Keynote Presentations
"Everything I Need to Know About Relationships I Learned At The Movies"
Wednesday morning, March 24, 2010
M. Carol Stevens, Partner, Burke, Williams and Sorenson, LLP
Go to the movies with Carol Stevens for a crash course on building and maintaining good workplace relationships.
Carol Stevens
M. Carol Stevens has practiced employment and labor relations law for public agencies in California since 1978. Ms. Stevens was a founding partner of Kay & Stevens, and is currently a partner with Burke, Williams & Sorensen. As one of the leading legal practitioners in the field of public employment law, Ms. Stevens is frequently invited to deliver keynote addresses at conferences and statewide training programs. Currently, Ms. Stevens represents California cities, school districts, and transit districts.
Ms. Stevens advises employers in nearly all facets of labor relations and represents management at all stages of the negotiations process, from developing parameters to presenting interest arbitration or fact-finding hearings. For 30 years, Ms. Stevens has represented public employers in both rights and interest arbitrations, PERB proceedings, state/federal courts, and other administrative procedures. Ms. Stevens is well known for creatively resolving difficult and complex labor relations disputes including fire operational problems, transit district issues, and retirement matters.
Ms. Stevens has written extensively about labor relations issues. Ms. Stevens is coauthor with Alison Moller of the 2008 CPER Pocket Guide, Disability Discrimination In The California Workplace, and “Duty to Bargain in Good Faith Under the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act,” CPER, January 1990, a contributing author of California Public Sector Labor Relations, Labor and Employment Law Section, State Bar of California, Matthew Bender, September 1989 (now published by LexisNexis), and the author of numerous other employment-related publications.
A graduate of Hamline University (B.A., 1970) and University of St. Thomas (M.A., 1972), Ms. Stevens earned her Juris Doctor (1978) from University of San Diego School of Law.
"Sam and Harry: Mr. Impartial Chairman, the Devil Incarnate and a Case or Two of Jack Dan"
Thursday morning, March 25, 2010
Ian Ruskin, Director, The Harry Bridges Project
This multi-media presentation entertains and educates as it focuses on the life and work of the "Father of American Labor Arbitration" Sam Kagel. This presentation is sponsored by the CALIFORNIA TEACHERS ASSOCIATION
Ian Ruskin
Ian trained at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. In England, he worked in Repertory Theater, London’s West End (where work included the title role in Jack the Ripper), television (including the Laurence Olivier King Lear), and film. In Los Angeles, his work has ranged from Murder She Wrote to the acclaimed one-man play The Man Himself. He has also done extensive voice work in radio, commercials, and in over 100 films and television programs.
Ian has performed his play to over 150 groups and organizations—union conventions, locals, pensioners, universities, high schools, museums, historical societies, libraries, churches, and on the tall ship Balclutha in San Francisco Bay—as well as in Canada, Hawai’i and Australia.
Legendary filmmaker Haskell Wexler has filmed the play at the Warner Grand Theater, San Pedro, California, in front of 1,000 people. The film is now available on DVD as a two-DVD set—the play and 25 special features.
“Harry Bridges is one of the most important labor leaders of the 20th century, and Ian Ruskin has captured him—his persona and his ideas—brilliantly.”
—Howard Zinn
"Former Republic Windows Plant: A Labor and Management Partnership"
Thursday afternoon, March 25, 2010
Mark Meinster, International Representative, United Electrical Workers (US)
Kevin Surace, CEO, Serious Materials
In December 2008, when workers at Republic Windows were given three days notice that they were to be laid off without earned pay and benefits, they make national headlines by staging a successful six-day plant sit-in, winning $1.75 million from the company's main creditor, Bank of America. After the victory, the CEO of Serious Materials flew out, met with the union, and, in partnership with the union, developed a plan to buy the plant and hire back the workers. Within 3 months, some workers began returning to work, and the plant is now ramping to full production.
Mark Meinster
Mark Meinster is an International Representative for the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (UE), a union known for its focus on international worker solidarity and its commitment to aggressive, militant and member-run trade unionism. Mr. Meinster coordinates UE's organizing, collective bargaining and education work in Illinois and southern Wisconsin. He led UE's successful efforts over the past seven years to organize thousands of immigrants working in Chicago's manufacturing sector. In coalition with community partners, he developed a city-wide workplace-based rapid response network addressing employer abuse of SSA no-match letters. Last year, he coordinated UE's successful occupation of Republic Windows and Doors in Chicago, IL. Before joining UE in 1997, Mr. Meinster worked as a community organizer in Washington, D.C. Mr. Meinster is a 2009 recipient of the Community Renewal Society's "35 under 35" award.
