The Labor Relations Institute, abbreviated as LRI, serves as a hub that connects employers with “persuaders” who assist in thwarting union organizing campaigns. LRI, located in the Tulsa suburb of Broken Arrow, operates as a profitable business, subcontracting various tasks. It has worked with notable companies such as Aramark, Sysco, Hershey, Pfizer, Mountaire Farms, Sun Chemical, Dollar General, Lowe’s, and Williams-Sonoma, according to federal disclosure filings. Employers typically pay over $400 per hour to hire a labor consultant to counter union campaigns. LRI’s services include videos, opposition research, and a “guaranteed option” with a minimum $50,000 deposit to ensure union failure.
Phillip Wilson, a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School, leads LRI. The exact number of employees at LRI remains unclear, with Wilson referring to himself as the “president, general counsel, and occasional barista.” Wilson did not respond to interview requests or questions prior to publication. Those who have obtained jobs through Wilson consider him a reputable figure in the industry, often taking on controversial work while maintaining an approachable image. However, some criticize Wilson for making millions of dollars in anti-union campaigns.
Tracking the financial success of firms like LRI is difficult due to limited information available through federal disclosures. However, it is evident that LRI’s payments to persuaders have increased by 29% in 2021 and another 19% in 2022, aligning with a rise in union election petitions submitted by workers. More companies are reportedly hiring firms like LRI preemptively, potentially influenced by successful unionization attempts in prominent companies like Starbucks and Trader Joe’s.
Despite Wilson’s emphasis on positive employee relations at LRI, evidence shows that subcontractors rate individual workers on their union support, delve into personal details, and strategize ways to discourage unionization. Workers who have encountered LRI consultants describe meetings with biased information against unions, creating tension in the workplace. Some workers have even reported being followed by LRI consultants during their duties, leading to a sense of intimidation.
Founded by Phillip Wilson’s father, Donald, in 1978, LRI initially focused on manufacturing and marketing video tapes related to labor relations. In the late 1990s, LRI faced scrutiny for soliciting leads on union campaigns from federal employees, often offering compensation in exchange for information. The firm recruited federal workers as coordinators, rewarding them monetarily and providing other perks. A subsequent investigation involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation revealed the involvement of board employees but ultimately did not result in legal action.
LRI gained a reputation for its online database, which provided subscribers with union-related information before it became widely available on the labor board’s website. While some have criticized LRI’s products, its ability to generate business through extensive mail campaigns has been commended. Few union avoidance firms can rival LRI in terms of the number of anti-union campaigns it undertakes and its extensive network of persuaders.