Husch Blackwell’s Tracy Wolf and Rufino Gaytán continue their engaging discussion with Labor Law Insider host Tom Godar regarding changes being initiated at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) under the Trump administration. The conversation explores questions about the viability of mandates under the NRLB’s recent Cemex and Stericycle decisions. The discussion also tackles the impact of a more management-friendly NLRB on unions that are filing charges or seeking certification elections. 

The insiders also anticipate the practical, day-to-day changes in policies and practices that employers may consider given recent developments. For instance, should employers communicate differently with their employees under this new regulatory regime, and should handbooks and policies be revised? Jump into Part II of this fascinating discussion regarding the ever-changing world of labor law.

The firing of National Labor Relations Board General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo—and the rescission of many of the policies initiated under the Biden administration—is just the start of the new administration’s overhaul of labor policy. Labor Law Insider host Tom Godar welcomes Husch Blackwell’s Rufino Gaytán and Tracy Wolf for this fascinating discussion that takes stock of where we are now and, more significantly, what the next few months will bring as the Trump administration takes full hold of the NLRB machinery.

The insiders discuss not only the expected pro-management changes to come, but the unexpected appointment of a union-friendly Department of Labor secretary and pro-union comments by the president regarding the longshoremen who threatened a strike in January. Please join us for this entertaining discussion of what we know about real or potential changes in policy, including how the administration will likely approach the National Labor Relations Act. The insiders offer predictions for what might happen and when. Part II of this podcast will assess how these changes will impact policies and processes of employers in every sector and industry.

Labor Law Insider host Tom Godar is joined by attorneys Tyler Paetkau and Jason Montgomery to discuss the ever-changing labor law implications for college athletes. We dive into the issue of whether student athletes have the ability to be recognized as employees for purposes of forming unions and to receive compensation for use of their name, image and likeness. This engaging conversation explores the impact of the new Trump administration on the willingness of unions to push for recognition of student athletes as employees.

The Insiders also discuss the proposed settlement of the House case which would resolve the litigation around NIL compensation for student athletes and establish rules for NIL money distribution to student athletes. Tyler and Jason also offer thoughts regarding legislative responses to this changing area. Join the Labor Law Insiders for this terrific exchange on one of the most interesting areas affecting the labor law today.

Labor Law Insider host Tom Godar is joined by Husch Blackwell attorneys Mary-Ann Czak and Rufino Gaytán in Part II of our post-election analysis of labor law and policy. 

The Insiders discuss anticipated Trump administration changes that will likely reverse some of the policies and decisions of the current National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and its General Counsel. Our guests review seminal cases reflecting the current Board’s interpretation of the NLRA, which have redefined unfair labor practices and the reach and authority of the NLRB. 

Also included is a brief discussion of the very surprising nomination by President-elect Trump of Lori Chavez-DeRemer to lead the Department of Labor. This pro-union pick is causing consternation and speculation among those in the employer community. Join us for this must-listen installment of the Insiders for perspectives on where labor policy could be headed under a second Trump administration.

Husch Blackwell attorneys Mary-Ann Czak and Rufino Gaytán join Labor Law Insider host Tom Godar in a post-election analysis of anticipated policy changes in connection with the incoming Trump administration. 

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) became stridently pro-union under the leadership of its General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo and the majority of the board members appointed by President Joseph Biden. Through decisions and general counsel memos, the board marched an aggressive path extending the reach of the National Labor Relations Act, including shortening the time for elections, upending a decades-long election process, stiffening remedies for unfair labor practices, and skewering employer policies in both union and nonunion settings.

In Part I of our discussion, our guests explore both the process to be undertaken to appoint new board members and a new general counsel and the pace at which that might happen, as well as policy changes which could be expected even in the first days and months of the Trump administration. The discussion will carry over into Part II, where we will address specific decisions, as well as the risks and benefits of anticipating a more neutral NLRB on the horizon. Join us for this fascinating post-election discussion on the Labor Law Insider.

Husch Blackwell partner Tyler Paetkau joins Labor Law Insider host Tom Godar to discuss the latest assault on non-compete agreements and their various iterations. While an August 2024 district court order enjoined the Federal Trade Commission’s recent action to ban virtually all non-compete agreements, and the FTC has since withdrawn its noncompete opinion, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) continues its campaign against non-competes, with NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo publishing a memo last month doubling down on the policy position reflected in her May 2023 memo, namely, that “overbroad” non-competes are unlawful.

Listen to this instructive exchange between Tom and Tyler as they walk through recent pronouncements from the NLRB on non-compete agreements and the remaining exceptions that might provide an opportunity for employers to continue with narrowly tailored agreements to assist employees on accepting employment opportunities, finding educational opportunities, and more.

In Part II of this exclusive Labor Law Insider podcast, former National Labor Relations Board Assistant Regional Director Rebecca Dormon continues to share her story of becoming a whistleblower against the federal agency she served for 25 years. Husch Blackwell’s Tom Godar and Megann McManus—and now you—are the first to hear the details of this transformative journey that shines a light on irregularities impacting mail ballot NLRB elections to the advantage of organized labor. 

In this episode, Rebecca shares deep concerns that the Board is no longer a neutral agency protecting employees’ rights but is yielding to pressure to be a union tool. Please join us for the conclusion of this first-hand, behind-the-scenes glimpse of agency action and a candid discussion of NLRB bias.

The Labor Law Insider is excited to share this episode, an exclusive interview with Rebecca Dormon, former assistant regional director of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Region 15, as she shares her story for the first time of election abuse in ballot elections conducted over the last year and a half. Rebecca tells host Tom Godar and Husch Blackwell attorney Megann McManus how she became a whistleblower, shines a light on the improprieties and irregularities corrupting mail ballot NLRB elections across the country, and explains how the revelation led to a broader investigation into how elections were conducted across the agency.

After decades of service with the NLRB, specializing in conducting elections “by the manual,” Rebecca was compelled to take on the unenviable role of a whistleblower and ultimately move into the role of labor relations consultant to guide and train employers in NLRA compliance. Rebecca’s story sheds light on the concerns of private businesses regarding the NLRB’s role as a neutral agency in union organizing efforts. Join us for this first-hand, behind-the-scenes glimpse of agency action and a candid discussion of NLRB bias.

In part two of this thought-provoking podcast episode on the tricky business of collective bargaining, Husch Blackwell attorneys Jon Anderson and Adam Doerr share war stories and real-life advice with host Tom Godar. Their discussion covers, among other items, how to deal with theatrics at the bargaining table, what to do when it looks like negotiations are getting stuck, and how do you bring bargaining to a close. There is art, science, and law involved in good-faith bargaining, and being prepared—long before seeing the union at the table—is the key to success. Veteran bargainers will be nodding their heads, and those new to the bargaining table will walk away with a whole new bag of tricks. Join us for part two of this practical episode of the Labor Law Insider podcast.

Our Labor Law Insiders tackle the tricky business of collective bargaining in parts one and two of this Labor Law Insider. Host Tom Godar shares the microphone with Husch Blackwell attorneys Jon Anderson and Adam Doerr who have spent countless hours with scores of unions locked into the process of collective bargaining. Listen to their insights on bargaining preparation, agreements between the parties as to the bargaining process, how to move past being “stuck” in the process. These Insiders offer insights on avoiding some of the real stumbling blocks of the bargaining process, while recognizing the possibility that even bargaining in good faith is no guarantee that strikes will never occur. Folks new to this process will be entertained and encouraged, and even bargaining table veterans will gain new insights. Join us for this practical episode of The Labor Law Insider podcast.