Speaking Engagements

Labor & Employment Seminar

SPEAKERS

John F. Kuenstler

Partner

David B. Ritter

Partner

Logistics and Transportation Co-Chair

Norma W. Zeitler

Partner

SPEAKERS

John F. Kuenstler

Partner

David B. Ritter

Partner

Logistics and Transportation Co-Chair

Norma W. Zeitler

Partner

What's in store for Illinois employers in 2015
A number of new Illinois employment laws and regulations become effective January 1, 2015. Come and learn what new obligations Illinois employers have with respect to background checks, accommodating pregnant employees, use of payroll cards and other issues.

Seventh Circuit’s recent employment law decisions
For years, the Seventh Circuit – which is the federal court that hears appeals from Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin – has been considered one of the more employer-friendly jurisdictions in the country. There are signs that this might be changing, which could be problematic for employers if it becomes a trend. This session will explore some of the Seventh Circuit’s recent employment law decisions and identify lessons learned.

I’m Not Lovin’ It: The NLRB Expands Joint Employer Status to Franchisors
Just recently, in a dramatic shift away from long-standing precedent, the National Labor Relations Board’s General Counsel asserted that McDonald’s, USA LLC — the franchisor of the McDonald’s system of restaurants —may be liable as a “joint employer” for alleged unfair labor practices of individual franchisees. This position would turn on its head decades of established law that a typical franchisor cannot be treated as the employer of its franchisees’ workers. Employers are rightfully concerned that this ruling will be expanded beyond the franchise business model, and expose companies to untold liability for the acts of others outside their control.

Ebola and the Workplace: Legal Issues and Employer Risk
Following the first Ebola diagnoses in the U.S., employers may be facing unprecedented questions regarding workplace safety. We will address issues connected with the concern surrounding spread of the virus among employees. Topics will include the imposition of restrictions, ascertaining risk, and employee refusal of work.