Cincinnati
AFL-CIO
Labor Council
Saturday, October 8, 2022
This Week With AFL-CIO President, Liz Shuler
#Striketober is on. Like this time last year, the labor movement is driving a wave of collective action in our workplaces and communities.

Lumber mill workers in Oregon and Washington; food manufacturers in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; museum workers in Philadelphia; and coal miners in Alabama—these workers and so many others are taking a brave stand by going on strike.

Workers have power when we withhold our labor to demand fair pay and just treatment on the job. And that’s exactly what thousands of union members across the country in many different industries are showing us.
It’s no secret the labor movement is having “a moment.” But as we all know, it’s more than that. Right now, more workers are organizing, taking collective action and fighting for fairness than at any time in decades.

But here’s the thing about moments: They don’t go on forever. Union members know that our freedom to organize is on the ballot this year, and we need to make sure all our members know what’s at stake, too.

Building a moment into a movement requires strong labor allies in office who will fight to expand our freedom at work. When we finally pass historic labor reforms, the labor movement can make this moment last a lifetime.
Union members know that freedom is on the ballot this election year. The freedom to organize, the freedom to vote, and the freedom to create a better life for ourselves and our families.

After years of undermining our rights at the ballot box and in the workplace, working people have had enough. We see that progress is not only possible, it’s within our grasp.

In the last few weeks before Election Day, let’s get out the union vote every way we can: through canvassing, phone banking, texting and, most of all, through good personal conversations with union members about our values
Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council
COPE DINNER 2022
"If Not Us, Who? If Not Now, When?!

We're Back and We're Live!
Tickets on Sale NOW!

Friday, October 21, 2022
UAW Local 863 Union Hall
10708 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45241

Save The Date!

6:00 PM Social Hour | 7:00 PM Dinner and Program

Special Keynote Speakers:
Clayola Brown, AFL-CIO
Director Civil, Human, and Women's Rights

Greg Landsman, Endorsed Candidate
for US House of Representatives, OH District 1

Musical Guests:
Jake Speed and The Freddies
An Evening of Labor's Best Musical Heritage!

Ticket Form Below...
Jake Speed and the Freddies w/ Special Guests Mike Oberst and Ed Cunningham at 22nd Annual Woodyfest Celebrating the life and music of Woody Guthrie.
Labor 2022 Walks
10am every Saturday and Sunday at APWU Local 164 Hall 1385 Tennessee Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45229.

Questions? Contact Evan Hennessy at ehennessy@ohaflcio.org or 513-602-9581.
Union Night with The Dropkick Muprhy's
Brothers, Sisters, & Friends the most pro-union band in the world, The Dropkick Murphys, will be playing in Cincinnati on October 29. There will be a special union member pre-party prior to the show.

To get tickets (and save on S&H) and/or wristbands to the pre-party email info@cincinnatiaflcio.org with subject headline "DKM."
CFT COPE (Committee on Political Education) LUNCHEON 2022
LAST CALL for our COPE LUNCHEON TODAY!!

COPE Luncheon 2022 - You are cordially invited to attend the Cincinnati Federation of Teachers Local 1520 COPE LUNCHEON 2022 at the Laborers Local 265 Union Hall TOMORROW, Saturday, Oct 8th from 11:30am to 1:30pm.

There will be Food, Fun, Fellowshipping, Live Music, and an opportunity to Meet and Greet AFL-CIO Labor-endorsed candidates!

THANK YOU in advance for standing in solidarity with us as we raise critical dollars to support our pro-public education endorsed issues and candidates - including a MUST-PASS school levy -- we could very likely lose JOBS if this levy fails. CFT/CFOP members put our $$ where our mouth is for the children of Cincinnati and fight for qualified, certified professionals for their schools-- so we need your help!!

Help support our COPE Fund by purchasing a table for $250, and/or individual tickets for $25. You can bring check or cash to the event for payment.

NOTE: IF YOU ALREADY DEDUCT A COPE DONATION from YOUR CPS PAYCHECK at $5 or MORE – YOU ATTEND FREE!!
PLEASE RSVP AT THIS LINK to let us know you will join us!
https://tinyurl.com/CFTCOPE2022
In Solidarity,
Cincinnati Federation of Teachers Local 1520 President Julie Sellers
and
CFT PAC Chairwoman Jane Simon
Questions? Email Michelle, CFT Organizer at mdillingham@cft-aft.org.
President Burga, Secetary-Treasurer Cropper Elected at 33rd Biennnial Ohio AFL-CIO Convention
Last week at the 33rd Biennial Ohio AFL-CIO Convention, President Tim Burga was re-elected as President and Melissa Cropper was elected as Secretary-Treasurer to continue to lead Ohio's labor movement as unions have the highest favorability among working Americans since Gallop fist started taking the poll in 1965.
 
