"Working for a Living" | News & Updates from Cincinnati Labor Council July 2024

Cincinnati

AFL-CIO

Labor Council

July 2024

This Month With AFL-CIO President, Liz Shuler

June 27th was the first presidential debate of the 2024 election, and millions of working people around the country tuned in to hear two very different visions for the future of our country.

President Biden’s vision includes creating good union jobs, investing in our infrastructure and protecting the rights of working people.

The alternative vision Donald Trump is offering? A corporate-backed union-busting playbook that threatens union members’ hard-fought union contracts and labor protections, gives kickbacks for the ultra-wealthy while working families are hung out to dry, and contains more empty promises.

Under the Biden administration, more than 15 million new jobs have been created since he took office and unemployment has been below 4% for the longest stretch of time in over 50 years.

And so far, $552.8 billion has been invested in public infrastructure, semiconductors and clean energy—money that is at work to fix our crumbling bridges and roads, provide clean water to our communities, and build the energy foundations of the future.

In connection to these critical investments, Biden also used an executive order to require project labor agreements for most large-scale federal construction projects so more of these important jobs provide the wages, dignity and benefits necessary for workers to provide for ourselves and our families.

And President Biden’s appointment of pro-worker advocates to agencies like the National Labor Relations Board and the Department of Labor has already paid dividends, with the number of workers nationwide who voted in a union election in 2023 hitting a 10-year high.

Real action, not words: that's why the AFL-CIO made our earliest endorsement in the history of the federation last summer when we endorsed President Biden. And that's why the choice is clearer than ever this coming November.

Wednesday June 19th was Juneteenth, and around the country, communities came together to celebrate and reflect on the freedom of formerly enslaved Black people in Texas and the United States as a whole. In acknowledgment of this powerful holiday, the AFL-CIO reaffirms our commitment to racial justice and equity in the labor movement. We embrace Black power, resilience and joy, and we recommit ourselves to rooting out the scourge of systemic racism against our Black brothers, sisters and siblings in the workplace and in all corners of American life.

We also reckon with how economic disparities have persisted for Black Americans, more than 150 years after the abolition of slavery. Today’s economy continues to exploit Black labor, promote wage disparity, and block Black workers from quality, family-sustaining and generational wealth-building jobs. The gap in the homeownership rate between Black and white families is greater now than when housing discrimination was legal—and communities of color are more likely to live in places with polluted air and toxic water. Black students are more likely to borrow money to go to college and to get crushed with student loan debt. And after a lifetime of hard work filled with so many disparities, older Black Americans are less likely to have the savings needed to retire with dignity. It is our shared responsibility to combat these injustices—and to say forcefully that Black Lives Matter.

Black workers are part of the DNA of America’s labor movement. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed that the Civil Rights Movement and the labor movement are intertwined, and collective bargaining remains one of the most powerful tools to ensure racial equity and fairness on the job. A union contract can make sure Black workers are included; workplaces are diverse and accessible; that there is equity in hiring practices, pay and advancement opportunities; and that all workers gain the skills needed for the jobs of today and of tomorrow. We won’t stop fighting until every worker in this country can access the right to collectively bargain for a better life.

In mid June we witnessed the largest public sector organizing victory in our country in 25 years. More than 27,500 workers in Fairfax County Public Schools—which is the ninth-largest school district in the country with a total of 199 schools and centers—voted to join Fairfax Education Unions (FEU), an alliance between the Fairfax County Federation of Teachers and the Fairfax Education Association. And as if the scale of this victory wasn’t exciting enough news, the election was an absolute landslide, with 97% of the instructional unit and 81% of the operational unit voting yes.

By all metrics, this is a watershed moment in Virginia labor history. And it didn’t happen overnight. It’s a culmination of decades of tireless organizing efforts to push back against a racist legacy of “right to work” laws and other legislation (some dating back as far as 1947) that sought to undermine workers’ right to self-determination.

This win is evidence of a growing nationwide surge in union support—and it serves as a powerful reminder that the legal and legislative hurdles that have been constructed over generations to divide workers can be overcome. Wins like these have reverberating impacts across the country. When the workers responsible for keeping our public schools running and educating the leaders of tomorrow have a contract that ensures fair wages, quality benefits, and adequate resources, it's an investment in the future of our nation.

This Pride Month, I want to talk about the power of a union for our LGBTQIA+ siblings.

Despite the fact that, in just the past few decades, our country has achieved several important milestones in the struggle for queer and transgender civil rights, there’s no denying that we’re living in a moment where certain lawmakers are desperately trying to wind back the clock and scale back LGBTQIA+ rights. This year alone, in state legislatures around the country, hundreds of anti-LGBTQIA+ bills have been introduced. These pieces of legislation take aim at our basic humanity, our bodily autonomy, and the personal privacy and the pursuit of happiness for millions of LGBTQIA+ people across the nation. We are witnessing a violent, discriminatory assault on the core civil liberties of all those we care about—our neighbors, friends, loved ones and fellow workers—in real time.

