Practice Focus
Tim Copeland provides advice and representation to management clients on all aspects of their relationships with employees. He regularly works with clients in the manufacturing, construction, utilities, health care, retail and other industries in connection with union-related issues, including union organizing campaigns, collective bargaining, unfair labor practice charges, strikes, contract administration and labor arbitration. Tim has successfully obtained injunctions against work stoppages throughout the United States, including numerous federal court Boys Markets injunctions against strikes in breach of collective-bargaining agreement no-strike clauses. Tim has an active practice representing employers before the National Labor Relations Board including proceedings arising from union organizing activity and unfair labor practice charges. Tim’s NLRB practice also includes representing charging parties in proceedings involving unfair labor practices committed by unions.
Tim handles claims of wrongful discharge, discrimination, unpaid wages, breach of contract, breach of non-compete or non-solicitation agreements and other disputes before judges, juries and administrative agencies and has successfully represented clients at all levels of the state and federal court systems. Tim has successfully litigated several cases involving breach of employee manual/handbook claims.
Tim counsels management on how best to avoid employment litigation and grievances. He regularly provides advice and assistance to local and regional clients on plant closing and layoff issues, proper termination procedures, Family Medical Leave Act and state leave law issues, wage and hour issues, reasonable accommodation obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and state law, sexual harassment complaints and other matters.
Significant Matters
Tim successfully litigated a Boys Markets injunction before the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. In another case, Tim represented an employer in the construction industry who obtained a permanent injunction against future strike activity by a union.
Professional Activities
Tim currently serves on the board of directors and is a past President of the Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce. He also serves on board of directors of the United Way of Windham County and the board of trustees of the Chesterfield Public School Foundation. He is a past board member for the Vermont Chamber of Commerce.
Reported Cases
Otis Elevator Co. v. International Union of Elevator Constructors, Local 4, 408 F.3d 1 (1st Cir. 2006) (represented major elevator company in action to enjoin work stoppage)
KONE, Inc. v. International Union of Elevator Constructors, Local 4, 2006 WL 2987042 (D.Mass. Sept. 27, 2006) (represented major elevator company in action resulting in permanent injunction against work stoppages)
Otis Elevator Co. v. Local 91, International Union of Elevator Constructors, 393 F.Supp. 2d 143 (D.Conn. 2005) (represented major elevator company in action to enjoin work stoppage)
Local One, International Union of Elevator Constructors (National Elevator Industry, Inc.), 339 NLRB 977 (2003) (represented supervisor in action challenging union attempts to discipline and fine supervisor)
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