2015 Labor & Employment Law Annual Update - Indianapolis

Registration: 8:15 a.m.
Seminar: 8:30 a.m.-Noon
Lunch and Q&A / Open Discussion: Noon-1:00 p.m.

There is no charge for this seminar. This program has been approved for 3.0 hours of general HRCI credit and 3.3 hours of Indiana CLE credit.

Schedule:

8:30-9:00 a.m.
Answers to Common Questions about Transgender Workplace Rights
Speaker: Mick Terrell

Few employers are aware that today a transgender employee is fully protected because of his or her status as a transgender person in all 50 states. These protections are based on recent rulings from federal courts and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which made it illegal to discriminate “because of sex.” It is therefore essential that employers are prepared for this new development in the workplace.

9:00-9:20 a.m.
Conscientious Objections in the Workplace
Speaker: Michele Richey

This presentation will cover employees’ objections to performing their duties, including the issues surrounding Kim Davis’s refusal to issue marriage licenses, pharmacists who refuse to prescribe birth control, etc. Michele will discuss religious accommodations that are required and the scope of the law.

9:20-9:40 a.m.
Understanding and Avoiding Retaliation Claims
Speaker: Tom DeVoe

Retaliation claims are on the rise. Nearly half of all EEOC charges include retaliation claims. This presentation will discuss the federal statutes that prohibit retaliation, the types of conduct protected from retaliation, the structure of a retaliation claim and suggestions to avoid retaliation claims.

9:40-9:55 a.m.
Break

9:55-10:25 a.m.
NLRB Issues New Quickie Election Rules – Are You Ready?
Speaker: Chuck O’Keefe

As of April 14, 2015, new quickie election rules govern union elections. That means the time to get ready for a union election is now. Among other changes, the quickie election rules shorten the time to campaign against a union from 42 to as few as 14 days and require an employer to give the union personal email addresses and phone numbers of employees. This presentation will provide you with the information you need to deal effectively with these and other substantial changes included in the quickie election rules.

10:25-10:55 a.m.
Top 10 Things Employers Do That Get Them Sued
Speaker: Tracy Betz

This presentation will discuss the mistakes employers often make when hiring and terminating employees that may result in lawsuits.

10:55-11:15 a.m.
Reporting Requirements for Employers Under the Affordable Care Act
Speaker: Chris Fowler

The Affordable Care Act requires applicable large employers to report to the IRS whether they offer their full-time employees and their employees’ dependents the opportunity to enroll in “minimum essential coverage” under an eligible employer-sponsored plan and to provide certain additional information. Reporting employers must also furnish a related written statement to their full-time employees. Reporting is required beginning in early 2016 for coverage provided in 2015. This presentation will provide a brief overview of the reporting requirements and will outline steps to assist employers in meeting these obligations.

11:15 a.m.-Noon
Hot Topics and Recent Developments
Speaker: Blake Burgan

In this session, Blake will speak on a selection of hot topics and recent developments in employment law. He will discuss recent federal decisions involving claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Family and Medical Leave Act and other employment laws. The presentation will also address how these recent decisions impact your company.

Noon-1:00 p.m.
Buffet Lunch and Q&A / Open Discussion
During lunch, members of Taft’s Labor and Employment Law group will answer labor and employment law questions from attendees.

The seminar will be held at the Indianapolis Marriott North Hotel. Register by clicking on the link above.

Questions? Contact Kelly Sharpe at ksharpe@taftlaw.com or (317) 713-3441.