And at the same time, we see these same legislators also working to make it harder for working people to form a union. This is no coincidence: Extremist lawmakers know that one of the strongest weapons to fight discrimination in all its forms is a union card. Union contracts are legally enforceable in every state—meaning that an inclusive collective bargaining agreement can serve as a critical first line of defense for queer and transgender workers. Organizations like Pride at Work are fighting to ensure more locals incorporate model contract language that protects access to gender-affirming care, enshrines non-discrimination clauses and codifies dignity in the workplace, regardless of sexuality or gender.

Our strength as the labor movement comes from inclusivity and solidarity. Our power comes from seeing the struggles and triumphs of our union siblings as our own. And our shared vision of a future where the workers who produce the profits share in those riches is only possible if we have a united front against attempts at dividing us with hate.

This month, take a moment to read the profiles of LGBTQIA+ union members throughout our affiliates and locals to hear about the impact the union difference makes in their lives.

37th Annual Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council Golf Tournament

Thank you for supporting the 37th Annual Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council Golf Tournament. You sold us out yet again! This is one of the most fun days of the year and we are grateful you could join us. We had excellent weather and camaraderie. We are already looking forward to next year on the course together and hope you can join us again. As always, our tournament is on the first Friday in June...Friday June 6, 2025. See you there!

To view the entire 2024 Golf Tournament Photo Album click here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15XDBX116GAVaM6CdfmhVW8EPMexeALyM?usp=sharing

Labor Day 2024 at Great American Ball Park

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COPE Dinner 2024

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Upskilling Area Workers: Fostering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion While Addressing

Social Challenges

Brian Griffin, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council

I firmly believe that nothing addresses our social challenges—such as food insecurity, housing instability, transportation barriers, healthcare, and inadequate childcare access—better than a good job. In the realm of urban development and community planning, investing in training and upskilling for careers in the building and construction trades holds the potential to create an advantageous ripple effect across many, if not most, of Hamilton County and Cincinnati’s diverse social challenges. This approach would not only enhance career opportunities but also contribute significantly to reducing spending on social services that deal with these critical issues.

Imagine if, instead of always aiming for the lowest dollar, we were to invest in training and upskilling programs within the building and construction trades sector as part of each development project? This could lead to a more skilled workforce ready to tackle even more diverse construction projects, including electrical work, plumbing, and other specialized areas crucial for urban development.

By providing clear pathways for career advancement in construction trades, we empower individuals to secure stable employment, fostering economic security and a sense of community pride and belonging. This approach not only enhances job prospects but also ensures that economic opportunities are accessible to a diverse range of individuals, promoting equity within our communities.

The impact on social challenges would be profound. Stable employment means a reliable income, reducing food insecurity within households and enabling families to thrive. Community projects could integrate initiatives like urban farming or community kitchens, further alleviating food scarcity and promoting sustainable living practices.

A robust construction workforce would accelerate housing development, increasing the availability of affordable housing options and addressing housing shortages in urban areas. Additionally, improved infrastructure through construction projects—such as renovated public transport facilities, bridges, and roads—would enhance accessibility and reduce transportation barriers, particularly in underserved communities.

Stable employment also improves access to quality childcare services, supporting working families and enhancing community well-being. Moreover, access to stable employment with adequate wages and benefits improves access to healthcare services, leading to better health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs for individuals and communities.

Before dismissing this as an ambitious goal, consider the successful collaborative strategies for sustainable development implemented across the country. Engaging public and private sectors in funding upskilling programs and development projects ensures sustainable investments that benefit both the workforce and the broader community.

Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs) have proven beneficial by ensuring that development projects directly address community needs, such as affordable housing quotas and local hiring preferences, fostering inclusive economic growth. Similarly, Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) promote fair wages, benefits, and workplace safety for construction workers, contributing to a diverse and equitable workforce.

This approach not only promotes social equity and inclusiveness but also generates positive civic and business financial impacts. Greater employment in building and construction trades can lead to increased tax revenues, reduced social services costs, higher property tax revenues, and overall economic growth through increased local spending and demand for goods and services.

By integrating training and upskilling within building construction trades into ongoing development efforts, we can enhance career opportunities and serve as a catalyst for addressing multifaceted social challenges. This integrated approach not only transforms urban landscapes but also empowers individuals from diverse backgrounds, strengthens community resilience, and fosters a more inclusive society for generations to come.

"June is the gateway to Summer" Jean Hersey

Bill Froehle, President, Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council and Business Manager, UA Local 392

Summer always signals many things to working men and women and our families. Summer break is a time when the kids are finally out of school for a few months, and we can enjoy precious time with our loved ones. Summer in Cincinnati can be festivals, grill-outs, swimming pools, Red’s games, FC Cincinnati games, good, and bad rounds of golf with your buddies, fishing stories, campouts, graduations, motorcycles, and so much more.

Please keep in mind also that summer brings with it many hazards to construction workers. Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke are just 2 of many issues we face daily as the temperatures start to climb into the 90s, and humidity kicks up. Always make sure to drink plenty of fluids and keep an eye on your co-workers for signs of distress.

