42nd Annual Lou Manchise Labor-Management Conference

Morning Keynote Presentation

Afternoon Keynote Presentation

NLRB Update-100 Days In…Where Are We?

In just a short time under the new administration, the National Labor Relations Board has issued critical decisions and provided new guidance as the agency rolled back numerous rules and precedent. Developments in this area are always at the forefront of cooperative efforts between labor and management and are important considerations in the workplace. Join this panel as they discuss current guidance on traditional labor issues and trends at the NLRB and detail some of the most significant changes.

Speakers

• Eric Taylor, Regional Director, NLRB Region 9
• Pam Newport, Attorney, Herzfeld, Suetholz, Gastel, Leniski and Wall PLLC 

Navigating the Gig Economy: Worker Classification and the Impact on Gen Z

This workshop will explore the intersection of the gig economy, Gen Z workers, and evolving worker classification issues. As the workforce continues to shift, understanding worker’s desires for mobility and alternative work schedules is crucial for both employers and workers. Participants will gain insight into how these classifications affect labor laws, benefits, and workplace rights, with a focus on the unique expectations and challenges faced by Gen Z employees who are entering the workforce. We’ll discuss the legal landscape, recent trends, and best practices for managing gig and freelance workers, as well as strategies to engage and support this generation effectively.

Speaker: Steve Browne, SHRM-SCP, Chief People Officer at LaRosa's, Inc.

Employment Law Update:
This annual workshop examines the most recent developments under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and other statutes. 

J. Corey Asay, Cincinnati Managing Partner, HKM Employment Attorneys
Evan Priestle, Partner, Taft Law Firm

Navigating Drug Testing and Substance Use Policies: ADA Compliance in the Workplace

This seminar will delve into the evolving landscape of drug testing and substance use policies in the workplace, specifically under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Participants will gain insight into how the ADA impacts drug testing protocols, the accommodations process for employees with substance use disorders, and the legal considerations employers must navigate. We will examine recent updates to drug testing laws, the balance between maintaining a safe work environment and protecting employee rights, and strategies for developing compliant substance use policies. This session is ideal for HR professionals, legal advisors, and managers seeking to stay informed on the latest developments in workplace drug testing and substance use issues.

Speakers:

• Maria Salvidar, EEOC  
• Johnny Mason, METRO  
• Ashley, AFL-CIO 
• Rich Moore, Frost Brown Todd, PLLC

Just Cause & Past Practice: Mastering Key Concepts in Arbitration

This workshop will explore the critical concepts of "just cause" and "past practice" in labor arbitrations, offering a deep dive into how these principles shape the decision-making process. Participants will learn how to better understand the standards for just cause discipline and how past practices can influence arbitration outcomes. The seminar will also provide practical guidance on how to present and challenge these arguments, as well as strategies for navigating complex cases where both elements are in play. Ideal for union representatives, management professionals, and legal advisors, this session aims to sharpen skills in interpreting and applying these foundational arbitration concepts. 

Speakers:

• Sarah Kelley, Asst. General Counsel, Miami University 
• Bill Heekin, Private Arbitrator 
• Carl Vineyard, Staff Representative, United Steelworkers
  

Public Sector Challenges
This workshop will address the unique challenges faced by labor and management in the public sector. Participants will explore the complexities of working within government agencies, including the impact of political environments, budget constraints, and public accountability on labor-management relationships. We’ll discuss strategies for effective bargaining, conflict resolution, and building trust in a sector where priorities and regulations often differ from the private sector. The session will also cover key legal and regulatory frameworks affecting public sector unions, including collective bargaining rights, arbitration processes, and recent legal trends.

Speakers:

• Steve Lasarus
• Frank Warnock