Labor Relations
Successful labor relations requires more than legal knowledge—it requires operational experience, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the hospitality industry.
At Stokes Wagner, we partner with hotel owners, operators, management companies, restaurants, clubs, and institutional food service providers nationwide to develop labor strategies that protect business objectives while fostering productive employee relationships. Our team combines decades of labor law experience with executive-level labor relations leadership, allowing us to provide counsel that is both legally sound and operationally effective.
Whether navigating a union organizing campaign, negotiating a collective bargaining agreement, responding to labor disputes, or developing long-term workforce strategies, we work alongside management every step of the way. We understand that labor relations decisions impact far more than legal compliance—they affect operations, culture, guest experience, and the long-term success of your business.
Our approach is practical, proactive, and focused on helping employers anticipate challenges before they become disputes.
Hospitality Experience That Sets Us Apart
Hospitality is unlike any other industry. Employers must balance exceptional guest service, operational continuity, evolving labor laws, and increasingly sophisticated union activity—all while managing a workforce that operates around the clock.
Our labor relations team brings extensive experience advising hospitality employers on complex labor matters across the country. We have represented employers through union organizing campaigns, collective bargaining negotiations, grievance and arbitration proceedings, National Labor Relations Board litigation, and day-to-day labor relations issues. In addition to legal counsel, our team provides strategic guidance informed by real-world operational experience, helping management make decisions that are both effective in practice and defensible under the law.
Because we understand the realities of hotel operations, our advice is designed to work not only in the boardroom, but also on the property.
Our Labor Relations Services
Collective Bargaining
- Collective bargaining strategy and planning
- Chief spokesperson and lead negotiator services
- Contract negotiations and renewals
- Economic proposal development
- Mid-term bargaining
- Contract administration and interpretation
- Labor-management committee facilitation
Union Matters
- Union organizing campaign strategy
- Positive employee relations and union avoidance programs
- Representation petitions and union election strategy
- Labor harmony agreements
- Neutrality and card check agreements
- Strategic workforce assessments
Labor Disputes
- Grievance administration
- Arbitration and interest arbitration
- National Labor Relations Board proceedings
- Unfair labor practice investigations and litigation
- Mediation and dispute resolution
- Strike preparedness and contingency planning
Strategic Consulting & Training
- Executive labor relations counseling
- Leadership coaching for executives and operational managers
- Supervisor and management training
- Labor agreement audits
- Operational compliance reviews
- Labor risk assessments
- Long-term labor relations strategy
A Strategic Partner for Management
Our goal is not simply to respond when labor issues arise. We work with employers to develop comprehensive labor relations strategies that minimize risk, strengthen management teams, preserve operational flexibility, and position organizations for long-term success.
Whether your organization is facing collective bargaining, union organizing activity, labor disputes, executive workforce planning, or day-to-day labor relations challenges, Stokes Wagner provides experienced counsel grounded in the realities of hospitality operations and focused on achieving practical business solutions.