Cincinnati
AFL-CIO
Labor Council
Friday, March 26, 2021
Quote of the week: “We treat public education as the public good that it is, but we don’t do that for childcare. We’ve created this false dichotomy between the two.”

JULIE KASHEN, director of women’s economic justice at the Century Foundation, commenting on childcare workers and facilities whose work has continued during the pandemic while schools closed.
We Have a Pro-union Secretary of Labor!
U.S. Senate Confirms Marty Walsh, Secretary of Labor
For four years, the Department of Labor has been devoted to serving a handful of elite interests, instead of working people. Not anymore.
 
The Senate just confirmed Marty Walsh as labor secretary. We congratulate our proud union brother. He understands the power of collective action, and his confirmation strengthens our fight to improve the lives of working people across the country.
 
  • We’re going to protect workers from COVID-19.
  • We’re going to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour.
  • We’re going to build 21st-century infrastructure and create a new generation of good-paying union jobs.
 
 
Finally, we want to thank everyone for sending letters and calling their senators about Secretary Walsh’s confirmation. This victory is yours.
 
In Solidarity,
Team AFL-CIO
Importance of Walsh Confirmation Cannot Be Overstated
March 22, 2021

Statement from AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka after the Senate’s vote to confirm Marty Walsh as secretary of labor:

Congratulations to Secretary Walsh. It’s difficult to overstate the importance of this moment. For four years, working families have lived with a Labor Department devoted to serving a handful of elite interests. Now, the power to enforce safety and equity in our workplaces has been handed from a ruthless corporate lawyer to a proud union brother.

Working people organized, mobilized and voted to deliver that victory. But we aren’t finished yet. It’s time to build a truly just recovery that hands power back to the workers who have borne the brunt of this crisis.

That means delivering unprecedented funding to create a 21st-century infrastructure alongside a new generation of good-paying union jobs. It means raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour. And most of all, it means strengthening working people’s right to organize together by finally passing the PRO Act. Our work has only just begun, and we will be stronger with Secretary Walsh in the fight ahead.
OH AFL-CIO ARP and PRO Act Mailing
March 24, 2021
 
To: Ohio AFL-CIO Executive Board, CLC and Area labor Council Principal Officers, Building and Construction Trades Council Principal Officers, Local Union Principal Officers, Constituency Groups, Retiree Chapters

From: Tim Burga, President, Ohio AFL-CIO
 
Cc: Melissa Cropper, Secretary-Treasurer, Ohio AFL-CIO

1.    On March 11, President Biden signed into law a historic victory for working people. For months, we have demanded that our federal government provide a road map out of the pandemic and the economic crisis. The American Rescue Plan is that road map. For starters, it expands health care for unemployed workers, provides meaningful investment in front-line public services, ensures pension relief for millions of retirees, and it funds the vaccine so that we can end the pandemic. Enclosed, is an expanded summary of the key provisions contained in the American Rescue Plan. Included in this act are fixes for issues labor has been championing for years, and it was a united labor movement that ultimately pushed this extraordinary bill over the finish line. Now, we must turn our attention to major labor law reform (PRO Act) and a comprehensive infrastructure bill.

2.    The campaign to pass the Protect the Right to Organize (PRO) Act is underway. This much-needed labor law reform is fifty years in the making and now is our time to demand it happens. The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the bi-partisan bill (225-206), with all four of Ohio's Democratic delegation standing with labor and none of the twelve Republican members supporting us. The action now turns to the U.S. Senate where Sherrod Brown is on our side, but an all-out effort is needed, with labor speaking as one loud and clear voice to be heard. Our field staff and central labor councils are busy recruiting and writing letters to the Editors, generating support for local government resolutions, and developing a social media and direct communication strategy for Senator Rob Portman. Heading into April, the campaign will step up efforts with a national Social Media Day of Action on April 8 and a national Week of Action beginning on April 26, including Workers' Memorial Day on AprH 28, and concluding on May 1 (May Day).

The AFl-CIO PRO Act Toolkit is up and available for your use at go.aflcio.org/proact. This is an excellent one stop site for talking points, sample letters, action items and more. Furthermore, IUPAT has a great website at www.passtheproact.org that we encourage you to check out for additional information on the PRO Act.
 
On March 17, the Senate UNANIMOUSLY confirmed Katherine Tai as U.S. Trade Representative by a vote of 98-0. Katherine Tai will play a key role in putting American workers at the center of our trade agenda. Senator Brown strongly supported Katherine Tai's nomination. 
BROWN PRESSES GE-SAVANT FOR ANSWERS AS COMPANY LAYS OFF 81 OHIO WORKERS AMID GLOBAL PANDEMIC
For Immediate Release
Friday, March 19, 2021
(202) 224-3978
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) wrote to Robert Madonna, CEO of Savant, to press him for answers and a meeting after the company laid off 81 workers at its Bucyrus plant last week. Today’s letter follows a letter from Brown earlier this year asking the company to work with Bucyrus Mayor Jeff Reser, the city of Bucyrus and IUE-CWA Local 84704 to keep jobs and high-efficiency lighting production in Bucyrus. Brown also wrote to Walmart leadership, asking the company to get involved in local efforts to save high-efficiency lighting jobs at the GE-Savant plant in Bucyrus.
 
