Real Time with IPELRA

Vincent Rizzo of Hinshaw and Culbertson joins the podcast to discuss LGBTQ+ issues in the workplace. Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Definitions: https://www.hrc.org/resources/sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity-terminology-and-definitions

This week, Ted Clark, founding partner of Clark Baird Smith LLP shares his perspective on possible implications of the proposed Illinois constitutional amendment, known as Amendment 1 or Workers' Right Amendment, on public sector employers. Ted also authored a legal brief for the Illinois Municipal League on this topic, which can be viewed here. Ted graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. degree from Syracuse University and received a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School. With over 45 years’ experience, Ted represents both public and private sector management clients with respect to a wide variety of collective bargaining and employment law matters, including mediation and interest arbitration.

Ron Holifield of SGR shares his perspective on the evolution of recruiting and retention, including the factors leading us to the great resignation and quiet quitting. Ron brings into the dialogue his 20 years of local government management experience, and his perspective from a top government recruiting firm working with local government clients all across the country. Anyone interested in following up with Ron, can contact him by email at ron@governmentresource.com. https://www.governmentresource.com/

The hosts are joined by Jennifer Welch, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL) to discuss the Dobbs decision and the impact of this decision on employers.

What do we individually and as employers need to know about the monkeypox virus? How is it transmitted, what are the symptoms, and what do we do to prevent the spread? All of this and more is discussed with the City of Evanston Director of Health and Human Services, Ikenga (Ike) Ogbo. Connect with Ike at https://ikengaogbo.com/ or by email at ike2four@yahoo.com.  

Learn why the Act was originally passed and how it has been changed to address the current climate for policing. Hear from employment and labor attorneys, Jennifer A. Dunn and Melissa Sobota of Franczek, P.C. https://www.franczek.com/

We are kicking off season 4 of Real Time. Send us your topics of interest at 

Cristina speaks with Clark Barid Smith partner Jim Powers with an overview of items covered at the IPELRA Legislative Wrap up.

Megan and Cristina speak with Justin Pisellini, owner of the 457 Consulting Group, on ways employers can educate themselves and staff on investing as well as how to find savings by benchnmarking and analyzing your plans.  Justin can be reached at 630-808-0761.

Megan and Cristina speak with Candace Fisher from HR Source about the number of employees leaving the workforce.  Candace can be reached at  info@hrsource.org.  Make sure you include her name in your message!

Megan and Cristina speak with Elizabeth "Liz" Wagman from Tressler LLP in the third and final segment of the 3 part series on workplace harassment.  Liz can be reached at ewagman@tresslerllp.com.

This week Megan and Cristina speak with Darcy Proctor, Partner at Tressler LLP in the second of our 3 part series in navigating a harassmnt free workplace.  Darcy can be reached at dproctor@tresslerllp.com or 312-307-8595.

In the first of a 3 part series on harassment in the workplace 'Real Time' speaks with Senior Counsel at Tressler LLP Kathleen Gibbons.  Kathleen can be reached at kgibbons@tresslerllp.com or 312-968-2280.

Megan and Cristina speak with Brad Folkens, bfolkens@citytchusa.com, the man behind the curtain at the popular website, www.publicsalary.com 

Megan and Cristina speak with Mary Lynn Fayoumi, President of HR Source.  Mary recently authored an article on October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.  Mary and the team at HR Source can be reached at 800-448-4584 or at info@hrsource.org.

Senior Counsel Leigh Jeter from Michael Best & Friedrich Law firm talks about new Illinois laws and addressing SCANDAL in the workplace.  Leigh can be reached at sljeter@michaelbest.com or 312-596-5806.

This week Megan and Cristina speak with Keri-Lyn Krafthefer equity partner with the Ancel Glink Law Firm about mandating vaccines in the workplace.  This compelling episode covers a variety of issues that may impact an employers ability to mandate a vaccine in the workplace.

This week Megan and Cristina speak with Alli Arndt Wellness Manager for Assurance.  Learn the benefits of having a wellness program in your workplace.

In the Season Three Premiere Megan and Cristina speak with Amy Moor- Gaylord from Akerman, LLP about the very real issue of workplace bullying even while many people are working remotely.  Amy can be reached at 312-282-4646 or by email at amy.gaylord@akerman.com.  For more information on workplace bullying, please visit, https://workplacebullying.org/.  

