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June 5, 2019
12:45 pm - 4:45 pm
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), in partnership with various government agencies and Houston Community College (HCC), invite you to attend this FREE educational and outreach forum for employers and Federal contractors. The event will include an introduction to, and overview of, several DOL agencies regarding their missions, responsibilities and functions followed by two 60-minute workshops. The workshops are designed to assist area employers and federal contractors understand and comply with workplace laws and regulations administered by DOL, EEOC, and other agencies. The Forum is a must attend event for human resources, payroll, and contract compliance staff in all industries.
REGISTER TODAY! Attendance is FREE
Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. You may register for any two sessions; one at 2:00 p.m., and another at 3:30 p.m. Up to two people per organization may attend. For more information, contact Tiffany White at (713) 718-3800.
Event Schedule
12:45 – 1:00 p.m. – Registration
1:00 – 1:45 p.m. – Welcome & Overview of Participating Agencies
2:00 – 3:15 p.m. – 1st Workshop Session
3:15: – 3:30 p.m. – Break
3:30 – 4:45 p.m. – 2nd Workshop Session
Information Regarding Workshop Sessions (You may register for any two sessions; one at 2:00 p.m., and another at 3:30 p.m.)
Wage and Hour Division (WHD)
2:00 p.m. Common FLSA Compliance Pitfalls to Avoid
During this session you will learn about common violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and what you can do to avoid them. You will also learn about the youth employment provisions and how they are designed to protect young workers by limiting the types of jobs and number of hours they may work.
3:30 p.m. Can the PAID Program Help?
During this session you will learn about the Wage and Hour Division’s (WHD) Payroll Audit Independent Determination (PAID) program, which facilitates resolution of potential overtime and minimum wage violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The program’s primary objectives are to resolve such claims expeditiously and without litigation, to improve employers’ compliance with overtime and minimum wage obligations, and to ensure that more employees receive the back wages they are owed—faster. Under PAID, employers are encouraged to conduct audits and, if they discover overtime or minimum wage violations, to self-report those violations. Employers may then work in good faith with WHD to correct their mistakes and to quickly provide 100% of the back wages due to their affected employees.
Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)
3:30 p.m. (only) What to Expect During a Compliance Review and Common Problem Areas
OFCCP will provide an overview of the Executive Order and the two statutes it enforces. The session will also provide details about the scheduling process and discuss the different stages of a compliance evaluation. Lastly, OFCCP will share some of the common problem areas or issues that may be identified during compliance evaluations.
Employment and Training Administration/Workforce Solutions
2:00 p.m. Apprenticeships and OJT
American industry is the foundation of our country’s economic competitiveness and prosperity. The challenge? Significant talent shortages and skill gaps are slowing companies’ efforts to expand, innovate and thrive. These workforce challenges undermine your productivity and profitability. The good news? There is a proven solution to meet your talent challenges: Apprenticeship. It can be integrated into your organization’s current training and human resource development strategy. Invest today!
3:30 p.m. Inclusive Leadership: Engaging Diverse Teams to Drive Business Performance
This conversation will: review core models showing how our brains manage information, and the unconscious biases that result; identify how can we address beliefs and mindsets that disengage a diverse work force; and learn about two Fortune 500 client company case studies and how they implemented inclusive leadership programs to engage diverse teams to achieve high performance.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
2:00 p.m. OSHA Update
An update and overview of OSHA regulations and initiatives.
3:30 p.m. Important Safety Responsibilities of the Supervisor
During this session, we will discuss important roles the supervisor plays in implementing an effective safety program.
Employment Benefits Security Administration (EBSA)
2:00 p.m. Getting It Right – Know Your Fiduciary Responsibilities
Increase awareness and understanding about basic fiduciary responsibilities when operating a retirement plan. Getting it right; however, can be challenging. This is especially true for small and medium sized employers who have limited time, resources, and access to professional help with benefit programs. Specifically, getting it right means understanding your plan and your responsibilities, carefully selecting and monitoring service providers, making contributions on time, and making appropriate disclosures to plan participants and filing annual reports to the government on time.
3:30 p.m. COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act)
COBRA requires group health plans to offer continuation coverage to covered employees, former employees, spouses, former spouses, and dependent children when group health coverage would otherwise be lost due to certain specific events. In this session we will explain the COBRA rules that apply to group health plans including COBRA notices, disclosure regulations and common COBRA mistakes.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
2:00 p.m. (only) Tax Reform Highlights for Employers and Small Businesses
We will discuss: employer credit for paid Family and Medical Leave; awards/fringe benefits; emerging employment tax issues; the new qualified business income deduction; and new depreciation rules.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
2:00 p.m. & 3:30 p.m. Creating a Culture of Civility in the Era of #MeToo
Imagine a work environment where all communications and interactions were conducted in a civil and respectful manner. Co-workers and customers would be treated respectfully on a consistent basis. There would be no place for harassment, discrimination, bullying, workplace violence, unethical actions, or other disrespectful and potentially illegal behaviors. Instead of this idealized picture, studies and polls indicate that workplaces are a reflection of society at-large and that incivility is a serious problem that is getting worse. In this module EEOC’s Joe Bontke offers a solution to edit and make your own. Takeaway his compilation of resources to make it work for your workplace.Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at the event! Session repeats at 3:30 p.m.
Important Parking Instructions
Free parking is available in the uncovered lot and the garage. The parking garage is to the left of the entrance.