Ohio House passes 'Shared Work' program

Press Release from the Ohio House:

“Shared Work” Program Passes Ohio House

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives today passed House Bill 37, legislation that creates the SharedWork Ohio Program.

The program allows employers to reduce the number of hours worked by employees in lieu of layoffs. It also makes it easier for employees to avoid being laid off and to receive partial unemployment benefits.

“This bill gives more flexibility to employers and employees when assessing layoffs,” Speaker of the Ohio House William G. Batchelder said. “Rather than having to decide on a zero-sum scale, through the Shared Work Ohio program workers can still have the opportunity for partial employment. At the same time, this will reduce the strain on the state’s unemployment benefits system.”

Participating employers must submit a plan to the director of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. The plan must satisfy certain requirements and be approved by the department. Each plan takes effect on the date on which it received approval and ends at the end of the 52nd week after the plan’s effective date.

HB 37 now will go to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.