8.00 – 8.45: Welcome breakfast and registration 

8.45 – 9.00: Welcome remarks from International Employment Lawyer 

9.00 – 9.30: Keynote address  

9.30 – 10.30: Session 1: Working with a global labour movement

For US-based companies expanding their operations into Europe, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific, understanding how to effectively engage with trade unions is essential for fostering positive labour relations. This panel session brings together labour law experts from around the world to provide insights and practical advice on engaging with trade unions in diverse international contexts. By exploring cultural nuances, legal frameworks, and negotiation strategies, attendees will gain valuable perspectives to build constructive relationships and promote workplace harmony across continents. 

10.30 – 11.00: Coffee break  

11.00 – 12.00: Session 2: Global compliance strategies

In an increasingly globalised business landscape, US-based multinationals face complex legal and regulatory challenges when operating across international borders. This panel session focuses on how to successfully roll out global policies, such as benefit and remuneration plans, employment agreements, codes of conduct, data protection policies, anti-graft programmes, and termination procedures. Legal experts will explore the legal frameworks, cultural considerations, and practical approaches to help navigate compliance complexities and mitigate risks effectively.

12.00 – 1.00: Session 3: Global reductions in force

While large-scale restructurings are often necessary to remain competitive and adapt to market changes, navigating the legal and cultural complexities of such projects outside the US presents unique challenges for multinational businesses. This panel session delves into the strategies, considerations, and best practices for managing large-scale restructurings and layoffs in international contexts, offering insights from legal, HR, and organisational perspectives.

1.00 – 2.30: Networking lunch 

2.30 – 3.15: The DEI question: in conversation with the EEOC

Diversity, equity, and inclusion schemes have come under increasing scrutiny by workers, shareholders, and activists. Following the US Supreme Court’s decision on college affirmative action programmes, employers are left to wonder whether various corporate initiatives to promote a more inclusive workplace culture are, in fact, illegal. This panel session brings together Vice Chair Jocelyn Samuels and Commissioner Andrea Lucas, key voices from the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, to explore the scope, purpose, and effectiveness of DEI programmes. 

3.15 – 4.15: Session 4: Staying local in global DEI policies

Although fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion has become a moral imperative and strategic necessity in recent years, implementing global DEI policies is a complex undertaking. This panel session will delve into the key considerations and challenges that US-based companies need to understand when rolling out global DEI initiatives, including cultural nuances and local laws.

4.15 – 4.45: Coffee break 

4.45 – 5.45: Session 5: Navigating global investigations

With employee interactions increasingly taking place across borders, both in person and online, US-headquartered multinationals face the challenge of conducting internal investigations spanning multiple jurisdictions. This panel session explores the complexities and best practices associated with undertaking cross-border probes across various world regions. From legal considerations to cultural nuances, the discussion aims to provide attendees with insights and strategies for effectively navigating the intricacies of global investigations.

5.45 onwards: Networking drinks reception