Despite Republican leadership’s frequent denials, Ohio right to work, commonly called “Workplace Freedom,” legislation preparations are apparently still very much alive.
On Tuesday, the state’s Manufacturing and Workforce Development Committee heard testimony on right to work legislation. The possible legislation would fundamentally change how unions operate and seriously weaken their ability to effectively represent workers in the public and private sectors in Ohio.
At the hearing, Reps. Kristina Roegner, R-Hudson, and Ron Maag, R-Lebanon, touted the supposed economic benefits of right to work legislation amid steadfast Democrat rebuttal. The two GOP representatives were the same catalysts to last month’s proposed right to work bills.
“Right-to-work is on our doorstep,” Roegner said, according to Vindy.com. “That fact, if for no other reason, should compel us to at least engage in a dialogue on whether this is something our state wishes to pursue or continue to ignore.”
Opponents, however, have continued to echo their concerns that right to work laws would hurt organized labor and, ultimately, all working Ohioans.
“It’s a frightening development,” said Stacey Chamberlain, longtime IOUE member. “However, we’ve known all along that the public posturing of GOP leaders hasn’t necessarily been what it seems”
Gov. John Kasich has repeatedly said right to work isn’t on his agenda, while Senate President Keith Faber, R-Celina, said last month he didn’t think the bills would have enough support to pass.
Coming less than two years after the public overwhelmingly struck down the controversial Senate Bill 5, many union advocates believe that the current climate puts Ohio in a precarious situation.
“The state’s right to work agenda isn’t something that is new to us,” said Pat Sink, IUOE Local 18’s business manager. “However, as Michigan proved, we can’t afford to let our guard down for an instant.”
Since the 2011 defeat of Senate Bill 5, both Michigan and Indiana have become right to work states, with the Republican-controlled Michigan Legislature fast-tracking its version in December. The legislation went on to become law in a matter of hours.
Opponents of the right-to-work bills, sometimes called “Workplace Freedom,” have long believed that the initiative’s true purpose is to kill unions and worker protections, leading to a weaker middle class.
Stripping workers of their rights and freedoms would allow business owners to lower worker pay, reduce worker benefits and ignore worker rights.
The Keep Ohio’s Heritage organization released a short video in March that explained to voters the dangers of the “Workplace Freedom” movement and what its passing would entail.
For more information on the “Workplace Freedom” movement, please visit the website, www.protectohiosmiddleclass.org.
For more information:
Glenn Selig
PR firm: The Publicity Agency
Email:
Phone: (312) 546-3034
Website: www.ohioworkplacefreedom.org
SOURCE: Keep Ohio's Heritage
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