Our Services
WHAT WE DO
We provide a wide range of professional labor relations services and strategies to meet your union's needs. We can adapt to any situation, from a small association or local union, to a regional structure, because we have experience at every level of representation.
California Labor Strategies (CLS) is a resource for employee associations and unions who need to step up their game. We know that a real union does more than just pound the table and hope for the best. We've built powerful and effective unions from scratch, and we can help your organization become an effective voice for your members.

CLS purposely keeps its client base small to ensure that your union gets all the attention that it needs. We don't work for private employers, and we don't work for municipalities or other government agencies. We are squarely in your corner.

People organize associations and unions to protect and improve their lives at work. They truly are by the people, for the people. But let's face it: most unions or associations, at some stage, need professional assistance to achieve their goals. With our vast experience, we can help you anywhere you need it.

Tris Carpenter, President

For an overview of Tris Carpenter's 30-year career in the US Labor Movement, click the button below.


View Resumé

Negotiations Preparation and Assistance

Successful bargaining begins well before the first meeting with management. CLS can help you with any aspect of the process, from building  a strategy to win more at the table, to assisting with proposal development, to providing experienced negotiators to serve as your union's spokesperson.

Community / Political Action

A union that is engaged with the community and the political actors around it is one that gets heard. CLS can help you develop these relationships and build ties that will help your union and its members.

Contract Enforcement and Grievances

Now that you've negotiated a good contract, you need to defend it! Enforcing the contract through the grievance process is critical to making sure your victories don't melt away. CLS can provide direct grievance assistance, or train your shop stewards and activists to be a powerful voice at work.

Communications

Communication with the membership is critical to a successful union. We can help make sure your membership is informed and engaged, not only during negotiations but throughout the life of the contract.

Internal Organizing

Many unions lost membership as a result of the Janus vs AFSCME decision in 2018. We can help you build a campaign to rebuild your membership base, and make your union stronger than it was before.

Need a Union?

If you don't have a union, we can help you build one! We maintain the strictest confidentiality, and can help you assess whether taking this step is the right one.
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