Kevin Surace
Mr. Surace, a noted speaker and writer on climate change and the built environment, is on a mission to significantly reduce the use of fossil fuels and their effect on the environment. As CEO of Serious Materials, Kevin leads the company in its mission to reduce energy usage and CO2 generation of the world’s largest contributor, our buildings. By developing new materials and processes that require little energy to manufacture, and advanced products which dramatically improve the insulation and comfort of homes and offices, a worst-case climate and energy catastrophe can be avoided. Before joining Serious Materials in 2002, Mr. Surace held executive and technical positions with Perfect Commerce, General Magic, Air Communications, National Semiconductor, and Seiko-Epson. He received his degree in electrical engineering technology from Rochester Institute of Technology where he currently serves on the Board of Trustees, and has been awarded multiple patents. Mr. Surace also serves on the boards of FreeLight, Array Converter, Zeta Communities, and Integrity Block; chairs the Sunnyvale Mayoral Green Ribbon Committee; and co-chaired the CCTO Building Materials contest.
"Emotional Impact of the Economic Crisis: Violence, Bullying and Grief at the Workplace"
Friday morning, March 26, 2010
Commissioner Jan Jung-Min Sunoo, ADR and International Services Department, Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service
The current economic crisis has generated an atmosphere of uncertainty and stress unprecedented in the country since the Great Depression. The loss of jobs and the stress created for those still remaining at work with increased workloads, and lower pay created by furloughs, are a pressure cooker that can lead to conflicts and outbursts at the workplace. Employees in daily contact with the public clearly note a rising level of impatience and anger in their clients. It is also a time of significant LOSS for many employees—loss of security, jobs, health benefits, pensions and for the huge Boomer population, increasingly a loss of parents and spouses. How an employer or union representative deals with employees facing a major loss in their lives is little understood nor addressed, but often leads to dysfunction at the workplace.
All these conditions speak to the critical need to raise the awareness and capacity of managers, union leaders and employees to institutionalize practices that will defuse unhealthy tension at the workplace before they have a chance to boil over into violence or bullying. In this session you will learn to Scan, Plan, Implement and Promote Strategies for a Safe, Compassionate Workplace.
Jan Jung-Min Sunoo
Commissioner Sunoo has recently returned from working 6 ••• years in Vietnam where he led an industrial relations project for the International Labour Organization to strengthen labor relations in that transitional economy.
He currently works in the ADR/International Services Department of the FMCS where he handles international and special assignments.
Other experiences:
Taught industrial relations, mediation and cross-cultural dispute resolution skills throughout the U.S. and in Germany, Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, Indonesia, Cambodia and Korea.
Served as Regional Director for the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and mediated labor and multiple party disputes for 13 years in the U.S.
Over twenty-five years of labor -management experience.
"Everything I Need to Know About Relationships I Learned At The Movies"
Wednesday morning, March 24, 2010
M. Carol Stevens, Partner, Burke, Williams and Sorenson, LLP
Go to the movies with Carol Stevens for a crash course on building and maintaining good workplace relationships.
Carol StevensM. Carol Stevens has practiced employment and labor relations law for public agencies in California since 1978. Ms. Stevens was a founding partner of Kay & Stevens, and is currently a partner with Burke, Williams & Sorensen. As one of the leading legal practitioners in the field of public employment law, Ms. Stevens is frequently invited to deliver keynote addresses at conferences and statewide training programs. Currently, Ms. Stevens represents California cities, school districts, and transit districts.
Ms. Stevens advises employers in nearly all facets of labor relations and represents management at all stages of the negotiations process, from developing parameters to presenting interest arbitration or fact-finding hearings. For 30 years, Ms. Stevens has represented public employers in both rights and interest arbitrations, PERB proceedings, state/federal courts, and other administrative procedures. Ms. Stevens is well known for creatively resolving difficult and complex labor relations disputes including fire operational problems, transit district issues, and retirement matters.
Ms. Stevens has written extensively about labor relations issues. Ms. Stevens is coauthor with Alison Moller of the 2008 CPER Pocket Guide, Disability Discrimination In The California Workplace, and “Duty to Bargain in Good Faith Under the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act,” CPER, January 1990, a contributing author of California Public Sector Labor Relations, Labor and Employment Law Section, State Bar of California, Matthew Bender, September 1989 (now published by LexisNexis), and the author of numerous other employment-related publications.
A graduate of Hamline University (B.A., 1970) and University of St. Thomas (M.A., 1972), Ms. Stevens earned her Juris Doctor (1978) from University of San Diego School of Law.
"Sam and Harry: Mr. Impartial Chairman, the Devil Incarnate and a Case or Two of Jack Dan"
Thursday morning, March 25, 2010
Ian Ruskin, Director, The Harry Bridges Project
This multi-media presentation entertains and educates as it focuses on the life and work of the "Father of American Labor Arbitration" Sam Kagel. This presentation is sponsored by the CALIFORNIA TEACHERS ASSOCIATION
Ian RuskinIan trained at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. In England, he worked in Repertory Theater, London’s West End (where work included the title role in Jack the Ripper), television (including the Laurence Olivier King Lear), and film. In Los Angeles, his work has ranged from Murder She Wrote to the acclaimed one-man play The Man Himself. He has also done extensive voice work in radio, commercials, and in over 100 films and television programs.
