Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers and Vice President of the American Federation of Teachers, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast from the Democratic National Convention. She discussed two new library organizing campaigns and a potential teacher’s strike in Lordstown, Ohio.
Cropper, who is attending the DNC in Chicago, discussed the union support given to Democratic Presidential nominee Kamala Harris and Vice Presidential nominee Tim Walz. Cropper also discussed Harris’ speech during the AFT National Convention, as she spoke about the importance of public schools, safety from gun violence, the freedom to join a union and an economy that gives every American a chance to thrive. Cropper talked about the swell of emotions she and members of the AFT had upon hearing that Tim Walz was selected as Harris’ running mate.
The OFT launched two more library organizing campaigns, becoming the fifth and sixth library systems organized by the OFT since 2021. In Athens County, Ohio, the campaign went public on July 29, and days later, they received voluntary recognition from the library. Cropper also discussed the campaign that went public on Aug. 13 in Delaware County and the next steps as they await a response from the library.
Finally, teachers in Lordstown are preparing to strike. Since March, the Lordstown Teachers Association has sought a bargaining meeting, but the school district has not agreed to meet. Cropper talked about the last bargaining session, which featured the district's first proposal and a note that they were not open to any counter proposals. Since the last meeting in March, workers rejected the district’s offer and voted to authorize a strike. According to Cropper, the teachers will begin the strike later this month if the school district fails to return to the bargaining table.
Listen to the show above to hear more from Cropper.