Protect Your Business: The Latest Developments in Employment & Labor Laws

Today's employers must be vigilant in complying with new laws affecting their businesses and planning for the challenges that such compliance may create. Please join us for a complimentary breakfast briefing on Thursday, October 2, 2008, focusing on significant changes in the law that are anticipated in the year ahead. Our program will cover:

Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA)
The Employee Free Choice Act, which could become law as early as mid-2009, will make the most sweeping changes to the National Labor Relations Act in its 73-year history. The EFCA will require the National Labor Relations Board to certify a union as the employees’ bargaining representative based upon a card check without the benefit of a government-supervised, secret ballot election. The EFCA also will require mandatory interest arbitration if the parties have not agreed upon a labor contract within 120 days. These and other EFCA provisions will dramatically alter the balance of power and impact an employer’s ability to manage its business.

New Jersey's WARN Act
Employers planning layoffs in New Jersey no longer can comply solely with the notice requirements of the federal "WARN" Act. Signed into law by Governor Jon Corzine on December 20, 2007, the "NJ WARN Act" provides greater protection to NJ employees than the federal WARN Act. An employer's exposure to severance pay penalties for non-compliance with the NJ WARN Act's notice provisions can be substantial. As such, an employer contemplating layoffs or job transfers as a result of a "plant closing," "mass layoff," or "transfer of operations" must carefully evaluate its notice obligations under the NJ WARN Act prior to implementing any such plans.

New Jersey's Paid Family Leave Law
On May 2, 2008, New Jersey became only the third state to mandate paid family leave benefits for employees. All New Jersey employers need to be aware of the true impact (legally and practically) that will follow from this mandatory paid leave law. Effective July 1, 2009, New Jersey's paid leave law requires that eligible employees receive up to six weeks of paid time off to care for a newborn or newly adopted child or tend to a family member with a serious health condition. Proper planning now will ensure compliance and avoid costly litigation later.

Meal/Rest Period Amendments
As the number of wage and hour lawsuits filed continues to rise in New Jersey, it is now more important than ever for those involved in compensation decisions and payroll to stay abreast of the latest wage and hour issues, laws and regulations. Inadvertent errors and even well-intentioned deviations from proper wage and hour practices can expose organizations to tremendous liability. This section will cover the proposed Bill which would provide employees with paid lunch and rest breaks.

Continental Breakfast and Program Registration: 8:30 am - 9:00 am
Program: 9:00 am - 11:30 am

*Please direct all requests for special accommodations to Kellie Nurko at 973.848.4752 or knurko@littler.com.

There is no charge for this program.