Ian has performed his play to over 150 groups and organizations—union conventions, locals, pensioners, universities, high schools, museums, historical societies, libraries, churches, and on the tall ship Balclutha in San Francisco Bay—as well as in Canada, Hawai’i and Australia.
Legendary filmmaker Haskell Wexler has filmed the play at the Warner Grand Theater, San Pedro, California, in front of 1,000 people. The film is now available on DVD as a two-DVD set—the play and 25 special features.
“Harry Bridges is one of the most important labor leaders of the 20th century, and Ian Ruskin has captured him—his persona and his ideas—brilliantly.”
—Howard Zinn
"Former Republic Windows Plant: A Labor and Management Partnership"
Thursday afternoon, March 25, 2010
Mark Meinster, International Representative, United Electrical Workers (US)
Kevin Surace, CEO, Serious Materials
In December 2008, when workers at Republic Windows were given three days notice that they were to be laid off without earned pay and benefits, they make national headlines by staging a successful six-day plant sit-in, winning $1.75 million from the company's main creditor, Bank of America. After the victory, the CEO of Serious Materials flew out, met with the union, and, in partnership with the union, developed a plan to buy the plant and hire back the workers. Within 3 months, some workers began returning to work, and the plant is now ramping to full production.
Mark MeinsterMark Meinster is an International Representative for the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (UE), a union known for its focus on international worker solidarity and its commitment to aggressive, militant and member-run trade unionism. Mr. Meinster coordinates UE's organizing, collective bargaining and education work in Illinois and southern Wisconsin. He led UE's successful efforts over the past seven years to organize thousands of immigrants working in Chicago's manufacturing sector. In coalition with community partners, he developed a city-wide workplace-based rapid response network addressing employer abuse of SSA no-match letters. Last year, he coordinated UE's successful occupation of Republic Windows and Doors in Chicago, IL. Before joining UE in 1997, Mr. Meinster worked as a community organizer in Washington, D.C. Mr. Meinster is a 2009 recipient of the Community Renewal Society's "35 under 35" award.
Kevin SuraceMr. Surace, a noted speaker and writer on climate change and the built environment, is on a mission to significantly reduce the use of fossil fuels and their effect on the environment. As CEO of Serious Materials, Kevin leads the company in its mission to reduce energy usage and CO2 generation of the world’s largest contributor, our buildings. By developing new materials and processes that require little energy to manufacture, and advanced products which dramatically improve the insulation and comfort of homes and offices, a worst-case climate and energy catastrophe can be avoided. Before joining Serious Materials in 2002, Mr. Surace held executive and technical positions with Perfect Commerce, General Magic, Air Communications, National Semiconductor, and Seiko-Epson. He received his degree in electrical engineering technology from Rochester Institute of Technology where he currently serves on the Board of Trustees, and has been awarded multiple patents. Mr. Surace also serves on the boards of FreeLight, Array Converter, Zeta Communities, and Integrity Block; chairs the Sunnyvale Mayoral Green Ribbon Committee; and co-chaired the CCTO Building Materials contest.
"Emotional Impact of the Economic Crisis: Violence, Bullying and Grief at the Workplace"
Friday morning, March 26, 2010
Commissioner Jan Jung-Min Sunoo, ADR and International Services Department, Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service
The current economic crisis has generated an atmosphere of uncertainty and stress unprecedented in the country since the Great Depression. The loss of jobs and the stress created for those still remaining at work with increased workloads, and lower pay created by furloughs, are a pressure cooker that can lead to conflicts and outbursts at the workplace. Employees in daily contact with the public clearly note a rising level of impatience and anger in their clients. It is also a time of significant LOSS for many employees—loss of security, jobs, health benefits, pensions and for the huge Boomer population, increasingly a loss of parents and spouses. How an employer or union representative deals with employees facing a major loss in their lives is little understood nor addressed, but often leads to dysfunction at the workplace.
All these conditions speak to the critical need to raise the awareness and capacity of managers, union leaders and employees to institutionalize practices that will defuse unhealthy tension at the workplace before they have a chance to boil over into violence or bullying. In this session you will learn to Scan, Plan, Implement and Promote Strategies for a Safe, Compassionate Workplace.
Jan Jung-Min SunooCommissioner Sunoo has recently returned from working 6 ••• years in Vietnam where he led an industrial relations project for the International Labour Organization to strengthen labor relations in that transitional economy.
He currently works in the ADR/International Services Department of the FMCS where he handles international and special assignments.
Other experiences:
Taught industrial relations, mediation and cross-cultural dispute resolution skills throughout the U.S. and in Germany, Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, Indonesia, Cambodia and Korea.
Served as Regional Director for the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and mediated labor and multiple party disputes for 13 years in the U.S.
Over twenty-five years of labor -management experience.
