Recent filings with the Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) continue to expose companies engaging “persuader” consultants. These LM-20 forms are a crucial mechanism for transparency, required when employers enlist outside consultants to influence employees regarding their rights to organize and bargain collectively.
This week’s filings reveal several new instances of employers retaining persuader services:
- The Tustin Group, located in Fairfield, NJ, has engaged Cummings Group, LLC for persuader services. The agreement was dated June 17, 2025.
- American Rock Products in Yakima, WA, has enlisted Labor Consulting Group LLC. The agreement, dated June 6, 2025, specifies a compensation rate of $395 per hour and involved workers organizing with IBT 760. The NLRB status for case 19-RC-364040 is currently “open,” with the union having won the election on May 16, 2025, with 9 votes for the union and 7 against. Labor Consulting Group’s filing was made after the tally was announced.
- Alro Steel Corporation of Jackson, MI, operating from 3100 E High St, has retained Labor Management Associates, LLC. This agreement, dated April 28, 2025, came with a compensation rate of $325 per hour and involved workers organizing with IBT 118. The NLRB case 03-RC-366635 is currently “closed,” with the union having lost the election on June 26, 2025, with 10 votes for the union and 13 against. This filing was also made after the tally was announced, which is a violation of the LMRDA.
- Medix Ambulance Service of Hillsboro, OR, located at 5475 NE Dawson Creek Drive, has enlisted Davis Grimm Payne & Marra. This agreement, dated July 1, 2025, specifies a compensation rate of $440 per hour and targets workers organizing with IAEP. The NLRB case 19-RC-368170 is currently “open.”
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.
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.
Data provided by LaborLab
This information is published by LaborLab, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering working families. Rooted in educating workers about their organizing rights, LaborLab’s mission is to help workers build power by ensuring accountability and transparency from employers and the labor relations industry.