Summer can also be a time when we renew our commitment to the Labor Movement and ask ourselves “What can I give back to my Local Union to make it stronger for generations to come”. Are you a member who wants to be politically active in your community, in your union? Are you a member who enjoys coaching, or teaching? Are you a member who likes to write letters on behalf of your trade to the local newspapers? Are you a member who likes to organize meetings for like-minded folks to help chart the future for Local 392? Are you a member who is comfortable speaking, on camera, or the radio airwaves? There are many different ways that members of Local 392 can give back to this organization, we welcome each member and every idea. We look forward to hearing from you.

Congratulations to the following 1st-year apprentices, who started their career with Local 392 on June 3^rd, 2024.

PLUMBERS

Cetino Brown, Michael Davis, Luke Dermopolis, Aaron Ernst, Charles Ford, Federico Gonzalez, Dijon Harris, King Hurd, Zachary Kelsay, Matthew Landrum, Sterling Noes, Kyron Oliver, Trevor Oswald, La ‘Ron Simmons, Jacob Taylor, Miles Tudor, Noah Witte

PIPEFITTERS

Evann Ange, Shane Bonow, Mason Carnahan, Benjamin Chenot, Cody Denison, Andrew Elsner, Gabriel Ginn, Carter Gleason, Nathaniel Gosney, Lauren Hiles Raven Kaaz, Colton Kidwell, Ben Kluesener, George McMasters, Nathaniel Mueller, Max Munoz, Peyton Riehle, Gavin Stough, Joseph Stubbs, Blake Vance, Spencer Varmette, Dylan Viel, Benjamin Vonderhaar, Landon Wellman, Noah Willoughby

M.E.S.

James Allen, Bradley Armstrong, Braxton Carpenter, Evan Davis, Jacob Frisch, Chance Green, Hunter Heineman, Micah Hicks, Nathaniel Jones, Dakota King-Gibson, Luke Landrum, Nicholas Lohr, Antwjuan Mathis, Trenton Miller, Elijah Miller, Justin Pence, Cody Powell, Grant Rayburn, Jason Thomas, Austin Tomlin, Gionni Williams

Residential Service

Tyler Vaughan, Austin Wallace, Matthew Wurzelbacher, Caleb Robbins

You are embarking on a career path that will provide for you and your family, with your involvement, Local 392 will be a stronger voice in the community.

We wish you all the best in the years ahead.

Local 392 Picnic Update – The Local 392 Annual picnic will be held on Saturday, July 27th at Stricker’s Grove from Noon until 9 P.M., the picnic invitations will be mailed out the first week of July. Please remember that the picnic is for Local 392 members, their families (children, grandchildren, etc.), and the families of our recently deceased members. Please respect that the picnic is paid for using our hard-earned dues money and is meant to be a gathering of labor families and friends of labor. Any member wishing to volunteer their time at the picnic can either show up at Strickers Grove at 9:00 A.M. for the set-up crew or contact us at the union hall and we will put you in touch with the chairperson for each area. Apprentices can serve on any of the picnic committees. A picnic committee meeting will be on Tuesday, June 25^th at 5 P.M. at the Union Hall. All are welcome! Any member who works the picnic this year will receive 2 tickets to the Reds game on Labor Day at 4:10 P.M.

The 45th annual United Association Softball Tournament will be held June 21st – 23rd at RiverCity East ballpark. Local 392 will have 2 teams participating this year. Come out, and meet your UA Brothers and Sisters from 48 teams in 3 divisions, representing the United States, and Canada.

The annual Local 392 golf outing will be held on September 21st at Pebble Creek Golf Course. Tee-off will be at 8 A.M. 2 of the 4 players in your foursome must be members of Local 392. Please contact Financial Secretary Jeff Kirby at (513) 241-1760 to get signed up to play. The cost is $75.00 per golfer / $300.00 per foursome, including 18 holes, a door prize, and lunch at Snows Lakeside Tavern after golf.

The Local 392 JATC is looking for instructors for the upcoming school year. Please get in touch with the school at (513) 671-5282 to apply or have any questions regarding the positions.

Due to the picnic, the Local 392 Retiree Club will not meet in July.

The next Union Meeting will be Tuesday, July 2^nd at 5:30 P.M. at the Local 392 Union Hall, 1228 Central Parkway, lower level.

Congratulations to our June 2024 retirees

Tom Viox, Craig Huegel

We are saddened to report the passing of the following members

Orlando Dickerson, 73 on May 9^th, 2024

James Tyner, 84 on June 4^th, 2024

May They Rest in Peace.

In Solidarity,

Bill Froehle

Business Manager Local 392

Time To Mentor

Dave Baker, Business Manager/Financial Secretary, Ironworkers Local 44

Ironworkers Local 44 recently graduated 25 apprentices into Journeyman status. These 25 guys have completed 800 hours of training and have worked over 6000 hours at earning their JIW card. When you think about it that’s more job training than many people do in their entire life. It’s a true testimony to the value the Building Trades Unions really bring to the construction market overall.

Over the past several years I have watched as the number of those interested in the construction trades has dwindled. The number of applicants has steadily decreased every year. As Ironworker Graduating Class Of 2024 many employers will tell you, just trying to find people willing to work has become a job in itself. I don’t however subscribe to the ideology that no one wants to work. I truly believe we just have to do a better job at finding the ones who will enjoy what we do.

