An unusual court case between EnerSys and its law firm, Jackson Lewis, is exposing the detailed anti-union tactics used in a seven-year anti-unon campaign. A leader of the campaign has testified how a consultant advised him and how he received cash payments for harassing union leaders. These tactics and others led to a $7.47 million settlement against EnerSys that stemmed from 120 accusations of labor law violations. The company, in turn, accused its law firm of malpractice and of advising the illegal behavior. Jackson Lewis countered, saying it offered sound advice and that the company is trying to avoid paying its legal bill. What has emerged is a fascinating look into how law firms and consultants work with corporations to beat back unionization efforts.
See "How Do You Drive Out a Union? South Carolina Factory Provides a Textbook Case", Steven Greenhouse, The New York Times, December 13, 2004