Rian Wathen

Former Union Organizer

During his fifteen year career with United Food &amp; Commercial Workers Union, Rian Wathen gained experience in all aspects of the labor movement and was involved in every stage, from the grassroots level to the closed door meetings of top union officials. Beginning as a union organizer in 1990 he went on to become a Business Representative, Communication Director, Organizing Director, Director of Collective Bargaining and was elected to the third highest office in a statewide UFCW Local union.<br /> <br /> In 2006, Mr. Wathen began working as a Labor Relations Consultant representing the interests of management in matters related to employee relations with a focus on maintaining a union-free work environment. To achieve these objectives he regularly consults with companies regarding pro-active preventive measures to avoid union organizing campaigns. Additionally he interfaces directly with eligible voting employees as a persuader to insure clients are successful in winning union certification elections. Rian has overseen numerous union certification and decertification campaigns for employers in both Canada and the United States with a win rate of over 94%. He has been involved<br /> <br /> in elections with almost every major union with extensive experience in the transportation, retail, distribution, and healthcare industries.<br /> <br /> Rian was appointed to the Policy and Economics Council of the Gerson Lehrman Group in 2007 and has continued to serve as an advisor to international business and investment leaders on labor related issues.<br /> <br /> Mr. Wathen is also a nationally recognized speaker on union avoidance related topics.<br /> <br /> In 2013 H.R. 3637 (to amend the LMRDA and extend whistleblower protection to union staff) was introduced into Congress. The bill was based directly on the circumstances under which Mr. Wathen’s union career was terminated.