NORTH SHORE
HUNDREDS OF UNION MEMBERS JOIN ADVOCACY DAY AT OHIO STATEHOUSE
Union members from every corner of Ohio converged on Columbus last month for the Ohio AFL-CIO’ s biennial Legislative Conference, held May 21–22 Over 200 workers representing dozens of unions came together to make one thing clear: working people will not sit on the sidelines while our future is debated at the Statehouse.
The Legislative Conference is more than a gathering it’ s an opportunity for union members to engage directly with lawmakers, raise the voices of working families, and shape the policy decisions that impact our jobs, our rights, and our communities. With nearly 100 meetings scheduled with Ohio state legislators, the conference demonstrated the strength and coordination of the labor movement at a time when our collective voice is urgently needed
The North Shore AFL-CIO proudly sent a delegation of 50 union leaders and activists to Columbus, representing the diverse and determined labor movement of Northeast Ohio. From teachers and transit workers to gas workers, firefighters, steelworkers, and more, our delegation reflected the broad coalition of working people standing together for dignity, equity, and opportunity
The timing of this year ’ s conference was especially important As the Ohio General Assembly works through the next state budget a bill that sets two years of funding priorities and often includes sweeping policy changes union members showed up to push for a proworker agenda. We are also closely tracking over a dozen bills that would harm unions or working families, and our
SOLIDARITY IN ACTION: RALLYING ACROSS NORTHEAST OHIO
From Ohio City to Valley View, working people are rising up Over the past two months, we’ve rallied alongside thousands demanding justice, dignity, and a voice on the job
On April 5, Cleveland joined more than 1,200 “Hands Off!” rallies across all 50 states. Market Square Park overflowed with union members, veterans, and civil rights advocates standing against the dangerous agenda of Donald Trump and Elon Musk When we show up together, we can’t be ignored.
We returned to the streets April 17 with AFGE members at Cleveland Hopkins, standing with TSA officers stripped of bargaining rights by the Trump administration On May 10, we rallied at the VA to support frontline workers and the care our veterans deserve joined by Reps. Shontel Brown and Terrence Upchurch.
One week later, we stood with RWDSU members at REI Beachwood Backed by lawmakers and labor leaders, we delivered a letter demanding the company end 26 months of stalling and negotiate a fair contract. On May 31, we turned out in Lakewood to defend Social Security and the USPS, highlighting the vital work of AFGE and NALC members
And on June 23, we stood strong with striking Teamsters at Airgas in Valley View Across every fight, one truth is clear: when workers stand together solidarity wins.
presence sent a clear message: we’re watching, we’re engaged, and we’re ready to fight back. Throughout the two-day event, members received legislative briefings, attended committee hearings, and met directly with lawmakers. The issues discussed were wide-ranging but shared a common thread protecting the rights and improving the lives of Ohio’ s working people Union members called on legislators to protect unemployment benefits, restore the Fair School Funding Formula to ensure every child has access to a quality public education, fully fund Ohio’ s public libraries, and ban exploitative “ non-compete” clauses that limit job mobility
One of the most powerful moments of the conference was seeing hundreds of union members walking through the halls of the Ohio Statehouse many meeting with their representatives and senators for the first time Union members came prepared with stories, facts, and purpose. Their message was clear: Ohio should be a place where hard work is respected, rights are protected, and no one is left behind. We brought a powerhouse delegation out of Cleveland, and it showed “I want to thank every member who took part especially those stepping into legislative advocacy for the first time and the legislators from both sides of the aisle who met with us, ” said Executive Secretary Brian Pearson “Our strength is in our solidarity, and we’re setting the tone for what labor advocacy looks like across the state ”
BUILDING POWER THROUGH EDUCATION
Last month, the North Shore AFL-CIO hosted three Candidate Briefing sessions for 55 municipal and school board candidates from Cuyahoga, Lake, and Geauga Counties These required sessions help candidates understand the Federation’s mission, political priorities, and how they can support working people
Two sessions were hosted by UFCW Local 880 and one by Laborers’ Local 310 Special thanks to UFCW Local 880 and to facilitators Jerry Miluk (IAFF), Michael Dancy (UFCW), and Steve Campisi (AFGE)
Candidates heard directly from union members about the challenges workers face and how local leaders can advocate for pro-worker policy
So far, 37 candidates have been endorsed following COPE review and a two-thirds vote of our delegate body.
We’re proud of this transparent, democratic process
HONORING THE FALLEN, FIGHTING FOR THE LIVING
On Workers’ Memorial Day, we gathered in solemn remembrance beneath the Workers Memorial Bridge to honor the 21 workers who lost their lives on the job this past year within our jurisdiction
Speakers included Utility Workers Union of America President James Slevin, Gas Workers Local G-555’s Paul Talboo, OSHA’s Charles Shelton, State Rep Sean Brennan, SEIU’s Samara Knight, and Executive Secretary Brian Pearson
Their powerful words reminded us that this day is not only about mourning those we’ve lost it’s about recommitting to the fight for safe and healthy workplaces for all
The current administration intends to fire 10,000 workers at OSHA in the upcoming Federal budget We owe it to the fallen to keep pushing until every worker has a safe workplace.
STANDING UP FOR FEDERAL WORKERS: AFGE PHONE BANKS IN ACTION
Cleveland workers win paid parental leave
Over the past month, union volunteers across Northeast Ohio have been making hundreds of calls in support of AFGE’s e-dues campaign. This effort comes after the Trump administration stripped federal unions of the ability to collect dues through payroll deduction an intentional attack on workers’ rights Now, AFGE members are
switching to e-dues, a more secure, union-controlled system that protects their voice and power on the job. Our phone banks are helping members make the transition
President Joe Biden mourned the death of former President Jimmy Carter in an address to the nation Sunday night from St. Croix, where he is spending his final New Year’s as president.
Together, we’re fighting back and building lasting worker power from the ground up
Carter died Sunday at age 100, months after he became the first U S president to reach the milestone. He had been in hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia, since February 2023.
Follow Us on Social Media
Facebook: facebook.com/ClevelandUnionAFL-CIO
Instagram: @clevelandaflcio X (Formerly Twitter): @clevelandaflcio
TikTok: @clevelandaflcio
YouTube: @clevelandaflcio
1794
Hector Alvarado
G-555
Chris Ericksen
Green
Local 880
Ryan McCafferty Pipefitters Local 120
Robert Towslee IAM Local 1363
Erick Poston