MLGHRA's Harassment in the Workplace: Compliance, Accountability, and Culture Change - (HYBRID) In Person
Date: 8/14/2025 8:30 AM - 3:15 PM
Sponsor: Maine Local Government Human Resources Association
Location: Maine Municipal Association Conference Center, 60 Community Dr., Augusta, ME 04330
Time: In person registration 8:30 - 9:00 am
Presenter(s): Various
Cost: In person – Members $75; Non-member rate $85
Training for: Human Resources, Manager, MLGHRA
9:00 - 10:15 - Responding to Workplace Harassment: Legal Standards and Best Practices
This session will review the legal definitions of harassment and discrimination in the workplace, helping participants distinguish between conduct that is unlawful and behavior that, while unprofessional or inappropriate, may not violate the law. Attendees will gain a practical understanding of relevant federal and state laws, with special attention to the gray areas that often arise in real-world workplace situations. The session will also provide clear guidance on employer obligations when a complaint is received, including best practices for investigation, documentation, and timely response. Peter Lowe (Brann Isaacson)
10:15 - 10:30 - Break
10:30 - 11:45 After the Dust has Settled – Rebuilding Workplace Relationships Post-Investigation. What happens after an investigation concludes and the formal process is complete? This session focuses on the often-overlooked but critical next step: repairing and restoring workplace relationships. The speaker will explore practical strategies for reintegrating complainants, respondents, and bystanders in a way that promotes healing, reestablishes professional boundaries, and reinforces a culture of respect. Attendees will learn how to set clear expectations moving forward, address lingering tension, and foster a healthier, more cohesive work environment. Terri Swanson (Swanson Consulting & Associates, LLC)
11:45 - 12:30 - Lunch
12:30 - 1:45 - Tales from the Commission – Lessons Learned from the MHRC and EEOC. Drawing from real cases and experiences with the Maine Human Rights Commission (MHRC) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), this session offers practical insights into how complaints are investigated and resolved at the state and federal levels. Participants will gain a behind-the-scenes look at common pitfalls employers face, patterns in employee complaints, and key lessons learned from recent determinations. Through these “tales from the commission,” attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of best practices for compliance, how to avoid costly missteps, and how to respond effectively if a complaint is filed. Mark Franco, Esq. (Drummond Woodsum), Kit Thomson Crossman (MHRC Executive Director), and Martin Tartre Esq (Employee Rights Group).
1:45 - 2:00 - Break
2:00 - 3:15 - From the Playground to the Workplace – Addressing Bullying and Workplace Aggression. Bullying isn’t just a childhood issue—it often follows individuals into adulthood and manifests in the workplace, where it can significantly impact morale, productivity, and team cohesion. One of the most frequent complaints in organizations is a general sense of “harassment” or a “hostile work environment,” even when the behavior isn’t linked to a protected class or unlawful conduct. This session will explore how schoolyard behaviors can persist in professional settings, how to recognize signs of workplace bullying and social aggression, and strategies for addressing these behaviors effectively. Participants will learn how to foster a respectful, inclusive work environment—where everyone can, quite literally, play well in the sandbox. Ann Freeman, Esq. (Bernstein Shur)
In Person Registration
Go to the Webinar via Zoom Registration
Cancellations must be submitted using this Cancellation form to cancel your registration for an event. Cancellations received before 8/8/25 will be assessed a $15 administrative fee for processing. Cancellations received on/after 8/8/25 will be charged 50% of the course fee.
Any registrant who does not attend and does not cancel their registration (i.e. no-show) and any cancellation received the day of the event will be charged the full registration fee.
Registration changes (switching from in-person to virtual or vice versa) will be assessed a $15 administrative fee for processing.
Registration substitutions are permitted for registrants within the same municipality/organization and will be assessed a $15 substitution fee. Registration transfers to a future training offering are not permitted. Please email [email protected] to request a registration substitution.
Confirmation: In person confirmations are emailed one week prior to the event date.
Webinar confirmations and the access ink will be emailed to webinar registrants at least 24 hours in advance. Please email [email protected] if you do not receive your access link within 24 hours of the event.
7