Please save the date and pre-register for Shipman & Goodwin’s 2018 Labor and Employment Public Sector Spring Seminar on May 4, 2018. Note: This program is intended for Public Sector employers.

Recent trends in the workplace related to claims of harassment, discrimination, and workplace violence, suggest that now more than ever, employers must to be ready to deal with claims quickly and effectively. This year, our seminar will focus on Addressing Employee Claims of Harassment and Hostile Work Environment – The Graduate Course and will provide employers with the tools required to handle these sensitive matters. This presentation presumes a basic understanding of employment and discrimination law.

This session will cover FAQs including: How do you respond when old claims of harassment, discrimination or concerning conduct are brought to your attention? What information about the allegations and your investigation needs to be made public and when? What are the issues raised by unsubstantiated claims and how to address them? What are the latest rules regarding background checks and references? What are the factors to consider in determining whether to investigate in house or use an outside investigator?

To further the discussion, four breakout sessions will focus on:

• Background and Reference Checking will review issues associated both with hiring new employees and providing references for former employees, as well as responding to FOIA requests and employee requests for information.
• Separation Agreements will review the permissible and impermissible terms that need to be considered when negotiating separation agreements and particular concerns relating to agreements that are public documents.
• Violence in the Workplace will focus on policies and procedures to protect the workplace, including schools, during a time of increased violence.
• Latest Developments in Collective Bargaining will examine recent labor relations, mediation and arbitration decisions addressing public workplaces in Connecticut.

This CLE program has been approved in accordance with the requirements of the New York CLE Board for a maximum of 3.5 credit hours in Professional Practice and is appropriate for both transitional and nontransitional attorneys.

Neither the Connecticut Judicial Branch nor the Commission on Minimum Continuing Legal Education approves or accredits CLE providers or activities. It is the opinion of this provider that this activity qualifies for up to 3.0 hours toward your annual CLE requirement in Connecticut, including 0 hours of ethics/professionalism.