Megan and Cristina speak with Geri Kerger, Executive Director of NAMI DuPage about the reality of mental health and what we as employers can do about it.  Director Kerger can be reached at 630-752-0066 X201 and can assist those outside of DuPage County as well.  Her email is g.kerger@namidupage.org. 

Megan and Cristina speak with Angela Adams from HR Source about compensation discrimination.

Megan and Cristina speak with Ben Gehrt, partner at Clark Baird Smith about the importance of understanding military leave laws in employment.

Megan and Cristina speak with Stacey Patrianakos, HR Manager for the Village of Homer Glen about the Village's recent absorption of the Homer Road district and subsequent creation of a Public Works Department.

Megan and Cristina speak with Top Female Labor and Employment Lawyer Jill O'Brien about the new Illinois Law on convictions and background checks.  Jill can be reached at jobrien@lanermuchin.com or 312-531-1151. https://www.ipelra.org/DocumentCenter/View/2098/Internal-Record-of-Conviction-Questionnaire- https://www.ipelra.org/DocumentCenter/View/2099/Notice-of-Adverse-Action- https://www.ipelra.org/DocumentCenter/View/2100/Notice-of-Applicant-or-Employee-of-Pending-Adverse-Action-

Megan and Cristina speak with Nancy Farnam, Area Senior Vice President and Compliance Counsel for the Great Lakes Region of Gallagher’s Benefits & HR Consulting division about the Consolidated Appropriations Act.  For more information please contact Joyce Janu Area Vie President and Public Sector contact at joyce_janu@ajg.com 

Megan and Cristina speak with Lake Forest Human Resources Director DeSha Kalmar on the role of HR as a strategic business partner in local government.  DeSha can be reached at KalmarD@cityoflakeforest.com until the end of April and than at desha.kalmar@gmail.com.

Megan and Cristina speak with Yvette Heintzelman, Senior Law Partner at Clark Baird Smith, about safety sensitive positions.  Yvette can be reached at YHeintzelman@cbslawyers.com or 847-378-7706.

Megan and Cristina speak with Kimberly Richardson, Deputy City Manager for the City of Evanston on what this topic means to her and why this has become a priority for the City of Evanston.  Kim can be reached at krichardson@cityofevanston.org.

Megan and Cristina speak with Anne Marie Gaura, Lincolnwood Village Manager about her experience caring for her parents while working as well as what employers can do to be proactive in addressing this issue.  Anne Marie can be reached at 847-745-4712 or AGaura@lwd.org. Below are helpful resources for employers: https://www.hbs.edu/managing-the-future-of-work/Documents/The_Caring_Company.pdf https://nebgh.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/NEBGH-Caregiving_Practical-Guide-FINAL.pdf

Megan and Cristina speak with Lt. Chris Covelli of the Lake County Sheriff's Office about their successful efforts with community outreach and engagement.  Lt. Covelli can be reached at CCovelli@lakecountyil.gov or (847) 317-4180.

Megan and Cristina speak with Warrenville Police Chief Ray Turano regarding conducing employee investigations.  Chief Turano can be reached at rturano@warrenville.il.us.

Megan and Cristina speak with Political Science Professor Casey LaFrance about the origins and the idea of community policing.  You can reach Casey LaFrance MPA, PhD and check out his work at tc-lafrance@wiu.edu, https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=g2tM5q0AAAAJ&hl=en, https://www.amazon.com/Targeting-Discretion-Frontline-Officers-Students/dp/1940771099

Megan and Cristina speak with Joel Babbitt,  Benefit Coordinator/VEBA Plan Administrator for IPPFA Benefits about what plans employers should offer to assist employees with funding healthcare in retirement. Joel can be reached at joelb@ippfabenefits.org or 773-427-2060. Below are two payment calculators listeners can use to estimate healthcare costs in retirement.  https://www.wealthhealthblueprint.com/about-you/ https://nationwidefinancial.com/nationwide-retirement-institute/health-care-in-retirement

Cristina and Megan speak with Katie George, CFA, Director and Client Portfolio Manager of ICMA-RC about retirement planning and the economic impacts of Covid-19.  Katie can be reached at kgeorge@icmarc.org.

