Law360 Union: The Verdict is In, It’s Time to Strike

Unionized editorial workers at LexisNexis-owned Law360 have put management on notice that they will walk off the job on an unfair labor practice (ULP) strike in September unless there’s real progress in rectifying the harm caused by the company’s unlawful tactics and at the bargaining table. Contract negotiations between Law360 Union—part of The NewsGuild of New York—which represents about 250 workers, and LexisNexis began in November 2022. The union’s current contract expired on Dec. 31, 2022.

The union’s bargaining team has spent the months since the strike authorization vote making every effort to negotiate with management but has been met time and time again with stall tactics and disrespect. The company’s unlawful tactics, including mid-contract layoffs and unilateral changes to healthcare plans, forced the union to file ULP charges with the National Labor Relations Board and have made bargaining harder.

Management is pushing to eliminate guaranteed annual wage increases, do away with a cap on healthcare costs and dramatically weaken job security protections for unionized editorial workers. Management is also refusing to increase the family leave benefit — currently at six weeks — to industry standards.  In addition, management is seeking to further economically maroon their workforce by seeking salary minimums that range from $11,250 to $21,000 lower than worker-proposed minimums.

“We have truly made every effort, but we are ready to strike,” said Hailey Konnath, a reporter for Law360 and unit chair for the union. “It’s now up to management and Harmon to make the right decision, remedy the ULPs and negotiate a fair contract.” Read more here and contribute to a strike fund here!