Workplace 2009 Albany (6/16/09)

June 10, 2009

Overview
The legal and practical issues that employers face have become increasingly complex. Employers need to know the steps they can take to avoid, or at least minimize, the liability associated with their employment decisions. Mindful of this need, we have developed an agenda covering a range of topics designed to assist employers with their risk management efforts.

HRCI Recertification Credit
This program has been submitted to the HR Certification Institute.

Agenda
7:45 - 8:15
Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:15 - 8:30
Introduction and Welcoming Remarks

8:30 - 9:15
Employment Law Update
- Developments in the Federal Law
- Developments in the State Law
- Significant Court Decisions

9:15 - 10:45
Cost Savings Measures for Employers in Difficult Economic Times
- Reductions in Force
- Alternatives to Layoffs
- Reductions in Retirement and Insurance Plan Benefits
- Outsourcing Work

10:45 - 11:00
Break

11:00 - 12:15
Breakout Session A
(Choose one)

Managing Leaves of Absence: 2009 Update
- Revised FMLA Regulations
- ADA Amendments
- Rights of Military Personnel
- New Leave of Absence Mandates under State Law

Workplace Investigations
- When to Investigate
- Creating an Investigation Plan
- Ensuring Effective Witness Interviews
- Searching Emails, Lockers, Personal Property, etc.

Employee Benefits for Domestic Partners and Same Sex Spouses
- Current Status in New York State
- Rights Under ERISA - Covered Plans
- Parity in Certain Retirement Plans
- Taxation

12:15 - 1:00
Lunch

1:00 - 1:30
Luncheon Program: Legal Jeopardy

1:30 - 2:45
Breakout Session B
(Choose one)

Wage and Hour Issues / Collective Action Lawsuits
- Common Types of Wage and Hour Claims
- FLSA Collective Actions
- Increased Government Scrutiny of Compensation Practices
- Understanding the Audit Process

Current Labor Relations Issues
- Status of Obama Legislative Agenda
- COBRA Amendments
- Employee Free Choice Act

Managing Leaves of Absence: 2009 Update
- Revised FMLA Regulations
- ADA Amendments
- Rights of Military Personnel
- New Leave of Absence Mandates under State Law

2:45 - 3:00
Break

3:00 - 4:00
The BSK Players Present: The "Interactive Accommodation Process" under the ADA/HRL