OMA Board Updated on Vaccine Mandate, Statehouse Activity

On Sept. 14, the OMA board of directors held a hybrid Q3 meeting, with roughly one-third of board members appearing in person in Columbus. Key topics of discussion were President Joe Biden’s vaccine mandate, as well as the effects of the ongoing workforce shortage, inflation, and supply shortages.

OMA staff briefed the board on Statehouse legislation that could impact manufacturing operations — including House Bill 248 to limit employers’ rights with respect to vaccination policies, and House Bill 401 to allow employees to sue employers for adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines. Both bills are opposed by the OMA. (The sponsor of HB 248 has launched an effort to force a House vote on the bill.)

OMA General Counsel Chris Slagle of Bricker & Ecker updated board members on statewide ballot issues, tort reform, and redistricting. OMA staff also provided survey results revealing 18 to 45-year-olds’ perception of manufacturing, noting that more results would be disclosed at the Oct. 27-28 Ohio Manufacturers’ Workforce Summit. 9/15/2021