How to Decrease Headcount While Avoiding an Increase in Litigation Risk

Recorded On: 10/23/2023

The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) and reductions in force (RIF) are topics that already are ripe for litigation – both individual and class action. This program will review best practices and practical tips to consider when engaging in any type of downsizing or restructuring initiative. The program will start with a quick review of practical alternatives to engaging in a RIF and take a detailed review through the date of actual notification to the impacted employees.

Components visible upon registration.

Kevin Chapman

Associate General Counsel

Dow Jones

In more than 28 years working for Dow Jones/News Corp. I have become a great believer in the ounce of prevention being worth a million dollars in litigation. Training of management, development and enforcement of simple policies, and early intervention and settlement of disputes is the best road for most companies. Employment matters are many and varied, but most boil down to personalities and personal differences. Most can be resolved if dealt with effectively and promptly. In labor relations, developing cooperative relationships with unions and union leaders can make what are otherwise difficult negotiations into opportunities for mutual agreement. My labor negotiations have never ended in a strike, but our company has always achieved its major labor goals. As a past Chair of the Employment & Labor Law Network of the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC), I try to share knowledge with my colleagues and spread the same message -- that good advice and active planning and training are the key to long-term success and good employee relations.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-chapman-33751b4/