“This decision, by all reports, to shift production to factories in China is a short-sighted decision that fails to recognize the productivity of Bucyrus’s workforce and the opportunities provided by our nation’s commitment to increasing investment in domestic manufacturing,” wrote Brown.
 
During a Senate Finance Committee hearing earlier this week, Brown continued to push for action and advocate on behalf of workers at the GE-Savant plant in Bucyrus and a tax code that supports American manufacturing. During the hearing, entitled ‘Made in America: Effect of the U.S. Tax Code on Domestic Manufacturing,’ Brown questioned expert Ohio witnesses on steps that can be taken to halt closures and layoffs like those in Bucyrus. 
 
Brown’s full letter to Savant can be found HERE 
You are Cordially Invited to
The 34th Annual Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council Golf Tournament!
Customizable PRO Act Flyer:
Please Download, Customize, and Use!
Please see the working families toolkit flier for the PRO ACT. Remember this flier is available for customization at wftoolkit.org. Below is an example for your reference.
Today we recognize and thank YOU!
Dear Friends,

It’s been one year since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and with it, the largest need for food we’ve seen in our history as a foodbank.

Today we pause to thank and recognize caring friends like you.

You helped pave the way to provide over 35 million meals to tristate men, women and children facing hunger—and we can’t thank you enough.
We also could not have responded like we did without the outstanding service of the Ohio National Guard. Today marks one year since they joined us on the front lines to help feed our neighbors.

Throughout the past year, the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard have helped us pack over 181,000 Emergency Food Boxes, joined us at drive through food distributions, delivered food to our Community Partners, and so much more. We give thanks to every soldier who has joined us this past year, and for their continued dedication to our mission.

Today, we continue to respond. Even as vaccines make their way through our communities, the economic impact of the pandemic remains. People are still out of work and families are still worried about putting food on the table.

If you’re able, please join us as a monthly donor. Your steady and dependable support will ensure we can help local families get back on their feet—for as long as it takes.

Thank you for your dedication to our community.

With sincere gratitude,
Kurt L. Reiber
President & CEO
Freestore Foodbank


1141 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Phone: 513-482-4500
© 2021 Freestore Foodbank, All rights reserved.
Join Us for a Free Medicare Webinar Series this April
Dear Friends,

Medicare is complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. You and your team are invited to join us for a free Medicare webinar series to learn more about the ins and outs of Medicare, including:

  • Medicare Part A and Part B coverage and costs
  • COBRA and ACA Marketplace Plans
  • How your employer group coverage compares to Medicare
  • Enrolling in Medicare after age 65
  • Retiree health costs, …and more!

For your convenience, I have attached an informational flyer for you to share with your team. Please let me know if you have any questions about the series or how I can serve as a Medicare resource to you and your staff.

Sincerely, 

Kevin Lowden
Account Manager
RetireMEDiQ
United Way Offering FREE Tax Preparation
Ohio Department of Health COVID-19 Update - Mar. 25, 2021
Take the Shot
Retired Cincinnati Bengal and Pro Football Hall of Famer Anthony Munoz has always listened to his doctors. He’s listening now, too. He took his shot.
Health Director Signs Amended Orders on Visitation with Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facility Residents
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor DeWine announced today that Ohio Department of Health Director Stephanie McCloud has signed the following orders:


General visitation requirements for nursing homes and assisted living facilities remain the same, including the requirement that visitors schedule appointments in advance, are screened at the door, and wear masks. Changes to the orders include: 

  • Ohio is requiring that visitation be permitted whenever safety protocols can be met. Previously, visitation was permitted, not required.
  • Vaccinated residents may have physical touch with their visitor while wearing a mask. Previously, touch was discouraged.
  • Visits may occur in a resident’s private room, as opposed to the previous requirement of a separate visitation area.
  • 30 minutes should serve as the minimum amount of time for a visit. Previously, 30 minutes was the maximum time to visit.

The order also expands the circumstances in which compassionate care visits should be granted.
In addition, the order updates nursing home and assisted living testing requirements to require the facilities to test vaccinated staff once per week and unvaccinated staff twice per week. The previous order made no distinction between vaccinated or unvaccinated staff.
Nursing Home and Assisted Living Visitation, Vaccination Appointment Booking
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine provided the following updates on Ohio's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

VACCINATION APPOINTMENT BOOKING

While most of Ohio's current vaccine providers are quickly filling all vaccination appointments, some locations are seeing less demand for the vaccine. In response, Governor DeWine announced that local health departments and hospitals that are having a hard time filling appointments with individuals who are currently eligible for the vaccine may book appointments with anyone 16 years old and older.

