Cincinnati
AFL-CIO
Labor Council
News & Updates
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A Statement from Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Peter McLinden
on the Events of the Past Week
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As I write this, I feel the very real pain that most of America feels as we look back at the events of this last week. No feeling human being can avoid the sense of disillusionment and loss, watching now too often repeated images of a person of color dying at the hands of those who are sworn to “protect and serve.” George Floyd, like us, was a son, a brother, a father, an American citizen and human being with all the rights, freedoms and fair protections provided by the U.S. Constitution and our democratic government. And the image of him pinned neck down to the road by a sworn officer of the law officer, crying out in anguish and desperation as his last few dying breaths are crushed out of him. Still more painful were his final words, as he cried out in pain for his deceased mother. Just another tragic day in what we call the United States of America, the so-called land of the free, home of the brave.
More unfortunately, this heartbreaking incident is not the first time we as Americans are hearing the tortured cries of “I can’t breathe”, watching the senseless killing and murders of unarmed African Americans. In July 2014, a cellphone video captured the final words of Eric Garner as New York City police officers sat on his head and pinned him to the ground on a sidewalk. We watched the recent videos showing: Ahmaud Arbery, murdered while simply jogging in broad daylight; Freddie Gray, while being transported in a police van; Tamir Rice, a 12-year kid while playing on a playground; John Crawford, while shopping in a Walmart store; Sam Dubose, for missing a front license plate; Philando Castile, for driving with a legally permitted firearm; not to mention what happened to Terence Crutcher, Alton Sterling, Jamar Clark, Jeremy McDole, William Chapman II, Walter Scott, Eric Harris, Akai Gurley, Michael Brown, Eric Garner, and on and on, a systematic continuation of what has been happening in our country for more than 400 years. When you see the same circumstances and tragic outcomes play out over and over again, simple denials and excuses are no longer possible … This is RACISM, plain, simple, and truly evil. And this cancer – the original sin our nation – permeates our lives and stains our nation as it consumes the lives and livelihoods of the working people of America, especially those of color.
Why do I say, “working people”? Because as AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said last week:
“… this is a labor issue because it is a workplace issue. It is a community issue, and unions are the community. We must and will continue to fight for reforms in policing and to address issues of racial and economic inequality.”
Essentially, as working people in America, we must never stop fighting for economic, social, and racial justice for all. Racial privilege and prejudice must have no place our American society.
At the same time, this statement of solidarity in no way condones the actions of a few who are taking advantage of this tragedy by laying waste and inflicting destruction upon our community. Their violence and reckless disregard for life detracts from the sincere intentions and tireless efforts of those who peacefully protest in an honest effort to right this terrible wrong and bring about change that is so sorely needed and long overdue.
However, as a good friend recently reminded me, let’s not confuse our most important priorities: Instead of thinking “It’s horrible that an innocent black man was killed, but destroying property has to stop”, we should be reinforcing “It’s horrible that property is being destroyed, but killing innocent black men HAS TO STOP.” If you cannot sincerely say this statement… if you cannot meaningfully live/act upon this statement…then you do not mean it.
Just know this though…no amount of violence and destruction will deter the efforts of working people of all colors to bring about the end to America’s historic and systemic inequities of economic, social, and racial justice. We stand in steadfast solidarity with our Sisters and Brothers of all colors against hate, greed, and those who seek to keep the good, honest, hard-working people of America divided. No number of burned buildings, or panes of broken glass will stop us. As stated by Jean-Bertrand Aristide,
"If one suffers, we all suffer. Togetherness is strength”
; and the great Martin Luther King, Jr.,
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
The work of the AFL-CIO goes on unabated. I proudly deliver this Labor message on behalf of our President Bill Froehle, twenty-one Executive Board members (who unanimously approved this message at a meeting held earlier today), one hundred and four union affiliates and over 30,000 union members covering our greater Cincinnati jurisdiction.
Solidarity Forever.
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Peter M. McLinden, Esq.
Executive Secretary-Treasurer
Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council
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Worker Safety and More Support for Workers are Interrelated Keys to Defeating The Coronavirus: Tim Burga
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Today we are experiencing the greatest public health crisis of our lifetimes combined with economic challenges that we have not seen since the Great Depression. Front-line workers have been putting their health on the line to serve the public during this unprecedented time, and working families across our state are enduring the economic crisis that has left too many unemployed and in a financial crisis of their own.
