Sometimes in the workplace, employers can be pitted against unions with a ''them vs. us'' attitude.

But that's not always the case.

In Northeast Ohio, the experience is different at Thompson Electric in Munroe Falls, according to American Rights at Work, a labor policy and advocacy organization.

Thompson Electric was one of seven companies in the nation recognized for its successful partnership between an employer and a union.

''We look for companies that are innovators and collaborators,'' said Mary Beth Maxwell, Executive Director of American Rights at Work. ''There is a lot of bad news out there, but there is some good news. This is a company that demonstrates a respect of workers' rights and choices and has a healthy bottom line challenging the either-or profits myth.''

She called Thompson Electric socially responsible. ''Providing advanced technical and safety training for electrical workers makes this company a leading provider of electrical services and an exemplary employer.''

The company made the group's third Labor Day list, recognizing Thompson for developing policies that sustain workers, their business and community. The company has worked with the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) since its inception in 1977.

The company was founded by a father and son, Worth and Larry Thompson. Worth Thompson retired 22 years ago.

President Larry Thompson said the union is a huge benefit to his company and much of its success is credited to their long-term relationship.

''We started with just two people and now have 200,'' said Thompson. ''We have always worked with the unions, since my father and I started the company. I don't think we'd be one-fourth the size we are now if we weren't a union electrical contractor.''

He said the union supplies training and skilled manpower, and without that, it would take him longer to find qualified electricians.

Thompson has been a contractor for 30 years and an electrician for 38 years. ''I have gone through the apprenticeship program, so I know what I'm getting when I call the union halls. I know they are going to send me skilled electricians.

''It's important for me to know that someone I am hiring knows what they are doing. So the only thing I have to determine is whether they are good employees and someone I want to keep,'' Thompson said.

Thompson said the company works with IBEW Local 306 of Akron for inside work and Local 71 near Columbus for outside linemen or electricians.

''Most people enjoy working for Thompson Electric, which is the largest electrical contractor in this area and one of the largest in Ohio,'' said Mark Douglas, business manager of Local 306, which has 800 members.

''We act as the human resources department for electrical contractors,'' Douglas said. ''Contractors would have to take out an ad and interview someone off the street with no idea of their skill level. With us, the contractor doesn't have to take chances. They know before we send someone out they are properly trained and certified.''

He said IBEW, Thompson Electric and the National Electrical Contractors Association joined forces to provide workers with core professional and safety training.

They offer a five-year apprenticeship for commercial or industrial work and a three-year program for residential.

Out of that partnership a formal Joint Apprentice Training Committee was formed that develops safety and training programs for electric contractors in Northern Ohio. Thompson Electric plays a major role as Larry Thompson chairs the committee.

Two core programs are offered a mandatory apprenticeship training program that certifies electricians and the journeyman program that provides ongoing professional and development training for advanced electricians. Although the journeyman program is voluntary, 80 percent to 90 percent of Thompson workers take the option.

''These continued education classes are to maintain skill levels, which makes us more productive and able to compete in the job market,'' Douglas said.

Thompson said more advanced training also lowers injury rates.

The company and union share a mutual respect.

''If the union cannot provide me with the manpower I need within 48 hours, I have the right to hire off the street,'' said Thompson. ''But I've never had to.''

This year's Labor Day list of employers represents a variety of sectors of the economy and the nation and also is a cross-section of national and regional employers of varying sizes. Fields include telecommunications, construction and health care.

American Rights at Work said the honorees demonstrate a