Mets, Schiro, Manetta & Milewski, LLP
Working for Labor in the New Jersey & New York Regions
Mets, Schiro, Manetta & Milewski, LLP specialize in labor law in the public and private sector. We are experts in labor law and spend every moment of our day fighting for the working rights of the men and women of New Jersey and New York.
WE KNOW LABOR LAW
Mets, Schiro, Manetta & Milewski, LLP has successfully represented unions in contract negotiations, unfair practice proceedings, litigation, and, when necessary, lock-out and strikes. The firm provides clients more than just legal advice but an overall strategy and tactical approach in all facets of the union/employer relationship.
Mets, Schiro, Manetta & Milewski, LLP provides counsel and advice to multi-employer benefits plans governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and, when necessary, pursues the interests of those Plans in federal court. Whether it’s initiating a collection action against a delinquent employer, enforcing the findings of a detailed fund audit, or defending the Trustees’ interpretation of the plan documents in court, Mets, Schiro, Manetta & Milewski, LLP has the knowledge and experience to successfully handle a wide array of matters in this complex and ever-changing area of law.
Perhaps in no other area of law is having effective counsel more important than in the administration of employee benefit plans. Federal law imposes upon Plan Trustees a fiduciary duty to protect the assets of plan and to exercise the duties of their office reasonably and responsibly. Those who violate this duty through inadvertence or neglect face the specter of personal liability for the loss of plan assets, conceivably in the millions of dollars. Having experienced Fund counsel who are knowledgeable in the intricacies of employee benefits law is imperative in order for Plan Trustees to properly discharge their responsibilities to the plan, its participants and beneficiaries.
Mets, Schiro, Manetta & Milewski, LLP is committed to protecting not only the integrity of theses plans, but also the men and women who voluntarily undertake the weighty and vital role of Plan Trustee. This is best accomplished by taking a proactive role in Fund affairs – getting involved in the decision-making process of the Trustees at an early point in time to ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory aspects of benefits administration. In doing so, Mets, Schiro, Manetta & Milewski, LLP seeks to minimize the possibility of litigation against the Fund and its Trustees, thereby reducing legal and administrative costs and providing a value-added service to our clients.
Mets, Schiro, Manetta & Milewski, LLP has a strong regional reputation for its work on behalf of uniformed law enforcement officers, a result of the Firm’s many years of work with police officers. The firm is well known for its representation of police unions, as well as individual officers, in a wide array of legal matters. We are on the approved PBA defense fund list, and we take pride in representing the men and women who work hard to protect us in precincts throughout New York and New Jersey.
Critical Incidents
Most, if not all, police unions require that a lawyer be present during a critical incident investigation. While CI proceedings are held ostensibly to ensure that no laws were broken and that proper departmental policies and procedures were being followed, it is an investigation into the officer’s decisions and judgment, and it is prudent to have legal counsel present. A qualified attorney can protect the rights of the officer by ensuring that the proceeding takes place in a fair and just manner and providing sound counsel in the crucial early stages. Mets, Schiro, Manetta & Milewski, LLP stands ready with experienced professionals to provide this important service.
Interest Arbitration
When negotiations break down and interest arbitration is mandated, the talent of Mets, Schiro, Manetta & Milewski, LLP attorneys is crucial. Our skill in guiding arbitration proceedings, including the selection of panel members and definition of the issues, is born of many years of experience. We understand the process of interest arbitration, which is governed by a completely separate set of rules and procedures, and we understand how to make it work for our clients.
We are proud that one of our attorneys is also an active duty New York City Police Captain. His experience as a member of the NYPD gives our clients the confidence that they are being represented by a law firm that understands the special challenges they face, and the legal help they need.
Mets, Schiro, Manetta & Milewski, LLP represents labor unions, union members, and employee benefits plans in all private sector places of employment. We understand the conflict inherent in the relationship between private sector employers and labor unions. We also know how to prevent problems, facilitate solutions and, when negotiations fail, how to aggressively represent unions and their members in all available forums.
The private sector has historically resisted the presence of unions, and this scenario continues today. Multi-national corporations, Fortune 500 companies and midsized businesses all face increasing pressures in a global environment where pricing and market share value have become the primary motivating force. While there are exceptions, most businesses will put profitability ahead of people without thinking twice about doing so. The protection of an effective law Firm is critical for a union to withstand daily threats from a rough economy and companies driven the bottom line.
The experienced attorneys at Mets, Schiro, Manetta & Milewski, LLP are dedicated to working for labor. We bring decades of experience, the latest in technology in and out of the courtroom, and a dogged determination to our practice of law. Our clients know that they can rely on us, whatever the issue.
Every union needs and deserves the best legal team to protect its members and enforce its rights. At Mets, Schiro, Manetta & Milewski, LLP, we are on your side.
Mets, Schiro, Manetta & Milewski, LLP represents labor unions and union members, in the public sector, with a knowledge base that extends far beyond the courtroom. We understand the special challenges facing public employees and their unions and appreciate that in the real world, legal theory must be applied practically. Making the most of professional relationships cultivated over decades of practice, our attorneys know how to successfully navigate the agencies and administrative offices that proliferate the labor-management relationship in the public sector. This in-depth knowledge and relationship base allows us to provide clients with the highest level of representation.
Our attorneys include an active duty NYC Police Captain, our founding partners are respected instructors of labor law at Rutgers University and another partner was in charge of labor relations for the State of New Jersey. The Firm is a member of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association Defense Fund List.
Public employees and their unions are governed by a very specialized body of law, addressing certain protected rights, and responsibilities and obligations upon employers that must be respected. We have experience representing our clients in collective bargaining at the Office of administrative Law, and at the Public Employment Relations Commission, as well as assisting with union elections, handling grievances and interest arbitrations and all legal matters that affect the public sector employee.
A special note concerning non–union employees.
Mets, Schiro, Manetta & Milewski, LLP also represents non–union employees.
There are situations when having the help of an experienced labor attorney gives a strategic advantage to an employee who might not otherwise know their rights in the workplace. We assist clients in strategy and tactics, offer advice and representation at the negotiating table, and when necessary, file suit against employers, regardless of their size, to protect your rights.
Mets, Schiro, Manetta & Milewski, LLP represents employees in all matters concerning labor issues, including employment contracts, negotiating severance agreements, wrongful termination, discrimination of any kind, wage and benefits issues, and any other work related matters.
Even if you are not a union member or work at a facility that does not have a union, you still have the protection of the law. Mets, Schiro, Manetta & Milewski, LLP can help ensure that these protections are honored and enforced.
“We were on the brink of going on strike when we hired Mets, Schiro, Manetta & Milewski, LLP. We went from almost out of work to a settlement that was nothing short of a miracle. AMAZING!”
Mets, Schiro, Manetta & Milewski, LLP
1460 U.S. Highway 9 North, Suite 310, Woodbridge, NJ 07095
Phone: 732.636.0040
Fax: 732.636.5705