Labor and Employment Law Update

November 9, 2009

The Dayton Labor & Employment Group of Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

Invites you to a complimentary Legal Update
Tuesday, December 8, 2009

at

The Mandalay Banquet Center

2700 E. River Road
Dayton, Ohio 45439

3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

A reception will follow the Seminar

PROGRAM

The political and economic landscape has changed in unprecedented ways. The only thing certain about our future is that it will not look like our past. When will life get back to normal? The prevailing assumption is that it will not. Companies are restructuring organizational charts, pay plans and methods of operation to adjust to the “new normal.” With tighter profit margins, potential tax increases and heightened government oversight, what steps should your organization take to improve employment practices and policies to ensure success in this challenging environment?

This Seminar will address the most important changes that should be made:

Labor/Management Relations. While organized labor represents a small portion of the private sector workforce, it has begun to exert increased influence on policy matters since the change in administrations. In addition to the likely passage of some version of the Employee Free Choice Act [“EFCA”], the composition of the National Labor Relations Board has changed to now include more Democratic appointees than Republicans for the first time in a decade. Our presentation will address how to prepare your company for a post-EFCA labor environment and how to respond to likely changes in Board precedent that could have a significant impact on your operations.
OSHA. President Obama recently appointed a new OSHA director with a history of support for aggressive enforcement of workplace safety laws. This move portends a likely return to the regulatory agendas of previous administrations with an increase in new regulations and a focus on more vigorous enforcement. We will address and identify potential areas of renewed focus by OSHA. We will also provide strategies for avoiding liability and improving safety in your workplace to make your organization more competitive in a challenging economic environment.
Fundamental Changes to Employment Law. Over the past year, the courts, Congress and the various federal agencies have made significant changes to the landscape of employment law, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act. This discussion will focus on the most important changes and how employers should modify existing policies and practices to address those changes against the backdrop of a recessionary economy.
Workers’ Compensation. The Ohio workers’ compensation system continues to change. Premiums are increasing and it is becoming more difficult for employers to obtain group rating or self-insured status. As layoffs occur and workforces shrink, employers need to pay particular attention to certain legal issues. Our discussion will focus on policies and practices that help limit liability and minimize risk for fraudulent or abusive workers’ compensation claims.

We look forward to addressing these important topics, as a service to our clients and friends. A registration form is attached for your convenience. Please join us if at all possible.