In the Workplace

Worker Actions On the Rise

In 2022, tens of thousands of workers across the United States took to the streets to demonstrate their collective power. Greater Cleveland saw a rise in worker actions that delivered results for working families. In March, the Federation brought local unions, non-profit organizations, and political allies together to break the lockout of IATSE Local 160 projectionists at the Cleveland International Film Festival at Playhouse Square.

SEIU District 1199 members were busy throughout the summer as essential workers picketed and won adequate wage increases at Frontline Services and Menorah Park Nursing Home. District 1199 protested service cuts at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center following the announcement in October, calling out management for making the cuts despite receiving $11 million in Covid-Relief dollars.

SEIU Local 1 members continued their fight to hold private contractors accountable. In a rally outside Playhouse Square in August, they called on new management to use responsible security contractors and to respect workers' rights to organize a union. In September, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA picketed outside Cleveland Hopkins Airport

in a nationwide day of action to demand that United Airlines fix their operational disruptions. Teamsters Local 507 and Laborers Local 860 held a protest outside Cleveland city hall in November, calling for equitable wage increases with other essential workers. At the Lake County Clerk of Court's office, CWA Local 4340 held a rally supporting the organizing drive of court staff.

During the peak of Starbucks coffee sales in December, Workers United members held multiple strikes throughout Greater Cleveland, bringing attention to the shameful conduct of management as workers fight to win their first contract. The Federation supported non-affiliates, too, including Ohio Education Association (OEA) teachers at Euclid and Garfield Heights schools who issued 10-day strike notices. Fortunately, both strikes were averted, and workers earned fair wages and workplace safety improvements.

Building the Movement: Organizing Victories

According to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), petitions for union representation increased by 53% across the U.S. in 2022 over the prior year. Locally, we saw Workers United successfully organize over 100 workers at five area Starbucks stores, including W. 6th St., Clifton Blvd., Lee-Mayfield Rd., University Circle, and Crocker Park. The Ohio Federation of Teachers organized 50 teachers at Menlo Park Academy with a 94% vote despite the school using taxpayer money to fight the organizing drive. Teamsters Local 507 organized workers at Metrohealth Medical Center.

Several other unions are in the middle of organizing drives, including CWA Local 4340 at the Lake County Clerk of Courts.

Number of Affiliates Increases

The Federation welcomed several new affiliates in 2022, including:

• The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA Council 63 at United Airlines

• CARE Local 1975 Paramedics and EMTs from Cleveland EMS.

• Teamsters Local 507 representing public employees.

• The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen Division 607

• Mayfield Heights Firefighters, IAFF Local 1500.