Labor and Employment Law
Strumwasser & Woocher represents labor unions and related groups in
a diverse body of cases seeking to advance worker interests in precedent
setting litigation and in legislative reforms. The firm also advises labor
unions, including the American Federation of Teachers ‑ College Guild,
on ensuring that their political activities comply with California's
Political Reform Act.
State Construction and Building Trades Council
The firm represents California's council of construction and building
trades in defending a statute that imposes training and prevailing wage
standards for workers at oil refineries.
Garment Workers Class Action
As counsel to a class of garment workers wrongfully denied minimum wage
and overtime pay, the firm achieved a $1.5 million settlement for approximately
350 employees of contractors to Guess?, Inc.
SEIU
The firm has worked with representatives of the Service Employees International
Union to develop a legislative strategy and to draft proposed legislation
to reform existing laws governing nursing homes in California to improve
working conditions for nursing home care aides and the quality of care
for residents, expand job opportunities for nursing home aides, and help
SEIU increase its membership.
UNITE HERE
Strumwasser & Woocher has advised and represented UNITE HERE on antitrust
issues concerning consolidation of the industries in which the union represents
employees.
AFSCME
The firm has represented the American Federation of State, County and Municipal
Employees, AFL CIO, in an action to remove the officers of a local Los
Angeles bargaining unit for failure to hold elections as required by the
International's constitution and bylaws. Strumwasser & Woocher
also advised AFSCME in complying with California campaign finance and
election laws.
Defending Union Leaders
The firm successfully defended current National Labor Relations Board General
Counsel from a frivolous lawsuit relating to his previous role as general
counsel to the International Union of Operating Engineers.
Wage and Hour Standards
The firm is supporting the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy's
campaign for economic justice for truck drivers at the Port of Long Beach.
Strumwasser & Woocher is representing a truck driver on a pro bono
basis in pursuing a claim for unpaid wages before the state Department of Labor.
The firm represents a community group supporting an initiative to institute
a minimum wage and earned paid sick leave for San Diegans.