News and Analysis
At a Glance: Employee Access to Paid Leave Programs
January 24, 2020The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has published a slideshow that examines workers’ access to — and use of — paid leave benefits. The BLS data show that 66% of wage and salary workers had access to paid leave in 2017-18, up from 60% in 2011. In production-based industries, more than 70% of employees had access to paid leave. 1/22/2020
Report: For U.S. Manufacturers, Employee Compensation Costs Average $40 an Hour
January 17, 2020The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that total employee compensation costs — across all private sector industries — averaged $34.77 an hour as of September 2019. Total compensation costs for U.S. manufacturers were considerably higher, averaging $40.01 per hour. That includes $26.19 for wages and salaries, and $13.81 for benefits. 1/14/2020
U.S. Labor Department Revises Joint Employer Rule
January 17, 2020The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has announced its final rule regarding joint employer liability under the Fair Labor Standards Act. See the analysis by Roetzel, an OMA Connections Partner.
On its Twitter feed, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) said the new rule “is a win for manufacturers.” 1/13/2020
Looking for Experience in Exporting?
January 17, 2020If your company is pursuing international business, consider hiring a college intern with exporting expertise. The Ohio Development Services Agency will reimburse half of the full-time summer wages, up to $3,600. Applications are now under review, so apply before the Feb.1 deadline. Learn more here. 1/15/2020
Check Out OMA’s Webinar on Employee Cannabis Use
January 17, 2020According to a study reported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, employees who tested positive for marijuana had 55% more industrial accidents, 85% more injuries, and 75% greater absenteeism compared to those who tested negative.
If cannabis use is among your workplace concerns, check out this OMA on-demand webinar, presented by our Connections Partner Roetzel & Andress. It addresses topics such as employers’ rights when enforcing drug-free workplace policies, and how employee marijuana use impacts an employer’s liability. 1/16/2020
Congress Makes Big Changes to Retirement Plans
January 10, 2020In late December, President Trump signed into law a federal spending bill that included the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (the “SECURE Act”). This new law makes significant regulatory changes to retirement plans — including participation of part-time workers. OMA Connections Partner Calfee has produced a comprehensive summary of the law’s key provisions that employers and plan sponsors should be familiar with. 1/7/2020
Summary of NLRB’s Recent Actions
January 10, 2020As we reported late last year, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) spent the last few weeks of 2019 issuing several decisions favorable to employers in both unionized and non-unionized workplaces. OMA Connections Partner Calfee has published this summary of the NLRB’s actions. 1/8/2020
Reminder: HR Sample Forms Available on OMA’s Website
January 10, 2020For 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. Reviewed by the OMA’s legal counsel, Bricker & Eckler LLP, these forms are free and available on demand on the OMA’s website (see the right sidebar). Read the instructions to ensure compliance with applicable laws. 1/6/2020
Webinar: FMCSA Clearinghouse Explained
January 10, 2020Employers regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) are now required to supply the agency with information about violations of federal drug and alcohol testing rules by employees as part of a new FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. OMA Connections Partner Working Partners® is hosting a 30-minute webinar on Thursday, Jan. 16, to help you comply with the new requirements. 1/8/2020
Just How Do Browns and Bengals Fans Cope?
January 10, 2020How tough was the football season for Cleveland and Cincinnati fans? So bad that the State Medical Board of Ohio has been asked to make Bengals or Browns fandom a condition that qualifies for treatment with medical marijuana.
That reminds us: On Wednesday, Jan. 15, from 10-11 a.m., the OMA will host a webinar presented by our Connections Partner Roetzel to explain the status of Ohio and federal law regarding employee use of cannabis, marijuana, hemp and Cannabidiol (CBD) products. 1/7/2020