Researching Union Avoidance Consultants

Workshop Description:

The “persuader industry”—a shadowy network of firms and consultants—operates in the dark corners of labor relations, wielding a toxic arsenal of tactics to dismantle worker organizing. Think misinformation campaigns, captive audience intimidation, and invasive surveillance, all designed to undermine the fundamental right to collective bargaining. These corporate mercenaries, dubbed “persuaders” by the U.S. Department of Labor, don’t just target any workforce; they often prey on marginalized populations, amplifying existing inequalities. But here’s the truth: they’re not invincible.

This workshop pulls back the curtain on the persuader industry, revealing the legal and regulatory levers worker advocates can use to fight back. Learn how to turn their tactics against them, using LaborLab’s watchdog work to fuel media campaigns, strengthen bargaining positions, and shape pro-worker policy at every level. Whether you’re a seasoned organizer or new to the fight, discover how to expose these corporate bullies and hold them accountable. This isn’t just about defense; it’s about reclaiming power.

Workshop Leader:

Bob Funk is the Executive Director and Founder of LaborLab, the leading watchdog organization dedicated to holding the union-busting industry and its clients accountable for suppressing worker organizing and collective bargaining. As a seasoned union strategist, Funk’s career encompasses organizing workers, advocating for pro-worker policies, defeating right-to-work initiatives, and serving as a staffer in the U.S. Senate.