Burga and Cropper have led the labor movement though the pandemic, working with state elected leaders to keep workers safe while also working with President Biden's administration on ensuring the American Rescue Plan put working people at the center of the recovery.
 
“It is an honor to be re-elected as President of the Ohio AFL-CIO. These past few years have shown the country what we in the labor movement have always known, that trade unionists are essential to our economy and I will continue to work with any administration to make sure the policies recognize this truth and value our service,” said Burga. “I am grateful for the support of our affiliated unions and humbled by their trust to continue the path forward to grow the labor movement and rewrite the rules of the economy from the middle out.”
 
"I am honored to be re-elected to serve as ST of the Ohio AFL-CIO. I look forward to working with our affiliates to continue to strengthen and grow the labor movement in Ohio," said Cropper.  
 
At the convention, an Officer's Report was handed out and can be read here.
Dropkick Murphys Receive Award at Ohio AFL-CIO Convention
Just days before the Dropkick Murphys released their new album, last week the Ohio AFL-CIO Convention Delegates passed a Resolution to honor the bands’ 25-plus years of telling the stories of working people through song. Their new album is unlike anything Dropkick Murphys have done to date: A full album of songs that bring Woody Guthrie’s words to life. Not a tribute album or a collection of covers, This Machine Still Kills Fascists is a collaboration between Dropkick Murphys and Woody Guthrie – artists separated by time and space but connected by a common philosophy – to create something entirely new and meaningful.
 
In a September 29 review of the album, No Depression's Jim Shahen sums up Dropkick Murphys' connection not only to Guthrie's lyrics but to his working-class ethos: "No current act has done more to preserve and advance the legacy of Woody Guthrie...Nearly 60 years since his death, the struggles of working men and women and political oppression continue unabated. Those in need remain unheard by people in power. But much like Woody Guthrie, Dropkick Murphys are still out there fighting the good fight."
 
To that end, the Ohio AFL-CIO presented a lifetime achievement award to the band, extending "special recognition to the Dropkick Murphys for their support of organized labor and dedication to telling the story of the working class through their music for over 25 years." The band then played a 30-minute concert for the union members and guests in attendance.
 
“The delegates of the Ohio AFL-CIO are proud to recognize the Dropkick Murphys for a career of empowering working people through their music,” said Ohio AFL-CIO President Tim Burga. “The Dropkick Murphys’ long-standing support of organized labor and dedication to telling the story of the working class is unparalleled and their impact is significant.”
 
Labor Movement Steps Up to Help Our Members and Communities Affected by Hurricanes Fiona, Ian
Two back-to-back hurricanes devastated Puerto Rico and Florida last month. And while it will take years to fully rebuild from Hurricanes Fiona and Ian, the labor movement’s focus right now is on providing immediate relief to union members and communities who are suffering. All across the country, union members are giving what we can to help our brothers, sisters and siblings in need.
 
In Texas, where many people know the hardship that devastating hurricanes can cause, members of the maritime West Gulf Ports Council last week hosted a community meeting on union projects. Attendees brought donations to send to people who have been affected by the recent hurricanes.

Please join them in giving what you can to the Union Community Fund and sending needed supplies to the Seafarers (SIU) collection points for distribution in Puerto Rico. Working together, we’ve recovered from many disasters over the years; we can lend a helping hand to the people of Florida and Puerto Rico.
FROM: Elizabeth H. Shuler, President 
 
Hurricane Ian has devastated large areas of Florida and affected several other states in the east, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Virginia. Florida families desperately need our help. Many of our members’ homes were completely destroyed or severely damaged and are still without power; the road to recovery will be long.
 
We are working very closely with Florida AFL-CIO President Mike Williams, both before the storm hit and directly after. Interim Northeast Regional Field Director Pablo De Leon is on the ground and will be joined by AFL-CIO Headquarters Disaster Relief Coordinator Director Kristie Small next week to support the relief and recovery efforts in Florida. 
 
In response to this disaster, the Florida AFL-CIO has rebooted their disaster relief fund for union members and community allies in the state who are struggling in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. The funds donated will help provide supplies, food, water and other essentials for Florida families in need. The Florida AFL-CIO is working hand in hand with the Teamsters, who are graciously supplying trucks, drivers and boots on the ground to ensure the supplies get to the areas most devastated by the storm and sending and distributing relief supplies to Southwest Florida. 
 
