HARRIS – There were approximately 185 people in attendance at the U.P. Labor Management Council’s 45th annual conference on Thursday, March 5, at the Island Resort & Casino Conference Center in Harris.

Management and labor representatives throughout the Upper Peninsula gathered for a day of education and networking to promote cooperation in the workplace. Six sessions were held at the one-day conference.

The first general session was “Best Practices for Preparing for Negotiations” presented by Shela Khan Monroe, attorney at law. The second general session, presented by Attorney Clifford Hammond of Nemath Law P.C., was “Affordable Care Act at the Bargaining Table.”

In addition, three breakout sessions were offered to the attendees: “Bargaining Retiree Health/Pension Benefits” was presented by attorney Laura Katers Reilly of Kendricks, Bordeau, Adamini, Greenlee & Keefe P.C.; “Labor/Management Basics: Information Requests” was presented by Shela Khan Monroe, attorney at law; and, “Right to Work: Your Questions Answered” was presented by Arthur Przybylowicz, Michigan Education Association and Gary Patterson, Masud Labor Law Group.

The three breakout sessions were offered in the morning and afternoon. The conference ended with a one-hour motivational session entitled “The Power of Words,” by Dr. James Surrell. As part of the event, attendees donated non-perishable food items for the local Salvation Army food pantry.

More information about the conference can be found on the Council website at www.uplmc.com or by contacting the Council office at (906) 466-0155.