GFI EVENTS

Be Informed, Be the Difference!

Healthy Families Act
Issue 4

On Thursday, Aug. 21, 2008 GreaterFindlayInc. held the Healthy Families Act Mandated Sick Leave Workshop, conducted by Thomas A. Dixon, Attorney at Law, Eastman & Smith LTD.

The following information was shared during the workshop:
Executive Summary of the Healthy Families Act
Healthy Families Act Issue 4 Language
Breakdown of the Issue Language: Key Concepts

The Ohio Healthy Families Act is headed for the November ballot and will impose significant new burdens on Ohio employers. The OHFA requires most Ohio employers to provide 7 paid days off to full-time employees and a pro-rated amount to all part-time employees. If not carefully implemented, it may grant to all employees 7 NEW paid days off. The law is poised to exacerbate abuse problems that many employers already experience with other leave laws, particularly the Family and Medical Leave Act, and will severely impact productivity and scheduling of labor. The Act contains troublesome “carry-over” language and forbids employers from seeking evidence to substantiate that most leaves are legitimate. Like the FMLA, it allows leave to be taken in small increments. Finally, employees can sue for any violation and recover actual damages, interest, treble damages, and attorneys’ fees.

Additional Resources:
TIME FOR ACTION!: EDUCATING EMPLOYEES
Stop the Mandates Supporter Form
Ohio Business Votes Website
Ohioans to Protect Jobs & Fair Benefits