52nd Annual Public Employment Labor Relations Forum
Make plans to join your friends and colleagues from The Florida Bar City, County, and Local Government Law Labor and Employment Law Sections in Orlando this fall for the 52nd Annual Public Employment Labor Relations Forum, a signature event for both sections. The dates are Thursday, October 22, and Friday, October 23, at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando. Course number 9806 is approved for 11 CLE credits (1 Ethics, 1 Technology) and 11 certification credits each in City, County & Local Government Law and Labor & Employment Law.
In addition to being an excellent networking opportunity, this annual forum is the premier event for public-sector labor and employment law professionals, providing timely legal updates and dynamic discussions tailored to this unique practice area. Topics may include: PERC update and hot topics; overtime and compensatory time in the public sector; Florida Sunshine Law/ethics; resolving employment disputes; public pension and FRS; public accommodations; changes in the collective bargaining landscape; as well as Eleventh Circuit and EEOC/FCHR updates.
The October 22 All-Members’ Dinner Reception at Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food in CityWalk and the October 23 Breakfast and Lunch are included in the registration fee.
In Person ONLY—No Live Webcast.
Labor & Employment Law Section member $595
City, County, Local Govt. Law Section member $595
Non-Section member $645
Fee waiver $295 (Requires discount code. Must meet qualifications. For more information, email [email protected].)
Other Formats: 24/7 On-Demand and podcast products of this course will be available to purchase following the in-person seminar.
ROOM BLOCK CLOSES SEPTEMBER 21: The nightly rate of $299 for two queen beds includes discounted self-parking at $28 per day, and features a waived resort fee, early park admission (with a valid theme park ticket), and complimentary water taxis, shuttle buses, and walking paths to all three Universal Orlando theme parks and Universal CityWalk.
Schedule & Presenters
Day 1-Thursday, October 22, 2026
1:00 PM – 1:10 PM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Program Chairs
1:10 PM – 2:10 PM
Chapter 1
Best Practices for Public Safety Negotiations: Police & Firefighters
Sacha Dyson, Esq. - Bush, Graziano, Rice, Hearing
Paul Daragjati, Esq. - Daragjati Law
Mark Floyd, Esq. - Mierzwa & Floyd, P.A.
This session will explore effective negotiation strategies for collective bargaining agreements for police and firefighters, and examine proven negotiation strategies, current trends, and practical solutions for reaching successful agreements while ensuring operational readiness and maintaining positive labor-management partnerships.
2:10 PM – 3:00 PM
Chapter 2
Veteran’s Preference Law: Identifying Issues & Avoiding Pitfalls
Kathryn Piscitelli, Esq. - Sass, Everhart & Silva, P.A
This session offers a practical overview of veterans' preference requirements throughout the process and examines eligibility criteria, common misconceptions, and recent legal developments affecting the public sector. Through real-world scenarios and best practices, attendees will understand how to identify potential compliance risks and avoid costly pitfalls.
3:00 PM – 3:10 PM
Break
3:05 PM – 3:55 PM
Chapter 3
Surviving Impasse Resolution
Rob Eschenfelder, Esq. - Trask Daigneault, LLP
Holly E. Oliva-Van Horsten, Esq. - Phillips, Richard & Rind, P.A.
When negotiations reach an impasse, understanding the statutory process and preparing strategically can significantly impact the outcome. This presentation will address each phase of impasse resolution—from declaration through mediation, special magistrate proceedings, legislative action, and implementation – while providing practical advocacy techniques for successfully navigate one of the most challenging stages of collective bargaining.
4:00 PM – 4:50 PM
Chapter 4
Workplace Investigations and their effect on Employee Grievances
Lindsey Ryder, Esq., Weiss Serota
The quality of a workplace investigation can determine the outcome of a grievance, arbitration, or even litigation. This session examines best practices for conducting investigations, while providing attendees insights on how investigative decisions influence grievance outcomes and discover strategies to reduce organizational risk.
4:50 PM – 5:00 PM
Closing Remarks
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Section Executive Council Meetings (all invited)
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
All Members’ Reception (included in registration fee)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 2- Friday, Oct. 23, 2026
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Breakfast
8:30 AM – 8:40 AM
Welcome
Program Chairs
8:40 AM – 9:30 AM
Chapter 5
ADA, FMLA, and Workers’ Compensation – Navigating the “Bermuda Triangle”
Maria Hossain, Esq., Ausley McMullen
Much like the real Bermuda Triangle, the intersection of FMLA, worker’s compensation and ADA can be a mysterious environment. This presentation will explore the interplay among these laws and common compliance challenges, while de-mystifying the types of leave, supporting documentation requirements, and related initiating and terminating events. It will also cover the effects of an employee using multiple kinds of leave and potential red flags.
9:30 AM – 10:20 AM
Chapter 6
Drug-free Workplace Policy: Accommodations for Medical Marijuana
Scott Atwood, Esq., Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A.
