Collective Bargaining and Arbitration

Krukowski & Costello, S.C. represents clients in all phases of collective bargaining. The firm has an excellent record of negotiating satisfactory agreements for clients in all industries, many with significant labor cost savings without work interruption. Our success is based on helping employers in early stages to assess their needs, set long-range goals and engage in strategic planning to achieve these goals. The lawyers at Krukowski & Costello use their bargaining skills to help employers negotiate the flexibility and economic packages necessary for the company to compete in the marketplace. This includes representing single- and multi-employer organizations. Because several of our attorneys formerly represented unions, we have a unique insight into both sides of the issues and processes.

The firm litigated the seminal case which established that communications between counsel and client in collective bargaining negotiations are covered by attorney-client privilege.

Krukowski & Costello has successfully represented employers on a wide range of arbitration cases including the discharge of hundreds of workers for violation of a no-strike pledge as well as the right to adjust wages consistent with industry patterns resulting in millions of dollars of savings to the company. The firm emphasizes selecting the right person to arbitrate the particular issue at hand, and, since there seldom is a "second chance" in arbitration, Krukowski & Costello lawyers thoroughly prepare for all possible arguments the union could offer.

In the event an agreement cannot be reached at the bargaining table, companies need to be prepared for all possibilities. The firm assists companies through the strategic planning process to analyze and develop a plan to continue operations during a labor dispute.