Cristina speaks with Abby Rogers, labor and employment counselor at Engler, Callaway, Baasten & Sraga about federal agency activity in the sunset of an administration.

Megan and Cristina speak with Clark Baird Smith law partner Roxana Underwood about the duty to bargain over body cams and Police Reform Bill HB3653.  Roxana can be reached at runderwood@cbslawyers.com.  For more information on HB3653 sign up for IPELRA's critically acclaimed Employment Law Seminar being offered virtually this year! Visit www.ipelra.org to register.

Megan and Cristina speak with Risk Management Consultant Dane Mall from Alliant.  Dane can be reached at Dane.Mall@alliant.com.  For information on your requirements and responsibilities, visit, https://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping/osha-rkforms-winstr_fillable.pdf.

Megan and Cristina speak with Jim Powers, founding partner of Clark Baird Smith LLP on this important topic.  Jim can be reached at jpowers@cbslawyers.com or in the office at 847-378-7707. ***Also - Check the April 2021 IPELRA Newsletter for a Potential New Legal Development Affecting a Public Employer’s Right to Mandate COVID Vaccines Authorized Under the FDA’s Emergency Powers***

Megan and Cristina speak with Jeff Nowak, Attorney with Littler and author of the popular blog, FMLA Insights.  Jeff can be reached at jnowak@littler.com.

In this final episode of Season One Megan and Cristina speak with Andra Medea about her innovative de-escalation technique, C3.  Andra can be reached at www.C3D.co.  https://www.dailyherald.com/discuss/20200919/successful-partners

Megan and Cristina speak with Mysi Hall, HR Generalist at GovHR and President-Elect of The Legacy Project about a disturbing workplace trend--women stepping back because of COVID.  COVID Response Survey www.legacyprojectnow.org/resources Mysi can be reached at mhall@govhrusa.com

Megan and Cristina speak with Sonal Shaw of HR Source as she previews her upcoming webinar on this important topic.

Megan and Cristina speak with Joyce Marker.  Joyce has been a licensed psychotherapist for over twenty years and has served in multiple leadership positions including President of the Illinois Counseling Association, two-terms as President of the Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association, and Chair of the Midwest Region of the American Counseling Association. If you would like to access a PDF that includes the key points discussed during the podcast and additional resources, please  text MENTALHEALTH to 33777.  https://www.joyce-marter.com/ Resources for First Responders https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Frontline-Professionals/Public-Safety-Professionals

Megan and Cristina speak with Marji Swanson, partner at Mahoney, Silverman, and Cross, LLC about politics in the workplace.  What activity is permitted and what should be prohibited in a public sector workplace?  Marji can be reached at 815-730-9500 and on the web at www.mwclaw.com. 

Megan and Cristina speak with Yordana Wysocki, legal partner with Hervas, Condon & Bersani, PC. about Justice Ginsburg's contributions to the workplace.  Yordana can be reached at ywysocki@hcbattorneys.com.  

Megan and Cristina speak with IPELRA President Leslie G. Rienzie-Barry, HRCI-SPHR, SHRM-SCP on her experience with the organization as she passes the torch to Cristina.  Leslie is the Director of Human Resources  for the Will County Circuit Clerk and can be reached at  lrienzie@willcountyillinois.com.

Megan and Cristina speak with Senior Employment Counselor Sonal Shah from HR Source.  Sonal discusses workplace trends amid a global pandemic and divisive political climate.  Listen to hear how President Trump's latest Executive Order may impact your planned diversity training. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/executive-order-combating-race-sex-stereotyping/ Sonal can be reached at www.hrsource.org. 

Megan and Cristina speak with Powerhouse Heidi Voorhees (GovHr) on the need for organizational analysis.  Learn what you need to know to stay effective and efficient in 2020!  Heidi can be reached on the web at  www.govhrusa.com  or HVoorhees@GovHRusa.com

Our first ever QUAD communication!  Megan and Cristina speak with IPELRA's own Bob Smith, managing partner at Clark Baird Smith and counselor to IPELRA and daughter Dr. Stephanie Smith, Assistant Professor of Communication at Virginia Tech.  The group discusses the challenges of communicating during a global pandemic and offers tips for Elected Officials to successfully utilize social media. Bob can be reached at rsmith@cbslawyers.com.or 847-378-7700. Stephanie can be contacted at  stephasmith1@gmail.com or via linkedin.com/in/stephanie-smith-phd-apr.

