Human Resources

Reminder: Updated HR Forms Available

The OMA recently updated its HR guidance and sample forms for 2024. Revised documents include:

• 2024 absentee calendar;
• State and federal posting requirements;
• 2024 vacation schedule; and
• Workplace harassment complaint form.

See the sidebar of this web page for links to all OMA sample forms and guidance documents. 1/3/2024

HR Roundup: Manufacturing Openings Decline

• Ohio’s “Labor Market Review” for November 2023 is available.
• As of Jan. 2, there were 19,252 manufacturing job postings at Ohio Means Jobs.
• Nationwide, manufacturing has seen a decline in job openings from an average of 702,333 in the first six months of 2023 to 573,000 over the past six months, according to Chad Moutray, chief economist for the National Association of Manufacturers.
• As part of its labor law update, OMA Connections Partner Fisher Phillips has published this list titled “10 Essential Items on Your New Year To-Do List.”
• In a nationwide survey, 82% of hiring managers said job candidates are more attracted to companies that offer mentorship programs, and 85% of job seekers agreed.
• OMA Connections Partner CliftonLarsonAllen will host a complimentary webinar on Jan. 24 to explore the latest HR trends and strategies.

In other developments, OMA Connections Partner Dinsmore reports the U.S. State Department recently announced details on its proposed stateside visa renewal pilot program.1/4/2024

HR Roundup: Ohio’s County Jobless Rates

• Here are the latest jobless rates for all 88 Ohio counties.
• Statewide, Ohio’s average unemployment rate remained at 3.6% during November.
• Ohio manufacturers added 700 jobs in November, according to the latest jobs report. But Ohio’s labor force participation continues to lag the U.S. average, continuing a trend that started in mid-2021.
• This insight from OMA Connections Partner Fisher Phillips helps employers avoid the appearance of retaliation against employees who request Family and Medical Leave Act leave.
• Fisher Phillips has published this guidance to help employers update job descriptions for 2024.
• Whole Foods Market did not violate workers’ rights by banning Black Lives Matter apparel, an NLRB judge has ruled.

Meanwhile, Gallup has published six workplace trends that leaders should monitor in 2024, including an uptick in employee engagement.12/28/2023

Expert: Watch for Post-Christmas Labor Organizing

Matt Austin, a Columbus-based attorney specializing in labor relations for the OMA, is warning employers about increased labor union organizing activity starting this week.

In a post on LinkedIn, Austin noted the National Labor Relations Board chose the post-Christmas period to resurrect the Obama-era “ambush elections.” Meanwhile, the NLRB’s “quickie elections” rule took effect Dec. 26. This follows recent NLRB moves to impose card-check-like standards and allow “micro units” to organize, Austin wrote. 12/27/2023

Updated HR Forms and Guidance Available

The OMA has updated its HR guidance and forms for the new year. Revised documents include:

• 2024 absentee calendar;
• Workplace harassment complaint form;
• State and federal posting requirements; and
• 2024 vacation schedule.

Meanwhile, OMA Connections Partner Fisher Phillips has published its top 10 lists of the most important workplace law developments from 2023. 12/21/2023

Non-Union Automakers Implement Pay Increases

Automobile manufacturers with U.S. production facilities are increasing compensation for their non-union workers following the recent United Auto Workers strike. Reuters published this list of automakers that have raised wages in response to the UAW deal. 12/20/2023