Tim Burga, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the recent Labor Day celebrations around Ohio, the problems with the language used for Issue 1 and what it would mean for unions if the redistricting amendment passes.
Over Labor Day weekend, the Ohio AFL-CIO and its affiliates held several events to celebrate the holiday and educate Ohio residents about its history. Burga discussed the event he attended in West Cleveland and some educational opportunities they provided.
The Citizens Not Politicians proposed constitutional amendment has been renamed Issue 1. Burga explained the potentially illegal language used by the state ballot board to describe the proposed amendment. He discussed the next steps for the state labor federation to get the message out about Issue 1.
Burga said the ballot board's language is meant to mislead voters and “stack the deck.” No matter the language used, Burga said it is up to the Ohio AFL-CIO and its affiliates to educate residents. He discussed how it compares to the redistricting bill passed in Michigan. Burga also talked about how it would create competitive and fair voting districts in the state, which could help Ohio union members.
To hear more from Burga, listen to the show above.