Recent filings with the Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) reveal that several companies have engaged “persuader” consultants. These filings, known as LM-20 forms, are required when employers hire outside consultants to persuade employees regarding their rights to organize and bargain collectively.
- Bi-Con Services, Inc., an Ohio-based company located at 10901 Clay Pike Road in Derwent, has engaged Labor Management Consultants, LLC. The agreement, dated May 22, 2025, is targeting workers and the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE).
- Integrity Painting & Decorating of Downers Grove, Illinois, operating from 1326 Ogden Ave, has enlisted Santana International, Inc. for persuader services. This agreement, dated June 6, 2025, came with a compensation rate of $212.50 per hour and targeted professional painters organizing with the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT). The election appears to have been lost, but objections were filed due to “irregularities.”
- DXH6, located at 63700 Finley Rd in Downers Grove, Illinois, and associated with Amazon, has retained Compliance & Policy Consulting. This agreement, dated April 28, 2025, carries a compensation rate of $2,000 per day and involves delivery drivers and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. DSP (Delivery Service Partner) drivers at Amazon are organizing primarily to secure better pay, safer working conditions, more manageable workloads, consistent and reliable schedules, and overall a stronger voice and accountability from Amazon, which often treats them as contractors to avoid providing benefits and fair labor practices.
The filing of LM-20 forms provides transparency into employer-consultant agreements aimed at influencing employees’ decisions regarding union representation. The U.S. Department of Labor mandates these disclosures to ensure workers are aware when outside parties are involved in their workplace’s labor discussions. Unfortunately, the labor relations industry’s compliance with these transparency rules is low and enforcement needs significant improvement.
This information is published by LaborLab, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering working families. Rooted in educating workers about their organizing rights, LaborLab helps working families build power by ensuring accountability and transparency from employers and the labor relations industry.
Anti-union “persuaders” can significantly impact the outcome of unionization drives. These consultants employ a range of tactics to thwart union organizing efforts. These tactics include disseminating false and misleading information about unions and their potential impact on worker benefits. They also employ intimidation tactics such as mandatory captive audience meetings where anti-union messages are delivered. Furthermore, persuaders may engage in surveillance, monitoring union activity and targeting pro-union employees, while also following workers, conducting one-on-one meetings, and collecting personal employee information that can be leveraged against organizing workers.
