HEC was founded to provide labor relations assistance to employers and our experienced consultants are recognized for their expertise in labor relations. Over the years, our experts have negotiated Hawaii’s most important labor contracts and thousands of agreements with most of the unions represented in the state. Now, with over 60 years of experience and a much-envied reputation in labor relations, HEC continues to be a valued source for your negotiations team and other labor relations services. Members determine our level of involvement on their behalf. For additional information regarding our Labor Relations Services, please email joinhec@hecouncil.org

• Collective Bargaining
• Labor Contract Documentation
• Administration of Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Unfair Labor Practice Charges
• Grievance and Arbitration Hearings
• Work Stoppages and Strike Preparation
• Union Counter-Organizing
• Union Representation Elections

Your Negotiating Team
We have bargained thousands of labor agreements in a wide range of industries and have helped members achieve their strategic goals. We can serve as your spokesperson at the bargaining table, analyze data and provide you with market information important to your situation, help you develop a strategy for negotiating, and make recommendations on how to deal with key issues. You determine the role we play – from behind-the-scenes advisor to representing you during negotiations.

Labor Contract Documentation
During negotiations, we prepare and finalize letters of understanding, memoranda of agreement, and final collective bargaining agreements.

Administration of the Collective Bargaining Agreement
Our services also include assisting you with the day-to-day interpretation of the labor contract. We will review provisions of the agreement with company managers and supervisors to highlight management’s rights and interests, as well as understand obligations under the contract.

Unfair Labor Practice Charges
Our goal is to prevent you from having a charge filed either by the union or an employee. If an unfair labor practice charge is filed, we assist with developing a response to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and gathering documentation in preparation for the hearing.

Beyond the Negotiation Table – Grievances and Arbitration Hearings
Our services range far beyond just the negotiation process. When grievances arise, we advise you on preparing for grievance proceedings and can act as the company’s representative at the hearing. Grievances that are not settled by the parties frequently lead to formal arbitration hearings. If that becomes necessary, we can assist with assembling documents for the hearing and will work closely with the member’s legal counsel.

Work Stoppages and Strike Preparation
HEC professionals help management work with law enforcement officials, customers, vendors, and employees to minimize the impact of a strike or picketing.

Union Counter-Organizing
When a union seeks to organize a non-union member company, we assist the employer in maintaining a union-free workplace. We will inform you of the organizing process and the intricate requirements of the NLRB. Our professionals are adept at helping the employer identify key employee issues and develop a strategy to deal with the organizing attempt, including a plan to communicate the employer’s position to employees. We help you avoid unfair labor practice charges and will train supervisors in how to communicate with employees during these difficult circumstances. For unionized employers, union decertification information is available.

Union Representation Elections
When a union files a petition with the NLRB, we will inform you about the process that follows. If desired, we can represent you at the hearing.