The fact is, we cannot effectively address either of these tandem crises without addressing them both at the same time. Essential workers are delivering us all through the pandemic and we need to give these workers the highest consideration as we look to incrementally reopen the economy.
The DeWine administration has provided rules and procedures that seek to balance the need to revive the economy with the need to keep us safe from COVID-19. Unfortunately, there are employers either unaware of the workplace requirements and protocols or who are disregarding them. During the state-of-emergency, the administration should require employers to post this lifesaving information in common areas of workplaces.
Further, granting blanket immunity for health care providers and businesses from liability,
as proposed in the General Assembly
, is unnecessary and irresponsible in this environment. The immunity bills currently in the state legislature are way too broad in scope and have no real end date. We should not create an environment that rewards the irresponsible few at the expense of the majority who are acting responsibly.
As the state begins reopening the economy, worker voices must be included in the industry work groups that
the administration has established
. Now that we can cautiously initiate a safe economic restart, workers’ experience and knowledge will be a valuable addition to the advisory groups and the recommendations they provide to the administration. The confidence of the workforce and the public is necessary to reopen the economy; and the public can only have confidence in a process that includes a variety of voices, especially those risking their lives and their health to serve the public.
Fiscally, our state and local governments are in dire need of federal aid to maintain critical services, while also mitigating the spread of the virus in our local communities. The U.S. House of Representatives
recently passed a coronavirus relief package
that provides funding and flexibility to pay for needed services, along with additional funding for worker hazard pay and protections for employee pensions. The U.S. Senate must now demonstrate its support for working families by passing these urgent measures. This is simply the right thing to do.
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Union Veterans Council Calls For Resignation
of Defense Secretary and Joint Chiefs Chairman
for Lafayette Park Event
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Veterans Org also demands the Defense Department release Rules of Engagement used during federal activation
Washington D.C -- The Union Veterans Council, AFL-CIO is calling for the immediate resignation of US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper as well as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark A. Milley for their participation in the events on Monday night at Lafayette Park and St. John’s Church.
Said Union Veterans Council Executive Director, Will Attig: “The actions of Secretary of Defense Esper and Joint Chiefs Chairman Milley have jeopardized the American public trust, confidence, and respect for the brave men and women who volunteer to serve our great nation. Simply put, our military is not a prop for photo ops and political statements. This spectacle to deploy our troops created an unsafe environment and became an abuse of power.
“While we were encouraged by Secretary Esper’s attempt at an apology, it’s too little, too late. Every service member has the duty under the Uniform Code of Military Justice Article 90 to not follow unlawful orders and the obligation not to be complacent. We are calling on them to resign not as a point of shame, but as an example of leadership.
“We have heard from our members deployed to Washington, D.C. that they do not feel prepared or willing to ‘dominate battlespaces’ in our nation’s capital against fellow American citizens. That’s why we also demand that the Defense Department publicly release clarity on the Rules of Engagement used during Title 32 federal activation and diligently log all orders from the chain of command to be made available for congressional oversight.
“Lastly, we do not agree with the President’s decision to deploy the U.S. military. If American soldiers are ordered to deploy in any actions involving American citizens, we demand that they have prior and updated training on crowd control with the frontline units they are attached to.
“President Trump has set a violent and misguided tone in the wake of George Floyd’s tragic murder. It is time for our leaders at every level to challenge and repudiate this dangerous rhetoric-- and for those at the top of our military, who failed in this responsibility, to step down.”
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The Union Veterans Council brings working-class veterans together to speak out on the issues that impact us most, especially the need for good jobs and a strong, fully funded, and staffed VA. Additionally, we hold private enterprise and elected officials accountable for their words and actions. We believe wholeheartedly that the ability for someone to self-identify as “pro-veteran” isn’t determined by what lapel pin they don or what catchphrase they employ; veterans face real issues that require real actions—constructive actions that lead to positive solutions. At the Union Veterans Council, we fight every day for those who have fought for us.
