April 2021
President's Message
Greetings NSHRM Members and Friends,

Welcome to April. I like to think as we “spring into this season” we too are like that resilient device that can be pressed or pulled but returns to its former shape when released. In just one year the pandemic has upended the global workforce landscape, challenging HR teams like never before. As I look back on these past 12 months, I learned that collaboration and developing deeper social connections were key to persevering, lowering my stress, and above all else, maintaining my happiness.  I really don’t know what I would have done without my #HRTribe. If you have not had a chance yet to network through one of our virtual or in person events, I encourage you to do so. NSHRM will be creating many safe opportunities to help you engage with other people leaders in the area and continue our mission to “provide members with the knowledge and tools necessary to excel in their profession”. 
 
Professional Development Meeting Update – We are happy to announce our plans to hold our first dual option Professional Development Meeting this month. We understand that there may be some whom are not ready yet to meet in person, therefore we are offering the ability to meet either in person or virtually via Zoom. For those meeting in person, safety protocols will be put in place and will be ensuring the Pontchartrain Yacht Club has plenty of space to allow us to practice safe Social Distancing. There will be a cap on in-person attendance registration. The meeting will be recorded and will be sent to attendees who meet in person or virtually. I hope to see many of you either via video or as my kids say IRL (in real life).
 
Certification Classes - We are excited to announce, NSHRM has partnered with our neighbors NOLA SHRM and Bayou SHRM to offer SHRM Certification Preparation Courses beginning this fall.  Classes will be offered virtually with minimal seating available in person. Discounts will be offered to current SHRM members. Details about the class with be forthcoming. In the meantime, any questions about the class can be emailed to Northshore SHRM at NorthshoreSHRM@gmail.com or the facilitator directly, Gretchen McKinney at Gretchen@incHRrement.com
 
ANNUAL NSHRM FORUM DATE CHANGE – With news that National SHRM has moved it’s annual conference and exposition to the fall, the forum committee moved the forum date to ensure everyone can attend our event as well. Please save the date for our full day forum to be held on September 30, 2021. 
 
Membership Renewals The NSHRM Board of Directors would like to thank those of you who have already renewed your membership for 2021 and we are excited to welcome so many new members this year. Please continue to encourage other HR Professionals to join our group and if you were a 2020 member but have not yet renewed, please do so now. Discounts are offered to SHRM members. https://northshore.shrm.org/membership-development
 
Whether you have time to join one of several NSHRM committees or visit with us for just one hour in a random month, know that engaging in the work of our Chapter is a worth exploration. Please consider connecting with us.


Cecilia “CeCe” Boudreaux SHRM-CP, PHR
2021 NSHRM President 
Legal Update

What’s Happening in HR


As Expected, DOL Seeks to Rescind Rule on FLSA Independent Contractor Test

The DOL’s new final rule on the independent contractor test under the FLSA was to go into effect on March 8, 2021, but was delayed until May 7, 2021. On March 11, 2021, the DOL announced a notice of proposed rulemaking proposing to rescind the Independent Contractor Rule. The DOL encourages interested parties to submit comments on this proposal by 11:59 pm ET on April 12, 2021.
The proposed rule and ability to comment can be found at:
 
EEO-1 Filing Deadline Announced

After delaying the opening of the 2019 EEO-1 Component 1 data collection because of the COVID-19 public health emergency, the EEOC has announced that the 2019 and 2020 EEO-1 Component 1 Data Collection will open on April 26th, 2021. Filers should begin preparing to submit 2019 and 2020 data in anticipation of this opening. The deadline for submitting 2019 and 2020 EEO-1 Component 1 data will be Monday, July 19th, 2021.
When the collection opens, resources to assist filers with their submissions will be available on a new dedicated website for the EEOC’s data collections at https://EEOCdata.org.

Federal Fifth Circuit: Employees Cannot Assert Tort Claims for FLSA Issues

On March 9, 2021, in Aldridge v. Miss. Dept. of Corr., 2021 WL 871198, the Federal Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals (which is over Louisiana) held that employees cannot assert general tort claims for conduct that violates the FLSA. Current and former employees of the Dept. of Corr. (“DOC”) sued for violations of the FLSA and asserted tort claims of negligence, gross negligence, intentional inflection of emotional distress, and conversion for the DOC’s failure to properly pay overtime, which included properly paying the employee’s share of taxes. The Court determined that employees cannot use general tort law to enhance their claims/damages for conduct that is covered by the FLSA.


