Jeff Starling Speaks at 2024 Manufacture Alabama HR, Safety, and Environmental Conference

Jeff Starling, partner in the firm’s Birmingham Office and Chair of the firm’s Labor & Employment Practice, spoke at the 2024 Manufacture Alabama HR, Safety, and Environmental Conference held November 13-14, 2024. His presentation focused on the growing risks associated with the use of temporary and contract labor in manufacturing. 

Jeff addressed the risks associate with the misclassification of independent contractors and joint employment under the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws, Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). Additionally, his session addressed the increasing scrutiny from the Department of Labor (DOL) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding immigrant child labor abuses. The discussion also highlighted the severe penalties for child labor violations and offered strategies to mitigate legal and financial risks for employers. 

At Balch, Jeff devotes his practice to the representation of employers across the full range of legal issues, from trade secrets and non-compete litigation to defense of clients against individual and class claims alleging   discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Jeff also represents clients in responding to union organizing and elections, bargaining with unions, defending NLRB charges, and arbitrating claims. 

Jeff is a fellow with the American College of Labor & Employment Lawyers. He has been recognized by Chambers USA and The Best Lawyers in America^®, including as 2025 “Lawyer of the Year” in Labor Law – Management.

Manufacture Alabama is the only trade association in the state dedicated exclusively to the competitive, legislative, regulatory and operational interests and needs of manufacturers and their partner industries and businesses.