Leadership

OMA Urges End to UAW Strike

The United Auto Workers union strike against the “big three” has surpassed its 35th day. In this editorial published by The Plain Dealer, OMA President Ryan Augsburger calls on union leaders to end the strike for the sake of the nation’s and state’s economy.

Earlier this week, Ford Executive Chair Bill Ford warned of an economic collapse if the strike continues.

As noted in this OMA update, manufacturers that are financially impacted may consider using SharedWork Ohio, a voluntary layoff aversion program that can help stressed employers retain skilled employees by uniformly reducing employee hours. 10/17/2023

In Memoriam: Dan French

Former OMA board member Lt. Col. Dan French, retired chairman and CEO of Piqua-based French Oil Mill Machinery Co., passed away Oct. 13. As noted in his obituary, he leaves a legacy of love, resilience, and a life lived to the fullest. The OMA sends its sympathies to the French family and employees of French Oil. 10/16/2023

Poll: Waning Support for Corporate Social, Political Advocacy

A recent Gallup survey finds U.S. consumers are less interested in having corporations weigh in on divisive social and political issues, The Wall Street Journal reports. Fewer than 30% of respondents said companies should take a public stance on international conflicts, abortion, religion, or political candidates. 10/17/2023

Cybersecurity Update for Defense Contractors

OMA members with operations tied to defense contracts should be aware of an Oct. 25 webinar that will explore details of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program, which is aligned to the security requirements of the U.S. Department of Defense. Click here to register for this event, hosted by OMA Connections Partner Clark Schaefer Hackett. 10/18/2023

Partisan Battles Continue Over Redistricting

The Ohio Ballot Board this week approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would change the way Ohio draws its legislative and congressional districts, relying on a panel of appointed citizens instead of elected officials.

Backed by Statehouse Democrats, left-leaning organizations, and former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Maureen O’Connor (R), supporters of the plan will soon begin collecting signatures to place the amendment on the November 2024 ballot.

Meanwhile, the left-leaning ACLU has filed a lawsuit over the bipartisan district maps unanimously passed by the Ohio Redistricting Commission last month. 10/12/2023

Ohio Speaker Sued by Fellow Republicans

The drama continues within the Ohio House Republican caucus, according to reports.

Rep. Derek Merrin (R-Monclova), who late last year appeared to be the favorite for the new speaker — only to be defeated a couple months later — and his supporters have filed a lawsuit against Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) and Rep. Jeff LaRe (R-Violet Township) in the battle over who controls the House GOP’s campaign fund.

The lawsuit declares Reps. Merrin and Plummer have the sole authority to control the campaign funds, and that Stephens and LaRe owe House GOP members $100,000 in damages. 10/11/2023

Report: UAW Strike Already Costs Economy $4 Billion

A new study finds that over just two weeks, the United Auto Workers strike has cost the U.S. economy nearly $4 billion in lost wages and losses for manufacturers, suppliers, dealers, and consumers. Researchers tell OMA staff that roughly 20% of those losses ($800 million) can be tied to Ohio.

The analysis by Anderson Economic Group found total losses for the “big three” automakers equaled $1.12 billion after 14 days. Suppliers had lost $1.29 billion due to sagging demand for parts and components.

Auto sector manufacturers have been forced to furlough or lay off thousands of non-union employees due to the strike — including hundreds in Ohio. On Sept. 15, the OMA warned of the harmful effects of a prolonged UAW strike. 10/4/2023

U.S. Auto Sector Invests Heavily in Robotics

While robot installations across the U.S. grew 10% last year, they increased 47% in America’s automotive industry. The sector installed 14,472 units, according to this report. 10/3/2023

Intel Suppliers Now in Nearly 40 Ohio Counties

Since announcing its Ohio project in 2022, Intel has grown its Ohio supplier footprint from around 150 to more than 300 suppliers. Those suppliers are in every region of the Buckeye State and include businesses from nearly 40 counties, as identified in this map published by the DeWine-Husted administration. 10/5/2023

Manufacturing Sentiment Improved Last Month

U.S. manufacturing in September expanded for the first time in 10 months due to the strongest production growth since last summer, according to the Institute for Supply Management.

In this summary, OMA Connections Partner RSM predicts the sector is on an upward trend — but that a prolonged UAW strike could erase recent gains. 10/2/2023