Annual Labor and Employment Law Update

Join us Thursday, January 16 at the Holiday Inn By the Bay for a full day of programming. Employers will gain insights into hot topics, including an update on labor and employment laws and regulations, as well as a look into best practices for the workplace.

Topics will include:

• A Look Ahead/A Look Back: An Update on Labor & Employment Laws
  Join Verrill’s Doug Currier, Tawny Alvarez, and Hannah Saturley for the 2024 year in review (with a glimpse into what we can expect in 2025). During this session, the panel will discuss Maine’s 2024 legislative changes, recent federal and state court rulings that may impact how you engage your employees, and administrative developments that you should keep top of mind. In addition, the panel will explore what to expect in 2025, including the implementation of the new Maine paid family and medical leave regulations, pay equity concerns, and potential changes for employers under the Trump administration. This program will address these developments and provide best practices for employers in response to the changing landscape.
  Doug Currier, Tawny Alvarez, and Hannah Saturley
• Navigating the Pregnant Worker Fairness Act: Ensuring Equity and Accommodation in the Workplace
  The Pregnant Worker Fairness Act (PWFA) ensures expectant workers are treated with fairness and respect in the workplace. This presentation will explore the key provisions of the PWFA, including the requirement for employers to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers and the impact it has on both employees and businesses. We will explore employers’ legal responsibilities, addressing potential challenges, differences, and overlaps with relevant state law and the wider implications for workplace equity. Whether you are a company stakeholder or an HR professional, this session will equip you with valuable insights to understand and implement the PWFA effectively.
  Erik Peters and Liz Johnston
• Minimizing Risks and Ensuring Compliance: A Guide to Navigating Government Audits
  In today’s highly regulated environment, companies are facing growing scrutiny from various government agencies. Understanding how to prepare and navigate government audits is crucial for compliance with I-9, immigration, OSHA, and wage and hour laws, helping protect your business from penalties, fines, and reputational harm. This session will explore the types of government audits businesses may encounter, an employer’s legal obligations under various agency audits, and practical steps companies can take to ensure compliance and minimize audit risks. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of the audit landscape, valuable tools for audit preparedness, and the confidence to handle government audits should they arise.
  Tawny Alvarez, Rob Brooks, and Emily Waddell
• Key Decisions, Trends, and Legislation in Workers’ Compensation and ADA Law
  This session will review the latest key decisions, legislation, and trends in Maine workers’ compensation law, as well as the most recent and impactful ADA trends and developments in 2024. Attendees will be invited to participate in an interactive discussion exploring strategies and best practices. This will include when, how, and how often to intervene in a claim, effective ways to engage various stakeholders, and the right time to seek outside assistance to resolve challenging situations. Insights into the changing personnel responsible for shaping the legal landscape in these two areas of law will keep the audience informed and engaged, enhancing both knowledge and experience to develop courageous front-line managers. Finally, we will bring out our crystal ball to predict potential trends and areas of interest for 2025.
  Beth Smith and Hannah Saturley
• Strategic Insights into Employee Benefits: SECURE 2.0, Mental Health Parity, and Compliance Priorities
  Join us for an in-depth session on the latest developments in employee benefits, led by Verrill’s employee benefits and executive compensation attorneys, Eric Altholz and Christopher Lockman. Key topics will include an update on SECURE 2.0 provisions and an exploration of the new retirement plan reforms and their impact on employers and employees. We will also examine the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act’s final regulations, highlighting essential compliance requirements for group health plans. Additionally, we will address the latest IRS and DOL enforcement priorities, helping employers navigate current regulatory challenges and avoid costly penalties.
  Eric Altholz and Christopher Lockman
• Navigating the Evolving Labor Landscape: Key NLRB Rulings and Their Impact on Employers
  Last year, the National Labor Relations Board issued significant decisions that impacted all employers. These decisions include restricting statements an employer can make during a unionization effort, banning the use of consent orders, prohibiting captive audience meetings, and more. These rulings create a more challenging environment for employers to operate in—regardless of whether their employees are unionized. Learn more about what these recent rulings mean for your business, the landscape of unionization over the past year, and what will come in 2025 with a new administration.
  Rob Brooks and Emily Waddell
• Understanding Administrative and Executive Exemptions Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
  This presentation will explore the intricacies of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), focusing on the administrative and executive exemptions. These exemptions are critical in determining employee eligibility for overtime pay and minimum wage protections. We’ll cover key criteria for these exemptions, including job duties, salary thresholds, and the importance of proper classification. We will also explore DOL enforcement strategies and the differences between federal law and the laws in other New England states. Attendees will gain a better understanding of navigating these exemptions to ensure compliance with the FLSA and reduce potential legal risks for their organizations. Whether you’re an HR professional, employer, or legal advisor, this session will provide valuable insights to help you effectively manage employee classifications in line with federal regulations.
  Erik Peters and Doug Currier
• Off-Duty, On-Duty Consequences: Navigating Employer Responsibilities for Employee Conduct Outside Work
  Employee behavior outside of the workplace, particularly on social media, can pose challenges for employers in managing legal obligations and workplace dynamics. This presentation will provide employers and HR professionals with insights into identifying and managing off-duty conduct that affects the workplace, including addressing hostile work environment concerns and other legal risks. As we explore real-world scenarios, attendees will gain practical strategies for balancing employee rights with employer responsibilities, handling inappropriate social media and off-duty activity, and crafting enforceable guidelines that align with your workplace’s goals.
  Liz Johnston and Beth Smith

Registration is $275 each.

Parking, breakfast, lunch, and networking reception are included.

This program has been approved for 6.5 SHRM credits and 6.5 CLE credits.

Registration for this event is now closed. Walk-ins will be welcome.