Ott & Associates Co., LPA - Attorneys at Law

216-771-2600

Contact Us | Directions

Articles

Ohio’s Healty Families Act Could Leave Some Businesses Sick

A proposed ballot issue, if passed, would mandate that Ohio businesses give workers seven paid sick days a year. The Ohio Healthy Families Act would require businesses and organizations with 25 or more workers to allow full-time employees to earn seven paid sick days per year. Part-time workers could earn a smaller, pro-rated number of paid sick days depending on the number of hours worked.

Sick leave will accumulate immediately, but employees will not be able to use it until they have been employed for 90 days. Employees can carry over up to seven days of unused days per year but can not accumulate more than seven days a year. The Act will also allow time to be used on an incremental basis if less than a full day. If out for more than three consecutive workdays an employee will need a certification by a health care professional. The Act requires employers to keep records documenting the hours worked and paid sick leave taken by employees for a period of three years.

Those in favor argue that the Act is a much needed change as under the current Family Medical Leave Act many Ohio workers have no paid sick time or are not allowed to use their sick days to care for their ill children. Those opposed fear that the mandated benefit would make Ohio less competitive and that some companies will be forced to leave the state.

Governor Strickland has particular concern with the short time frame allowed for compliance with the act if passed. If the Act passes in November, employers will only have until December to bring their policies into compliance. The Governor has asked proponents of the Act and the business community to come to a compromise and propose a revised version that could be signed into law by September 5, 2008 (the last day proponents of the Act can take the original version off the ballot). One of the main issues for compromise, identified by the Governor, is ensuring that the time frame for compliance with the Act is adequate enough for businesses to make changes.

Whether it is signed into law in September or passes in the November election it is certain the Ohio Healthy Families Act will make an impact on businesses around the state.

© 2008 Ott & Associates Co., LPA

Contact Us | Directions