A labor lawyer in Portland represents workers and unions in disputes involving wages, working conditions, collective bargaining, and unfair labor practices. An experienced Portland labor attorney handles cases before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), negotiates union contracts, fights wage theft, and challenges labor law violations by employers.
Labor lawyers typically charge hourly rates of $200–$500/hr for union and collective bargaining matters. Wage and hour cases are often handled on contingency (33–40%). Under federal law, prevailing employees may recover attorney fees from the employer.
Typical fee structure: Hourly ($200–$500/hr) or contingency for wage claims
Average settlement/outcome: $5,000 – $250,000+
Hourly: $200–$500/hr for union matters. Wage and hour cases: often contingency (33–40%). Prevailing employees may recover attorney fees from the employer.
Actions by employers or unions that violate the National Labor Relations Act — such as interfering with union organizing, retaliating against union activity, or refusing to bargain in good faith.
No — firing or retaliating against employees for protected union activity is an unfair labor practice. File a charge with the NLRB within 6 months.
File a complaint with the Department of Labor or sue under the FLSA. You may recover back pay, liquidated damages (double back pay), and attorney fees.
Misclassification is common. Courts look at factors like control over work, tools provided, schedule flexibility, and economic dependence. Misclassified workers can recover wages and benefits.
The process of negotiating employment terms — wages, hours, benefits, and working conditions — between an employer and a union. A labor attorney advises on strategy and rights.