Please review the following information about how your union can help immediately:
If you can write a check or make a commitment right now, the Florida State Fed will up-front your commitment and invoice you for the contribution. Please make your check payable to the Florida AFL-CIO. The memo line should indicate the Florida Workers Relief Fund—Hurricane Ian. All checks should be mailed to the Florida AFL-CIO headquarters: 135 South Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32301.

If you prefer to pay by credit card, please click this link: Hurricane Ian donation.

Contacts

Florida State AFL-CIO Contact
AFL-CIO Contacts
Mike Williams, President, Florida AFL-CIO
Mobile: (850) 556-2966

AFL-CIO Interim Northeast Regional Director 
Pablo De Leon
(941) 323-2058

AFL-CIO Headquarters Disaster Relief Coordinator
Kristie Small 
(202) 215-7341
 
Thank you for all that you are doing to support disaster relief efforts in both Florida and Puerto Rico.

Through our shared efforts, we see solidarity at work.
Election Protection: Unions at the Polls
As we look toward November 2022, the AFL-CIO is working hard to protect the vote and safeguard our democracy. To elect a pro-worker majority in the U.S. House and Senate, we need free and fair elections. 
One of the most important ways to ensure all people have the right to vote is by encouraging our members to volunteer as poll workers. 

Many jurisdictions across the country—including those in key battleground states—continue to suffer from a shortage of poll workers. A lack of poll workers leads to long lines, delays and decreased turnout, especially in communities of color and low-income communities. We’ve seen time and again that voter suppression leads to anti-worker policies which hurt everyone in our movement. 

This year, we are proud to partner once again with Power the Polls, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to mobilizing people to volunteer as poll workers. The AFL-CIO first partnered with Power the Polls in 2020, when courageous union volunteers served their communities during the pandemic. We hope to build on our success with Power the Polls again this year.

Power the Polls connects volunteers with their local election officials, and guides them through determining eligibility, filling out their application and the poll work process. 

The AFL-CIO will be able to follow up with volunteers who sign up using our dedicated sign-up link. We’ll be able to communicate with members who have volunteered, focus our mobilization efforts where poll workers are most needed and highlight our members’ civic engagement. 

We are asking you to reach out to your members and encourage them to sign up to be poll workers at aflciovote.org/volunteer. 

A draft email for you to send out is attached, and we encourage you to amplify the message in any way to reach members through your own channels as well. 

Thanks very much for supporting this important piece of our Labor 2022 election work.
Delta Pilots Open Strike Authorization Ballot Vote
Pilots at Delta Air Lines who are members of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) opened the voting window on Friday for a strike authorization vote, which is set to end on Oct. 31. The move comes as negotiations for a new contract have failed to produce an industry-leading agreement. ALPA members at Delta are currently living under pay rates, working conditions and benefits negotiated in 2016.
 
“We do not make a decision like this lightly,” said Capt. Jason Ambrosi (not pictured), chair of the Delta ALPA Master Executive Council. “This is our future and our contract. This strike authorization ballot allows our members to tell management, in no uncertain terms, that it’s time to invest in the Delta pilots.”
Support Striking Workers at Philadelphia Museum of Art
More than two years ago, in the midst of the pandemic, workers at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA) voted overwhelmingly to form a union with AFSCME Local 397 (District Council 47). In June, delegates to the 29th AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention took to the streets to support these heroic workers in their fight for a first contract. Despite holding rallies with fellow AFSCME members and other Philadelphia allies, and engaging in a one-day warning strike earlier this month, progress in negotiations has been too limited.
Time is of the essence, and the PMA workers need our support. First, please donate to the workers’ strike fund if you are able. If you are sending a donation on behalf of your union, we recommend you mail a check addressed to AFSCME Local 397 Strike Fund to AFSCME Local 397, c/o AFSCME District Council 47, 1606 Walnut St., 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Individual donations may be made here. Second, please encourage your members in the Philadelphia area to support the AFSCME picket line at the museum. The current picketing schedule is Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.–7:30 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
 
Organizing a union and winning a first contract shouldn’t be a bruising fight, but when it is, solidarity is always our best asset.
DOL Launches Campaign on Miner Health as Unions Push for Rule on Silica Dust Exposure
The Department of Labor (DOL), under the leadership of Secretary Marty Walsh (LIUNA), is pushing forward an initiative to emphasize the health of miners. On Thursday, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) announced a new campaign, called Miner Health Matters, to promote and protect the health of all miners and to raise awareness about miners’ rights under federal law to continue working in healthier parts of mines after developing black lung disease. AFL-CIO Safety and Health Director Rebecca Reindel described it as “an important initiative by MSHA with a much-needed focus on health—particularly on lung disease from chronic workplace exposures—rather than only safety. Miners need both to live long healthy lives.”
 
