Human Resources

U.S. Job Openings Fall; Labor Demand Remains Strong

The number of U.S. job openings has dropped by almost 2 million from the peak of 11.9 million in March. But as explained by OMA Connections Partner RSM, there were still 1.7 jobs available for each unemployed worker.

U.S. manufacturing job openings also fell in August, according to federal data — declining to 795,000 manufacturing job openings, down from 910,000 in July. 10/5/2022

NLRB: Employers May Not Stop Dues Deductions After Collective Bargaining Agreements Expire

In a significant win for unions, the National Labor Relations Board has ruled that employers must continue deducting union dues from employee paychecks, pursuant to their labor contracts, even after the contracts expire.

In this summary, OMA Connections Partner Frantz Ward reports that in its dissent, the NLRB’s GOP minority said the new rule would contradict the standard that has been consistently applied over the last 50 years. The Democratic majority disagreed — and the new ruling is now law. 10/4/2022

Preparing for Winter’s Workplace Policies

Winter and colder weather bring unique challenges when it comes to workplace policies. OMA Connections Fisher Phillips has published this guidance to help employers manage risks related to weather-related absences, flu season (and possible COVID-19 surges), cold-weather exposure, and company holiday parties. 10/5/2022

Ohio Minimum Wage to Increase to $10.10

For employers with annual gross receipts of at least $371,000, Ohio’s minimum wage will increase from $9.30 an hour for non-tipped employees to $10.10 an hour beginning Jan. 1, according to the Ohio Department of Commerce. You can access the 2023 Minimum Wage poster here.

In 2006, Ohioans voted in favor of a yearly minimum wage increase based on the rate of inflation. From Sept. 1, 2021, to Aug. 31, 2022, the Consumer Price Index increased by 8.7%. 10/3/2022

Fed Tracking Tool: U.S. Wage Growth Nears 7%

The three-month moving average for U.S. median wage inflation for hourly workers has surged to 6.7%, according to this tracking tool published by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. When wage growth significantly exceeds productivity growth, inflation is embedded and economic efficiency is at risk, experts say. 10/6/2022

Manufacturing Compensation Costs Reach $42.44/Hr.

Nationwide, manufacturer costs for employee compensation averaged $42.44 an hour worked in June 2022, according to federal data. The average wage and salary costs were $28.17, while benefits cost $14.27.

In Ohio, the average hourly earnings for all manufacturing employees were $29.84 as of August. 9/29/2022

Survey: Employers Trying Multiple Strategies to Address Labor Crunch

A new study by PricewaterhouseCoopers shows most U.S. businesses have changed or are planning to change processes to address current labor shortages. The survey of 722 executives found the following:

• 49% of respondents said they are looking to rehire boomerang employees, while 52% are considering business acquisitions to gain access to needed talent.
• 56% are dropping COVID-19 vaccination mandates.
• 64% are increasing compensation and 70% are offering more remote-work opportunities.

But after a frenzy of hiring over the past few years, not every business is in search of new talent. Half of respondents said they are planning to reduce their overall headcount, while 52% are implementing hiring freezes. 9/28/2022

HR Roundup: Ohio Manufacturers Add 16,200 Jobs Since August 2021

• The latest labor market review by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services reports that from August 2021 to August 2022, Ohio added 16,200 jobs in non-durable (10,500) and durable manufacturing (5,700).
• Here is the latest county-by-county unemployment map for Ohio.
• These maps show the hiring, job quits, openings, and unemployment in all 50 states.
• The U.S. Department of Labor will host an Oct. 12 webinar to provide manufacturers information about their responsibilities to protect pregnant workers from discrimination and provide time off for birth or adoption.
• On Sept. 29, OMA Connections Partner Thompson Hine will host a complimentary webinar to help employers understand fiduciary standards and potential issues that may arise when applying ESG criteria to selecting retirement plan investments.

In other news, recent Gallup data show that having a “best friend” at work is critical to employee engagement and job success. 9/22/2022

Survey: 63% of Small Businesses Have Paused Hiring

Nearly two out of every three (63%) U.S. small businesses are putting hiring on hold because they can’t afford to add staff — and 10% of that group is laying off workers, according to Alignable’s September Hiring Report. Nearly 60% of poll participants said labor costs are at least 50% higher than they were prior to COVID-19. 9/14/2022

Manufacturers Could Be Targeted by Joint Employer Rule

The National Labor Relations Board recently proposed a controversial new rule to make it easier for workers to be considered employees of more than one entity for labor relations purposes.

This could spell trouble for manufacturers, according to this analysis from OMA Connections Partner Fisher Phillips, leading to “increased costs and legal exposure — not to mention union activity.” 9/13/2022