Thursday, March 10, 2011

Ohio Workers Stepping Up Struggle for Bargaining Rights

Thousands of Ohioans rallied against S.B. 5 on March 8.

by James Parks, Mar 10, 2011

With the state House expected to take up Senate Bill 5 next week, Ohio working people are stepping up their grassroots opposition to the legislation that takes away the right of public employees to bargain for good middle-class jobs.

In rallies, phone banks and other actions, workers are energizing and encouraging people across the state to contact their state legislator about the bill.

Community activists, religious leaders and others will join working people for a rally in New Lexington today and in Chillicothe tomorrow. The local rallies follow a major rally at the state Capitol during Gov. John Kasich’s State of the State address on Tuesday.

The Ohio AFL-CIO also is setting up call centers in 15 Ohio cities to help mobilize union members and keep up the momentum against the bill. And on Monday, AFSCME members will hold press conferences in seven Ohio cities to explain how Kasich’s budget will hurt working families.