The Miner Health Matters campaign comes at a time when the Mine Workers (UMWA) and the United Steelworkers (USW), in partnership with the AFL-CIO, are pushing hard to strengthen MSHA’s rules around chronic silica dust exposure, which causes lung disease. It’s clear miners need additional protections at work, and these rules will help ensure they have healthier workplaces.
Rest in Power: Rudolph Oswald
(1932–2022)
Rudolph “Rudy” Oswald, a longtime labor leader, passed away Sept. 28 at the age of 90. The son of German immigrants, he became active in the labor movement after he was honorably discharged from the Army in 1957. First, he joined the Fire Fighters (IAFF), and later, he served as the economic research director for SEIU. In 1976, he became the chief economist and research director for the AFL-CIO and led in that important position for 20 years. In his obituary, it is written that Oswald “will be remembered by all for his intelligence, kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to church and family.” The AFL-CIO pays tribute to our brother, Rudy Oswald, and we pray that his family and loved ones gain strength knowing his service to America’s working people was a blessing.Rudolph “Rudy” Oswald, a longtime labor leader, passed away Sept. 28 at the age of 90. The son of German immigrants, he became active in the labor movement after he was honorably discharged from the Army in 1957. First, he joined the Fire Fighters (IAFF), and later, he served as the economic research director for SEIU. In 1976, he became the chief economist and research director for the AFL-CIO and led in that important position for 20 years. In his obituary, it is written that Oswald “will be remembered by all for his intelligence, kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to church and family.” The AFL-CIO pays tribute to our brother, Rudy Oswald, and we pray that his family and loved ones gain strength knowing his service to America’s working people was a blessing.
Make Sure Your Next Car Is Union-Built with UAW’s 2023 Vehicle Guide
Are you or someone you know in the market for a new car? Make the 2023 UAW Union-Built Vehicle Guide your first stop in finding a quality, union-made vehicle. Every year, the UAW releases its lineup of vehicles that are union-made in the United States and Canada. This year’s list includes a large selection of hybrid and electric vehicle options.
 
PSLF Waiver Program
The U.S. Department of Education has implemented temporary changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program rules that make it easier for federal student loan borrowers to receive credit for past periods of repayment that would otherwise not qualify for forgiveness. These changes end on October 31, 2022. Millions of non-profit and government employees have federal student loans and may now be eligible for loan forgiveness or additional credit through the temporary changes, known as the Limited PSLF Waiver. But they must apply before the deadline. This means some borrowers will need to consolidate and/or submit a PSLF form – the single application used for a review of employment certification, payment counts, and processing of forgiveness – on or before October 31, 2022, to have previously ineligible payments counted. After October 31, 2022, normal PSLF rules will apply. Borrowers can learn more about the temporary changes at www.studentaid.gov/pslfwaiver.
U.S Senator Sherrod Brown: Working For Working People!
Women's March To the Polls Event
ICWUC Center For Worker Health and Safety Education: Instructor Position
Cincinnati NAACP: Now Hiring!
Hamilton County Board of Elections is now hiring for the position of:

  • Precinct Election Officials - Temporary (Click here for more information)


WKRC is now hiring for the position of:

  • Meteorologist - Full Time (Click here for more information)


2060 Digital is now hiring for the position of:

  • Graphic Designer - Full Time (Click here for more information)


2060 Digital is now hiring for the position of:

  • Quality & Optimization Manager - Full Time (Click here for more information)


WXIX is now hiring for the position of:

  • Account Executive - Full Time (Click here for more information)


WXIX is now hiring for the position of:

  • Digital Producer - Part-Time (Click here for more information)


The City of Covington is now hiring for the position of:

  • Project Engineer - Full Time (Click here for more information)
Anti-LGBTQ+ State Board of Education Resolution
• IN-PERSON TESTIMONY UPDATES •

State Board of Education Meeting
Wednesday, October 12, 2022

Testimony will begin after lunch on Wednesday, October 12. Plan to arrive no later than 11am.

Each witness will have 3 minutes to present their testimony.

Board members will NOT ask witnesses follow-up questions after testimony is presented during the meeting.

Testimony is limited to 4 hours max.

The order of testimony is based on the receipt of the Request to Address the Board form by the Department of Education.

Walk-in, in-person testimony allowed, time permitting

Submit your in-person request form NOW to ensure you are on the speaker list.

