Ohio enacts sweeping changes to state wage and hour laws

Beginning July 6, 2022, Ohio employers have a new set of rules under which to pay their employees. 

SB 47 revamps Ohio's wage and hour statute to correct some major differences that have historically existed between it and the federal Fair Labor Standards Act.

Protected concerted activity is an opportunity to engage with your employees, not to retaliate against them

"Due to the 6.8% inflation rate, all US workers are entitled to at least a 6.8% pay adjustment. We have received reports of some ABUSIVE EMPLOYERS not providing these adjustments. If you have not received such a raise, please ask your employer why your PAY WAS CUT."

"WHAT TO DO ON A BREAK TODAY: (1) Talk about your PAY. (2) Talk about your RIGHTS. (3) Begin ORGANIZING A UNION. GOOD employers are not afraid of these, but ABUSIVE ones are."

"You have a protected LEGAL RIGHT to discuss your pay with your coworkers. This should be done on a regular basis to ensure that everyone is being paid fairly. It is ILLEGAL for your employer to punish your for doing this."  

These comments, shared in the antiwork subreddit, appeared on sales receipts at an unknown and unnamed brewery.

“Salting” the wounds of labor organizing

One of the tactics workers used to successfully organize Amazon's Staten Island fulfillment center was the use of "salts."

"Salting" is a common organizing tactic used by labor unions. It is when union organizers apply for jobs with non-union employers for the express purpose of organizing the employer's workforce from the inside. In addition to organizing, the salts also try to inflict economic harm on the targeted employer by triggering unfair labor practice charges and resulting back pay liability. Salting is one the more underhanded methods of organizing used by labor unions.

It's devious, it's effective … and it's 100 percent legal. 

Why I’m anti-union

“Jon, why are you anti-union?”

I’ve received this question a lot lately. Between all of my posts about the need for all employers (including craft breweries) to pay attention to the recent wave of union organizing, and my philosophy of workplace management that focuses on positive culture and positive treatment of workers, many have asked why I oppose labor unions.

Let me explain.

WIRTW #620: the “straws” edition

Do you know? Non-plastic straws, such as those made of paper or plant material, can include wheat as a binder? Norah discovered this fact after we returned from our recent family Spring Break vacation to Hollywood, Florida. Her brother, Donovan, who has Celiac Disease, got glutened on our trip and we couldn’t figure out the source. 

Now we have a pretty good idea. Good catch Norah!

Hear all about the rest of our Spring Break on this week's episode of The Norah and Dad Show, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Here's what I read the past two weeks that I think you should be reading, too.

Don’t confuse “tips” and “service charges” for hospitality employees

How often have you looked at you bill at a restaurant and have seen an added service fee? Do you think to yourself, "No need to tip; it's already been added to the bill." 

Think again, at least according to the 11th Circuit in Compere v. Nurset Miami, LLC, which held that restaurant service charges are not considered tips under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Are you an ally, or are you just afraid of being canceled?

I tell my students, "When you get these jobs that you have been so brilliantly trained for, just remember that your real job is that if you are free, you need to free somebody else. If you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else. This is not just a grab-bag candy game."

– Toni Morrison

I think of this quote often when I think about what it means to be an ally at work.