www.laborarb.com
Labor Law &
Labor Arbitration
February 7-9, 2016
Miami Beach, Florida
Labor Law & Labor
Arbitration
The place to learn is where the teachers are among the top tier of labor arbitrators, the materials are complete, your questions are answered, and the instruction is practical so you can put the training to use.
At this conference, you will learn the latest developments in labor law and labor arbitration, refine your advocacy skills, and engage in
strategic thinking for your own work.
This is the 18th Annual program, and each year, we change the program to include new subjects and to give new perspectives on the standard issues.
We begin on Sunday afternoon and end on Tuesday afternoon. Each day’s schedule is compact, so you have some free time, while still putting in a full day of work.
Information on the hotel, continuing education credits, faculty credentials, the registration form, and a complete agenda is reprinted below.
We welcome you to Miami Beach. Come for the education — and especially the insights to tackle the next case or personnel issue.
Conference Agenda
Sunday, February 7, 2016
3:00-4:00 p.m.
Registration and Reception4:00-4:30 p.m.
7 Tests of Just Cause
Formulated in the 1960s, the 7 Tests are cited by new arbitrators. So, why do the old labor arbitrators cast a skeptical eye? And which ones would they keep and want the parties to argue in particular cases?
Arb. Joan Parker and Arb. George Roumell
4:30-5:00 p.m.
Advocacy as Art & Science
The arbitration hearing is informal, but still part of the adversary system. And there are advocacy styles to choose from. More importantly, labor arbitrators like some styles more than others. A new lecture filled with practical advice.
Arb. Mark Suardi
5:00-5:30 p.m.
Rules of Evidence
The rules do not strictly apply, but nearly all labor arbitrators follow the rules on Relevancy, Hearsay, Expert Testimony and Prior Settlements. Learn why and the arguments for and against admissibility.
Arb. Steve Befort
5:30-7:00 p.m.
Difficult Evidentiary Issues
Making the proper objection is important for two reasons: it lays the groundwork for your closing argument and it influences whether you find rebuttal evidence. One of the most popular sessions in this training program.
Panel: Arbs. Steve Befort, Joan Parker, George Roumell, Mark Suardi & Jack Tillem
7:00 p.m.
Recess until 8:00 a.m. MondayBrief Summary
15 hours of instruction for labor and
management and their attorneys, taught by
the nation’s leading labor arbitrators and law
professors.
Monday, February 8, 2016
7:15-8:00 a.m.
Continental Breakfast8:00-9:30 a.m.
Discipline & Discharge Cases from 2015
The panelists discuss actual cases and the latest developments in these areas of discipline: sexual harassment, dishonesty, workplace threats, absenteeism, and other controversial areas. Panel: Arbs. Tillem, Suardi, Roumell, Parker & Befort9:30-10:00 a.m.
Insubordination
The elements are clear in theory, but not in practice. For example, a direct order can be indirect, if the employee understood what was being asked. Arbitrators also want employees to be told there are consequences for refusing an order, but it does not always have to be in the same timeframe. And in some cases, an interactive dialogue is key before discipline will be upheld. A new lecture on this age-old topic. Arb. Jack Tillem
10:00-10:15 a.m.
Break10:15-10:45 a.m.
Drugs & Alcohol
Learn what arbitrators consider when employers test for alcohol and drugs; what the test measures; how DOT regulations are applied and considered by arbitrators. And to what effect the medical marijuana laws in 17 states, including the District of Columbia, have on employer drug policies. Arb. George Roumell
10:45-11:15 a.m.
Job Performance
What makes a measurement system reasonable? When can performance be a conduct issue? Can on-line training be equal to on-site training? And how many attempts must an employer offer (3 shots and you’re out?)
Arb. Mark Suardi
11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Safety Violations
Five experienced labor arbitrators look at several typical cases in this area. The cases involve both safety-sensitive workplaces and ones which are not.
Panel: Arbs. Parker, Tillem, Roumell, Befort & Suardi
Location
The Miami Beach Resort is 11 miles from the Miami International Airport and a 30-minute ride from the Fort Lauderdale Airport. For information on the area, see the website, www.discovermiamibeach.com
This is high season, so we recommend that you make your airline and hotel reservations as early as possible. See the registration form for information on the group rate.
When you check-in, the view will include the Intercoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. The lobby and the meeting rooms are stylish and conducive to a pleasant stay. The outdoor pool and the beach are right there. Mid-February is the most perfect time to be in Miami, for the number of sunny days and ideal evenings.
Miami Beach is internationally known for its restaurants and music, but if you are looking for a superb place to learn, just walking down Lincoln Mall or along the beach will give you time to reflect and problem-solve. Our goal is to make your stay supremely comfortable while giving you a first rate education.
12:30-1:15 p.m.
Strategies, Stipulations & Subpoenas
Would you stipulate to facts which the other side admits to, and would rather not have the arbitrator hear? Do you subpoena reluctant, nearly defiant, witnesses? How well can you read an arbitrator in the off-the-record discussions outside the hearing room? This long-time labor arbitrator has heard everything, from the high profile to the garden variety case, and his advice is compelling. Arb. Jack Tillem1:15-4:30 p.m.
