News and Analysis
Analysis: Manufacturing Wage Inflation Flat in Recent Years
March 19, 2021OMA Connections Partner RSM recently published a blog post that examines wage inflation in the manufacturing sector dating back to World War II. The firm notes that when adjusted for inflation, U.S. manufacturing wages have been relatively steady in recent years compared to the mid-1960s to early 1980s. 3/15/2021
What HR Managers Need to Know About the American Rescue Plan Act
March 19, 2021The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) — the latest federal COVID-19 relief law — contains more than just economic aid for individuals and businesses. OMA Connections Partner Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease has published this summary of the ARPA’s employment-related provisions, including paid family leave and paid sick leave.
For a broader overview of the law, see this summary by Connections Partner Calfee. 3/17/2021
Do FMLA and Workers’ Comp Benefits Run Concurrently?
March 19, 2021When a workplace injury occurs, Ohio employers often wonder if Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave runs concurrently with workers’ compensation benefits. The short answer is: maybe. In this new insight, OMA general counsel Bricker & Eckler explains that an understanding of the two laws is necessary to make this determination. 3/16/2021
Webinar: Post-Pandemic Workplace Issues and New Employment Laws
March 19, 2021OMA general counsel Bricker & Eckler will host a free webinar on Monday, March 29 at noon to examine employment law changes brought by COVID-19, including WARN Act considerations, vaccine dos and don’ts, ADA and GINA issues, and remote work considerations. 3/17/2021
Webinar: Five Employee Appreciation Ideas Your Workforce Will Love
March 19, 2021At 2 p.m. on April 1, OMA Connections Partner Paycor will host a free webinar for employers and HR leaders who want to do more to recognize the hard work and commitment of their employees. Learn more and register. 3/18/2021
Ohio Enlists Private Sector to Fight Unemployment Fraud
March 12, 2021It’s being called the largest cyberattack in world history. Fraudulent unemployment claims comprise nearly 50% of claims in some states, according to reports, as criminals from across the globe have stolen between $200 billion and $300 billion in benefits nationwide.
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) has flagged nearly a million claims for benefits for fraud, most of them tied to the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program. Ohio will spend more than $12 million to contract with private-sector firms to fight fraud affecting both the traditional unemployment program — fully funded by employers — as well as the federal program.
Any Ohioan who suspects their identity was compromised and used to file a fraudulent claim is urged to report it to ODJFS immediately by visiting this website. For employers that suspect fraud has impacted an existing employee, or believe that fraudulent claims could impact their experience rate, see this FAQs page. 3/10/2021
PRO Act Opposed by 130 Manufacturing Organizations
March 12, 2021More than 130 organizations representing manufacturers nationwide — including the OMA — are opposing the federal Protecting the Right to Organize Act (HR 842/S 420). The PRO Act would remove the right to a secret ballot in union elections, allow unions to access personal employee information in union-organizing drives, prevent workers from working as independent contractors, and force workers to pay union dues even if they do not support the union.
Despite a new NAM survey that found 97% of respondents familiar with the PRO Act said it would negatively impact operations and damage relationships with workers, the U.S. House approved the bill this week. It now heads to the 50/50 split Senate. Use this tool to contact Sens. Rob Portman and Sherrod Brown to let them know you oppose the PRO Act. 3/9/2021
NLRB Begins Undoing Past Projects, Procedures
March 12, 2021OMA Connections Partner Roetzel reports that Peter Ohr, the acting general counsel of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) — which enforces federal labor laws — has worked to rescind two sets of directives from former General Counsel Peter Robb, while withdrawing from Robb’s ongoing cases. This is occurring despite legal challenges being raised by employers that question the Biden administration’s authority to remove Robb from the general counsel position. 3/10/2021
Employers Paid $439M to Resolve Discrimination Claims in 2020
March 12, 2021Last year, private and public employers combined paid more than $439 million to resolve U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) discrimination allegations. A report by HR Dive says retaliation claims constituted more than half of all charges filed with the EEOC last year, while disability-related claims and race-related claims accounted for about 36% and 33% of all charges, respectively. 3/8/2021
Webinar: Ohio’s Vaccine Plan – What Manufacturers Need to Know
March 5, 2021At 12:15 p.m. Thursday, March 11, the OMA will host a 90-minute webinar to discuss Ohio’s COVID-19 vaccination plan and how it affects manufacturers and their employees. Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted will provide an update from the administration. A panel of experts will address employee vaccination considerations, followed by a Q&A session. Register here. 3/4/2021