Labor Relations Here Focuses on Economy

The Gateway Chapter of the Labor and Employment Relations Association (LERA) will host a half-day program on Feb. 24, "Economic Shockwaves: Impact on Employers and Unions."  Presenters will address how the fundamental changes in the structure and performance of our economy is affecting labor-management relations and the impact of the bailouts, stock market collapse and housing foreclosures upon labor negotiations.

Dr. John Navin, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, will present an economic overview describing events that led to our current situation and what he believes is needed for recovery.  Nationally recognized speakers will compose the panel addressing the economics of bargaining and critical issues and trends:

Tom Schneider, CEO/ founder, Restructuring Associates, Inc. in Washington, DC.   Dr. Schneider was the design and implementation consultant for the first unionized high performance work system in North America, the first joint union-management strategic visioning process, and the largest labor-management partnership in history.
 
Joel Cutcher-Gershenfeld, University of Illinois, School of Labor and Employment Relations and president-elect of LERA. He is the author of five books and over eighty articles, book chapters and policy monographs that address new work systems, labor-management relations, negotiations, conflict resolution, organizational learning and change, and public policy.
 
Steve Sleigh, principal, Yucaipa Companies and former director, Strategic Resources, Machinists Union. Dr. Sleigh is a past president of the Industrial Relations Research Association. Previously, he was the Research Director for the Teamsters Union and Deputy Director of the Center for Labor-Management Policy Studies at the City University of New York. He is the author of two books and numerous articles and policy reports.

The conference, which is open to the public, will be held at Genesis Banquet Center, 2651 Telegraph Rd. in South County.  Admission is free for co-sponsor members and $50 for nonmembers.  The registration deadline for the conference is Feb. 18th.  Registration for the conference is available by phone, fax, email or mail.  The conference brochure and registration form may be downloaded from the LERA website:   www.lera-gateway.org.  For registration information, call 618.259.7011 or email .

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