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February 5, 2013

Amendment 64 and Marijuana Seminar at IECRM in Denver Draws Over 50 Colorado Companies

Amendment 64 and Marijuana Seminar at IECRM in Denver Draws Over 50 Colorado Companies

The Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain and the American Builders and Contractors Rocky Mountain co-hosted a free seminar, “Legal Discussion for Employers, Regarding Marijuana and Amendment 64” at IECRM in Denver on Jan. 31, 2013.

DENVER, Colorado — February 5, 2013 — More than 50 Colorado companies filled the room on January 31st to listen to two of Denver’s top law firms deliver legal guidance for employers concerned about interpreting Amendment 64; a recent law which legalizes the recreational use of marijuana for individuals 21 years of age or older within the state of Colorado. The seminar was led by attorney Kate Raabe of Stettner Miller, P.C., and attorney Chris Leh of Littler Mendelson, P.C., and co-hosted by the Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain (IECRM) with the Associated Builders and Contractors Rocky Mountain Chapter (ABC), at IECRM in Denver, Colorado.

Raabe and Leh explained that Amendment 64 explicitly states that Colorado employers are not required to allow or accommodate the use, consumption, possession, transfer, display, transportation, sale, or growth, of marijuana in the workplace. Additionally, employers retain the ability to have workplace policies restricting the use of the drug.

Chris Leh and Kate Raabe

Speakers: Chris Leh of Littler Mendelson, P.C., and Kate Raabe of Stettner Miller, P.C.

However, in light of the amendment, Raabe and Leh recommend that Colorado employers follow this Ten-Step Amendment 64 Action Plan:

  1. Clarify policies in the workplace (e.g. revise your employee handbook policy to prohibit “federally illegal” drugs, not just “illegal” drugs)
  2. Focus workers on safety
  3. Follow DOT rules (if applicable)
  4. Enforce your company’s drug testing rules
  5. Remember EAPs (Employee Assistance Programs)
  6. Train and prepare your managers
  7. Protect PHI (Protected Health Information)
  8. Beware of duties due to TMI (‘too much information’) between employees and managers
  9. Don’t fear litigation
  10. Stay tuned for new developments

“It’s important for businesses to get their company policies ahead of this new state law. Yes, the people of Colorado “have spoken,” but that does not mean the use of a Schedule 1 drug is federally legal, and it does not forbid prosecution. Federal law always trumps state law,” said Kristin Kim Haynes, IECRM Director of Operations.

Amendment 64 and Marijuana Seminar at IECRM in Denver

The public is invited to sign up for future free seminars at the Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain in Denver by visiting www.iecrm.org. For more information about the Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain, becoming a Contractor Member or Industry Partner of the trade association, or about electrical apprentice training and continuing education opportunities, please visit www.iecrm.org or call (303) 853-4886.

IECRM Self-Pay Tuition Policy

 

Self-pay students who are employed with a member company must register and pay through the member company using the IECRM Flashpoint Enrollment Portal/Process in order to qualify for member rates.

Self-pay students that are employed with a member company but that do not register and pay through the member will be charged the non-member rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.


Self-pay students who are employed with a member company and require a payment plan will not qualify for the member rate and will be charged the non-member rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.


Self-pay students who do not work for a member company will continue to be charged the non-member rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.


To maximize association/membership benefits, ALL member companies are encouraged to register and pay for all enrolled apprentices utilizing internal payment arrangements and processes between employer and employee.


We value our IECRM members and apprentice community. We encourage all apprentices to be enrolled in the four-year apprenticeship program, earning, and learning their way toward Journeyworker licensure. We encourage all members to utilize the member discount for tuition, books and applicable fees to ensure the long-term support and success of the next-generation electrician.


(Payment Plans are available, please reference the Self Pay Payment Plan Policy.)


Self-Pay Payment Plan Policy


We offer the following arrangements for students that are unable to pay in full at the time of registration.


● Self-pay students will be charged the non-member rate.
● A 50% down payment of total semester tuition, books and applicable fees are due at registration.
● Remaining balance can be divided up to 3 additional monthly payments ($10.00 processing fee applies on each installment)
● All payments that are declined will incur a $20.00 NSF fee.

 

We encourage all students who are employed with a member company to work with their employer to register and pay through the IECRM Flashpoint Enrollment Portal/Process. This will ensure the student is paying the lowest possible rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.