Currently, anyone age 40 or older is eligible to receive the vaccine. Eligibility will drop to any Ohioan age 16 and up beginning on March 29. 

CLEVELAND MASS VACCINATION UPDATE

As of today, more than 30,000 people have been vaccinated at the state-federal mass vaccination clinic at Cleveland State University's Wolstein Center. Appointments can be scheduled by visiting gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov. or by calling 1-833-427-5634 (1-833-4-ASK-ODH).

NURSING HOME/ASSISTED LIVING VISITATION

The Ohio Department of Health will issue an updated order related to assisted living facilities and nursing homes. The general visitation requirements will remain the same, including the requirement that visitors schedule appointments in advance, are screened at the door, and wear masks. Changes to the order include: 

  • Ohio is requiring that visitation be permitted whenever safety protocols can be met. Previously, visitation was permitted, not required;
  • Vaccinated residents may have physical touch with their visitor while wearing a mask. Previously, touch was discouraged;
  • Visits may occur in a resident’s private room, as opposed to the previous requirement of a separate visitation area;
  • 30 minutes should serve as the minimum amount of time for a visit. Previously, 30 minutes was the maximum time to visit.

The order will also expand the circumstances in which compassionate care visits should be granted.

In addition, the order will update nursing home and assisted living testing requirements to require the facilities to test vaccinated staff once per week and unvaccinated staff twice per week. The previous order made no distinction between vaccinated or unvaccinated staff.

"We must continue regularly testing for the virus," said Governor DeWine. "It’s just good science, and it will help us identify cases early and prevent the spread. Further, if COVID is controlled, that means less disruption to visitation."
Certain circumstances, such as a facility outbreak, may necessitate that visitation be restricted on a case-by-case basis. Nursing homes must also continue following federal regulations from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

CASE DATA/VACCINE INFORMATION


For more information on Ohio's response to COVID-19, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.
COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Clinics
The State of Ohio is sponsoring 18 mass vaccination clinics to ensure all Ohioans have access to COVID-19 vaccine as it becomes more widely available. Once they are operating, any Ohioan who is eligible to receive the vaccine under the Ohio Department of Health’s vaccination plan will be able to get a vaccination at any of Ohio's mass vaccination clinics. Find information here about each clinic and how to sign up for a vaccine appointment.
COVID-19 Vaccination Program
Check Eligibility and Book Your Vaccination

Ohio’s new Vaccine Management Solution (VMS) is a streamlined tool to help Ohioans determine vaccine eligibility, find providers, and receive updates. Check your eligibility and book an appointment now at gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov. 

Need help or have questions?
Questions and Answers
COVID-19 Vaccination: Ohio's Phased Approach

Questions about COVID-19
Ohio Department of Health call center is ready to answer your questions about COVID-19

Call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634)
The Call Center is staffed from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day, including weekends.
COVID-19 By The Numbers
Global Confirmed ─ 124,924,906
Global Deaths ─ 2,746,147
U.S. Confirmed ─ 30,012,351
U.S. Deaths ─ 545,282
Global Map        U.S. Map

Current Trends

Below are the current reporting trends for key indicators calculated from data reported to the Ohio Department of Health. The graphics and information were taken from the Ohio Department of Health Coronavirus (COVID-19) website Thursday, March 25.
Hamilton, Butler, Warren, and Clermont Counties remain "Level 3/Red" as a high exposure and spread county. Brown County is Level 2/Orange."

The Cintas Center at Xavier University will continue to serve as a mass vaccination site in Hamilton County, and the Dayton-Montgomery Convention Center will take vaccination appointments as well. All Ohioans over the age of 16 are now eligible for a vaccination. Schedule your vaccine at GetTheShot.coronavirus.ohio.gov.
Hamilton County
Cases
75,684
Hospitalizations
2,771
Deaths
1,130
Clermont County
Cases
18,937
Hospitalizations
788
Deaths
219
Brown County
Cases
3,797
Hospitalizations
56
Deaths
55
Butler County
Cases
36,701
Hospitalizations
1,130
Deaths
556
Warren County
Cases
23,144
Hospitalizations
665
Deaths
288
Other Informative Headlines:
Cincinnati AFL-CIO
Labor Council
Bill Froehle, President
Pete McLinden,
Executive Secretary-Treasurer
Brian D. Griffin,
Director, Communication & Technology
1385 Tennessee Avenue | Second Floor | Cincinnati, OH 45229 | 513.421.1846 | info@cincinnatiaflcio.org | www.cincinnatiaflcio.org