Overview
As the National Labor Relations Board advocates in favor of unions and makes it more difficult for employers to communicate the potential ill effects of unionization, the climate between employers and union members becomes more treacherous. Mike works with employers in traditional labor relations matters by preparing statements of position, investigating grievances and litigating matters in response to filings of unfair labor practices with the National Labor Relations Board.
Mike counsels employers on labor relations, including compliance with federal and state statutes and regulations regarding Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act and the National Labor Relations Act. He represents employers facing litigation matters, such as discrimination charges, union organizing drives, collective bargaining, arbitration, and employment contracts and restrictive covenant disputes.
Additionally, Mike provides counsel to clients involved in immigration matters with regard to employment and compliance. He regularly assists employers in obtaining H-1B visas for temporary foreign employees and conducts compliance audits of I-9 forms and employer work authorization obligations.
Experience
Membership & Involvement
- Member: Illinois State Bar Association
- Board of Directors: Fox Valley Association General Contractors
Resources & Insights
In the Media
Alerts
Speaking Engagements
Published Works
Blog
Contributing Author, SmithAmundsen's Labor & Employment Law Update, a labor and employment advisory blog.
Contributing Author, Illinois Chamber of Commerce's Chamber Dispatch, an HR advisory blog.
Blog Posts
Education on Demand
As quickly as the world is changing so is the legal landscape. These changes span the spectrum and challenge many aspects of the relationship between employers and employees, including greater restrictions on non-compete agreements to patterns and trends emerging with unions.
The key legal issues and developments impacting the construction industry in 2021 -- from COVID-19 to the recent election.
- Your Business’s Response to Bad “Press” and Negative Social Media PostsYour Business’s Response to Bad “Press” and Negative Social Media Posts
Bad “press” and negative social media posts are on the rise, and they can have damaging effects if a business is not prepared.
- Seventh Annual Labor & Employment Fall SeminarSeventh Annual Labor & Employment Fall Seminar
Our attorneys will cover the latest trends, updates and mandates that were introduced in 2021 and will look ahead at what’s to come.
- Politicians Aim To Force Unionization In The Private SectorPoliticians Aim To Force Unionization In The Private Sector
Jeff Risch’s & Mike Hughes's article “Politicians Aim To Force Unionization In The Private Sector,” addresses unionization efforts, details included in the Federal PRO Act, and much more on page 12 in the latest edition of The Illinois Manufacturer.
- Illinois Employment Forms-Online VersionIllinois Employment Forms-Online Version
Members of SmithAmundsen's Labor and Employment team provide insight into the Illinois Chamber of Commerce’s Employment Law Forms. This section includes 169 forms in a 390 page book for Illinois employers to use in managing their human resources. Topics range from interviewing potential employees, to terminating departing employees.
Services
- Construction
- Cybersecurity & Data Privacy
- Employment Advice & Counsel
- Equal Pay Compliance
- Government Regulation, Audit and Compliance
- Immigration & Global Mobility
- Labor & Employment & Benefits
- OSHA
- Staffing Agency, Independent Contractor & Contingent Workforce
- Traditional Labor & Union Relations
- Unfair Competition Counseling and Litigation
- Vaccine Mandates in the Workplace
- Wage & Hour
Education
Chicago-Kent College of Law, J.D., 2003 High Honors
Illinois Institute of Technology, B.S., 1993
Admissions
- Illinois