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March 3, 2014

Denver-Area Contractors Meet to Discuss Marijuana in the Workplace and Other HR Issues

From Left - Sharry Charest of LEI Companies Inc. - Lindsey Cox of 1st Electric Contractors Inc. - David Scott of Encore Electric Inc. - Kate Raabe of Fisher & Phillips LLP

IECRM, the leading trade association for Rocky Mountain electrical contractors, hosted a free HR panel discussion in Denver on February 19, 2014. The panelists included three HR professionals in the electrical contracting industry and an attorney.

DENVER, Colorado – March 3, 2014 – On February 19th, 20 Colorado-based electrical contractors met to discuss marijuana in the workplace and other prevailing human resources issues at a free HR panel discussion hosted by IECRM, the leading trade association for electrical contractors. The four panelists included Kate Raabe, attorney at Fisher & Phillips LLP, Sharry Charest, Human Resources Manager at LEI Companies, Inc., David Scott, Human Resources Director at Encore Electric, Inc., and Lindsey Cox, Vice President – HR/Finance at 1st Electric Contractors, Inc.  The panel discussion was moderated by IECRM CEO, Spenser Villwock.

Much of the discussion was spent on the topic of marijuana and other substances in the workplace, in light of the recent implementation of Amendment 64, which originally passed in Colorado on November 6, 2012.

A question was raised regarding the rights that an employer has to enforce a zero-tolerance policy for marijuana and other substances, specifically, whether such a policy will infringe on the new rights of Colorado-based employees to use marijuana outside of the workplace. If an employee tests positive for the drug while at work, does an employer retain the right to take action based on the company’s policies?

Kate Raabe, attorney at Fisher & Phillips LLP, confirmed that there are several options available. “You as an employer can still have a zero-tolerance policy, or your company can choose to consider a variety of alternatives such as suspension and/or an EAP program in addition to the option of immediate termination.”

She emphasized that, whichever approach you take, your company should explicitly state the policy, and that management must be consistent in enforcing the policy as it is stated. Raabe also emphasized that employers still have the right to supplement or revise their current policies, and added that there is a case currently pending before the Colorado Supreme Court that addresses issues related to this topic which may have an impact on future interpretations of the law.

David Scott, Human Resources Director at Encore Electric, Inc., suggested that employers send out a company-wide memo reminding employees of the company’s current substance policy or of any policy changes, in order to prevent confusion.

The discussion also covered health care reform laws, employee retention strategies, employee training and professional development, and other prevailing topics.

“Companies can institute policies based on what they believe is the right way or the wrong way to handle a situation. But, it’s important to know if those policies are legal,” said IECRM Business Director, Kori Hemans.

IECRM will host another free seminar next month: Basics, Strategies, and Tactics for Healthcare Reform and PPACA, on Tuesday, March 18th in Denver. Please visit http://bit.ly/1eg6G5A to register and view details. For more information about IECRM, please visit www.iecrm.org or call (303) 853-4886.

TOP PHOTO: From Left – Sharry Charest of LEI Companies Inc. – Lindsey Cox of 1st Electric Contractors Inc. – David Scott of Encore Electric Inc. – Kate Raabe of Fisher & Phillips LLP

About Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain (IECRM)

Since 1981, the Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain (IECRM) has been the leading electrical and renewable energy contractor association in Colorado. Representing over 200 member companies responsible for $2B annually, and educating over 725 electrical apprentices and licensed electricians annually, IECRM is dedicated to educating, promoting, and advancing the electrical industry.

IECRM, located in Denver, Colorado, is a chapter of the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC), a national trade association for merit shop electrical and systems contractors.

 

 

Contact:

Samantha McCormick
Marketing Manager
Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain
(303) 853-4886
[email protected]
https://iecrm.org 

IECRM Self-Pay Tuition Policy

 

Self-pay students who are employed with a member company must register and pay through the member company using the IECRM Flashpoint Enrollment Portal/Process in order to qualify for member rates.

Self-pay students that are employed with a member company but that do not register and pay through the member will be charged the non-member rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.


Self-pay students who are employed with a member company and require a payment plan will not qualify for the member rate and will be charged the non-member rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.


Self-pay students who do not work for a member company will continue to be charged the non-member rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.


To maximize association/membership benefits, ALL member companies are encouraged to register and pay for all enrolled apprentices utilizing internal payment arrangements and processes between employer and employee.


We value our IECRM members and apprentice community. We encourage all apprentices to be enrolled in the four-year apprenticeship program, earning, and learning their way toward Journeyworker licensure. We encourage all members to utilize the member discount for tuition, books and applicable fees to ensure the long-term support and success of the next-generation electrician.


(Payment Plans are available, please reference the Self Pay Payment Plan Policy.)


Self-Pay Payment Plan Policy


We offer the following arrangements for students that are unable to pay in full at the time of registration.


● Self-pay students will be charged the non-member rate.
● A 50% down payment of total semester tuition, books and applicable fees are due at registration.
● Remaining balance can be divided up to 3 additional monthly payments ($10.00 processing fee applies on each installment)
● All payments that are declined will incur a $20.00 NSF fee.

 

We encourage all students who are employed with a member company to work with their employer to register and pay through the IECRM Flashpoint Enrollment Portal/Process. This will ensure the student is paying the lowest possible rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.