Understanding the New Maryland Public Employee Relations Board

Understanding the New Maryland Public Employee Relations Board (PERB)

The Public Employee Relations Act established the Public Employee Relations Board in Maryland. This new agency oversees collective bargaining activities for public employees in the state and replaces/consolidates the duties of the State Labor Relations Board, the State Higher Education Labor Relations Board, and the Public School Labor Relations Board. PERA provided PERB with a new tool set to enforce collective bargaining agreements and to remedy ULPs. Our presenters, who were involved in the development of the legislation governing the new agency, will discuss how this will impact both employers and employees.

Speakers

Garrett Wozniak, Kollman & Saucier – employer-side perspective

Garrett Wozniak has practiced law since 2013, concentrating in the representation of private and public sector employers in all aspects of labor and employment law.  Garrett’s practice includes general advice and counseling in employment matters, as well as the defense of employment discrimination and sexual harassment suits, ADA and FMLA litigation, wrongful discharge suits, wage and hour cases, NLRB proceedings, collective bargaining negotiations, workplace investigations, and grievance arbitrations.

Dave Maher, Kahn Smith & Collins – employee-side perspective

David Maher is an attorney in the firm’s labor and employment practice. He has experience representing public and private sector unions before arbitrators, state and federal courts, the National Labor Relations Board, the Maryland state labor boards, and administrative agencies. He has advised and counseled his clients on contract negotiation, contract administration, organizing campaigns, legislative and regulatory affairs, internal affairs, and membership relations. He has testified on behalf of his clients before the General Assembly. He brings a nuanced understanding of Maryland law and labor law, and an understanding of the challenges faced by labor unions.

Harriet Cooperman, Saul Ewing – neutral perspective

Harriet Cooperman is an accomplished results-oriented strategic labor and employment attorney for publicly and privately held businesses and non-profits in court, at the negotiation table, and with executive leadership and management teams. She works closely with clients to develop and implement practical and creative solutions to address challenges and legal compliance issues. Harriet is nationally recognized for her labor and employment experience and litigation skills.

Moderator

Peter Saucier, Kollman & Saucier

Pete has enjoyed four decades practicing management labor and employment law, college-side higher education law, and business litigation.

Pete served as a Chinese linguist and code-breaker in the United States Air Force from June 1972 until June 1976.  After his honorable discharge at age 21, Pete received his B.A. degree in 1977 magna cum laude from the University College of the University of Maryland with a concentration in philosophy. Pete attended the University of Baltimore School of Law on a full-tuition academic scholarship where, after serving as an Editor on the Law Review, he received his J.D. degree cum laude in 1980.

Schedule

5:30 – 6:30 pm – Reception and Networking (cash bar)
6:30 pm – Dinner and program begins
8:00 pm – Concludes

Location

Chiapparelli’s Restaurant
237 S High Street
Baltimore, MD 21202

Tickets, Pricing, Payment Options

$42 per person for members

$52 per person for non-members

$30 per person for students

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