By Michael F. Weiner, JD, SHRM-SCP
NSHRM Legislative Director 
April Professional Development Meeting
Upcoming Events
April 29 & 30, 2021 Virtually

2021 Professional Development Workshop/Meetings/Forum

April 8 Breakfast Meeting
May 13 Lunch Meeting
June 10 Breakfast Meeting
July NO MEETING
August 19 Lunch Meeting
September 30 ANNUAL FORUM
October 14 Lunch Meeting
November 18 Breakfast Meeting
December 9 Holiday Luncheon
March Meeting Recap
We would like to thank USI for sponsoring our March Meeting.

Heather Mazac and Ford Darger provided an update for compliance in 2021.

This workshop received 1 hour CEU/PDC Credits. A follow up email was sent to all attendees with CEU/PDC information and a survey.
HR Happy Hour
We all had a great time at NSHRM's first 2021 HR Happy Hour at Meribo. Great drinks and conversation is what you missed. Don't miss our next happy hour event!
2021 Membership Drive
Membership News

New for 2021 membership, with the adoption of our new Bylaws, your annual NSHRM membership will renew on a rolling calendar year depending on the month in which you renew or join. For example - if you join/renew your membership in the month of January, your membership will be for the entire year of 2021. You will receive an email reminder when your membership is expiring and need to renew. You must be a current member in order to qualify for the discounted monthly chapter meeting rate.

The cost:
·        $30 for National SHRM members (must provide number at time of application)
·        $40 for Non-National SHRM members

There will be only 3 categories for membership for 2021:
1.      Professional
2.      Associate
3.      Student

Info regarding NEW associate membership – The new Bylaws also state that moving forward, Associate membership shall not exceed 20% of the total membership at the time of application. No Associate Member shall lose membership status or be denied renewal of their membership if the loss of professional members should cause the professional membership to fall below the majority requirement. As a reminder, no member shall actively solicit business from any other member at Chapter meetings without the approval from the Board of Directors.

For further information regarding our new Bylaws, please go to our website at https://northshore.shrm.org/about-us

This is a great investment in your career, as an HR Professional, for very little expense. Please encourage your fellow HR professionals to join.
 
Linda Beaucoudray, PHR, SHRM-CP
Membership Director  
2021 Fall Forum Committee Volunteers Needed

ALERT: DATE CHANGE – NEW FORUM DATE
September 30, 2021
Under the direction of the Northshore SHRM Committee Forum Chair, the committee's primary focus is to provide a forum of great programming and networking opportunity. There is also a focus on SHRM & HRCI Certification through the forum programming offering recertification credits.
 
Committee meetings are held monthly (virtually) and commence approximately 6 months prior to the scheduled forum date. This year's forum date is set for September 30, 2021.
 
Committee perks:
  • Great Networking opportunity.
  • Recognition to you and your company during conference and in Conference

Program:
  • Receive NSHRM committee apparel.
  • As a forum committee member, you will receive a discount on the regular registration rate.
 
Contact Katie Berget, NSHRM Forum Committee Chair, at kberget@kortsconstructionservices.com. 
Have Job Openings?
Northshore SHRM has opened up the job board to allow members and non member submissions. If you have openings please submit a pdf description as well as how to submit resumes/applications to

NSHRM is looking for educational topics and conference speakers for our monthly membership program meetings and our modified annual HR Forum.
 
We encourage both members and non-member suggestions for topics and great speakers or presentations that you have attended in the past. 
 
Northshore Technical Community College's Workforce Division provides strategic training and development for business & industry in the Northshore region by offering customized programs to help optimize training and meet performance goals and targeted outcomes. 
 
Non-credit, short term courses and programs are available for individuals who are seeking to enhance their skills or obtain new skills. Courses can be customized to meet the specific employer needs. 
 
For more information: 
Bridget LaBorde, Business & Industry Solutions Director
Phone: 985-545-1667
 
2021 Board of Directors
Please reach out if you have any questions or suggestions northshoreshrm@gmail.com.