Leadership

Product Liability Webinar, Nov. 7

At 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7, attorneys from Bricker Graydon, the OMA’s general counsel, will present a two-hour webinar focused on product liability and other key legal topics. The program is designed for business owners, manufacturing executives, HR professionals, in-house counsel, and engineers. Register here. 10/25/2023

Measuring Geopolitical Risk to U.S. Manufacturers

The Reshoring Initiative, a national organization, recently published this map to help U.S. manufacturers measure geopolitical risk to their supply chains and foreign operations. The map gauges the risk based on the probability of a major disruption occurring in a specific country sometime during the next year. 10/19/2023

Ohio’s Forced Union-Hiring Bill Picks Up Key Opponent

House Bill 205, OMA-opposed legislation that would force certain Ohio manufacturers to hire union labor, has picked up another opponent — this time from a key element of organized labor.

In this letter to Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima), a United Steelworkers director writes that his organization is “vehemently opposed” to HB 205.

Despite objections from the OMA, the Ohio House passed HB 205 last June with votes from the chamber’s Democrats and several GOP members. The OMA continues to be a leading opponent of the bill, which would worsen labor shortages and authorize a $10,000-a-day penalty on employers for non-compliance. 10/18/2023

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