LaborLab Exposes Employer Use of Anti-Union Persuaders in Recent Filings

This week, LaborLab unveiled detailed information from recent filings with the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS), shedding light on the continued use of anti-union persuaders by employers. The disclosures, known as Forms LM-20, are required when companies hire external consultants to influence employees' decisions regarding unionization. The latest data from the week of July 21, 2025, highlights several notable cases, including The Tustin Group, American Rock Products, Alro Steel Corporation, and Medix Ambulance Service, all of which engaged consultants in efforts to sway union-related decisions among their workforce.

Among the findings, American Rock Products and Alro Steel Corporation's engagements with consulting firms stood out for their timing and implications. American Rock Products' agreement with Labor Consulting Group LLC was established after the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) election, where the union won by a narrow margin. Similarly, Alro Steel Corporation's filing was made post-election, following a union loss, raising questions about compliance with the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA). These instances underscore the ongoing challenges in ensuring transparency and fairness in labor relations.

The revelations from LaborLab's report are significant for several reasons. Firstly, they highlight the lengths to which some employers will go to prevent unionization, including potentially violating labor laws. Secondly, the timing of some filings suggests a disregard for legal requirements, pointing to a need for stricter enforcement and oversight. For workers and unions, these findings serve as a reminder of the obstacles they may face in organizing efforts. For the broader industry and regulatory bodies, the data underscores the importance of vigilance in monitoring employer practices to protect workers' rights to organize.

The implications of LaborLab's findings extend beyond the immediate cases. They contribute to a growing body of evidence on the tactics used by employers to influence unionization efforts, offering valuable insights for policymakers, labor advocates, and the public. As the debate over workers' rights and unionization continues, the role of transparency and accountability in employer practices remains a critical issue. LaborLab's work in bringing these practices to light is a step toward greater awareness and, ultimately, fairer labor practices.