41st Annual Lou Manchise Labor-Management Conference

AM Keynote Presentation:

Disagreeing Better:  A Guide For Labor and Management to Share Perspectives in Constructive Ways, David Lapp, Braver Angels

Do you want to have better conversations with people you often disagree?   Do you wish that co-workers, family members and friends would listen better to your differing views? How could better conversations assist in relationships between labor and management? This presentation will provide the not–so-secret sauce to help this happen:  skills for listening, understanding more fully, and sharing your perspectives in constructive ways–even when you disagree sharply. Sometimes you find more common ground than you thought possible.  This is interactive presentation will include a discussion and a chance to practice the skills and make your points in a way the other person can take in and appreciate.  

PM Keynote Presentation:

Advancing Equal Employment Opportunity

Join our keynote speaker, EEOC Commissioner Kalpana Kotagal, as she offers her insights on why DEIA initiatives are good for business, and the importance of mutual cooperation between labor and management. Commissioner Kotagal will also share her areas of focus as a Commissioner, the EEOC’s enforcement priorities, and other topics of interest.  

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. 

Speakers: Brian Dershaw, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

Arbitration vs. Mediation: What's The Difference & When Should I Use It?

Mediation and arbitration are both helpful tools for resolving workplace disputes. While mediators and arbitrators are third party neutrals, there are significant differences between the two. This four-member discussion panel will consist of two neutrals along with an advocate from labor and another from management.  The panel will highlight the differences in dispute resolution models to allow participants to explore those differences to learn which resolution method and strategy is best suited to the various workplace disputes. 

Speakers: Bill Heekin, Arbitrator; Frank Warnack, City of Bellevue Administrator; LaTwana Williams, Commissioner/Mediator FMCS; Carl Vineyard, Staff Representative - United Steelworkers

AI (Artifical Intelligence) in Labor Management

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing industries worldwide, altering the landscape of work and challenging traditional labor paradigms. In this session, we'll embark on a journey into the heart of AI, exploring its fundamental concepts and practical applications. We'll delve into how AI is reshaping employment dynamics, from automation to augmentation, and examine its profound impact on the workforce. Furthermore, we'll explore the intricate relationship between AI and collective bargaining. As AI adoption accelerates, employers and labor organizations face unprecedented challenges and opportunities. We'll discuss strategies for navigating this evolving terrain, addressing issues such as job displacement, skill development, and ethical considerations. Whether you're an AI novice or seasoned expert, this session will equip you with essential insights to understand and effectively respond to the transformative influence of AI on employment and collective bargaining. Join us as we embark on a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between technology and labor in the 21st century.

Speaker: John Gray

Is Remote Work Here to Stay?

With a panel that includes leading public-sector Human Resources professionals, a local labor leader, and an FMCS Commissioner, the panel will explore the challenges, opportunities, and societal impact that remote work brings.  The panel will discuss topics such as (1) what they are experiencing in their workplace, (2) the current status of remote work, (3) what the future holds, and (4) how remote work is impacting society and the economy.

Speakers: Latisha Hazell, City of Cincinnati; Frank Spataro, HR Hamilton Co.; Brian Griffin, Cincinnati AFL-CIO; Joe D. Wilson, Commissioner/Mediator FMCS

Labor Law Update

Throughout 2023 and already in 2024 we have seen momentous changes for labor law.  The National Labor Relations Board issued critical decisions throughout the year 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 Tyalor, Regional Director Region 9, NLRB; Jacquline Rau, Dinsmore & Shohl; Clement Tsao, Herzfeld, Suetholz, Gastel, Leniski and Wall, PLLC.

Substance Abuse Crisis in the Workplace

This workshop will examine the threats posed by substance abuse to employees and employers.  It will specifically focus on opioids and the prevention strategies required to promote workplace safety.

Speakers: Ashley Schleicher, Cincinnati AFL-CIO; Scott Tobey, Emergency Response Solutions International; Kelsey Braido, HR City of Cincinnati.

Navigating The EEOC Charge Process From Beginning To End

You file a charge of discrimination before the EEOC or you receive an EEOC charge filed against you. What does that mean? What do you need to do? If you are a  union steward representing a charging party or if you are an HR representative representing the respondent, it is important to know the phases a charge goes through before the EEOC.  Join Alessandra Rosa, Esq., Lead Outreach and Education Coordinator for the Indianapolis District Office, for a do’s and don’ts and the role that you play to successfully navigate this process.  

Speakers: Alessandra Rosa, Esq., Lead Outreach and Education EEOC