There have been multiple factors which have led to the decline in those interested in construction. The public schools invested countless years steering everyone into college readiness programs and this led to many people going to college to later on just drop out. For the longest time construction jobs were looked at as dead-end jobs for those who didn’t go to college. A lot of others went into working at manufacturing and plant type work and got lost in the shuffle of pick/pack jobs which had little chance to advance off the shop floor. The list of reasons in the decline of applicants could go on forever.

The real truth of the matter is construction is a dead-end job unless that is if you are in a Union trade. The Union trades offer a retirement and a healthcare plan and a career not just a job. I can say this because I have worked both Union and Non-Union companies and my years before the Union were a dead-end. This is the message that needs to be relayed because right now people are being steered to the non- union competition only to later realize they need to get in the Union. This causes many to leave the industry.

We have got to do a better job at getting the youth to see the value of the trades. We have got to do a better job at getting them into the Union early before they spend years with our competition making them rich and working to get nowhere. Also, when we get them, we need to bring them under our wing and teach them all the value of the career they have chosen.

As these 25 go out we will have another 30-40 coming in and they will need our support. So please if you see the newbie out there struggling, please take to time and do your best to be a mentor to them. Many of these new recruits are just looking for a place to call their home and we need everyone on board to help us to keep growing.

Update from Spencer Black:

Local Political Organizer

Why Labor and Why Now?

I want to discuss the work ahead, the shoulders we stand on, and the eyes watching our movement this election cycle.

We reside in a state with a robust history of union activity and a pivotal position in national politics. This influence stems from several factors, including Ohio's economic landscape, recent legislative battles, recent organizing wins, and our history from our founding. It is essential to recognize that Ohio's population is spread across the state, and winning the support of Ohioans requires engaging with all 88 counties, not just major cities.

This cycle will be challenging, but we’ve been here before; Ohio has witnessed significant legislative and judicial battles that have galvanized the labor movement. For instance, the 2011 attempt to limit collective bargaining rights for public employees under Senate Bill 5 led to a vigorous campaign, culminating in a successful repeal through a statewide referendum. This victory demonstrated the mobilizing power of organized labor and its ability to sway public opinion and policy. More recently, debates over right-to-work legislation and issues such as minimum wage increases and workplace safety regulations have kept labor issues at the forefront of political discourse in Ohio.

These legislative contexts have underscored the importance of the labor vote and have prompted unions to invest heavily in political campaigns. Organized labor's influence is particularly potent in "ground game" activities, such as door-to-door canvassing, phone banking, and voter registration drives; you will often hear me say, “DVC, direct voter contact.” These efforts are always significant, but where elections are won on narrow margins, it’s make or break. Labor unions provide the infrastructure and workforce needed to engage in these intensive grassroots activities, making them invaluable assets to political campaigns.

Ohio is often a focal point for presidential candidates. Democratic and Republican parties recognize the importance of courting the labor vote in Ohio. For Democrats, strong ties with labor unions can help secure crucial support in urban and industrial areas. For Republicans, appealing to the economic concerns of working-class voters, including those in traditionally unionized sectors, is essential for building a broad coalition. But we know the truth and must refute their arguments with honest, straightforward answers.

In conclusion, despite the attention from corporate PACs, orange felons, and other vested interests, Ohioans must recognize their collective power and seek to address the genuine needs of the working class. Our efforts will shape the outcome of elections and ensure that the concerns of Ohio's working class are prominently represented in the political arena.

Join me on July 27th at 10 am at 3457 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45207, for our first labor-to-labor canvass kickoff of the year.

Thank you to everyone who helped plan Pride, donated to Pride, walked in the parade, and worked our booth. We couldn't have been successful without you! We are looking forward to Pride 2025.

Update from Jessica Baker:

Labor Engagement Manager

Dear Friends:

As we move into July, I want to update you on my work with United Way and Cincinnati AFL-

CIO on behalf of labor.

As your Labor Liaison, my role is to bring United Way programming and opportunities to union members and to continue building our valued partnership. As part of this work, I am excited to share that for the first time, United Way will include organized labor as a community partner for our 2024 Backpacks for Success program! Please see the attached flyer for more information.

Please join us for our first Backpacks for Success Distribution Labor Picnic

on Saturday, July 27th, from 11 am – 2 pm at Laborers Local 265

3457 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH 45207 (Evanston)

We are still seeking volunteers to help us build the backpacks!

Your help is greatly appreciated!

If you are interested in volunteering at the picnic or to help us assemble backpacks before the picnic, please contact Jessica Baker at 859-652-4526 or JBaker@Cincinnatiaflcio.org.

HOW BACKPACKS FOR SUCCESS WORKS:

Each year, United Way works with generous donors to purchase and distribute backpacks full of school supplies to local students. For the first time, United Way will work with our friends in labor to distribute 300 backpacks specifically to union families and their students. Please plan to bring your family for up to three free backpacks, free food, music, and free games for students of all ages. Please see attached flyer for more information about this program.

United Way ensures that ALL donations from union members and Locals

will ONLY be distributed to other labor members or friends of labor

Any backpacks not distributed will be donated to Cincinnati Federation of Teachers

HOW TO RESERVE A BACKPACK FOR A STUDENT:

If your student, or a student you know would benefit from a free backpack full of school supplies generously donated by other labor members, please register to reserve a backpack using this link.

