Labor unions play a vital role in protecting workers. Union leadership is responsible for monitoring the collective bargaining agreement, advising employees on contract provisions, confronting employers over safety and contract violations, and representing employees through the grievance procedure. Quatrini Law Group’s labor attorneys counsel public and private sector unions as they navigate these issues.

Legal Representation for Labor Unions in Pennsylvania

Quatrini Law Group is proud to represent a wide variety of Pennsylvania labor unions. We work closely with union leadership to safeguard the rights of their members. Whether you are a long-term union official or new to union leadership, you can depend on us for solid advice. We represent public and private sector labor unions before administrative agencies, federal and state courts, labor arbitration and commissions.

Labor Law Services We Provide to Unions

Quatrini Law Group guides our labor clients through negotiating Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), grievances, arbitration, and appearances before state and federal agencies and boards. We host an annual Union Education Seminar and are always available to speak to your leadership and/or rank and file.

Collective Bargaining Negotiations

Your Collective Bargaining Agreement contains most of the answers you will need when dealing with issues of wage, benefits, working conditions, deadlines for grievances, pension plans, and just cause provisions. Our attorneys will help you understand the agreement and negotiate when it is time for a new contract.

Grievances and Arbitration

If management has violated a term of your CBA, the union can file a grievance. QLG strongly recommends asking for a legal opinion before submitting a grievance. We will advise on what to request and make sure deadlines are not missed. Should you need to go to arbitration, we help you prepare.

Unfair Labor Practice Charges

An Unfair Labor Practice occurs when an action is taken that violates the National Labor Relations Act. QLG can assist with filing the charge, investigating the charge, and guide you through the hearing and decision process.

Weingarten Rights Representation

In Weingarten, the United States Supreme Court ruled that union represented employees have the right to ask for a union representative during questioning by a supervisor, security personnel, or manager if the answers to those questions could reasonably result in discipline or discharge. An employer’s refusal of this request may result in an unfair labor practice.

Internal Union Governance and Compliance

Union leadership are responsible for solving problems, leading and educating members, and organizing. They must also handle administrative duties, record keeping and be familiar with the CBA. We believe in developing, educating, and supporting union leaders as they advocate for workers.

Representation Before Courts and Administrative Agencies

We represent Labor Unions before federal and state courts, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board (PLRB), arbitration panels, and commissions.

How Quatrini Law Group Supports Union Leadership

Our union lawyers are strong labor advocates and many of our clients have been with them for decades. In addition to legal counsel, Quatrini Law Group works to educate union leadership – whether it is instructing a newly elected officer or keeping a seasoned officer up-to-date. We offer an annual seminar at our office and will happily do training for any of our clients. We believe in the labor movement and want our clients to succeed.

Meet Our Labor Law Attorneys

Labor Law Case Results

Quatrini Law Group has helped unions with negotiating Collective Bargaining Agreements, filing grievances, and protecting the rights of union workers. Below is just a small sampling of cases we have worked on.

Overtime Pay Award for Union Drivers

ACCESS is a federally funded program which provides transportation services through private carriers to elderly and disabled persons for a small fee. These drivers were previously considered exempt from overtime compensation under the Motor Carriers Act exemption. A lawsuit was filed by the drivers against Pittsburgh Transportation Company over its refusal to pay overtime wages but the case was dismissed. After reading that decision, Ernie Orsatti decided that the lawyer representing the plaintiffs made the wrong arguments. As the lawyer for the union representing ACCESS drivers, he suggested that the drivers file another lawsuit. Ernie argued that the drivers did not cross state lines and therefore were not engaged in interstate commerce. For that reason, the US Department of Transportation regulations and the Motor Carriers Act exemption did not apply. He won the case and the ACCESS drivers were awarded their unpaid overtime compensation plus 100% liquidated damages and counsel fees.

Union Steward Reinstated After Termination

The Chief Steward of a Teamster Local was terminated for allegedly engaging in behavior that that was deemed leading to a hostile work environment. The union pursued the case to arbitration and the Arbitrator decided the Steward was not guilty of sexual harassment and he was reinstated with a 10 day suspension. After a number of court challenges from the Employer, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit scheduled this case for oral argument. They then issued an order cancelling oral argument, indicating that the case will be decided on the submitted to the three-member panel this summer. We are optimistic that the Chief Steward will be reinstated with back pay and contractual benefits.

Court Denied Employer’s Injunction Against Strike

When the Teamsters International began a nationwide strike, a Teamster local began a strike at their facility. The Company filed an Emergency Motion for Preliminary injunction and Claim for Damages. Ernie Orsatti filed an objection that was initially denied, so the hearing went forward. However, once the Judge heard Ernie’s argument, he ruled in favor of the union and denied the Company’s injunction and damages.

Related Legal Services

• Workers’ Compensation
• Long-Term Disability
• Social Security Disability
• Veterans Disability
• Mediation & Labor Arbitration

Frequently Asked Questions About Labor Law and Union Representation

What does a labor law attorney do for a union?

A labor law attorney advises the union on legal matters, represents it in negotiations and arbitrations, helps draft and interpret collective bargaining agreements, and defends the union and its members in legal proceedings before bodies like the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board (PLRB) or the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

What is collective bargaining?

Collective bargaining is the process by which a union and an employer negotiate the terms and conditions of employment, such as wages, hours, benefits, and working conditions. These terms are formalized in a written contract called a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

What are Weingarten Rights?

Weingarten Rights come from a 1975 U.S. Supreme Court decision and give union employees the right to have a union representative present during any investigatory interview or meeting that the employee reasonably believes could lead to disciplinary action. The employee must request representation as the employer is not required to inform them of this right.

Can a union challenge disciplinary action against a member?

Yes. If a member is disciplined or discharged, the union can file a grievance on their behalf under the CBA. If the grievance isn’t resolved, it can be escalated to binding arbitration, where a neutral arbitrator reviews the case and issues a decision. The union’s role is to ensure the employer had just cause for the discipline and followed proper procedures.

Speak With a Labor Law Attorney About Your Union’s Needs

In addition to advising unions, our lawyers also provide representation with respect to Workers’ Compensation, Family & Medical Leave ACT (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities (ADA), and other employment laws that can affect union members. Call 888-380-8428 or contact us to learn more about how our team of labor attorneys and compensation professionals can advocate for your union and your rank-and-file members.