Annual Legal Update

Topic:  Annual Legal Update

POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

(Full day program - Fee applies, Continental Breakfast and Lunch Included)

LABOR & EMPLOYMENT LAW UPDATE

APPROVED FOR 6.0 SHRM & HRCI CREDITS

Topics as outlined will remain the same, but the dedicated times may vary slightly)

                                    Program Overview (9:00-9:10)

In this introduction, participants will be provided an overview of the presentation topics, timing and schedules for the program, attendance requirements for obtaining credit, an description of the nature of the program as guidance and not legal advice, and how questions will be handled during the programs.

                                    Lessons from the Year’s Top Cases &                   

Regulatory and Statutory Update (9:10- 10:20)               

A comprehensive overview of some major legislative, regulatory and case law developments, including developments at Massachusetts and Federal agencies, and significant court decisions under Federal and Massachusetts law (NH discussed in later section).  This program will also include a Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave law update.  The PFML update will provide an overview of steps employers should take now to ensure readiness for 2021 when the benefit begins, including review and integration of current leave and short-term disability policies with the PFML benefit, updating employee handbooks and policy manuals as appropriate, review of job descriptions to comply with PFML fitness for duty requirements, and steps to take to be ready for the anti-retaliation provisions. 

Wage and Hour Update (10:20 -10:50)                  

This presentation will focus on Massachusetts and Federal wage and hour rules. It will provide an update on recent decisions and changes in wage and hour laws, including the revised overtime regulations under the FLSA, updates from the federal Department of Labor, and review of significant court decisions impacting employers.

Break and Networking (10:50-11:05)

Toolkit for Meeting Reasonable Accommodation Obligations (11:05 – 12:00)             The presentation will both review reasonable accommodation obligations under the ADA and highlight tips from the toolkit for successfully engaging in the reasonable accommodation process and determining whether an accommodation is required and/or reasonable.  There will be suggestions for dusting off and improving your reasonable accommodation policy and making sure managers understand their obligations.

Lunch (12:00 – 12:30)

Discipline and Discharge:                                                               

Practical Guidance and Best Practices (12:30 – 1:30)                          

This presentation will focus on guiding principles for corrective action, including when and how to make choices between discipline or a performance improvement plan; retraining and education or mentoring/coaching/counseling; behavioral training/referral to EAP or reassignment/demotion/transfer.  The how’s and why’s of documentation will also be discussed. 

Break and Networking (1:30-1:45)

Employees are Talking, but is there Such a Thing                                   

As Free Speech in the Workplace? (1:45 – 2:45)  

This presentation will look at the limitations employers can, and, in some cases, must place on speech in the workplace.  Increasingly, discussions about political, religious, and cultural beliefs are taking place in the workplace, as well as conversations/views around sexuality and gender identity.  These discussions often lead to conflict among employees.  This presentation focuses on steps employers should take to avoid harassment and discrimination claims based on these workplace discussions.  The presentation will also look at balancing an employee's right to be free from harassment under Title VII with the right to engage in protected concerted activity under section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act, i.e. the tension between the two 7's.  We will look at employer responses when the discussions go too far, the role of social media, and employer best practices for preventing and limiting conflict.

New Hampshire Law Update (2:45 – 4:00)

Debra Dyleski-Najjar, Esq.

Najjar Employment Law Group, P.C.

OUR SPEAKERS from the Law Firm of:

Murphy, Hesse, Toomey and Lehanne, LLP & our own Debra Najjar of Najjar Employment Law Group, P.C.

April 2020-Bios.docx

Cost of this event is:  

GMVHRA Member $95.00

Non-Member $115.00

10% discount for 2 or more attendees from the same organization.   Discount cannot be applied at registration but will be refunded after the event.

The registration deadline is March 25, 2020. Full refunds are available prior to the deadline.  After this date a cancellation fee of $25.00 per person will apply or you may send an alternate to the event without additional charge.  To request a cancellation or to make a change please send and email to info@gmvhra.org

Our Key Sponsor: Interested in Sponsoring? Contact Julie Moore at jmoore@employmentpg.com

LOCATION: Comfort Home Care, 147 Pelham Street, Methuen, MA01844 - 2ND Floor  (Subject to change)

More information and online registration:

Annual Legal Update

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For more information:

Contact: info@gmvhra.org