Meeting/Event Information

Out with the old and in with the new.  Labor relations has changed significantly, a result of:  

• Covid
• A new Administration
• A shift to a new generation in the workforce

This program will compare and contrast the National Labor Relations process of today with that of the recent past.  The program will also include testimonials from first time labor relations alumni who share how the actual process varied from what they expected from their prep, including what they wish they knew before sitting down at the table.   We sum up the discussion with a fascinating case study of a company in Hawaii which unionized and subsequently decertified.  

As an optional pre-work for this program, you are encouraged to listen to CNN's Diversifying podcast “Why Unions are Making a Comeback”.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/diversifying/id1610394360?i=1000566211612

Richard M. Rand has practiced labor and employment law in Hawaii for more than 28 years. He has counseled employers on a wide range of federal and state legal issues including employment claims, wage and hour law, traditional labor law issues, complex labor negotiations and Davis Bacon Act compliance.  Known as an experienced trial lawyer, he has served as lead counsel in jury trials in both federal and state court, in state and federal administrative proceedings, and has argued numerous cases before the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and the Hawaii Appellate Courts.

Mr. Rand also represents employers in arbitration and mediation proceedings.  He has represented both buyers and sellers in the labor and employment aspects of many major real estate transactions.  He negotiates collective bargaining agreements for employers and counsels them on the administration of those agreements.  Mr. Rand joined MJW as a partner in January 2007.  Previously, he was a Director with Torkildson Katz et al.

Mr. Rand is admitted to practice law in the state and federal courts in Hawaii, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr.  Rand has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America as one of Hawaii’s premier employment lawyers.  He is also listed in the Chambers USA directory, America’s Leading Lawyers for Business.  He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Georgetown University Law Center.

Ronald Webb joined California Water Service Group (CSWG) in 2014 and currently serves as Vice President, Chief Human Resource Officer.  CWSG is the third largest publicly traded water utility in the United States, providing water and wastewater services to more than two million people in over 100 communities through five subsidiaries: California Water Service (Cal Water), Hawaii Water Service (Hawaii Water), New Mexico Water Service (New Mexico Water), Washington Water Service (Washington Water), and Texas Water Service (Texas Water), a utility holding company.

Prior to joining CWSG, Webb served as Managing Director, Human Resources Partner for United Airlines. He has extensive labor relations experience with many other Fortune 500 companies.  His prior experience includes executive and management-level positions at Black & Decker Corporation, General Electric Company, and National Steel and Shipbuilding Company.

Webb holds Bachelor and Master degrees in Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California.