LAYOFF FIGHT: Unionized editorial workers at Law360 file legal action against management, take aim at parent company LexisNexis

NEW YORK – Unionized editorial workers, represented by The NewsGuild of New York at LexisNexis-owned Law360, have taken legal action over planned layoffs that would affect 10 percent of their union. 

The union filed an unfair labor practice charge on March 1, 2024 at Region 2 of the National Labor Relations Board in New York. 

This is just the latest collective action taken by members of Law360 Union as they demand management negotiate in good faith for a fair contract. On Feb. 27, the union voted to authorize a strike, in direct response to the company’s persistent intransigence at the bargaining table and unlawful tactics that violate workers’ rights.

On Feb. 15, LexisNexis Legal and Professional, of which Law360 is a subsidiary, announced its highest revenue growth in decades. That same day, Law360 management announced plans to lay off 26 workers in the bargaining unit. 

Company executives want the proposed layoffs to take effect this Friday. 

“We are Law360,” said Hailey Konnath, a reporter for the legal news site and unit chair for the union.“We are the reason our parent company could tout these record profits – every one of us in this union. If our company was that successful last year, there’s no reason to lay off our members other than corporate greed.” 

Law360 Union, which represents nearly 300 workers, began negotiating its contract on Nov. 17, 2022. The current contract expired on Dec. 31, 2022. 

Changes to workplace terms and conditions, including layoffs, after a contract has expired must be negotiated and agreed to by the Guild. Failure to maintain the workplace status quo is a violation of labor law and is the basis of the ULP charges filed on behalf of Law360 Union.

“Law360 is built around our members’ in-depth reporting, understanding and analysis of law,” said Susan DeCarava, president of The NewsGuild of New York. “It’s ironic that Law360 management and LexisNexis corporate executives are violating labor law by unlawfully laying off the very workers responsible for the company’s record profits. We will take every action necessary to protect the rights and work of our members.”