The detailed agenda for the 33rd Mid-America Labor/Management Conference July 8-11 at Camden on the Lake is here! Registration and hotel information can be found at www.malmc.org. The hotel is nearing full, so please make both conference and hotel reservations soon.
Glen B. Reed, Jr. is a St Louis Commissioner with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. He has been with the Service since March, 2003. Mr. Reed is a graduate of the Coles School of Business, at Kennesaw State University, located in Kennesaw, Ga, with a BA Degree in Management, and a concentration in Human Resources. Prior to his service in the Federal Government, Commissioner Reed spent five years working with various chapters of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors Association (SMACNA), and the Mechanical Contractors Association (MCA). These are all non-profit trade organizations in the area of Labor-Management Relations for the electrical and mechanical construction industries.
The presentation will cover a union’s responsibilities to the employees it represents, more specifically, its responsibilities when handling grievances, in contract negotiations, and in its general communications with employees. The presenters will also talk about the Union’s prohibition from seeking or causing the discipline or discharge of the employees it represents.
For non-golfers the afternoon and evening are open for networking, meetings and exploring the Lake of the Ozarks. A shuttle into Osage Beach is available on request.
Chris Carlough is the Education Director of SMART MAP, which delivers leadership, communication, representation and organizing education to all union members, representatives, organizers and training fund instructors. SMART MAP is a program that highlights the problems associated with mental health issues, with a primarily focus on substance use disorder and suicide prevention then educates union members to direct those members and their families to those helping resources. These SMART MAP Volunteers are compassionate, empathetic and well-respected union members who continue to support our members when returning back to work. The therapeutic value of one union member helping another cultivates a powerful peer support network which is often the difference between relapsing or entering a new and healthy life in recovery.
Labor and management efforts to enhance health care and control costs include the development of clinics at workplace and union hall sites. Panelists will discuss the experience of a clinic developed by Cerner Corp. for members of Operating Engineers Local 101.
The emergence—and need for even greater participation—of women in building trades, utility and manufacturing create opportunities and issues for labor and management. Panelists will provide their perspectives on how to attract women to these fields and to adapt workplaces to retain them.
On June 1, 2017, foreman Brad Miller and journeyman lineman Sicard were assigned to move an underground electric junction box. Miller, who was in charge of running the job, directed Sicard, a relatively new employee with the company, to cut an underground cable that he (Miller) assumed had been grounded. Neither man followed all of Nevergy’s safety procedures to determine whether the cable was dead and, therefore, safe to cut.
Miller, who was standing nearby, directed Sicard to cut the 7200-volt underground cable. The resulting flash burned Sicard’s leg and put a softball-sized hole in his pants. Sicard was not taken to a hospital until supervisor Bonge learned what had happened and directed Miller to do so. Sicard missed two days of work on account of his injuries.
Nevergy discharged Miller and issued a five-day unpaid suspension to Sicard after an investigation.
IBEW Local 304 grieved both disciplinary actions, and the subject of the arbitration in this matter is the Miller termination. The union alleges that the company did not prove just cause for termination.
Panelists will review and update the requirements for fund trustees.
Roger Novak, CPA, Novak Birks, P.C. A leader in professional and civic organizations, Roger has more than 34 years of experience with employee benefit issues and is a member of the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans.
William ”Bill” Miller, CPA, is CEO of Novak Birks, a past Unified Government Commissioner and a member of the Bank of Labor Board of Directors.
Nationally-recognized expert Brad Stephens, Principal, will discuss planning for your financial future whether you are a business owner, executive or union member.
Dr. McMurtrey teaches Cybersecurity courses in the graduate college. His professional background includes over 20 years of IT experience in the field of e-commerce. Dr. McMurtrey is a Missouri State University College of Business research award winner and has published journal articles in the area of artificial intelligence in the United States and Europe. He holds several respected industry certifications in the areas of network penetration, incident handling, and web application security. Dr. McMurtrey was recently awarded an Excellence in Technology Award as Security Professional of the Year by the Association of Information Technology Professionals and Biz417.
Noon—MALMC Planning Committee meeting. Any interested participant with ideas is welcome to attend.
We look forward to seeing you there! If you have questions or suggestions, please contact Bob Jacobi, mailto>bob.jacobi@rockhurst.edu/816-501-4565. We also welcome items for the conference goody bags (150 minimum needed), volunteers and your help in spreading the word. Thanks!