President for the Ohio AFL-CIO, Tim Burga, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the upcoming Ohio State Issue 1 vote. Burga also talked about the future of redistricting, and his memories of the late United Steelworkers President, Tom Conway.
Burga said the state labor federation supports Ohio’s State Issue 1. He believes the issue crosses lines and doesn’t allow for health or legal exceptions. Burga also discussed the possible confusion with the recent Special election in August involving a different Issue 1. August’s Issue 1 is concerned with majority approval for constitutional amendments, and the next Issue 1 is concerned with reproductive rights.
The Ohio legislature voted and determined redistricting maps created in 2022 were illegal seven times. The Ohio Attorney General has approved a summary petition by a group called “Citizens not Politicians,” whose goal is to create a neutral board of 15 members to create fair districts and take the power away from state politicians. The hope would be to rebalance the state's voting maps by removing the politicians from the equation. If it is passed by the Ohio Ballot Board and meets the single-subject rule, the group can collect signatures to get the initiative on an election ballot in 2024.
Burga concluded by sharing memories of the late USW President Tom Conway. He recalled Conway’s positive work with the union and the labor movement. Conway was an even better person outside of the worksite, Burga shared. His empathy and care are the things that allowed him to leave an impact on the entire labor movement, not just within the Steelworkers.
To hear more from Burga, press play above.