Resolving complex labor and employment disputes is the foundation of Derek’s practice.
Derek counsels clients on federal and state labor and employment laws, and frequently defends claims in state and federal trial and appellate courts, as well as before arbitrators and administrative agencies such as the NLRB, EEOC, and U.S. Department of Labor.
With deep experience in traditional labor matters, Derek advises clients on collective bargaining relationships, including developing and implementing bargaining strategies, labor dispute contingency planning, maintenance of operations during labor disputes, responding to corporate campaigns, audits of union-sponsored health and welfare plans, unfair labor practice litigation, labor contract administration, and labor issues associated with the acquisition or divesture of corporate assets.
Clients with and without unionized workforces turn to Derek for help on employee engagement initiatives, organizing risk assessments, and implementing successful campaigns related to union certification and decertification elections. He represents clients across a broad range of industries, including health care, manufacturing, law enforcement, logistics and distribution, business consulting, retail, publishing, and financial services.
Beyond traditional labor matters, Derek's litigation experience includes defending claims involving civil rights and equal employment opportunity, wrongful discharge, wage payment and collection, and ERISA benefits, including class action claims for alleged vested retiree benefits. Derek also has considerable experience prosecuting and defending actions involving the enforcement of contractual restrictive covenants, as well as claims for unfair competition, employee raiding, and the protection of trade secrets.
More Legal and Business Bylines From Derek Barella
- What’s Old is New (For Now): DOL Rescinds Trump-Era Worker Classification Rulemaking, Eyes Adoption of ABC Standard - (Posted On Friday, May 21, 2021)
- Last Call: Illinois Employers Must Provide Sexual Harassment Training by Year End - (Posted On Monday, November 30, 2020)
- DOL Issues Guidance on Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Benefits Under CARES Act - (Posted On Friday, May 01, 2020)
- Updated Guidance for Employers on Paid Leave Requirements of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act - (Posted On Tuesday, March 31, 2020)
- Department of Labor Issues Clarifying Guidance for Employers Concerning the Families First Act’s Employee Leave Requirements - (Posted On Thursday, March 26, 2020)
- New York Law Now Requires Employers to Provide Additional Paid Sick Leave to Employees Affected by Coronavirus - (Posted On Friday, March 20, 2020)
- EEOC Confirms Multiple Actions Employers Can Take in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic; Ohio Governor Encourages Employers to Use Temperature Screening - (Posted On Thursday, March 19, 2020)
- Coronavirus Pandemic: Top Questions and Answers for Employers - (Posted On Thursday, March 12, 2020)
- NLRB Joint-Employer Final Rule: Good News for Employers - (Posted On Thursday, February 27, 2020)
- New Year’s Reminder: Mandatory Sexual Harassment Training and Related #MeToo Protections to Take Effect in Illinois - (Posted On Thursday, December 19, 2019)