Publication Date: 9/8/2008
Author: Tracy Turner & Bradley Shafer
Dear Employer/HR Professional,
Earlier we warned you of the Ohio Healthy Families Act (OHFA), an initiative that was to appear on the Ohio election ballot this November. The OHFA, if passed, would have required you to provide seven paid sick days for employees working more than 30 hours per week and a pro-rated share of paid sick time for part-time employees. This intitiative was being pushed by the SEIU.
Governor Strickland had tried to negotiate with the SEIU about the wording of the proposal to no avail. However, we have learned that an understanding has been reached between Governor Strickland, Senator Sherrod Brown and the SEIU. As a result, the SEIU is pulling the OHFA from the ballot. Accordingly, you need not worry about revising your sick and vacation policies in anticipation of the OHFA.
The issue has not been resolved, only postponed. Information about the agreement is still coming in, but it is being reported that promises were made to push the federal version of the bill in January after the Presidential election. There have also been reports that legislation mandating paid sick leave will be introduced in the Ohio Legislature next year, but with language that addresses some of the concerns that have been raised by business. Steptoe & Johnson PLLC will continue to monitor this issue as it develops, both and the state and federal level, and will continue to keep you informed. In the meantime, should you have any questions about this or any other matter, please call.
Tracy L. Turner at 614-458-9793 or Tracy.Turner@steptoe-johnson.com
Bradley K. Shafer at 304-231-0444 or Bradley.Shafer@steptoe-johnson.com
This alert is a periodic publication of Steptoe & Johnson PLLC and should not be construed or relied upon as legal advice or legal opinion on any matter. The content is intended for general information purposes only. You should consult with your own lawyer for legal advice or a legal opinion on the specific facts and circumstances of your own situation. For further information about this alert, please contact Steptoe & Johnson PLLC.
Earlier we warned you of the Ohio Healthy Families Act (OHFA), an initiative that was to appear on the Ohio election ballot this November. The OHFA, if passed, would have required you to provide seven paid sick days for employees working more than 30 hours per week and a pro-rated share of paid sick time for part-time employees. This intitiative was being pushed by the SEIU.
Governor Strickland had tried to negotiate with the SEIU about the wording of the proposal to no avail. However, we have learned that an understanding has been reached between Governor Strickland, Senator Sherrod Brown and the SEIU. As a result, the SEIU is pulling the OHFA from the ballot. Accordingly, you need not worry about revising your sick and vacation policies in anticipation of the OHFA.
The issue has not been resolved, only postponed. Information about the agreement is still coming in, but it is being reported that promises were made to push the federal version of the bill in January after the Presidential election. There have also been reports that legislation mandating paid sick leave will be introduced in the Ohio Legislature next year, but with language that addresses some of the concerns that have been raised by business. Steptoe & Johnson PLLC will continue to monitor this issue as it develops, both and the state and federal level, and will continue to keep you informed. In the meantime, should you have any questions about this or any other matter, please call.
Tracy L. Turner at 614-458-9793 or Tracy.Turner@steptoe-johnson.com
Bradley K. Shafer at 304-231-0444 or Bradley.Shafer@steptoe-johnson.com
This alert is a periodic publication of Steptoe & Johnson PLLC and should not be construed or relied upon as legal advice or legal opinion on any matter. The content is intended for general information purposes only. You should consult with your own lawyer for legal advice or a legal opinion on the specific facts and circumstances of your own situation. For further information about this alert, please contact Steptoe & Johnson PLLC.