United Labor Agency (ULA) Executive Director David Megenhardt joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed how Ohio’s job market continues to lag behind pre-pandemic levels, despite a national job market that has more or less recovered.
Megenhardt estimated that Ohio has lost 6 percent to 7 percent of its workforce since the beginning of the pandemic and has not made a full recovery. He speculated this might be due to Ohio’s reliance on manufacturing, which continues to be affected by supply chain shortages. He also said there is a lack of quality jobs in Ohio, and the jobs that exist can be difficult to fill due to low wages and poor benefits.
Megenhardt explained the critical role unions play to improve wages, as well as provide quality trained workers to perform the work.
He also discussed the role the ULA plays to find people union jobs, and the nomination process for the Unsung Heroes of the Labor Movement award, which recognizes Ohio union members who work hard for their union, but receive little recognition.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics.