September 15, 2021 - AIM president and CEO Ray McCarty testified today before the House Judiciary Committee on the topic of government mandates, particularly the federal government mandate announced by President Joe Biden that will force employers with more than 100 employees to require employees to be either vaccinated against or tested for COVID-19 on a regular basis.
McCarty said employers in Missouri object to any additional government mandate that will cost them money. He said employers are already having a tough time finding employees to fill job openings and the federal mandate would make it more difficult, and expensive, to acquire and retain quality employees. He said adding such a requirement should be the choice of the business owner- not the government.
"Employers today consider the risks and benefits of all employee requirements and do what is right for their business," he said. "Requiring a vaccine could help protect other employees or customers, but it could also make it more difficult to find employees, require some employees to be dismissed, and could lead to employer liability if an employee has an adverse reaction. This should be a business decision made by the business - not the federal or state government."
When questioned, McCarty confirmed Associated Industries of Missouri was opposed to any mandate - those requiring vaccination, as well as potential mandates that would prevent an employer from requiring employee vaccination.
Rep. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, a member of the Committee, asked if Associated Industries works to defend employers in the courts and McCarty responded the organization does get involved in some litigation on behalf of members, but had not yet been involved in any legal challenge of this federal mandate since the OSHA rules have not yet been written or implemented. He said the organization actively advocates for the business position on state legislation in the Missouri Capitol and does not lobby at the federal level.
Associated Industries of Missouri is the state's oldest trade association, representing employers in the Missouri Capitol on business issues since 1919.