Labor/Employment

Webinar Overview

Even before a company files for bankruptcy protection, multiple employment and labor issues can arise. This webinar addresses the interplay between labor and employment law, on the one hand, and bankruptcy law on the other. It examines employee wage and claim issues that are often triggered by the filing for bankruptcy protection, as well as the special treatment provided by the Bankruptcy Code for collective bargaining agreements and retiree health care benefits, which makes modification or rejection of such agreements more difficult during the bankruptcy proceeding.

It also explains the consequences of a debtor’s failure to comply with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN), which requires employers to provide written notice in advance of covered plant closings and mass layoffs under certain conditions and may subject the debtor to liability.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the Interplay Between Bankruptcy and Labor Laws: Explore how labor and employment issues intersect with bankruptcy proceedings and the challenges they present
• Address Employee Wage and Claim Issues in Bankruptcy: Learn about the treatment of employee wages and claims during bankruptcy filings and their prioritization under the Bankruptcy Code
• Examine Collective Bargaining Agreements and Retiree Benefits: Understand the special protections for collective bargaining agreements and retiree health benefits under the Bankruptcy Code and how they impact the modification or rejection of such agreements
• Comprehend WARN Act Compliance in Bankruptcy: Gain insights into the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, including its requirements for advance notice in cases of plant closures or mass layoffs and the potential liabilities for non-compliance
• Navigate Legal Challenges in Bankruptcy Proceedings: Acquire practical strategies for managing labor and employment law issues in the context of bankruptcy to minimize risks and liabilities
• Recognize the Broader Implications of Labor Issues on Bankruptcy Outcomes: Understand how labor and employment considerations can influence the overall trajectory and outcomes of bankruptcy cases

Other Webinars in this Series

• Environmental (Premiered on May 6, 2025)
• Intellectual Property (Premiered on April 15, 2025)