Union Organizing & the Law

Understanding & Utilizing Recent NLRB Decisions

Labor organizations scored several legal victories this year, especially regarding the rights to organize new unions. Join the University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Center for Labor and Community Studies for an expert panel discussion about recent National Labor Relations Board decisions and how they can be best implemented. This symposium includes presentations from the panelists followed by a Q&A portion for attendees. Our panelists include:

About the Speakers

Elizabeth Kerwin

NLRB Region 7 Director

Elizabeth Kerwin has spent 20 years working within the National Labor Relations Board and knows the agency inside and out. After graduating from the University of Illinois with both her Bachelors and a Masters of Human Resources & Industrial Relations, Elizabeth started as an Examiner within the NLRB and worked her way up. Elizabeth has served the entirety of her tenure with the NLRB in Detroit and the greater Detroit area.

Jordan Easley

UFCW/ICWU Organizing Director

Jordan Easley is a dedicated advocate for workers' rights and social justice. A proud graduate of Hampton University, Easley has channeled his passion and energy into the labor movement for over 15 years. He now serves the Organizing Director for the International Chemical Workers Union. Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in multiple organizations making significant contributions to the advancement of workers' rights. 

Benjamin L. King

Michigan Labor Attorney

Benjamin L. King is a partner at McKnight, Canzano, Smith, Radtke & Brault, a leading Michigan Labor & Employment Law Firm. Ben received his J.D. from Wayne State University. Ben represents unions, workers, and benefit plans in litigation, arbitrations, and NLRB proceedings. Ben represents clients in state regulatory proceedings before the ERC, PSC, and Teacher Tenure Commission. Ben is also a member of the Industrial Workers of the World. 

Brian O. Shepherd

UAW Organizing Director

Brian O. Shepherd is the organizing director for UAW. Originally from Philadelphia, Brian started his career in the Navy before becoming a union organizer. He's worked as an organizer with SEIU, fighting for minimum wage and health care coverage during the pandemic. Shepherd went on to consult for several more unions and related organizations before being brought on as the Organizing Director for the UAW.