8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Registration | Continental Breakfast | Networking
8:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Keynote - Employment Law Update
Anne-Marie V. Welch, Member, Clark Hill
2024 has been a busy year full of significant changes for employers. Federal agencies have introduced new overtime regulations, OSHA inspections, PWFA regulations, pay transparency requirements for federal contractors, and changes to the definitions of employment relationships, including independent contractors, joint employment, and union organizing. The Supreme Court has also been active, ruling on issues such as abortion medication, religious accommodations in the workplace, EEO charge requirements, the regulatory power of legislative agencies, and the reach of administrative courts. Several ongoing cases could have a lasting impact on internal HR operations. In Michigan, the state Supreme Court made a notable ruling on the Repeal and Amend of the Paid Sick and Minimum Wage law, which is particularly impactful employers. Additionally, there are 16 other employment laws, covering topics like pay transparency and independent contractors, that might be passed by the end of the year. Participants in this session will learn about the latest legislative activities and court cases from the past 12 months, gain insights into compliance strategies, and understand how the upcoming election could affect both federal and state laws impacting businesses.
10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Plenary 1 - Navigating New NLRB Policies for Union and Non-Union Employers
Michael Blum, Shareholder, Foster Swift
The current NLRB has implemented significant changes to what union and non-union employers are allowed to say in their policies. Learn which employer policies are no longer legal and how to modify those that could lead to an unfair labor practice charge, or even unilateral union recognition. The NLRB has challenged many previously routine employer handbook policies, now labeling them as violations of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). The consequences of violating the NLRA are now more severe and can include not just notifying employees of changes, but also a unilateral order to bargain with a union. Participants will learn about the latest NLRB actions, how the latest Supreme Court decisions impact these actions, and upcoming changes affecting today's employers.
11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Plenary 2 - The New Bermuda Triangle of PWFA, FMLA, ESTA, and ADA
Melissa Tetreau, Member, Bodman PLC
With the passing of the Pregnant Worker Fairness Act and regulations along with the "new" Michigan sick leave law, employers have to navigate how the PWFA, FMLA, ESTA, and ADA interact. This session will review the requirements of each and how employers can safely steer through this minefield.
11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. - Lunch
12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Ask The Lawyer Panel
Panelists
Anne-Marie V. Welch, Member, Clark Hill
Michael Blum, Shareholder, Foster Swift
Heather G. Ptasznik, Shareholder, Ogletree Deakins, PLLC
Terry Bonnette, Partner, Nemeth, Bonnette, Brouwer PC
Melissa Tetreau, Member, Bodman PLC
Michael Burns, Executive VP, American Society of Employers
Moderator
Anthony Kaylin, VP, American Society of Employers
1:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Plenary 3 - What Does it Mean to Harass?
Heather G. Ptasznik, Shareholder, Ogletree Deakins, PLLC
Earlier this year, the EEOC issued new guidance on harassment and broadened the definition of what it means to be harassed. This interactive session will review various scenarios that could lead to harassment and violations of equal opportunity laws and provide suggested ways to avoid these situations in the workplace.
2:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Plenary 4 - Handling Conflict in the Workplace
Terry Bonnette, Partner, Nemeth, Bonnette, Brouwer PC
With social movements gaining traction among employees, the rise of union organizing, and the upcoming November election, employers need to balance employee speech rights with daily business operations and the risk of unfair labor practice charges. This session will offer participants suggested actions and recommended policies to handle conflicts arising from employee interactions with each other and management in these situations.
3:15 p.m.
Closing Remarks | Networking