Union members generously donated and dropped off school supplies, and eight individual Locals voted to contribute monetary support for this program. Donation commitments continue to roll in each week, and we are grateful for labor’s support of this important effort.

As always, I look forward to working in partnership with you, and I am available if you have any

questions or need assistance. Thank you for your time.

In solidarity,

Jessica

Jessica Baker, Labor Engagement Manager

United Way of Greater Cincinnati

Email: JBaker@Cincinnatiaflcio.org

AFL-CIO office: (513) 421-1846 ext. 3

Mobile: 859-652-4526

Locations: Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council, 1385 Tennessee Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229

United Way of Greater Cincinnati, 2400 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH 45202

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Donation Link: https://rightgift.com/nonprofits/united-way-of-greater-cincinnati/wish-lists/c43dfeaa-c147-4447-a22a-cfc7d4588445

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AFL-CIO President on Anniversary of Dobbs Decision

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler released the following statement on the impact of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization on working women on the decision’s second anniversary:

In overturning Roe v. Wade, the Trump majority on the U.S. Supreme Court defied nearly 50 years of settled law to rob workers of the freedom to make our own health care decisions. Dobbs unleashed a shockwave of hardship for workers and our families, some of whom had to miss work and travel out of state just to see a doctor. Access to reproductive health care is critical to women’s economic security, and the ability to make our own decisions about our lives and careers. It is also a fundamental collective bargaining issue, and the AFL-CIO is proud to have helped lead the charge for comprehensive health coverage in union contracts.

Read the full statement from the AFL-CIO here.

Watch AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler talk about the impact of the Dobbs decision here.

Biden to Extend Overtime Protections to 1 Million Workers

Top Cut:

In an executive action announced Monday, President Biden extended overtime protections to 1 million workers; he has pledged to continue to further expand these safeguards if reelected.

Why It Matters:

The new overtime protections stem from a rule finalized in April in a section of the Fair Labor Standards Act based on an updated Department of Labor (DOL) calculation. Now, workers making less than $43,888 a year are eligible for extra pay when they work long hours, putting more money in the pockets of workers. Additionally, the Biden administration has vowed to further extend these protections to another 3 million workers by increasing the overtime threshold to $58,656 next year.

“For more than 80 years, the 40-hour workweek has been a pillar of fairness for American workers,” said Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su in a DOL news release. “Today, our rule to restore that balance by expanding overtime protections for our nation’s lower-paid salaried workers goes into effect. The Biden-Harris administration is giving millions a chance to reclaim their time and share in the economic prosperity that they help create, and we will continue to do good by the people that make this country great.”

Must Read: EPI’s Report on How Biden’s NLRB Appointees Are Restoring and Supporting Workers’ Rights

Top Cut:

The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) released a report last week outlining how the Biden administration’s National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has consistently supported the rights of workers to form unions and collectively bargain for the wages and benefits we need, a stark contrast to the Trump administration’s anti-worker record.

Why It Matters:

The EPI reports that President Biden’s nominations to the agency responsible for protecting the labor rights of millions of public sector workers in our country were experienced worker advocates, whereas former President Trump’s appointments to leadership positions were largely corporate lawyers who didn’t have the rights of working people in mind. Biden also has secured increased funding for the NLRB to support its critical role in a moment where support for unions is hitting record highs and petitions for union representation elections are up, while Trump hollowed out the agency by not filling vacancies during his tenure in the White House. Additionally, as a result of Biden’s appointee track record, the NLRB is making important advancements on issues like employee status under the law, the scope of legally protected union activity, remedies for when corporations violate labor law and more.

“President Biden’s NLRB appointees have succeeded in undoing much of the damage inflicted by the Trump NLRB. More remains to be done, however, to reverse the Trump board’s damage. To ensure that workers’ organizing and bargaining rights are protected to the maximum extent possible under existing law, the Biden administration must ensure that the board retains a strong, pro-worker majority and must win greater funding for the agency,” the report reads.

Read the full report from the Economic Policy Institute here.

Biden Campaign Saffers Finalize Union Contract, Making it the First Presidential Reelection Campaign to Organize

Staffers at President Joe Biden’s campaign headquarters in Delaware finalized a union contract last week after collective bargaining negotiations, making Biden the first incumbent to run for reelection with a unionized workforce and underscoring his pro-labor outlook.

Officials said the new contract covers wages, time off and severance, among other issues. The unionization effort is affiliated with the Campaign Workers Guild, a non-partisan labor union founded in 2017 to represent workers on campaigns and political committees.

“We are proud of the professional and collaborative process that has resulted in a strong, fair and equitable agreement between the Biden-Harris staff and the Campaign Workers Guild,” read a joint statement between the Guild and Biden’s campaign issued first to CNN. “Both of our organizations believe standing up for workers’ rights and the dignity of work is paramount, and we hope this process can be a powerful example for how future campaigns and unions can work together to achieve an agreement everyone can be proud of.”

