Clark Hill Attorney Barbara A. Ruga Honored with the Michigan Negotiators Association’s Harlow Claggett Award
GRAND RAPIDS, MI
– Clark Hill Attorney Barbara A. Ruga was presented the prestigious Harlow Claggett Award from the Michigan Negotiators Association. According to MNA, the Harlow Claggett Award is “given to individuals who have made major contributions to the MNA and labor relations in the State of Michigan. These individuals have distinguished themselves by being involved as contributing participants in local, state, and/or national labor relations functions and/or programs.” The award is not issued annually, but only when the Association believes a person’s contributions to school contract negotiations have made a favorable difference.
“Our Education and Municipal Group is extremely proud of Barb and is thrilled MNA has chosen to recognize her accomplishments. We’ve known for a long time, as our clients already know, Barb has no peer at the bargaining table. We can’t think of a more deserving recipient,” remarks Education and Municipal Practice Group leader, Bob Lusk.
The MNA provides an opportunity for professional negotiators and school administrators to network and share information related to school labor negotiations. MNA offers its members solid data on employee benefit options and costs, the impact of legislation on labor contracts, and current trends in school employee bargaining and labor relations. The MNA is an asset to school boards and administrators by providing support and training related to negotiation processes and contracts. Barb also provides annual in-services to school clients across the State on behalf of the MNA.
Barbara A. Ruga is a member in the firm’s Grand Rapids office where she practices in the School and Municipal and Labor & Employment Law practice groups and represents school boards across the state. Barb has significant experience in a wide range of employment and school law matters. In addition to her legal expertise, Barb is a frequent speaker in public school districts and related organizations, and she has authored, published, and edited several books and articles on labor and employment issues.