2015 Labor and Employment Legal Update

As we enter 2015, employers face emboldened regulatory agencies and increased risk of litigation from employees and outside parties. Technology, competition and the need to innovate are all impacting labor and employment law in ways that are subtle, but nonetheless critical to the success of your company. Our goal is to provide employers with strategies and practical tools to help manage the changes to be faced in 2015.

To that end, on Thursday March 5, we will present a complimentary seminar for clients and friends addressing the following:

Schedule

2:30-3:00 p.m.: Registration

3:00-3:05 p.m.: Introductory Comments
Presented By: Fred Ungerman

3:05-3:40 p.m.: Top Ten Strategies for Combatting Chronic Absenteeism under the FMLA and ADA
Presented By: Jeff Mullins

As more employees begin to use intermittent leave and requests for an accommodation as a “get out of jail free” card for chronic attendance problems, employers must be vigilant. Combatting this type of problem is difficult, but not impossible, if an employer has the right tools. This segment will discuss various strategies which employers can utilize to address and to eliminate fraud and abuse with respect to short-term employee leaves.

3:40-4:00 p.m.: Employee Benefit Update
Presented By: Mark Feuer

A number of important employee benefit questions need to be answered by employers in 2015. How do employers handle third party payroll providers from a benefits perspective?  There are important differences and distinct tax consequences for employers based on the choices they make in this arena. Also, benefit plan audits by the DOL and the IRS are on the rise—what do they want and how should an employer prepare for such audits. Finally, we will discuss the latest strategies for crafting and implementing non-qualified plans to incentivize and retain key employees. 

4:00-4:20 p.m.: Drug Testing in the Workplace
Presented By: Jennifer Harrison

Substance abusers are 10 times more likely to miss work and are 33% less productive at work than non-users. An effective drug testing program can deter users from applying, deter existing employees from using, increase workplace safety and productivity, as well as reduce costs. This segment will provide the information employers need to lawfully drug test to promote a drug free, safe, and effective workplace. We will also address the recent attempts to legalize marijuana in Ohio and the potential impact it could have on employer policies and practices.

4:20-4:35 p.m.: Social Media and the Workplace
Presented By: Jessica Lordi

Social media is an ingrained and consistently changing part of today’s workplace. As a result, it can be a challenging area for employers to navigate. This segment updates employers on lawfully screening applicants using social media; drafting a lawful and effective social media policy; and managing employees social media use by employers that may call into questions an employer’s organizational values, constitute defamation against a competitor or third party, or give rise to claims of discrimination by a fellow employee. 

4:35-4:55 p.m.: Labor Relations in 2015 – What All Companies Need to Know
Presented By: Doug Anspach

It is not an exaggeration to say that laws governing labor relations change more frequently than any other area of the law. With a very active National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), 2015 looks to be another interesting year of change. Important decisions and mandatory rules either have been recently enacted or are expected with respect to topics such as union elections, joint employer status, confidentiality policies, and social media.

5:00-6:30 p.m.: Cocktail Reception & Light Hors d ’Oeuvres

Please register by Monday March 2.
There are three easy ways to register:

• To register online, please click the link above, or
• Contact Pam Fisher at (937) 641-1731 or fisher@taftlaw.com, or
• By fax or mail, using this registration form.

Please direct any questions or cancellations to Nicolette Jett at njett@taftlaw.com.