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William (Will) Attig
Executive Director Union Veterans Council AFL-CIO
Office 202-637-5233
Cell 202-251-6773
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Cincinnati AFL-CIO/Labor 2020
Local Candidate Endorsements
*Passed at the Cincinnati AFL-CIO Delegate meeting (June 3, 2020)
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Hamilton County Commissioner —
Alicia Reece
(D)
Hamilton County Commissioner
—
Denise Driehaus
(D)
Hamilton County Prosecutor
—
Fanon Rucker
(D)
Hamilton County Clerk of Courts
—
Aftab Pureval
(D)
Hamilton County Sheriff
—
Charmaine McGuffey
(D)
Hamilton County Recorder
—
Scott Crowley
(D)
Hamilton County Treasurer
—
Jill Schiller
(D)
Hamilton County Coroner
—
Lakshmi Kode Sammarco
(D)
Clermont County Clerk of Courts
—
Acacia Uible
(D)
Hamilton County Judicial races
Court of Common Pleas
—
Heidi Rosales
(D)
Court of Common Pleas
—
Christian Jenkins
(D)
Court of Common Pleas
—
Chris Wagner
(D)
Court of Common Pleas
—
Jennifer Branch
(D)
Court of Common Pleas
—
Alan Triggs
(D)
Court of Common Pleas
—
Thomas Beridon
(D)
Court of Common Pleas
—
Wende Cross
(D)
Court of Common Pleas
—
Alison Hathway
(D)
Court of Common Pleas-Drug Court
—
Nicole Sanders
(D)
Court of Common Pleas-Probate Court
—
Pavan Parikh
(D)
Court of Common Pleas-Juvenile division
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Kari Bloom
(D)
Court of Common Pleas-Domestic Relations
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Anne B. Flottman
(D)
Cincinnati Public Schools Renewal Levy/Cincinnati Preschool Promise
—
ENDORSED
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Black Workers Face Two of the Most Lethal Pre-Existing Conditions for Coronavirus—Racism and Economic Inequality
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Despite the common refrain that “we are all in this together,” a
recent report from the Economic Policy Institute (EPI)
demonstrates that black workers are being disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic—both physically and economically. Evidence to date suggests that black and Hispanic workers face much more economic and health insecurity from COVID-19 than white workers. This report, focused specifically on black workers, is the first in a series that will explore how racial and economic inequality leave workers of color with few good options for protecting both their health and economic well-being.
“The global impact of COVID-19, both in lives lost and economic devastation, is likely to leave a lasting mark for years to come,” said Valerie Wilson, co-author of the report and director of EPI’s Program on Race, Ethnicity and the Economy. “The best path forward requires that the painful lessons learned during this crisis better prepare us for the next one. If we are to avoid the needlessly heavy burden born by African Americans during the next economic or public health crisis, preparation must include plans to
address long-standing underlying racial disparities
in economic and health outcomes.”
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Call on Governor and Secretary of State to reject House Republican plan
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On June 3, 2020, State Reps. Brigid Kelly (D-Cincinnati), Catherine Ingram (D-Cincinnati), Sedrick Denson (D-Cincinnati), and Jessica Miranda (D-Forest Park) today issued the following statements in response to House Bill (HB) 680, the Ohio House Republican Caucus general election plan:
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We are just 3 months away from when voting for the general election begins; HB 680 will simply create chaos as it seeks to throw away the longstanding practices that voters and county election officials depend on,” said Rep. Kelly. “We should be working to make it easier, not harder, for Ohioans to make their voices heard.”
“This is not the time to create new barriers or reinstate old barriers to keep the great citizens of Ohio from exercising their right to vote as easily and fairly as possible,” said Rep. Ingram. “HB 680 is another partisan tactic to disenfranchise our most vulnerable voters.”
“This is attempted voter suppression, plain and simple,” said Rep. Denson. “I can’t understand why on earth a member of the House would want to limit the ways Ohioans can exercise their right to vote. We just came through a disastrous and confusing primary - my constituents and I don’t want to see that happen again.”
“I am disturbed but not surprised at the latest attempt by House Republicans to rollback years of progress for voting rights,” said Rep. Miranda. “This radical legislation will erode public confidence in our election system. This is a nakedly partisan attempt to make voting in the November election difficult and confusing. Simply put, HB 680 is wrong for Ohio. I will be opposing this effort every step of the way.”
