Practice Areas

Our practice focuses on representing labor unions in both the private and public sectors. 

We emphasize preventive law to minimize union legal costs and sponsor periodic free or low-cost labor law seminars to further that goal.

We also directly represent workers—often in cases involving legal issues that impact an entire workforce, such as wage & hour violations, rest and meal break compliance, and paid family and medical leave requirements, in addition to providing individual representation in contract and discrimination cases. 
We also represent numerous progressive non-profit organizations which play a vital part in defending and advocating for working people and their families.

Our firm provides compliance and strategic advice to Sec. 501(c)(3) and (c)(4) organizations whose missions are consistent with our labor union and other clients. 
Similarly, we provide a wide range of advice regarding compliance with federal, state, and local campaign finance requirements for those of our clients that participate in electoral politics.

Railway Labor Act

We represent clients in the full range of matters arising under the Railway Labor Act. We advise clients through the complexities of the RLA and related collective bargaining issues. Our RLA practice has used all forums of dispute resolution, including federal and state court litigation and boards of arbitration in both "rights" and "interests" disputes.

The combination of our experience, expertise and knowledge allows us to find effective solutions to labor issues that arise in industries affected by the RLA.

What is the Railway Labor Act?

Essentially, railroad and airline industries are governed by US labor laws through the Railway Labor Act. Originally it was enforced by the Board of Mediation, but later a National Mediation Board was created to enforce its provisions.

The Railway Labor Act resolves labor disputes through strikes instead bargaining, arbitration, and mediation. It was enacted in 1926 and amended in 1934 and 1936.

To learn more about the Federal Railway Labor Act, contact our Seattle lawyers.