OMA Defends Employers’ Rights

During a hearing held this week by the Ohio Senate General Government Budget Committee, the OMA voiced opposition to House Bill 218, which would restrict employers’ workplace safety options during COVID-19.

OMA Chair Dale Laws, Whirlpool Corp.’s vice president of manufacturing operations – laundry, dishwashers and small appliances, told senators the OMA opposes any “invasion of employer rights.” While a majority of members don’t have a vaccine mandate and don’t plan to, Laws said employers must have access to the best tools to protect their employees.

Rob Brundrett, OMA’s managing director of public policy services, told lawmakers the association also opposes the federal vaccination mandate facing private employers with 100 or more employees. HB 218 would add even more confusion if OSHA’s vaccinate-or-test requirement is upheld by the courts, he said. (Watch the OMA’s testimony beginning at the 26:40 mark.)

The Ohio House approved HB 218 last month over the objection of business organizations and health experts. 12/8/2021