Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Sen. Kittleman: Watch Out For New Workplace Regulations
During his Business Day remarks last week, Senate Minority Leader Allan Kittleman (R-Dist. 9) warned business leaders to be on the lookout for workplace regulation proposals this session.
Kittleman said that tax increases are unlikely in an election year, and that given the state’s fiscal situation, proposals that carry a price tag are unlikely. “It could be a year of policy changes,” he said. “It could be a year when the government says, ‘you know, it doesn’t cost us a thing. Now. it might cost employers a whole lot of money, but it doesn’t cost us a thing, so we can pass it this year.’”
Kittleman mentioned the shift breaks bill in particular. Last year’s bill would have mandated that employers provide a half-hour nonworking shift break after six consecutive hours of work, or a fifteen minute nonworking shift break where an employee works between four and six consecutive hours. The Maryland Chamber opposed the bill. We believe that mandating a one-size-fits-all approach to shift breaks could result in unintended consequences, particularly as it relates to emergency situations and flexible work arrangements.
The Maryland Chamber will work this session to preserve employers’ ability to manage their workforce and construct employment, wage and benefit policies that are tailored to best suit the their needs and the needs of their employees. Now more than ever, Maryland needs small employers to grow and prosper to help grow the economy and create jobs. The last thing small businesses need during tough economic times is burdensome new regulations.
Maryland Chamber Vice President Allyson Black works workplace regulation issues during the session. If you have any questions, contact her at .
