Conference Connections

Session Spotlight: Labor Relations

Employee relations, recruiting, following labor laws, and developing talented employees goes a long way to ensuring your municipality runs smoothly. The sessions below will guide you through new and evergreen employee relations issues. For CEU and speaker information, please see the Conference website or download the Conference app. 

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

10:45 a.m.-12:00 noon

Seasonal Employees: Everything You Need To Know, Room 411

An expert panel will discuss the benefits and pitfalls of seasonal employees, how and when to hire seasonals, and compliance with state and federal labor laws including the Fair Labor Standards Act and Civil Service. 

2:00-3:15 p.m. 

Office of Information Privacy: Daniel’s Law Update, Room 303

The Office of Information Privacy will review Daniel’s Law and the redactor’s portal, provide an update about upcoming changes to the portal, and preview enhancements to the portal aimed at making the redactors life easier. After the session, individuals can register as redactors. 

3:45-5:15 p.m.

Recruiting and Retaining Government Employees: Challenges and Obstacles, Room 312

How will you engage new “Gen Z” and “Millennial” workers with the experienced and senior employees in the municipality? Beyond the hyperbole around differences in work ethic and interest between different generations, how should municipalities be planning for knowledge transfer as the experienced workforce reaches (or goes past) retirement age? How will we accommodate the differences in the workforce? What will it take to attract the new generation of public employees? 

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Creating a Professional Pipeline to Fulfill the Unique Needs of Government, Room 309

While all levels of government strive to hire/retain employees, specialized workers are in demand. The panel will explore expanding codes, fire safety, local government finance, and administration talent pools through partnerships with Depts. of Labor & Workforce Development and Education, schools, and NJLM to create a government professional and intern pipeline. 

Civil Service Commission Update on Recent Initiatives, Room 412

The Civil Service Commission will provide an update on new initiatives pertaining to civil service testing, civil service hiring, and retention, and address common inquiries and concerns regarding these matters. 

2:00-3:15 p.m.

Hot Topics and Trends in Labor/Employment Law, Room 409

Whether it’s drug testing, discipline, compliance issues, negotiations or interest arbitration trends and awards, the legislatures and government agencies certainly keep public sector managers very busy! A session from the NJMMA. 

The Looming Workforce Cliff, Room 410

Who is protecting your community from health concerns? Will there be public health workers to continue this in the future? Join NJACCHO to discuss the current landscape of the public health workforce and how municipalities can take action. A session from NJACCHO. 

3:45-5:00 p.m.

From Data to Diversity: The Demographics of New Jersey’s Public Officials, Room 302

New reports from the Rutgers Eagleton Institute of Politics assess the state of representation and diversity on New Jersey’s governing bodies and state boards. Panelists will discuss the reports’ findings, the ethical value of ensuring greater participation among citizens, and efforts to close the gap in gender and racial inequities in government. (Holland Ethics session.)  

Thursday, November 16, 2023

9:00-10:15 a.m.

Labor Relations-Interest Arbitration & Current Issues Concerning Law Enforcement, Room 302

Focusing on the interest arbitration process for law enforcement and firefighting personnel. Recent decisions and issues related to the interest arbitration process will be discussed. This seminar will also discuss the recently enacted police licensing law and regulations that will be effective January 1, 2024. Additionally, the panelists will discuss recent developments concerning transparency and policing and the current state of the law in this area.  

10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

An Update on Employee Leaves of Absence and FMLA, Room 201/202

Exploring an employer’s rights and obligations in providing and managing employee leaves. This seminar will provide an overview on the interplays between Family and Medical Leave Act, the New Jersey Family Leave Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. It will also explore best practices for managing leaves and curbing abuses. 

Police Licensing Requirements and Standards, Room 309

The Police Training Commission created new rules for the Police Licensure Act, requiring law enforcement officers to obtain a license. A must-attend for chief law enforcement officers, as we review the requirements of each agency, as well as discuss license denials, suspensions, and revocations.