Manufacturing

It’s a tough world out there for manufacturers. As automation and globalization become permanent fixtures in manufacturing, the business leaders must grow and adapt to remain competitive. A shaky global economy means you have to be as efficient as possible. But what does that mean for your workforce?

In recent years, we have seen a changing role for labor unions, along with a flood of new regulations impacting American manufacturers. Complying with the myriad of federal and state laws can be complicated, time consuming and expensive. But the costs of noncompliance could be greater.

What Sets Us Apart

Constangy has represented manufacturers both large and small, since our inception 1946. Our team has the depth and skills to anticipate and quickly respond to any labor and employment issue facing our manufacturing clients –from traditional labor and union avoidance to juggling immigration matters to defending trade secrets. Our vast experience uniquely positions us to understand the specific issues facing manufacturers and create effective strategies to reduce your legal risk across multiple fronts, keep your workplace running smoothly, and advance your short and long-term business goals.

What We Do

Constangy partners with our manufacturing clients to retain workforce flexibility, and ensure compliance with complex labor and employment laws and increased government regulation. We have counseled manufacturers in labor relations matters since 1946, and today have a full range of experienced attorneys who can help you with everything from developing a workplace safety policy or securing foreign worker visas, to protecting trade secrets and defending against wrongful discharge and discrimination claims.

Litigators at Constangy are trained to assist manufacturing clients to avoid litigation, but are prepared to defend their clients in administrative and court proceedings, as necessary. Constangy defends claims of discrimination, wrongful discharge, ERISA, state and federal wage and hour laws, and select state workers’ compensation. In addition, our OSHA and Affirmative Action teams are prepared to help manufacturers with their compliance with these complex laws.

Representative Matters

• Represents one of the world’s largest shipbuilders in a highly publicized multiplaintiff race discrimination case.
• Representing a U.S. automobile manufacturer in a putative FLSA collective action involving its call center.
• Granted summary judgement in favor of a major U.S. auto manufacturer in a case involving ADA disability discrimination, harassment and retaliation claims.
• Helped a global manufacturer of for the power and aerospace sectors summary judgement in favor of the defense for claims alleging age discrimination. Decision upheld by Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.
• Represented an electric equipment and service provider against claims alleging disability discrimination in violation of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), and wrongful termination in violation of public policy under California law.
• Represented international electronics company in a class investigation being conducted by the Buffalo Field Office of the EEOC regarding allegations of age discrimination relating to terminations from employment.

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