Birmingham, AL., August 4, 2019 - Burr’s Labor Team recently represented Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. (MBUSI) against a complaint filed by Region 10 of the National Labor Relations Board. The complaint alleged that MBUSI violated the National Labor Relations Act by threatening an employee for engaging in protected, concerted activity and for polling employees about particular activities.

On July 26, 2019, the Deputy Chief Administrative Law Judge dismissed the case, in its entirety, and rejected both allegations against MBUSI. The judge ruled and concluded that MBUSI did not engage in conduct that would interfere with any employee’s rights and that any actions taken by MBUSI was strictly for legitimate and lawful business reasons.

“This decision represents a rare victory for employers and manufacturers who often struggle with technical requirements under the National Labor Relations Act,” said Marcel Debruge, head of the firm’s Traditional Labor Team. “The decision is important because it recognizes employers’ compelling interest in meeting their business needs while also ensuring that all employees are treated fairly.”

For over 100 years, Burr & Forman has worked with manufacturers and employers in a number of industries across the Southeast with labor-related matters and issues. From its earliest years in the early 1900’s, the firm worked alongside some of the region’s biggest steel and railroad companies at the time, advising, training and assisting with nearly every aspect of management representation in labor matters.

With a Labor Team that spans across 19 offices and eight states, the firm’s full-service team has a strong history dealing with issues in the areas of: union campaigns, corporate campaigns, collective bargaining, and contract negotiations to grievance arbitrations, strike preparation, union avoidance and management training.

For more than a century, Burr & Forman LLP’s experienced legal team has served clients at the intersection of business and government with local, national, and international interests in numerous industry and practice areas, ranging from commercial litigation and class actions to corporate transactions, including bankruptcy and restructurings. A Southeast regional firm with 360 attorneys and 19 offices in Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, Burr & Forman attorneys draw from a diverse range of resources to help clients achieve their goals and address their complex legal needs. The firm operates as Burr Forman McNair in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit the firm’s website at www.burr.com.