Economic Policy Institute Policy Analyst and Government Affairs Specialist Margaret Poydock joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about the EPI’s recent report on union avoidance consultation work and the impact it has made on unionization attempts over the past few years.
In 2022, companies spent over $433 million on union avoidance consultation. These consultants reported being paid about $350 per hour or roughly $2,000 per day to provide union-avoidance services. Unfortunately, these types of consultants are nothing new and legal to hire, said Poydock. Unless the consultant works directly with staff, there is no requirement to report costs.
She explained why it is difficult to prevent these types of consultative practices. Due to broken labor laws in the U.S., there is no civil monetary penalties for infringing on the ability to unionize. Instead, the worst that can happen is to rehire a fired individual and provide them with back pay minus what they made since their wrongful termination. On top of that, all expenses related to union-busting are tax deductible for the company, she added.
Poydock said there is work being done to help and protect employees against these types of union-busting activities. Unfortunately, until more protections are implemented, organizing will remain a difficult battle in the current work environment.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more.