March 14-15, 2013, Henry Center, Lansing, MI
It’s easy to be confused about all the new labor laws and their impact on schools in Michigan. In an effort to provide a clearer understanding of these changes in the laws and recent cases and their effect on labor relations, MASA, MSBO and MASB have developed a joint labor conference entitled Bargaining in a New World. This two-day event will be held March 14 and 15, 2013 at the Henry Center in Lansing.
Is your district doing evaluations under the new law? Are you prepared to lay off staff based on those evaluations? Do you need concessions to make your budget balance? Do you know how the Michigan Employment Relations Commission and the Tenure Commission are interpreting and applying the new law?
These are all important questions that will be answered at the conference. This event is divided into two days, and we are offering flexible registration options.
On March 14, we will be presenting two, in-depth sessions starting at 8:30 in the morning. The first session is a detailed presentation on the basics of labor negotiations. It would be particularly helpful for board members and administrators who are in their first three years of service.
Conference Agenda
Thursday, March 14
8:30-11:30 a.m. — The Basics of Bargaining
An introductory course for new board members and superintendents on the law and process of labor relations. Emphasis will be placed on key definitions; negotiations, mediation and fact-finding; unfair labor practices; strategies and tactics used by labor and management; the Public Employment Relations Act and the Michigan Employment Relations Commission. Eric Griggs, attorney, Labor Relations and Legal Services, MASB
12:30-3:30 p.m. — Administering Your Labor Contract
Congratulations; you’ve settled your contract. Now, how do you enforce it? An experienced labor attorney and former superintendent will discuss: grievance processing; principles of contract language; discipline and discharge; arbitration; letters of understanding; and last-chance agreements. Gary Collins, attorney, Collins & Blaha and John Males, adjunct consultant, Labor Relations, MASB
Friday, March 15
8:30-9:30 a.m. — Landmines and Teacher Evaluations
Recent changes in Michigan’s evaluation law are complex and difficult to implement properly. The stakes are high‑they will be used for layoffs, placement and job action decisions. Some important management decisions are likely to be challenged. Hear from our speaker how to avoid the landmines! Lisa Swem, attorney, Thrun Law Firm
9:30-10:15 a.m. — Concessionary Bargaining
In these difficult financial times, many districts are asking for monetary “give backs” from their employees. Gain an understanding of your options and find out how to get back what you need in negotiations. Joe Urban, attorney, Clark Hill
10:30-11 a.m. — Bargaining Health Insurance
Even with caps this is a complex issue. Throw in the Affordable Care Act and its implications and you have a new set of issues. Think through the options with our speaker. Scott Fritz, sales manager, SET SEG School Insurance Specialists and Eric Griggs, attorney, Labor Relations and Legal Services, MASB
11-11:30 a.m. — Projecting Your Budget
No matter whether you have a one-year or multi-year contract you need to project out your financials when negotiating. Don’t spend that fund balance just yet! This session will discuss projections and show you a simple way to convey the information to your community and staff. Bob Dwan, associate executive director, MSBO
12:15-12:30 p.m. — ERiN™ Demo
MASB’s Employment Relations Information Network (ERIN™) is an extensive online resource for bargaining preparation. Learn how you can access comparative salary and benefit information, contract language and more right through MASB's website. Micki Magee, ERiN™ program manager, MASB
12:30-12:45 p.m. — Right-to-Work
MASB’s Labor Relations Attorney answers frequently asked questions about the new law and its potential effect on bargaining. Eric Griggs, attorney, Labor Relations and Legal Services, MASB
12:45-2 p.m. — Getting Your Relationships Right
Schools and school employees all feel a bit under fire! While we have issues we disagree about, we also have many things we agree upon. In this session our panel of management and union negotiators will talk about their respective goals for bargaining, and getting relationships right in the process of settling a contract. Barb Ruga, attorney, Clark Hill, Gary Collins, attorney, Collins & Blaha, June Pettyplace, UniServ for the MEA and Dave Hecker, executive director, MAFT Michigan.
2:15-3:15 p.m. — MERC Update‑Putting Flesh on the Bones of the New Law
There have been significant changes in labor law over the past few years from a bevy of prohibited topics to caps on health insurance. Now the fun part‑finding out what the changes actually mean as interpreted through decision by the Michigan Employment Relations Commission. This session will inform you about all the most recent decisions and discuss their practical implications. Martha Marcero, attorney, Thrun Law Firm
3:15-4:00 p.m. — The New Tenure Law: What it Means and How it is Evolving
Recent tenure decisions and actions by the Tenure Commission have shed light on how the new law will be applied. The Commission recently announced that layoff decisions may be subject to their scrutiny. Find out about recent decisions, and what you need to do to be prepared for the future. Brad Banasik, legal counsel/director, Labor Relations and Legal Services, MASB
Conference Location:
Henry Center
3535 Forest Rd
Lansing, MI 48910
517.353.4950
Hotel Information:
Candlewood Suites
3545 Forest Rd
Lansing, MI 48910
517.351.8181