Tim Burga, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their recent legislative conference in Columbus, Ohio. Burga highlighted three key issues: the fair school funding formula, unemployment compensation trust fund solvency and the ongoing threat of So-Called “Right-To-Work” legislation.
Burga said over 300 union members attended the Ohio AFL-CIO legislative conference, advocating for fair school funding and opposing the allocation of $1 billion in taxpayer money to private schools through vouchers. He emphasized the lack of accountability standards for these private institutions compared to public schools. Burga also shared his concern over potential cuts to library funding, stressing the importance of public libraries across Ohio.
Next, Burga discussed employers' underfunding of Ohio’s unemployment compensation fund. While the national average for unemployment tax is based on the first $16,000 of wages, Ohio only taxes the first $9,000. Burga said this underfunding has led to proposals to reduce unemployment benefits or eligibility periods, which the AFL-CIO strongly opposes.
Finally, Burga talked about the minimal support among lawmakers for the So-Called “Right-To-Work” legislation, with only four representatives willing to co-sponsor such a bill. However, the Ohio AFL-CIO remains vigilant, continuing to educate legislators about the harmful effects of So-Called “Right-To-Work” laws and the importance of fair union representation.
Listen to the full episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast to hear more about Burga’s thoughts on the issues potentially facing Ohio workers.