The agreement went into effect on May 23, according to an official, and covers nearly 100 campaign workers. The number of unionized staffers is growing by the week as the campaign increases its payrolls ahead of November’s election.

Read more about Brother Taylor here

Extreme Gerrymander of Ohio’s Tuscarawas County is Exhibit No. 1 for Why Reform is Needed

Tuscarawas County gets no respect. Among Ohio’s 88 counties, none is treated worse by the newest, gerrymandered map of our state’s 15 congressional districts.

The Ohio Constitution requires congressional districts to be compact, not irregularly shaped. It also requires contiguity, keeping neighboring communities together.

The county is torn from northwest to southeast. Western and southern parts of the county are glued to 11 counties to the south and west to form the 12th Congressional District.

Perhaps Statehouse mapmakers could have credibly argued Tuscarawas needed to be split because no counties to the east or south in that region have smaller populations.

However, no one could credibly argue – certainly not to any audience in Tuscarawas County – that it was necessary to stitch the county to 21 others.

No one could have argued with a straight face that preserving communities of interest, grouping areas with common interests and traditions, took precedence over partisan considerations.

Read the full Mike Curtin Op-Ed at Cleveland.com here

We Are Entrusted with the Pensions of 4.7 Million American Workers. We Must Ask Private Equity Firms the Hard Questions—Even if They Don’t Like It

Guest Column from Randi Weingarten, president of AFT and Sean McGarvey, president of North America's Building Trades Unions.

Earlier this month, Steward Health Care, a major hospital chain with facilities in the Mahoning Valley, filed for bankruptcy. Like so many other bankruptcies in recent decades, it followed the purchase of the chain in a leveraged buyout by a private equity fund that controlled a large stake in the chain between 2010 and 2020. Meanwhile, the Biden administration, drawing on a trove of new data, is concerned that too many private equity funds exploit investors and treat employees as expendable, hurting them and the economy as a whole.

Together, we represent 4.7 million American workers who both invest in and work for entities controlled by private equity. Our members’ retirement funds have over $4 trillion invested. And those funds rely on a healthy economy and broad-based economic growth to fund our long-term obligations to our participants. We agree with the administration that private equity needs greater transparency, fairer fees, and a business model that grows strong businesses and creates good jobs—not one that exploits workers, loads companies with debt, and sells them off for parts.

Strangely, some pundits seem to think that when the acting secretary of labor encourages pension fiduciaries to look at data and ask hard questions—about fees, performance, labor standards, and the economic model that private equity is pushing—it is somehow “bullying.” It’s no surprise that the last time retirement funds raised these issues, we were attacked by some of the same players who are attacking us now.

Let’s look at who’s really doing the bullying. Far too many private equity firms have developed a reckless track record of worker abuse, union busting, and child labor. This behavior has led to business failures that undermine the foundations of our economy’s success—good jobs and economic security for ordinary people—and betrays the very funds they profess to serve.

Read the full piece here

For Those Discovering Ohio’s Mess of Government Dysfunction, Here’s a History of How We Got Here

Ohio Capitol Journal in a recent article is asking folks to step right up, to The Great Ohio Big Top of State Government Dysfunction.

OCJ has assembled an exhaustive timeline to try to put some semblance of cohesion to all that’s been happening in Ohio to bring us to this point.

If you’re ready to really try to wrap your head around the depth and breadth of Ohio’s debasement, buckle in, because it’s a lot.

Read the full timeline from the Ohio Capital Journal here

By the Numbers: Stats You Should Know Today

U.S Senator Sherrod Brown:

Working For Working People!

Sherrod Brown Joins “Workers for Sherrod” Statewide Tour in Toledo

Sherrod joined Ohio AFL-CIO President Tim Burga, Northwest Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary and Business Manager Shaun Enright, and LiUNA 500 Business Manager David Fleetwood for the Toledo stop of the “Workers for Sherrod” statewide tour.

“I’m grateful for the support of this coalition that will help us engage with workers across Ohio and talk about our work together, whether that’s standing up to Wall Street to save Ohioans’ pensions or restoring overtime pay to thousands who earned it. Ohioans know I’ll work with anyone when it’s right and I’ll stand up to anyone who gets in the way,” said Sherrod.

Earlier this month, Sherrod joined labor leaders to kick off “Workers for Sherrod,” which is highlighting Sherrod’s record delivering for Ohio workers and fighting for the Dignity of Work – the belief that hard work should pay off for everyone. Ohio workers are lining up behind Sherrod, citing his fight to save the pensions of over 100,000 Ohio workers and his commitment to making sure every family has a path to the middle class.

“Ohio voters know Sherrod wakes up every day and fights for the Dignity of Work, and that’s why we have his back and that’s why he’ll win reelection,” said Northwest Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary and Business Manager Shaun Enright.

“Because of Sherrod’s work, Ohio infrastructure – including local projects here in Toledo – will be built by Ohio workers with American-made materials,” said Ohio AFL-CIO President Tim Burga. “We never have to wonder about where Sherrod stands: he always stands with Ohio workers.”

Brown Urges Department of Labor to Protect Steward Workers and Retirees

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown has called on the Department of Labor (DOL) Acting Secretary Julie Su to support workers and retirees as Steward Health Care undergoes bankruptcy proceedings. Steward Health Care filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on May 6, 2024.

