19th Annual Employment Law Symposium
Please join us on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM for Koley Jessen's 19th Annual Employment Law Symposium at Happy Hollow Club. This seminar offers valuable insights in employment law and continuing education credits. Space is limited for this complimentary event, so register early.
Register here
Agenda
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Registration, Lunch Provided
11:45 AM - 4:30 PM
Program
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
EEOC Update With a Focus on the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act | 45 minutes
Joshua Pierson, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Kansas City Office
Join Joshua Pierson from the EEOC's Kansas City office for an update on recent developments from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission with emphasis on the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) and the EEOC’s final regulations interpreting PWFA which took effect on June 18, 2024.
Breakout Session One: 12:35 PM - 1:05 PM
Harassment in the Workplace: How to Prevent It and What to Do If It Does Occur | 30 minutes
Jacqueline N. Ryan
All businesses hope they never have to deal with harassment between employees in the workplace. However, just “hoping” doesn’t always work and isn’t the best strategy to ensure you are fostering a safe and appropriate workplace. This presentation will discuss best practices for employers when it comes to developing anti-harassment policies and procedures and working to ensure your employees are free from harassment at work. Additionally, we will discuss how to appropriately and legally address situations, including conducting an investigation, if an employee does raise harassment allegations.
Garnishments: Best Practices and Practical Tips | 30 minutes
Patrice D. Ott
An employee owes someone else money, but is looking to you for payment—what’s going on here? As a custodian of monies owed to your employee, you may be required by law to remit payment to a third party, and if you don’t do so, you (as the employer) may become liable for the total amount due. Learn more about what to do when you receive garnishment interrogatories, how to respond, and how to make sure you are in compliance with the law.
1:05 PM - 1:15 PM
Break
Breakout Session Two: 1:15 PM - 1:45 PM
Layoffs, RIFS and WARN, Oh My! | 30 minutes
Richard D. Vroman
The personnel needs of employers change from time to time, whether as a result of regular seasonal changes or changes in the industry, technology or economy in general. Rick will discuss employment separations in general, with a look at separation agreements, severance and releases. Rick will also provide insight into the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act (commonly known as “WARN”) and what steps need to be taken if the WARN Act is implicated by the employer’s actions.
Incentivizing and Retaining Your Workforce: Alternative Compensation Practices for Attracting, Motivating, and Retaining Employees and Independent Contractors | 30 minutes
Peter M. Langdon
In this presentation we will provide a high-level overview of common compensation alternatives for companies to utilize in attracting, motivating, and retaining their workforce. We will cover potential plan design structures, administration issues, regulatory considerations, and legal implications on companies and the their workforce. The information provided will be designed to provide companies with a powerful tool to ensure their best assets – their people – are providing the greatest value.
Breakout Session Three: 1:55 PM - 2:25 PM
Employment Authorization Documents, Categories, Validity, and Extensions – Making Sense of Immigration and Work Authorization Issues | 30 minutes
Ryan J. Sevcik, Kristin A. Mohrman, and Baylie I. Kotsan
It is not uncommon for employers of all sizes to have questions about the work authorization of new hires. In his panel discussion, Kristin and Ryan will provide a brief overview of various employment, family, and humanitarian-based immigration categories that permit work authorization and identify some unique considerations for employers navigating these issues with new or existing employees. Bring your questions for this interactive panel discussion.
Resolving NLRB Disputes: An Employer’s Guide to Unfair Labor Practice Charges | 30 minutes
John P. Barrett
In recent years, unfair labor practice charges filed with the National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”) have steadily increased. Employers looking to successfully resolve these charges must be strategic in their response. Through a detailed walkthrough of a recent NLRB settlement agreement, this session will provide valuable insights into NLRB policy directives and procedural requirements currently impacting all employers. Attendees will leave this presentation equipped with the knowledge needed to navigate these complex situations effectively.
Breakout Session Four: 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Mastering the Employment Law Maze | 30 minutes
Margaret C. Hershiser
2024 has brought forth a series of employment law cases that will impact the workplace landscape. Margaret Hershiser will guide employers through a session equipped with practical insights and actionable takeaways to navigate these new legal waters. Whether it’s understanding the implications of a landmark decision or preparing for emerging trends in employment disputes, this presentation is essential for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve in 2025 and beyond.
Maintaining Workplace Harmony During Election Season | 30 minutes
Erin E. Schroeder
In the midst of a presidential election cycle, political discussions can disrupt workplace harmony. This presentation offers legal insights and best practices to maintain a respectful and productive environment.
3:00 PM - 3:10 PM
Break
Breakout Session Five: 3:10 PM - 3:40 PM
Are Your Employees Still Exempt? Understanding the DOL's Final Rule on Increased Salary Thresholds for “White-Collar” Exemptions | 30 minutes
Katie M. Runge
Katie Runge will discuss the recent and upcoming changes to the U.S. Department of Labor’s salary threshold for the white-collar exemptions, including those going into effect January 1, 2025. Whether you’re reassessing employee classifications or adjusting compensation strategies, Katie will provide the guidance you need to ensure compliance and make informed decisions for your organization.
Your I-9 Knowledge Put to The Test! | 30 minutes
Stephanie A. Grattan
The I-9 rules are always evolving, keeping employers on their toes. Join this session to put your I-9 knowledge to the test to win a prize!
Breakout Session Six: 3:45 PM - 4:30 PM
Ask an Attorney | 45 minutes
Ryan J. Sevcik, John C. Dunn, Jackie N. Ryan, and Katie M. Runge
In this interactive session, attendees will have the opportunity to ask their most pressing HR-related legal questions and receive answers directly from a panel of experienced employment law attorneys. Designed to address real-world issues faced by HR professionals, this session will provide practical legal guidance on topics such as employee relations, compliance with employment laws, managing risk, and more.
Register here
Continuing Education Credit Information:
HR Certification Credit, pending
Nebraska CPA, pending
Nebraska CLE, pending
Iowa CLE, pending
Koley Jessen is recognized by SHRM for Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP®️ or SHRM-SCP®️
Questions? Contact events@koleyjessen.com
