May 2010

Tuesday, May 18, 2010 to Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Forces supporting a unionized workforce received a boost with the election of President Obama. The current administration is supporting legislation that would serve as the most significant amendment to the National Labor Relations Act since its enactment. The economy also impacts labor practitioners, especially those at the bargaining table. Negotiators increasingly face complications in managing the rising costs of pension plans and health care. Whether or not the proposed Employee Free Choice Act passes, many expect some form of legislative reform that will make unionizing America's workforce easier. These expected reforms will also impact unions internally as they form and reform themselves. In addition, substantive labor law reform is predicted in the future rulings from the newly constituted National Labor Relations Board. This program will analyze the current status of labor law reform, the latest key rulings from the NLRB and practical legal issues associated with collective bargaining and managing and responding to a unionized workforce.