The City of Chicago serves as an employer for more than 40,000 employees who are covered by more than 40 collective bargaining agreements. The Labor Division represents the City in all aspects of labor and employment law.

Police & Human Resources Board

The attorneys represent all City departments in preparing charges against city employees whom the city is attempting to discharge or discipline. These cases are heard in front of these Boards. They also represent the departments throughout the administrative process from identifying witnesses, counseling the departments, reaching and drafting settlements, conducting hearings and representing the City in appeals filed in the Chancery Division of Circuit Court. The attorneys also handle suspension hearings.

Traditional Labor

Traditional labor attorneys represent all City departments when unions file grievances based on alleged violations of the various contracts. These cases go forward to arbitration and the attorneys handle all aspects of arbitration, from identifying witnesses, counseling the departments, reaching and drafting settlements, conducting arbitration hearings and writing post hearing briefs. They also represent the city at the Labor Board which includes going forward to hearing before the Labor Board if necessary. Lastly, they are involved in contract negotiations with the unions.

Labor Attorneys – In General

Both groups defend the City against discrimination claims filed at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”), the Illinois Department on Human Rights (“IDHR”) and the Chicago Commission on Human Relations (“CCHR”). If the claims go forward at the IDHR or the CCHR, the attorneys then represent the City at hearing in front of the Human Rights Commission or the CCHR. If the case goes forward in federal court after the EEOC issues a right to sue letter, the employment litigation division handles the matter from thereon.