Human Resources

NLRB Rolls Back ‘Ambush’ Elections

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has rolled back Obama-era regulations that expedited the union election process. So-called “ambush” elections often gave employers little time to respond to efforts to unionize.

In its new analysis, OMA Connections Partner Calfee reports that the new NLRB modifications help reverse some of the more union-friendly aspects of the election process. According to Calfee, this should give employers additional time to make their cases to employees about how union representation would impact the business. 12/17/2019

NLRB Makes More Employer-Friendly Changes

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) this week announced more noteworthy changes to U.S. labor rules. The changes include the following:

• A reversal of an Obama-era ruling that required companies to continue deducting union dues from employee paychecks, even after a union contract had expired. (This decision is a return to the precedent that was set in 1962. Read analysis from OMA Connections Partner Dinsmore.)
• Re-establishment of employer rights to restrict employee use of workplace email systems. (Read analysis from OMA Connections Partner Bricker & Eckler.)
• Declaring that work rules requiring confidentiality when there is a workplace investigation are presumptively lawful. (See analysis from OMA Connections Partner Bricker & Eckler.)

These changes mark a significant reversal from earlier this decade when NLRB rulemaking ranked among employers’ top concerns. 12/17/2019

DOL Clarifies Regs on Overtime Rate

For the first time in 50 years, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has issued a final rule attempting to clarify the overtime regular rate. Analysis by OMA Connections Partner Frantz Ward says employers for years have been left to their own interpretation in determining whether newer “perks” — like wellness benefits, fitness classes, cell phone reimbursements, or snacks — must be included in the overtime rate. DOL’s final rule seeks to clarify those issues. 12/16/2019

Clearing up Confusion Surrounding CBD

Manufacturers continue to raise questions regarding the use of cannabidiol (CBD). That’s why OMA Connections Partner Working Partners^® has created a 22-minute-long course with businesses in mind.

The 24/7 on-demand course will arm viewers with a baseline understanding of CBD, as well as how to approach any changes in policy and operations. This course aims to answer questions such as: What is CBD? How is CBD used? Is CBD legal? Is CBD safe? Will CBD show up on a drug test? 12/9/2019

Tips for Employers to Avoid Holiday Party Headaches

While office holiday parties provide employees with an opportunity to celebrate a successful year with their colleagues, they can also cause headaches for employers. In its most recent update, OMA Connections Partner Bricker & Eckler LLP says that with some advanced planning, employers can minimize their risk of liability and spend their holiday parties enjoying the celebration, rather than disciplining employees. 12/11/2019

Employers: Are You Ready for 2020?

The end of the year can be a busy time for employers – from finalizing open enrollment to preparing for regulatory changes. Because many of these changes are set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2020, employers should review their policies now to ensure compliance in the New Year.

OMA Connections Partner Bricker & Eckler LLP has compiled information to help your company prepare for 2020. If you have questions regarding specific HR topics, be sure to contact one or more of the authors. 12/5/2019

Attention HR Managers: Updated Employment Forms Available at OMA’s Website

For the convenience of OMA members, we’ve updated our online library of commonly used human resources forms. Included are forms for employment application, performance evaluation, vacation schedules, state and federal posting requirements, and more.

The forms are reviewed annually by the OMA’s legal counsel, Bricker & Eckler LLP, so members can use them with confidence. They are free and always available on the OMA’s website (see the right sidebar). Members are urged to carefully read the instructions for use to ensure compliance with applicable laws. 12/3/2019

Hire Interns with Exporting Expertise — and Get Reimbursed

If your company is pursuing international business, hire a college student who has received specialized coursework in exporting. The Ohio Development Services Agency will reimburse half of the full-time summer wages, up to $3,600. Find out more about this program. 12/5/2019

EEOC May Unveil New Pay Data Reporting Plans In 2020

Employers may have to prepare for an entirely new pay data reporting requirement to be revealed in the new year.

But according to analysis by OMA Connections Partner Fisher Phillips, you can expect that any such proposal would not be as cumbersome or invasive as the current system, based on an announcement by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The analysis notes that “the current system requiring most employers to turn over a mountain of pay data and hours worked information is not one supported by the current EEOC leadership.” 11/25/2019

Evaluating Your On-Time Delivery

On-time delivery (OTD) is a critical measurement. And while manufacturers may think that execution is the primary reason they can’t get orders out the door on time, it’s often their system for managing orders that’s behind the delays. OMA Connections Partner Clark Schaefer Hackett has published this analysis to help manufacturers evaluate their OTD issues. 11/25/2019