Ruling to come as early as next week in Persuader lawsuit

A ruling in the lawsuit filed against the federal government by the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce could come as early as next week. 

U.S. District Judge Sam Cummings heard testimony in a hearing today. The Chamber and state and national groups are suing the U.S. Department of Labor over the "Persuader Rule." 

The Chamber's Attorney, Jeff Londa, said the change takes away attorney-client privilege when businesses face union organizing drives. 

"They're clearly hurting small businesses' right to have a layer help to avoid unionization," Londa said, "The Department of Labor is taking position that somehow an employer trying to avoid being unionized is a bad thing."

There are three federal lawsuits challenging the rule. This is the only suit with an injunction hearing with witnesses and evidence.