At last year’s Retail Law Conference, many attendees suggested to RILA that a more in-depth look at the labor issues facing the industry would be beneficial for labor executives. To that end, we developed the Labor and Employment Law Forum that you have registered for.
In reviewing the climate on the Hill and to maximize your time to the best effect, we have decided to postpone the Forum until July. Then, in addition to the one-day Forum, we will also have the opportunity to arrange a fly-in day for you to meet with members of Congress to further our efforts to change the labor landscape. Also, in light of ongoing legislation and regulatory efforts, there may be even more to report mid-year.
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The Labor & Employment Law Forum provides a unique opportunity for retail executives involved with labor and employment issues to come together to hear from legal experts, fellow retailers and government insiders on the critical employment issues you grapple with every day.
Ensuring compliance with case law and new regulations on employment and labor issues is increasingly difficult for retailers. Issues involving wage and hour, bargaining units, social media usage, and more are continuously changing the retail workplace and your relationship with and obligations to your employees. Through focused sessions and strategic networking, you will gain the tools to address the myriad workplace issues your company faces.
Topics to be discussed include:
- Congressional Outlook: With a divided Congress and election year politics, what lies in store for potential labor legislation in 2012? Representative Tim Walberg will open the Forum with his perspective on the labor agenda within the House of Representatives. During lunch, Senator Johnny Isakson will address Forum participants, providing his perspective from the Senate.
- The NLRB: The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has taken on an active labor agenda - including sanctioning the creation of micro-bargaining units and so-called ambush elections - that will have far-reaching implications for the retail industry. While many assumed that the Board would not have a quorum, President Obama's recent appointments ensure that we can now expect more regulations in the coming year. This session will let you know what you can expect in 2012.
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) agenda is always of great interest to the retail industry, including the recent issue regarding pre-employment screening. EEOC lead counsels for commissioners Chai Feldblum and Victoria Lipnic - Sharon Masling and James Paretti, Jr., respectively - will provide an inside look into what the commissioners may be considering on this issue, and other current initiatives of the EEOC.
- California Wage & Hour: California's Wage and Hour laws are more complex from those in most other states and often require employers to do more. Ambiguous standards, and confusing differences between California and federal laws, can lead to a variety of forms of non-compliance that are surprisingly common. And, the potential exposure for even an innocent mistake can be costly. Hear from a legal expert familiar with the ins and outs of California law on the best approach to handling your employees within "The Golden State."
- And more!