Celynda Brasher and Michelle Basi Win Victory for Northwest School District, Uphold Project Labor Agreement Against Legal Challenge

Dec 3, 2008

 Celynda L. Brasher,  Laura E. Hemmer,  Michelle H. Basi

Tueth Keeney attorneys Celynda Brasher, Michelle Basi, and Laura Hemmer won an important victory for Northwest School District, upholding the district’s Project Labor Agreement in a case of first impression under the new Missouri Statute that permits challenges before the Labor and Industrial Relations Commission and the state courts.

Following a hearing and submission of legal briefs, the Labor and Industrial Relations Commission (“LIRC”), in Jefferson City, Missouri issued its determination on December 3, 2008.

This was the very first challenge to a Project Labor Agreement (“PLA”) brought before the LIRC under Section 34.216 RSMo. (2008). The LIRC adopted the standard of review and the burden of proof that Tueth Keeney advocated, and issued a determination in favor of the District on all issues presented.   Celynda Brasher, the lead Tueth Keeney attorney on the case, explained that the LIRC’s decision in favor of the school district will benefit not only the Northwest school district, but will also likely serve as a deterrent to future challenges of this type before the LIRC or to the Courts.

Celynda Brasher practices in the areas of education, labor and employment law. She represents school districts in employment and termination matters, student rights and discipline, special education, school finance, civil rights, contracts, church/state issues, and Hancock Amendment challenges. She represents public and private employers in discrimination defense, union organization, unemployment compensation, wage/hour compliance and terminations. Celynda has litigation experience in state and federal courts and administrative agencies.

Michelle Hammond Basi practices in the areas of school law, special education, school litigation, and labor and employment law. Michelle represents school districts throughout Missouri with respect to employment and termination matters, special education, Section 504, student discipline and student rights, civil rights, and church/state issues. Michelle has successfully represented school districts in student and employment matters before various federal and state courts and administrative agencies, including the EEOC, Missouri Commission on Human Rights, and the Office for Civil Rights. She is also a regular speaker at statewide and regional school law conferences.

Laura E. Hemmer practices primarily in the areas of education law. She represents public entities with respect to employment and termination matters, special education issues, student discipline and student rights, civil rights and church/state issues. During law school, Laura served as a legal intern with the United States Attorney’s Office and the Missouri Attorney General’s Office.

Missouri Education – Tueth Keeney has one of the largest and most successful education law groups in the country. The Firm regularly serves the legal counsel needs of approximately 150 school districts throughout Missouri and in Central and Southern Illinois.