2017 Labor & Employment Law Conference
AGENDA
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM Registration | Continental Breakfast
8:30 AM - 9:45 AM Year in Review: Wait - What Just Happened!?
9:45 AM - 9:55 AM Break
9:55 AM - 10:45 AM Breakout Session I
10:45 AM - 10:50 AM Break
10:50 AM - 11:45 AM Trump's NLRB and the Changes in Labor Law That Will Affect Employers: From Quickie Elections and Dues Checkoff to Social Media and Handbook Rules
11:45 AM - 12:55 PM Lunch | Top Strategies to Attract, Engage and Retain Talent
1:00 PM - 2:45 PM Breakout Session II
2:45 PM - 3:00 PM Break
3:00 PM - 4:45 PM Breakout Session III
DESCRIPTIONS
Year in Review: Wait – What Just Happened!?
Just when employers were getting adjusted to new executive orders, regulations, rulings and guidance, a new administration took the helm with very different enforcement priorities and strategies. At the same time, state and local governments continue aggressively to enact new requirements for employers. All of this is occurring against the backdrop of rapidly changing social norms and expectations in the workplace. This session will provide an overview of significant labor, employment, and employee benefits law developments over the last 12 months, and provide some tips on what employers can expect to stay (and go) in 2017.
BREAKOUT SESSION I
Conducting a Sexual Harassment Investigation in the Workplace
Taking quick and effective action in response to a complaint of sexual harassment in the workplace is a must for any employer. It signals to your workforce that your company expects its employees to comply with policies regarding unacceptable behavior and can assist your company if it must defend a lawsuit. In this seminar you will learn tips and best practices on how to conduct a successful sexual harassment investigation, including preparing for the investigation; questioning the complainant, accused, and witnesses; drafting a written report; and avoiding common pitfalls.
Immigration Changes and I-9 Updates Under the New Administration
This session will cover the latest in application and enforcement, and how employers can prepare for the latest changes in policy and procedure. Topics will include President Trump’s Executive Orders and the authority of the Office of the President; what immigration changes will require laws or regulations; possible visa changes to H-1Bs, L-1s, and TNs; I-9 updates, and more.
Equal Pay for Equal Work? – An Update on Pay Equity in the Workplace
Last year the EEOC announced new reporting obligations to the EEO-1 Report that requires employers to add summary pay data in March 2018. Executive Order 11246 already requires federal contractors to analyze and report certain pay data. This breakout session will discuss the reporting requirements and how the data collected may be used by governmental agencies, unions and plaintiff attorneys. The session will also discuss best practices to prevent pay equity litigation and to preserve the confidentiality of pay data.
Time for a Change? – From Overtime Regs to Class and Collective Actions
This session will explore the current and anticipated status of the DOL’s Overtime Rule and any replacement Rule, and will highlight recent developments in class and collective actions in wage-and-hour law, including common areas in which employers are getting tripped up in wage-and-hour compliance, opening themselves to possible high exposure in litigation.
GENERAL SESSION
Trump’s NLRB and the Changes in Labor Law That Will Affect Employers: From Quickie Elections and Dues Checkoff to Social Media and Handbook Rules
A panel of experts will be moderated by Professor Emeritus, University of Michigan Law School, Theodore J. St. Antoine, Robert Vercruysse, Clark Hill, PLC and Dennis Boren, Regional Attorney for the National Labor Relations Board.
LUNCH PRESENTATION
Top Strategies to Attract, Engage and Retain Talent
Enjoy a panel of local human resource experts discussing best organizational practices for attracting and retaining the right people on your team. Find out how employers are securing key talent, integrating employees into their organization’s mission and vision, and increasing employee empowerment and engagement.
BREAKOUT SESSION II(a) & III(a)
Navigating Thorny FMLA and ADA Issues: A Case Study
A trend in employment law is the intermittent request for FMLA and requests for an accommodation under the ADA such as a flexible starting time or work schedule. In this session, we will present a practical demonstration of an employee’s workplace accommodation and leave requests to his/her Human Resources Director and examine all aspects of this interactive process, from the initial request forward, discussing the ADA, FMLA, workers' compensation and the case law and regulations interpreting all statutes.
BREAKOUT SESSION II(b) & III(b)
“Drop That Thumb Drive, and Get Back Here!” – Using Non-Competes and the Law of Trade Secrets to Protect and Maintain Your Competitive Advantage
Your company has invested in numerous key individuals who now can greatly help you while employed, but could hurt you if they leave to compete. In this interactive seminar, you will learn the latest trends in non-compete drafting and enforcement, and the latest legal developments on trade secrets, so you can protect your organization from unfair competition and from the use or disclosure of your valuable information.
Employee Benefits – What Changes Have Occurred, and What Changes Do We Expect Under the Trump Administration
Changes are coming to the Affordable Care Act and likely to other laws affecting employee benefit plans. This session will address those employee benefits items that the Trump administration has addressed, as well as those issues that the Trump administration is likely to tackle, and what they mean for employers and their employees.
BREAKOUT SESSION II(c) & III(c)
Managing Employee Mental Health Issues in the Workplace
Statistics show that mental health conditions, particularly depression and anxiety, are on the rise. At work, this may translate into an increase in conflict, performance-related issues and absenteeism for employees affected by these illnesses. In this session, we’ll walk through real world scenarios and discuss legal and practical strategies for employers.
Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Gender Expression in the Workplace
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has taken the position that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression constitutes discrimination on the basis of sex under federal law. Numerous state and local governments have laws expressly prohibiting discrimination on these bases. At the same time, issues involving sex stereotyping and gender nonconformity continue to be at the forefront of popular culture discussions. This interactive presentation will discuss legal developments and employer best practices related to this evolving legal issue.