House Republican Rep. Cindy Abrams introduced HB 680 which does the following:
- Reduces the time for military and non-military voters to vote by mail by seven days;
- Eliminates the last three days of early voting for military and non-military voters;
- Undoes the mailing of absentee ballot applications to all registered voters, a provision that was passed in last year’s budget;
- Replaces the longstanding system of mailing a ballot application to all voters with the mailing of a postcard that is not an application, like what was sent for this recent primary;
- Forbids the Secretary of State from using federal CARES Act and Help America Vote Act funding to pay return postage for ballot applications and ballots;
- Sets an impossible standard for how the state could modify in-person voting in case COVID19 is still a danger this fall. The Governor and ODH director would have to declare the emergency plan by Sept. 4 and the legislature would have until Labor Day, 57 days before the election, to approve the order for it to take effect. This would guarantee that boards of elections would not have the supplies on hand to conduct the election by mail;
- Potentially violates federal statute which sets the election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November;
- Potentially violates the federal Help America Vote Act by unlawfully restricting failsafe provisional ballot access;
- Does not allow for more than one early voting location;
- Removes the state and local health departments’ ability to set standards for the conduct of elections. That means the health officials could not set standards for adequate social distancing, cleaning and sanitizing, and the use of masks.
HB 680 is scheduled to receive hearings this week in the House State and Local Government Committee, of which Rep. Kelly is the ranking member.
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From Rep. Jessica Miranda:
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My colleagues and I need you to know about HB 680. Please contact your State Rep. today and ask them to oppose this awful Bill. The following is my full quote:
“I am disturbed but not surprised at the latest attempt by House Republicans to rollback years of progress for voting rights,” said Miranda. “This radical legislation will erode public confidence in our election system. This is a nakedly partisan attempt to make voting in the November election difficult and confusing. Simply put, HB 680 is wrong for Ohio. I will be opposing this effort every step of the way.”
Find your State Rep here
👇
Full Press Release here
👇
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IMPORTANT UPDATE 6:00 PM, Thursday, June 4, 2020 :
After being put on the express bus, Ohio House Bill 680, the very one that two days ago,
Cleveland.com
said
"would roll back in-person early voting, end statewide mailing of ballot applications for November election"
was passed in the Ohio House today. HB 680 adroitly sailed its way through a swift series of committee hearings since its introduction only last week, to make the 2020 presidential election the first since 2008 where the state will now
NOT
mail
absentee ballot application to all registered voters.
HB 680 runs entirely counter to
a plan Republican Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose
had sought to expand early voting for the November election, in part due to the coronavirus pandemic. His plan included giving people the option to request a ballot online, and provide postage-paid envelopes to voters with ballot applications and actual ballots -- a most generous and egalitarian plan for which this journalist applauds Secretary of State LaRose's right thinking and good intentions.
HB 680 prohibits LaRose from sending
any unsolicited absentee ballot applications
, something that’s been done in
every
presidential and gubernatorial election in Ohio since 2012, and further bars him from providing postage-paid envelopes with any elections mailings. So, instead of providing a safe and accessible method for all Ohioans to express their preference at the ballot box and fulfill their most important and fundamental civic duty, the Republican dominated Ohio House of Representatives has taken yet another step to further suppress Ohioans' right to vote!
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SUPPORT THE US POSTAL SERVICE NOW!
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Postal Service Workers Continue to Deliver for America
Amid Pandemic, Civil Unrest
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Despite unprecedented challenges facing postal service workers, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is maintaining normal operations. Charles Manago, national representative for the National Postal Mail Handlers Union-LIUNA (NPMHU-LIUNA), sent a memo earlier this week to local union presidents and others explaining that their union members are
exempt from government-imposed curfews
while working. He wrote, “It’s important to know that the Postal Service is part of the critical infrastructure of this nation, and to clarify that as Postal Service employees, you are providing an essential public service of the federal government for the American people.” Manago laid out the USPS’ three-step process to work through government-imposed curfews or other travel restrictions.
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EXCLUSIVE: New "Heroes Delivering" Ads Launched
Have You Seen Our New Heroes Delivering Ads?
New ads began airing today promoting funding to support our heroes who deliver every day and the US Postal Service. Check them out below: Our letter carriers need your help to continue delivering for America. Click here to take a stand and demand action from Washington.