Free Time4:30-5:30 p.m.
Serious, but Dischargeable?
Sleeping, Off-duty and Drug Cases
The employer’s understandable reaction is to discharge. But not all cases merit the ultimate discipline. The reasons are often particular to a case, but you can glean from this discussion among the arbitrators why the penalty is less than discharge or just barely discharge for just cause. Panel: Arbs. Parker, Roumell, Tillem & Suardi5:30-6:30 p.m.
Supreme Court Update
The latest Supreme Court decisions (including the term which ended in June) which impact labor and management. The speaker is editor of the ABA Labor and Employment Law Reporter, professor at the Univ. of Minnesota Law School, and a prominent labor arbitrator.
Arb. Steve Befort
6:30 p.m.
Recess until 8 a.m. TuesdayOther Important
Information
Tax Deductibility — Expenses incurred in
attending this conference, such as tuition, travel, meals and lodging are deductible under the
Internal Revenue Code (Treas. Reg. 1.162-5). Check with your tax professional about the details.
CLE Credit for Attorneys — CLE credit is
available in all states with mandatory CLE requirements. Just let us know where you hold a license (see the box to check on the registration form). The Labor Arbitration Institute is an accredited provider for Illinois, Pennsylvania, and California attorneys. This program has been approved in other states, as well.
HRCI — This program has been approved for 15.0
recertification credit hours toward PHR, SPHR and GPHR through the HR Certification Institute. For more information about certification or recertification, please visit the HR Certification Institute homepage at www.hrci.org.
Tuition — We have two rates. The early enrollment
rate helps us plan for space and other conference expenses. If you register by September 30, 2015, tuition is $595. After October 1, the regular tuition rate of $695 applies. Tuition covers admission to all sessions, course materials, two continental breakfasts, and all coffee breaks. We do ask that tuition be paid by the first day of the conference, unless prior arrangements are made. Our cancellation policy tries to accommodate all registrants whose plans change. Call us whenever the need arises.
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
7:15-8:00 a.m.
Continental Breakfast
8:00-8:45 a.m.
Computer Misuse
In this new lecture, the speaker explains where this area of discipline is rooted and striking the balance between privacy and employer interest, between a reasonable rule and unreasonable application of a rule.
Arb. George Roumell
8:45-9:30 a.m.
Computer Misuse: The Arbitrators
Decide
Some unions tell their members: just stop using social media, in regards to work. Many employers have ramped up the rules on company computers and internet connections. We present actual cases to the panel for bench decisions and discussion of the rationale by each arbitrator.
Panel: Arbs. Befort, Parker, Roumell, Suardi & Tillem
9:30-10:15 a.m.
Contract Interpretation Principles
A review of the principles which arbitrators apply in contract disputes.Arb. Joan Parker
10:15-10:30 a.m.
Break10:30-11:30 a.m.
Contract Law – Applying the Principles
We present interesting and educational cases to the panel and ask them to make a decision. Then, they individually explain their rationale. This is one of the best ways to learn contract law.Panel: Arbs. Roumell, Tillem, Suardi, Befort & Parker
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Past Practice Doctrine
The past practice doctrine has an early history that is still with us, adopted by the Supreme Court in the Steelworkers’ Trilogy and enforced by labor arbitrators every day. Learn why this doctrine is so powerful and how to apply it in three situations: the contract is ambiguous, the contract is silent, and the practice has become an implied, independent term of the contract.
Arb. Jack Tillem
12:30-1:15 p.m.
FMLA
This law, now over 20 years old, has spawned thousands of cases. The speaker has written
extensively on the FMLA and discusses key aspects to the law and latest decisions.
Arb. George Roumell
Registration Options
1. Register Online at www.laborarb.com
2. Complete this form and mail to the Labor Arbitration Institute, or 3. Complete this form and fax to 507-645-2474
National Institute on Labor Law & Labor Arbitration
Sunday-Tuesday • February 7-9, 2016
Miami Beach Resort • 4833 Collins Avenue • Miami Beach, FL 33140
www.miamibeachresortandspa.com
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TUITION:
$695 per registrant (if registering after September 30, 2015)Save by Registering Early! Register by September 30, 2015, and tuition is $595.
PAYMENT
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registrar at 507-663-1220 for details. Checks may be made payable to Labor Arbitration Institute.
HOTEL INFORMATION
A block of rooms has been reserved at the Miami Beach Resort. Conference attendees and everyone in their party are entitled to a group rate of $209.00 (single or double). The room charge includes the resort fee. Please make your reservation as early as possible by calling the hotel at 305-532-3600. This special rate will expire on January 7, 2016 or earlier, if the room block is exhausted. We recommend that you make your reservation as soon as possible, and preferably before the early enrollment deadline of September 30, 2015.
MISCELLANEOUS
q I am an attorney and request information on CLE credits for the state of ____________________. The Labor Arbi-tration Institute is an accredited provider in several states. Please let us know in which states you hold a license. q I cannot attend, but please send me information on future conferences.
MAIL TO: Labor Arbitration Institute, 205 South Water Street, Northfield, MN 55057