Steward, a for-profit health system headquartered in Dallas, Texas, was founded in Massachusetts in 2010 when Steward, backed by private-equity company Cerberus Capital Management, purchased several non-profit, community hospitals in the state. After purchasing three Ohio facilities in 2017, Steward Health abruptly closed and laid off hundreds of workers at Northside Regional Medical Center in Youngstown, a long-time fixture of the community. Now, with the company filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, two more facilities in Trumbull County - Trumbull Regional Medical Center and Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital – face uncertainty, putting patients and nearly 1,000 workers at risk.

“Amid this torrent of disruption, hospital workers held firm to their commitment to serve the public as they faced overflowing emergency departments, missing medical supplies and uncertainty about their job security. These workers and retirees rely on their wages and benefits for their livelihoods and need clear communication about changes to plan benefits and administration and assurances that their rights are protected throughout this process. DOL must also ensure that workers and retirees receive the wages and health care and retirement benefits to which they are entitled,” Brown and other lawmakers wrote.

Sherrod Brown Campaign Launches 'Workers for Sherrod' Tour

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown was joined this week in an online press conference by Ohio AFL-CIO President Tim Burga and Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer Mike Knisley to preview a statewide press tour to highlight what they said was Brown's record of fighting and delivering for Ohio workers.

Brown said the tour, known as "Workers for Sherrod," will highlight the wins the state has had in creating good paying jobs for Ohio workers and his work in the U.S. Senate. "Workers for Sherrod" is co-chaired by Burga and Knisely.

"Ohioans know I will work with anyone when it's right for Ohio. The contrast between me and my opponent can't be more clear," Brown said in the virtual press conference.

Burga said Brown has consistently been on the side of Ohio workers, and they have never had to wonder where he stands.

“I can confidently say the choice for Senate in Ohio is crystal clear. Sherrod has consistently stood by Ohio workers, and I've had the privilege of witnessing his steadfast dedication to Ohio workers firsthand,” said Burga in a statement later released by the campaign. “The Dignity of Work is more than just a slogan for Sherrod, it’s how he wakes up and does his job every day. Sherrod is one of the few elected officials who not only talks, but also listens and then acts. We never have to wonder about where Sherrod stands: he always stands with Ohio workers.”

Read the Hannah News piece here

Sherrod Brown Sets the Record Straight on China's Cheating

Following the Washington Post’s Editorial Board’s call for fewer tariffs on China, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown slammed the editorial board for advocating for policy that hurts American workers and American industry. In his response, Brown highlights the extent of China’s cheating, and lays out the case that investment in American production will never pay off if American workers are forced to compete with illegally-subsidized Chinese goods.

“The same East Coast elites who brought us the North American Free Trade Agreement and Permanent Normal Trade Relations with China now want to sell out the next generation of American industry. From batteries to biofuels, from solar panels to the cleanest steel in the world, Ohio workers prove every day that they can lead the world in these industries — they just need a government willing to fight for them,” wrote Brown.

Brown has long been a leader in the U.S. Senate in advancing a pro-worker trade policy, and in pushing the Biden Administration – and past presidents of both parties – to do more to take on China’s trade cheating. Recently, Brown led his colleagues in urging the administration to maintain or increase 301 tariffs against China amidst reports that the Biden Administration was considering decreasing some tariffs on Chinese products. This month, Brown called on the Biden Administration to ban Chinese electric vehicles and Chinese internet-connected vehicles and smart vehicle technology that is designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied from China.