There is already a high volume of in-person request submissions!
Hazardous Products Drop Off Event
FREE Flu Shot Clinic!
Flu season is around the corner! Make sure you and your family are protected by attending our FREE flu shot clinic on Saturday, October 22nd! Use the QR code below to register!
We're back! FMCS Institute Becoming a Labor Arbitrator and more open for registration now
Mediation Skills
Fall 2022
October 25-27 and November 1-3, 2022
11a - 5p Eastern
This course takes place over 6 days (Tues., Wed., and Thurs.)
 
Cost: $1,600 per person
Early Bird $1,500 if registered by September 25

Dealing effectively with conflict in the workplace has become a critical function in public and private organizations. Employers and employees are increasingly turning towards mediation to avoid costly and time-consuming litigation. Mediation has successfully applied to many types of workplace disputes, including grievances, EEO complaints, superior/subordinate problems, and peer conflicts.

This workshop focuses on the mediation process and skills required to be successful. Facilitating difficult conversations, creative problem-solving, interpersonal negotiations, and communication will be covered.

Highly interactive, this course will use large and small group discussions, online discussion boards, role-plays reflecting a variety of workplace conflicts, and other exercises along with instructor-led presentations to prepare you for real-life workplace disputes and problem resolution.

Topics Include:
  • The Neuroscience of Conflict
  • Introduction to mediation fundamentals: protocols, caucuses, and side-bars
  • Tools for resolving conflict
  • Building consensus
  • Ethical considerations in workplace mediation
  • Defining different mediation styles

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will receive an FMCS Certificate of Training. SHRM credits are approved for this course.

This class will be limited to approximately 25 participants.

Instructors: FMCS Commissioners Walter Darr and Andrew Fox
COVID-19 Dashboard
Why the Omicron Offshoot BA.5 is a Big Deal
By Brenda Goodman, CNN
(CNN) Once again, Covid-19 seems to be everywhere. If you feel caught off-guard, you aren't alone.

After the Omicron tidal wave washed over the United States in January and the smaller rise in cases in the spring caused by the BA.2 subvariant, it might have seemed like the coronavirus could be ignored for a while. After all, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated in December that nearly all Americans had been vaccinated or have antibodies from a past infection. Surely all that immunity bought some breathing room.
But suddenly, many people who had recovered from Covid-19 as recently as March or April found themselves exhausted, coughing and staring at two red lines on a rapid test. How could this be happening again -- and so soon? [READ MORE]
Ohio Vaccination Dashboard

The COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboard displays the most recent data reported to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) regarding the number of individuals that have started and completed the COVID-19 vaccination series by various demographics and county of residence.

The COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboard displays the most recent data reported to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) regarding the number of individuals that have started and completed the COVID-19 vaccination series by various demographics and county of residence. “Vaccination started” indicates that the individual has received at least one valid dose of COVID-19 vaccine. The number listed as “vaccination completed” is a subset of the number included in “vaccination started,” indicating that those individuals within that group have received all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses and are considered fully immunized. ODH is making COVID-19 data available for public review while also protecting privacy. This dashboard will be updated daily. Please see footnotes below for more details.
Ohio COVID-19 Dashboard
Overview

ODH is making COVID-19 data available for public review while also protecting patient privacy.

The State of Ohio COVID-19 Dashboard displays the most recent preliminary data reported to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) about cases, hospitalizations and deaths in Ohio by selected demographics and county of residence. Data for cases and hospitalizations is reported to ODH via the Ohio Disease Reporting System (ODRS), and verified mortality data is reported via the Electronic Death Registration System (EDRS).
Current Trends
Below are the current reporting trends from Friday, October 7 for key indicators calculated from data reported to the Ohio Department of Health. These trends are updated daily and are presented by report date.
Below is a snapshot of key metrics pulled Friday, October 7, 2022 from daily data reporting to the Ohio Department of Health. These metrics are updated daily.
Hamilton County
Cases
221,509
Hospitalizations
6,825
Deaths
2,144
Clermont County
Cases
60,843
Hospitalizations
1,681
Deaths
583
Brown County
Cases
13,061
Hospitalizations
115
Deaths
191
Butler County
Cases
108,698
Hospitalizations
3,593
Deaths
1,202
Warren County
Cases
67,791
Hospitalizations
1,411
Deaths
611
Other News For and About Working People:
Cincinnati AFL-CIO
Labor Council
President

Executive Secretary-Treasurer

Executive Assistant to the Executive Secretary-Treasurer
1385 Tennessee Avenue | Second Floor | Cincinnati, OH 45229 | 513.421.1846 | info@cincinnatiaflcio.org | www.cincinnatiaflcio.org