Rep. Cockley Votes Against HB 94, Stands for Ensuring Accessible Workers' Rights Information in the Workplace
COLUMBUS – State Rep. Christine Cockley (D-Columbus) today voted against House Bill 94 (HB 94), a bill that would allow employers to meet the requirement of posting workers' rights online instead of maintaining physical copies at the workplace.
“As someone who has worked in the service industry, I understand how difficult it can be for many workers to access basic resources like technology. When you’re living paycheck to paycheck, your priority is meeting immediate needs—not hunting down labor laws online. Expecting workers to search for their rights on the internet is unrealistic and unfair,” said Rep. Cockley. “This bill doesn’t expand access to workers' rights; it undermines it by eliminating one of the most crucial ways we ensure all workers have equal access to essential information. Physical copies in the workplace are vital, especially for those without reliable access to the internet, smartphones, or for workers with disabilities who need readily accessible, physical resources.”
HB 94 would disproportionately affect workers who lack reliable access to technology, especially those in lower-wage industries. Many workers do not have smartphones, or consistent internet access. For those who rely on public libraries, accessing computers can be difficult due to high demand. The bill also creates additional barriers for individuals with disabilities, such as those with vision impairments, for whom reading online materials may be more difficult. Rep. Cockley strongly believes that maintaining physical copies in the workplace ensures fairness and accessibility for all workers.
“We already hear complaints about parking meters being accessible only through smartphones. Now, we want to strip away the physical resources workers rely on to understand their rights? That’s unacceptable. While I support technological advancements, we must not overlook how the growing reliance on technology for essential services harms vulnerable communities. We must ensure that workers have access to information about their rights, regardless of their technological resources,” Rep. Cockley added.
HB 94 now heads to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.