooks, procedures, and forms and provide periodic updates and newsletters on developments in the law to ensure labor code compliance. We assist our clients in identifying potential problems before they become costly lawsuits, uncontrolled picketing, or government wage/tax claims. By promoting management awareness, we provide cost effective, preventative legal representation designed to reduce the potential for litigation. Nevertheless, litigation is sometimes unavoidable. We have extensive experience litigating before State and Federal administrative agencies and at labor arbitration hearings in all aspects of employment law.

Employment/Discrimination
We represent employers in all facets of employment law. Our expertise as litigators and counselors includes Federal and California wage hour and prevailing wage law, pre-employment screening, employee policy manuals, effective discipline and discharge, and drug testing. We defend wrongful termination, unfair competition, sexual harassment and discrimination claims, including those based on sex, age, physical and mental disability, race and national origin.

Labor Relations
Our practice involves jobsite disputes ranging from reserved gate systems to mass picketing and violence injunctions. We are experts in union organizing campaigns, terminating union contracts, collective bargaining negotiations, labor management arbitration, and double breasting challenges.  We represent management in ERISA trust fund litigation and in all matters before the National Labor Relations Board including union and management election petitions and unfair labor practices charges.

Contact:

Roger M. Mason 
rmason@smwb.com

Kurt E. Wilson
kwilson@smwb.com

Christopher J. Olson
colson@smwb.com

Caitlin E. Kaufman
ckaufman@smwb.com