As medical marijuana laws continue to evolve, public employers face increasing challenges balancing workplace safety, disability accommodations, and compliance with state and federal law. This session examines current legal developments, accommodation requests, and drug testing considerations.
10:20 AM – 10:30 AM
Break
10:30 AM – 11:20 PM
Chapter 7
Impacts of PERA Amendments on Government Operations
Brett J. Schneider, Esq. - Weiss Serota
Recent amendments to Chapter 447 have significantly reshaped Florida's public sector labor relations landscape. This presentation analyzes the statutory changes affecting collective bargaining, union certification, dues deductions, employee representation, and employer obligations. Attendees will gain practical insight into implementation challenges and the implications for government employers and labor organizations.
11:20 AM – 12:10 PM
Chapter 8
PERC Case Update and Hot Topics
Gregg Morton, Esq., PERC
This annual update will review significant decisions from the Public Employees Relations Commission, relevant appellate opinions, emerging trends, and developing issues affecting practitioners.
12:10 PM – 1:15 PM
Lunch (included in registration fee)
1:15 PM – 2:05 PM
Chapter 9
Avoiding AI Traps in Litigation: Perspectives from the Bench
Magistrate Judge Patricia Barksdale – U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
Artificial intelligence is transforming legal practice—but it also presents new ethical, procedural, and evidentiary risks. This session will discuss the responsible use of AI in various aspects of litigation, as well as highlight judicial expectations, professional responsibility concerns, confidentiality issues, and practical safeguards to avoid costly mistakes while leveraging emerging technology effectively.
3:25 PM – 4:15 PM
Chapter 10
Pension Insights on Labor Negotiations
Glenn Thomas, Esq. - Lewis, Longman, Walker, P.A.
This session will provide an update on recent changes to the Florida Retirement System and state and federal law affecting local government retirement plans, as well as practice pointers and considerations particular to bargaining over retirement benefits.
2:55 PM – 3:05 PM
Break
3:05 PM – 3:55 PM
Chapter 11
Open Carry in Unionized Environments
Lara Peppard, Esq. - Ogletree Deakins
Elizabeth Jozsi, Esq. - Ogletree Deakins
Balancing employee rights, workplace safety, collective bargaining obligations, and evolving firearms laws present unique challenges for public employers. This session examines legal considerations surrounding open carry and firearms policies in unionized workplaces, including bargaining obligations, management rights, disciplinary issues, safety concerns, and policy development.
3:55 PM – 4:00 PM
Closing Remarks
Program Chairs
In addition to being an excellent networking opportunity, this annual forum is the premier event for public-sector labor and employment law professionals, providing timely legal updates and dynamic discussions tailored to this unique practice area. Topics may include: PERC update and hot topics; overtime and compensatory time in the public sector; Florida Sunshine Law/ethics; resolving employment disputes; public pension and FRS; public accommodations; changes in the collective bargaining landscape; as well as Eleventh Circuit and EEOC/FCHR updates.
The October 22 All-Members’ Dinner Reception at Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food in CityWalk and the October 23 Breakfast and Lunch are included in the registration fee.
In Person ONLY—No Live Webcast.
Labor & Employment Law Section member $595
City, County, Local Govt. Law Section member $595
Non-Section member $645
Fee waiver $295 (Requires discount code. Must meet qualifications. For more information, email [email protected].)
Other Formats: 24/7 On-Demand and podcast products of this course will be available to purchase following the in-person seminar.
ROOM BLOCK CLOSES SEPTEMBER 21: The nightly rate of $299 for two queen beds includes discounted self-parking at $28 per day, and features a waived resort fee, early park admission (with a valid theme park ticket), and complimentary water taxis, shuttle buses, and walking paths to all three Universal Orlando theme parks and Universal CityWalk.
Schedule & Presenters
Day 1-Thursday, October 22, 2026
1:00 PM – 1:10 PM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Program Chairs
1:10 PM – 2:10 PM
Chapter 1
Best Practices for Public Safety Negotiations: Police & Firefighters
Sacha Dyson, Esq. - Bush, Graziano, Rice, Hearing
Paul Daragjati, Esq. - Daragjati Law
Mark Floyd, Esq. - Mierzwa & Floyd, P.A.
This session will explore effective negotiation strategies for collective bargaining agreements for police and firefighters, and examine proven negotiation strategies, current trends, and practical solutions for reaching successful agreements while ensuring operational readiness and maintaining positive labor-management partnerships.
2:10 PM – 3:00 PM
Chapter 2
Veteran’s Preference Law: Identifying Issues & Avoiding Pitfalls
Kathryn Piscitelli, Esq. - Sass, Everhart & Silva, P.A
This session offers a practical overview of veterans' preference requirements throughout the process and examines eligibility criteria, common misconceptions, and recent legal developments affecting the public sector. Through real-world scenarios and best practices, attendees will understand how to identify potential compliance risks and avoid costly pitfalls.
