Hosted By: Warner
Warner presented the HR panel discussion about this year’s hottest topics for employers in labor and employment law. On the heels of COVID-19, workplaces are looking very different, with new and interesting challenges to navigate. We presented our knowledge and insight to help you effectively and efficiently handle the unique HR issues you are dealing with in today’s post-COVID-19 workplace.
AGENDA
10:00 a.m. General Session – Labor and Employment Update - Rob Dubault and Ryan Grondzik
The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly dominated our day-to-day activities for the better part of this year. The state and federal courts and administrative agencies have continued to issue regulations, guidance and decisions that employers need to be mindful of when hiring, compensating, granting leave to, disciplining and terminating employees. Among others, these include new non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ individuals, several new FLSA regulations, and significant decisions interpreting the FMLA and ADA. We reviewed the major legal developments over the past year and discuss what employers should know and do to not run afoul of the law. We also reviewed some of the new laws and legal developments that may be on the horizon.
Your Choice of One of the Three CONCURRENT Breakout Sessions:
11:00 – 11:45 a.m. Disability Accommodation, Discipline and Discharge during COVID‑19 - Kiffi Ford and Kelsey Dame
Without a doubt, 2020 has been a rollercoaster year for employers. As we approach the six-month mark of COVID‑19’s impact, many employers are focused on how to safely and efficiently return to a “new normal” at work. Although guidance is frequently changing, federal and state agencies continue to enforce equal employment laws. This session focused on how employers should effectively implement discipline and discharge in a post-COVID‑19 world. It will also cover how to navigate the COVID‑19 challenges of disability accommodations and requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Michigan’s executive orders
11:00 – 11:45 a.m. COVID-19 and MiOSHA - Karen VanderWerff and DeAndre' Harris
MiOSHA has started to cite employers for alleged failure to address COVID-19 hazards.This presentation focused on MiOSHA's enforcement of Governor Whitmer’s Executive Orders and steps an employer should take to minimize the risks of being cited by MiOSHA. It also addressed how to respond to a MiOSHA complaint or inspection.
11:00 – 11:45 a.m. Presidential Proclamations and Travel Bans - Michael Wooley
Travel into the United States has been restricted, U.S. embassies and consulates abroad have been closed and issuance of visas has been curtailed. This session provided an update on the ability of foreign employees to exit and return to the U.S., and examined requirements for employees returning to the workplace from abroad. The session incorporated a question and answer period on general employment-based immigration issues.
