January / February 2022 MiMfg Magazine 7
Solutions for Success
Connect with Free Legal Advice for HR Questions and Issues
Despite the critical importance of your facilities , materials and logistics , the single most important factor to your overall success will likely always be your people . Which is why MMA offers free answers to important human resource questions through the MMA HR Help Line .
Contacting the MMA HR Help Line connects you to attorneys and professionals at Clark Hill PLC , a global law firm .
Clark Hill has a long history with the MMA . In fact , they incorporated the MMA back in 1902 . Since then , their expertise has grown to include most areas of law , from labor negotiations and National Labor Relations Board work to workplace safety and employment regulations , discrimination claims , and more .
How it Works
“ Any MMA member can call in or e-mail us with a labor or employment question ,” says William Moore , Attorney at Clark Hill . “ If it ’ s something quick and easy , we go ahead and answer it . If it ’ s something that ’ s more involved and could be a legal case , we advise them of that and suggest that they go out and retain legal counsel .”
For Moore and Clark Hill , this isn ’ t about drumming up business for themselves . “ We ’ re here to provide a service to the MMA , as one of our longest clients ,” says Moore . “ I think we ’ ve handled two cases in the past 13 years from the MMA HR Help Line — mostly because we usually resolve issues in real time over the phone .”
Typical Questions Asked
Though questions can be about anything , most are from HR professionals . According to Moore , inquiries will typically start with an HR rep who needs more information and / or counsel on making personnel changes .
Given the times , Moore says they are fielding many COVID- 19-related questions such as whether they can keep out vendors who haven ’ t been vaccinated or asking for guidance on internal vaccination policies .
Most HR professionals know they need to get a lawyer involved if an employee claims discrimination or goes to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ( EEOC ). However , there are many other situations where they just need some guidance that is backed by legal knowledge .
Worth the Peace of Mind
While many HR professionals call for real guidance and advice , many more call to simply confirm
With one call , you can get the human resource-related answers you need with the MMA HR Help Line .
If you have a question or issue that you ’ d like to discuss , log in at mimfg . org with your MMA credentials to gain to access to the HR Help Line phone number and e-mail address .
what they already know or plan to do . They just want to run their decision by someone with legal knowledge to get an opinion — and that ’ s fine , too .
Whatever labor or employmentrelated issue your organization may be wrestling with , it ’ s worth checking in with the legal professionals that staff the MMA HR Help line for advice and counsel to help protect your company — and your people .
For more information , see mimfg . org or contact MMA ’ s Brenda Nalett at 517-487-8512 or nalett @ mimfg . org . 6
Three Ways to Expand Your Brand with MMA
Develop a comprehensive advertising , sponsorship and thought leadership plan to increase your engagement with Michigan manufacturers .
Scan to Get More