Tim Burga, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO, joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss federal workforce challenges, legislative threats to collective bargaining rights in Ohio, and ongoing efforts to protect workers' rights.
Burga began by highlighting the chaotic situation in Washington, D.C., where the Trump administration's actions have led to widespread federal employee terminations and program freezes. He discussed the negative impact the administration’s policies have had on workers' lives and the economy, stating that about 83,500 federal employees in Ohio are affected. Burga also discussed the ongoing legal battles, including the reinstatement of the National Labor Relations Board's top lawyer, Gwynne Wilcox, and challenges to the administration's attempts to freeze legislatively approved programs.
Looking closer to home, Burga addressed Ohio Senate Bill 1, which threatens collective bargaining rights for university professors. Despite overwhelming opposition from educators and students, the bill passed in the Senate and is now in the House. Burga criticized the state legislature for disregarding public opinion, comparing this bill to past attempts at limiting collective bargaining rights that were rejected by voters. He also discussed Senate Bill 8, which aims to restrict union leave time for public employees, and a potential So-Called “Right to Work” bill being prepared by a freshman legislator.
Burga also expressed concern over the Trump administration's recent decision to revoke collective bargaining rights for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers. He discussed the role these positions play in keeping the public safe and recalled the history of unionization efforts within the TSA. Burga emphasized the need for fair compensation and job protections for these critical workers, highlighting the challenges in retaining staff due to previously low salaries.
To hear more from Burga on the Ohio AFL-CIO's efforts to protect workers' rights, listen to the full episode of America's Work Force Union Podcast above.