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The New Normal
A day in the life as told by the letter carriers living it In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Postal Service is providing an essential service, and letter carriers are recognized as heroes for delivering during this crisis. Millions of people are in isolation or quarantine in their homes and disconnected from jobs...
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Our Sisters and Brothers from the USPS need your help to continue delivering for America. Take a stand and demand action from Washington to help the Letter Carriers and Postal Workers!
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Ways to Stand Up for Racial Justice
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Our community is in pain. Our community is angry. Our community is resilient.
If you, like us and many others, are outraged by the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, police brutality, and violent racism, we invite you to stand up for justice. We also know that looks different for everyone. We have compiled a list of potential ways to take action and encourage you to find what is right for you. Please also note that these events, resources and actions are not organized by IJPC (with the exception of our Race and Racism Toolkit) but that we support their calls for peace and justice.
IJPC's Rethinking Racism team is collaborating with others to organize a meaningful event that will provide space to examine and discuss the issues we are facing. Make sure you are signed up for our
Rethinking Racism emails
and follow Rethinking Racism on
Facebook
to get more details.
Attend a local event. As things are always changing, please use the links provided to get the most up-to-date information.
- Protests and the Pandemic Press Conference, hosted by Iris Roley, the Cincinnati Black United Front, The Ohio Justice Policy Center.
- When: Thursday, June 4, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
- Where: Cincinnati City Hall on Plum St.
- Vigil Against Police Violence, hosted by local organizer Monica Marie.
- When: Every weekday, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
- Where: Cincinnati Police Memorial, corner of Ezzard Charles and Central Parkway.
- Labor for Black Lives, hosted by Socialist Alternative and Democratic Socialists of America.
- When: Saturday, June 6, 1:00 PM - 3:45 PM
- Where: Hamilton Country Courthouse on Main St.
- George Floyd and Black Lives Matter Clifton Peace Walk, hosted by local U.C. students including YES advisory board member Ana.
- When: Saturday, June 6, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- Where: Beginning at The Fountain on Ludlow Ave.
- The Path Forward, Creating Our Vision for Cincinnati, hosted by Neighborhoods United Cincinnati.
- When: Saturday, June 6, 4:00 PM
- Where: Washington Park, between Elm St. and Race St.
- Cincinnati March for Racial Justice, hosted by local community members.
- When: Sunday, June 7, 1:00 PM
- Where: Beginning at Fountain Square and marching to Hamilton County Courthouse.
Donate and support relief and advocacy efforts.
Educate yourself and others. Listen with an open mind and heart to black people and people of color who share their stories, experiences, and perspectives.
- Local Resources:
- IJPC's Race and Racism in Cincinnati Toolkit. The piece includes 3 chapters of resources with articles, books and videos, post reading quizzes, exercises for reflection, action steps, and more.
- Stream Cincinnati Goddamn free online through June 18.
- Bellarmine Chapel, The Color of COVID and the New Jim Crow, hosted and recorded this week on June 1 and available online for viewing.
- Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Resources to Help You on Your Racial Equity Journey.
- National Resources:
- NY Magazine, 12 Anti-Racist Books Recommended by Educators and Activists.
- NY Times, An Antiracist Reading List.
- The Guardian, ‘No reader is too young to start’: anti-racist books for all children and teens.
- Time, Several Antiracist Books Are Selling Out. Here's What Else Black Booksellers and Publishers Say You Should Read.
- Showing Up For Racial Justice, Political Education, Toolkits, and Other Resources.
- Watch the film Just Mercy, streaming free online now.
Advocate and take action.
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- More than 6.3 million global cases and more than 370,000 deaths have been confirmed.
- The coronavirus has spread to at least 188 countries/regions.
- There have been at least 105,000 deaths in the United States.
- More than 1.8 million cases in all 50 states, U.S. territories and Washington, D.C., have been reported.
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The labor movement is working nonstop to ensure workers devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic receive the protections and support needed during this challenging time. Get involved and make sure the needs of working people are heard. Find out what more you can be doing
HERE!
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Other Important Headlines:
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Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council
Bill Froehle, President | Pete McLinden, Executive Secretary-Treasurer
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