Ohio AFL-CIO President addresses legislative challenges

Tim Burga, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO, appeared on the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss pressing legislative issues affecting Ohio's workers and an upcoming legislative conference to address these challenges.

Burga highlighted the ongoing debate over Ohio's fair school funding formula, which has been a bipartisan effort to ensure equitable distribution of resources to public schools. He expressed concern over recent legislative moves to divert funds from public education to private school vouchers, which lack accountability. This shift in priorities undermines the public education system that Ohioans overwhelmingly support, Burga said. He emphasized the need for the state to maintain its commitment to the fair school funding formula, which has been instrumental in providing stability and resources to public schools across Ohio.

The discussion then turned to Senate Bill 1, which Burga described as a direct attack on collective bargaining rights for university professors. This legislation is a step toward broader anti-labor measures, including potential threats to Prevailing Wage laws and the introduction of So-Called “Right to Work” policies, he argued. Burga stressed the importance of vigilance and advocacy to protect the rights that Ohio voters upheld in 2011. He noted that while there has been a lack of support for a Right to Work bill, the threat remains, and unions must remain proactive in defending workers' rights.

Burga also spoke about the upcoming Ohio AFL-CIO Legislative Conference, which will take place May 20-21. The conference will bring together union members from all of Ohio’s 99 House districts and 33 Senate districts, who will convene to discuss these critical issues. The conference aims to unite public and private sector union members in advocating for policies that support working people and oppose detrimental legislative changes. Burga emphasized the importance of this event in mobilizing union members to engage with legislators and make their voices heard on matters affecting their livelihoods and communities.

To hear more about Burga's insights on Ohio's legislative landscape and union advocacy, listen to the show above.