3:00 PM – 3:10 PM
Break
3:05 PM – 3:55 PM
Chapter 3
Surviving Impasse Resolution
Rob Eschenfelder, Esq. - Trask Daigneault, LLP
Holly E. Oliva-Van Horsten, Esq. - Phillips, Richard & Rind, P.A.
When negotiations reach an impasse, understanding the statutory process and preparing strategically can significantly impact the outcome. This presentation will address each phase of impasse resolution—from declaration through mediation, special magistrate proceedings, legislative action, and implementation – while providing practical advocacy techniques for successfully navigate one of the most challenging stages of collective bargaining.
4:00 PM – 4:50 PM
Chapter 4
Workplace Investigations and their effect on Employee Grievances
Lindsey Ryder, Esq., Weiss Serota
The quality of a workplace investigation can determine the outcome of a grievance, arbitration, or even litigation. This session examines best practices for conducting investigations, while providing attendees insights on how investigative decisions influence grievance outcomes and discover strategies to reduce organizational risk.
4:50 PM – 5:00 PM
Closing Remarks
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Section Executive Council Meetings (all invited)
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
All Members’ Reception (included in registration fee)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 2- Friday, Oct. 23, 2026
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Breakfast
8:30 AM – 8:40 AM
Welcome
Program Chairs
8:40 AM – 9:30 AM
Chapter 5
ADA, FMLA, and Workers’ Compensation – Navigating the “Bermuda Triangle”
Maria Hossain, Esq., Ausley McMullen
Much like the real Bermuda Triangle, the intersection of FMLA, worker’s compensation and ADA can be a mysterious environment. This presentation will explore the interplay among these laws and common compliance challenges, while de-mystifying the types of leave, supporting documentation requirements, and related initiating and terminating events. It will also cover the effects of an employee using multiple kinds of leave and potential red flags.
9:30 AM – 10:20 AM
Chapter 6
Drug-free Workplace Policy: Accommodations for Medical Marijuana
Scott Atwood, Esq., Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A.
As medical marijuana laws continue to evolve, public employers face increasing challenges balancing workplace safety, disability accommodations, and compliance with state and federal law. This session examines current legal developments, accommodation requests, and drug testing considerations.
10:20 AM – 10:30 AM
Break
10:30 AM – 11:20 PM
Chapter 7
Impacts of PERA Amendments on Government Operations
Brett J. Schneider, Esq. - Weiss Serota
Recent amendments to Chapter 447 have significantly reshaped Florida's public sector labor relations landscape. This presentation analyzes the statutory changes affecting collective bargaining, union certification, dues deductions, employee representation, and employer obligations. Attendees will gain practical insight into implementation challenges and the implications for government employers and labor organizations.
11:20 AM – 12:10 PM
Chapter 8
PERC Case Update and Hot Topics
Gregg Morton, Esq., PERC
This annual update will review significant decisions from the Public Employees Relations Commission, relevant appellate opinions, emerging trends, and developing issues affecting practitioners.
12:10 PM – 1:15 PM
Lunch (included in registration fee)
1:15 PM – 2:05 PM
Chapter 9
Avoiding AI Traps in Litigation: Perspectives from the Bench
Magistrate Judge Patricia Barksdale – U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
Artificial intelligence is transforming legal practice—but it also presents new ethical, procedural, and evidentiary risks. This session will discuss the responsible use of AI in various aspects of litigation, as well as highlight judicial expectations, professional responsibility concerns, confidentiality issues, and practical safeguards to avoid costly mistakes while leveraging emerging technology effectively.
3:25 PM – 4:15 PM
Chapter 10
Pension Insights on Labor Negotiations
Glenn Thomas, Esq. - Lewis, Longman, Walker, P.A.
This session will provide an update on recent changes to the Florida Retirement System and state and federal law affecting local government retirement plans, as well as practice pointers and considerations particular to bargaining over retirement benefits.
2:55 PM – 3:05 PM
Break
3:05 PM – 3:55 PM
Chapter 11
Open Carry in Unionized Environments
Lara Peppard, Esq. - Ogletree Deakins
Elizabeth Jozsi, Esq. - Ogletree Deakins
Balancing employee rights, workplace safety, collective bargaining obligations, and evolving firearms laws present unique challenges for public employers. This session examines legal considerations surrounding open carry and firearms policies in unionized workplaces, including bargaining obligations, management rights, disciplinary issues, safety concerns, and policy development.
3:55 PM – 4:00 PM
Closing Remarks
Program Chairs
Where is it happening?
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando, 6601 Adventure Way, Orlando, FL 32819-7602, United States, Williamsburg
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherCity, County & Local Government Law Section of the Florida Bar