Read Sen. Sherrod Brown’s full response here

JULY 03, 2024 - Following Brown's Bipartisan Efforts, Ohio Civil War Veterans Will Posthumously be Awarded Medals of Honor - READ MORE
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JULY 02, 2024 - Labor Department Moves to Implement Brown Plan to Protect Workers from Extreme Heat - READ MORE
JULY 02, 2024 - Breaking: Brown Announces Major Investment in Akron Regional Tech Hub - READ MORE
JULY 01, 2024 - Brown, Wyden, Baldwin, Fetterman Urge Synapse’s Owners and Partners to Immediately Make Customers’ Deposits Available - READ MORE
JUNE 27, 2024 - Brown Leads Members of Ohio Delegation Calling on Air Force to Select Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base for New KC-46A Operating Base - READ MORE
JUNE 26, 2024 - Brown Visits Students at Stark County Manufacturing Camp - READ MORE
JUNE 26, 2024 - Brown, Cleveland-Cliffs, USW Call for Action to Stop Mexican Steel Surge - READ MORE
JUNE 25, 2024 - Statement: Brown On NTSB Final Report on East Palestine Derailment - READ MORE
JUNE 25, 2024 - Brown, Casey, Fetterman: Nippon's Purchase of U.S. Steel would Destabilize American Trade Enforcement, Hurt American Workers - READ MORE
JUNE 25, 2024 - Brown Calls on Accel Schools to Immediately Remedy Potentially Unsafe Levels of Lead, Asbestos Found in Three Mahoning Valley Schools - READ MORE
JUNE 25, 2024 - Brown Secures Major Investment for Cleveland Metroparks to Make Major Improvements to Cleveland's East Side Trails - READ MORE
JUNE 25, 2024 - Brown Secures Major Investment in Lorain's East 36th Street - READ MORE
JUNE 25, 2024 - Brown Pushes the Administration to Address the Surge of Biofuel Feedstock Imports from China - READ MORE
JUNE 21, 2024 - At Brown's Urging, International Trade Commission Rules in Favor of American Paper Bag Manufacturers - READ MORE
JUNE 21, 2024 - Brown Urges Federal Housing Finance Agency Director to Meet with Navarre Village Residents - READ MORE
JUNE 21, 2024 - Brown Secures Major Investment for Toledo Riverfront - READ MORE
JUNE 20, 2024 - Brown Leads Introduction of Resolution Recognizing June as LGBTQ Pride Month - READ MORE
JUNE 20, 2024 - Brown Unveils New Legislation to Support Ohio Tire Producers and Workers, Lower Tire Costs - READ MORE
JUNE 18, 2024 - Brown Urges Department of Labor to Protect Steward Workers and Retirees during Bankruptcy Proceedings - READ MORE
JUNE 18, 2024 - Brown Introduces Legislation to Reinstate Trade Adjustment Assistance - READ MORE
JUNE 18, 2024 - Brown Joins Bipartisan Group of Colleagues to Urge EPA to Strengthen Renewable Fuel Standard - READ MORE
JUNE 17, 2024 - Brown Pushes Bank Regulators to Protect Consumers and Communities When Reviewing Mergers - READ MORE
JUNE 13, 2024 - Brown Statement on Christy Goldsmith Romero Nomination to Chair the FDIC - READ MORE
JUNE 13, 2024 - Brown Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Prevent Medicare Advantage Plans from Delaying Care for Older Americans - READ MORE
JUNE 13, 2024 - Brown Introduces Bill to End Forced Arbitration in the Workplace, Allows Workers to Band Together to Enforce their Legal Rights - READ MORE
JUNE 12, 2024 - Brown Announces 2024 Ohio Summer Manufacturing Camps - READ MORE
JUNE 12, 2024 - Standing with Ohio Energy Workers and Rural Electric Co-Ops, Brown Will Vote to Overturn Final EPA Power Plant Rule - READ MORE
JUNE 12, 2024 - Brown: The CFPB Stands Up for Consumers - READ MORE
JUNE 12, 2024 - Brown Announces New Worker Training Initiative to Protect Water Resources in Coastal Ohio Communities - READ MORE
JUNE 11, 2024 - CFPB Heeds Brown Call to Eliminate Medical Debt from Consumers’ Credit Reports - READ MORE
JUNE 07, 2024 - At Brown's Urging, International Trade Commission Issues Preliminary Determination in Favor of Ohio Solar Manufacturers - READ MORE
JUNE 07, 2024 - In Columbus, Brown Holds Field Hearing on Restoring Social Security for Ohio Law Enforcement, Firefighters, and Public Servants - READ MORE
JUNE 06, 2024 - Brown Visits Students at Summit County Manufacturing Camp - READ MORE
JUNE 05, 2024 - Breaking: East Palestine Residents will Not Have to Pay Taxes on Payments from Norfolk Southern - READ MORE
JUNE 05, 2024 - Brown, Vance Urge the Administration to Issue Disaster Declaration in 8 Southeastern Ohio Counties Affected by Tornados, Severe Weather and Flooding in April - READ MORE
JUNE 05, 2024 - Brown Leads Push for a Level Playing Field for Workers in U.S. Solar Industry - READ MORE
JUNE 03, 2024 - Brown Fights to Bring Down Energy Costs, Calls on DOJ to Take Action to Stop Big Oil’s Collusion and Price Fixing - READ MORE
JUNE 03, 2024 - Brown Urges Department of Justice to Protect Patients and Communities, Replace Management in Steward Hospital Bankruptcy - READ MORE

Keep Up With Sherrod

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RetireMed June 2024 Update

RetireMed is your local health insurance expert and advocate for life. Whether you’re new to Medicare or under the age of 65, RetireMed’s experienced advisors are available to help provide Medicare and individual health plan guidance. Their team will:

Get to know you and your needs
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Contact RetireMed’s team of advisors to schedule a no-cost comparison of your health plan options to see which is the best fit for you. Call 877.291.4110 or attend an upcoming live or on-demand webinar to learn more.

July Webinars

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Hamilton County Veterans Appreciation Day

Hamilton County Veterans Appreciation Day is Saturday, July 20, 2024 from 10am - 2pm at Great American Ball Park. This event is free for Veterans and their families. Please register here https://www.hcvsc.org/

Ohio Women's Leadership Summit 2024

Ohio Women's Leadership Summit 2024! Please register below OWLS24 Form: https://forms.gle/Q9TmVvniQ4dqvjSb6 (https://forms.gle/Q9TmVvniQ4dqvjSb6)

Other News For and About Working People:

Cincinnati AFL-CIO

Labor Council

Bill Froehle

President

Brian D. Griffin

Executive Secretary-Treasurer

Ashley Schleicher

Executive Assistant and Office Manager