DONALD R. KELLER:
WHO DOES HE REPRESENT?
"I represent private and public employers in employment and labor matters, including union campaigns, collective bargaining...union-avoidance.” - Donald R. Keller (LinkedIn)
Montpelier educators deserve to know who is behind the effort to weaken their union and what is reflected in that person’s professional record. Be aware of the wolf in sheep clothing trying to represent the interests of Montpelier and neighboring communities.
Donald Keller has spent much of his career putting the interests of employers, municipalities, and management ahead of workers and shortchanging the little guy, in the public and private sectors..
While educators in a large state as Ohio may have different views on specific union issues, those concerns are best addressed through collective action, collaboration, involvement, and negotiation – not by signing your union rights over to someone whose career has overwhelmingly focused on representing management.
A History of Representing Employers
Keller has a history of representing municipalities against police and fire unions, with a significant portion of those cases representing the City of Columbus against public safety unions on issues including:
Bypassing union-preferred promotion tracks
Appealing cases where seniority points for union employees could be the subject of a collective bargaining agreement
Defending the use of unauthorized examination processes in denying employees promotions
These cases placed Keller on the side of management in disputes with unionized public employees.
Representing Management in Workplace Disputes
Keller’s legal work has also included defending large corporations and public entities against employees seeking to exercise their rights, a core concern for labor organizers and union members.
Defended a hospital against a whistleblower claim
Secured a summary judgment against an employee’s Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) claim which was later overturned
Worked to deny/limit back pay and benefits to a wrongly discharged firefighter who had been ordered reinstated
The Difference a Union Makes
Strong unions are built by educators working together to address concerns, improve working conditions, and advocate for students and education. When challenges arise, the answer is greater member involvement and solidarity, not abandoning collective representation.
Montpelier educators have the right to review the facts, examine the record, and make an informed decision about the future of their union.