Megan and Cristina speak with Civil Rights Attorney Jim Sotos about qualified immunity.  Learn what this legal principal really is, what it means for Police operations, and how it affects municipal government.  Jim can be reached at JSotos@jsotoslaw.com.

Megan and Cristina speak with Cris Randall, former IPELRA member and City of Alpharetta, GA Human Resources Director.  Cris shares her journey to HR and speaks about her educational background.  Her unique perspective offers insight into what employers should look for while recruiting.  Cris can be reached at crandall@alpharetta.ga.us.

Megan and Cristina speak with Margo Ely, Executive Director for IRMA, a risk management pool in Illinois, about the IL Worker's Compensation Commission ruling earlier this, the Illinois legislature's ruling, and new provisions for PEDA.  Learn how to protect your employees and your municipality in this informative episode.  Margo can be reached at margoe@irmarisk.org.

Megan and Cristina speak with IPELRA Alum and current Village of Woodridge Manager Al Stonitsch about a thoughtfully created program implemented to address personnel costs.   for more information on this program contact Al at 630-719-4707  or AStonitsch@vil.woodridge.il.us. 

Megan and Cristina speak with Park Forest Police Chief Christopher Mannino.  Park Forest was recently spotlighted in the news in the wake of cries to defund Police.  Listen to how this community has redeployed resources to meet community needs. https://www.fox32chicago.com/video/832880 Chief Mannino can be reached at cmannino@ParkForest-IL.gov.

John Hayes, Senior Counselor at Smith Amundsen, jhayes@salawus.com, discusses with Megan and Crisitna a recent webinar his firm hosted addressing the upcoming school year and the impact remote learning will have on employers.  You can view the webinar in its entirety here, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLFElBN-7Sk&feature=youtu.be.

Megan and Cristina speak with Melissa Sobota, an attorney with Franczek P.C. a law firm representing the City of Chicago in negotiations with the Policemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association of Illinois.  The three discuss the issues before the arbitrator and awards regarding significant police accountability provisions and increased health care contributions for Supervisors electing to take early retirement among other items.  Melissa can be reached at mds@franczek.com.

Megan and Cristina speak with John Kelly, an attorney with the firm Ottosen DiNolfo Hasenbalg & Castaldo, Ltd.  The three discuss current situations and real life examples employees and employers may be faced in the workplace.

Megan and Cristina speak with Renee Bouvier from Robert Half Technology regarding a recent survey the published regarding employee time off during this uncertain times. http://rh-us.mediaroom.com/2020-05-28-Survey-The-State-of-Summer-Vacations-For-Employees

This week, Megan and Cristina speak with Kelly Coyle, Board member for the Legacy project, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing and promoting women in local government.  Learn how you can get involved in this enterprising organization and address the gender gap in local government.  https://www.legacyprojectnow.org/

Megan and Cristina speak with Janelle Tarasewicz, principal consultant at Aperture-EQ, https://apertureeq.com about implicit bias in the workplace.  This enlightening conversation references several books worth reading including White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo and Blindspot: Hidden Bias of Good People by Anthony Greenwald and Mahzarin Banaji.

St. Charles Human Resources Director  & IPELRA Board member Jenn McMahon joins Megan & Cristina with the secret to getting promoted! See links to the Forbes article discussed as well as a Ted Talk by Amy Cuddy, author of Presence, Bringing your Boldest Self to your Biggest Challenges. https://www.forbes.com/sites/ashleystahl/2015/04/03/7-ways-to-get-noticed-at-work/#4159aa66491d https://www.ted.com/speakers/amy_cuddy

Abby Rogers, Senior Labor and Employment Counselor at Engler, Callaway, Baasten, & Straga, LLC discusses the local impact of this legislation with Megan & Cristina.

Megan and Cristina discuss recruitment in municipal government including traditional hiring, and what that might look like  in the age of Corona Virus.

Incoming  IPELRA President Cristina White and Real Time with IPELRA host Megan Fulara discuss Wellness in the Workplace.

What to expect from Real Time with IPELRA