New federal disclosures reveal just how much capital employers are willing to burn to keep workers from having a seat at the table. From the Virgin Islands to the Midwest, the “union avoidance” industry is raking in massive fees, even as some companies face serious allegations of worker intimidation.
Here is the breakdown of the latest US Department of Labor filings and related NLRB activity.
The $4,000-a-Day Driver: CPC Logistics
The most staggering figure this week comes from CPC Logistics in Chesterfield, MO. To counter an organizing drive by the Teamsters (IBT 179), the company has retained East Coast Labor Relations, LLC at a rate of $4,000 per day.
While the company pays premium rates to consultants, they are also under fire at the NLRB. CPC Logistics is currently facing Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charges, including allegations of:
- Illegal interrogation of employees.
- Discriminatory discipline against union supporters.
[UPDATE] At the time of publication (evening of Feb. 12, 2026), results for this union campaign were not available. That changed on the morning of February 13 when we learned workers at CPC Logistics won their election 24 to 14!
The “Persuader” Premium: $425 per Hour
In the Pacific Northwest and Nevada, LRI Consulting Services, Inc.—one of the most active firms in the industry—has secured two high-priced contracts:
- PetIQ (Eagle, ID): Paying $425/hour to oppose the Teamsters (IBT 317).
- Kodiak Roofing & Waterproofing (Sparks, NV): Also paying $425/hour to fight a campaign by SMART (International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers).
At these rates, a single consultant working a standard 40-hour week costs the employer at least $17,000; money that could otherwise be used for safety equipment, roofing materials, or base wage increases.
Fortune International: Surveillance Allegations
In Bensenville, IL, Fortune International is paying Santana International, Inc. a rate of $212.50/hour to push back against Teamsters Local 703. However, the cost to the company may go beyond consultant fees; they are currently facing ULP charges for “Coercive Actions,” including illegal surveillance of workers and retaliatory discharges.
Recent Election Results
In the case of Concessions International of St. Croix, the employer successfully fended off the Virgin Islands Workers Union (VIWU). Notably, the consultant agreement was filed on January 7, but the election tally was announced on January 30—leaving a very narrow window for workers to understand the outside influence being paid to sway their votes.
When companies hire $4,000/day consultants to fight worker organizing, LaborLab makes sure workers know about it. Help us continue monitoring and publishing these critical disclosures by supporting our work today.