Cincinnati
AFL-CIO
Labor Council
Saturday, May 28, 2022

Special Memorial Day Edition
Let us never forget the price we have paid to get this independence…. Let us always remember the sacrifice of every soldier…. Happy Memorial Day.
This Week With AFL-CIO President, Liz Shuler
Young workers across the country need to be at the center of our efforts to build a fair economy. They represent the future of America’s workforce, and they have the power to shape it. Watch the AFL-CIO Young Worker Town Hall.

There’s a way to reset the balance of power and build an economy that works for all of us—and that starts with organizing. The next generation of trade unionists and the future of our movement is forming before our eyes.

Thursday in Minneapolis, I was excited to meet with workers who are part of the growing trend of young people organizing in new areas and new industries across the country. We have to capture the momentum we’re seeing all around us and use it to build the labor movement of the future.
America’s labor movement is absolutely devastated by the loss of 19 children and two teachers who were shot and killed in their classrooms Tuesday afternoon at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. On a day when the teachers and students of Robb Elementary School were planning to gear up for summer vacation, they instead faced the unimaginable. Classrooms should be the safest place for a child to learn and for educators to teach.

Yesterday’s horrific tragedy occurred just 10 days after the racially motivated shooting of 10 Black people who were grocery shopping in Buffalo, New York. These mass shootings are a stark reminder of why the Senate must stop hiding behind arcane procedures to avoid preventing gun violence and take action. Because working people deserve safe workplaces without fear of a mass shooting. And America’s children deserve to learn and thrive in safe schools.

Our hearts are with the family members, friends and loved ones of the victims, the Uvalde community, and educators and school staff everywhere.
Today’s labor movement is more diverse and more inclusive than ever before. But there’s more work to do. We need even more dynamic people of color and women sitting at the tables of power.

In this moment of energy and enthusiasm around organizing, we must partner with and lift up people in every community—because none of us can move forward when some of us are left behind.

That means we need to keep having honest conversations that build trust and solidarity. We need to keep broadening the tent by organizing workers and bringing people in from the margins of the economy and by growing economic power for women and people of color.
We have all been operating in uncharted territory through this global pandemic. And that’s led a lot of people to rethink their relationship to work and to re-evaluate what employers and employees owe to each other.

In industries and workplaces across the country and around the world, working people are saying enough is enough. We are demanding more collective action, more organizing, more union power.

We need to learn from each other, from each campaign, from workers who are rising up. We are developing new ways to organize, sharing our message of collection action and showing the value of unions in new ways and new places. As one movement, we will innovate, organize and win.
Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council
COPE DINNER 2022
"If Not Us, Who? If Not Now, When?!

We're Back and We're Live!

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 Speaker:
AFL-CIO Endorsed Candidate for US Senate, Tim Ryan
Tim Ryan is a relentless advocate for Ohio’s working families.

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

Watch This Space for Details...
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.
Redmond Calls for Renewed Purpose as Union Members Remember Memorial Day Massacre in Chicago
Nearly 85 years ago, a group of courageous steelworkers and their families were viciously attacked by police in Chicago. The Memorial Day Massacre saw 10 workers killed and dozens more shot and another 100 were injured. They were on strike demanding union recognition and basic labor protections that many of us take for granted these days. The events of May 30, 1937, changed the course of labor history in America.
 
This past Saturday, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer/Executive Vice President Fred Redmond joined members of Chicago’s labor movement as they gathered to remember the historic strike and pay tribute to those who were lost. “We have to do more than reflect on the past or we risk the past repeating itself,” Redmond said. Looking at today’s opportunities and challenges for our union movement, he added, “It’s our job to show all working people that the labor movement is for everyone—with women and young people and people of color—everyone.”
Honor Their Sacrifice: UVC Prepares the Labor Movement to Observe Memorial Day
Memorial Day 2022 is quickly approaching, and to help our unions and federated bodies prepare for this important holiday, the Union Veterans Council, AFL-CIO, (UVC) has created a communications toolkit. With more than 1 million active working military veterans in our movement, every union has members who have served in America’s armed forces. While workers across the nation spend time celebrating with our family and friends, let us also take a moment to remember those who died in service to our country.
 
Post the following graphics on social media on Memorial Day (Monday, May 30):

The UVC will collect and share videos highlighting the voices of union veterans and members. Click here to record a short video and tell us why Memorial Day is important to you. Unions and federated bodies are also being urged to take part in community projects such as cleaning veterans’ memorials and parks in their local area and laying a wreath.
A Memorial Day Message From Union Veterans Council Director Will Attig
Memorial Day 2022 is quickly approaching. We’re reaching out today to let you know about some resources the Union Veterans Council has created for you to use throughout the holiday weekend.
 
Before that, though, we wanted to take a moment and provide you with some background on Memorial Day and what it means to us at the Union Veterans Council. First, stated as plainly as possible: Memorial Day isn’t Veterans Day, and the day is not just for people who were in the military. Secondly, you might wonder why memorial day is so important to the labor movement? With over 1 Million active working military veterans in unions, every union has members who have served in the military. Not only does that strengthen our connection to the day, so do the countless parents, spouses, children, and friends who are union members that have lost someone while serving our country.  
 
Memorial Day began in the years following the U.S. Civil War and is set aside specifically for those who were killed in action while in uniform. It’s a solemn, sacred day, and it should be treated as such. No, that doesn’t mean one shouldn’t go to a cookout or spend time with their friends and loved ones on the water. In fact, it’s entirely appropriate to do those types of things, as long as one takes a moment to remember those who no longer have such opportunities. 
 
To me, as a combat Infantry Veteran who served at the height of the Iraq war, Memorial day is incredibly personal. For the last five years, I have visited Section 60 at Arlington national cemetery; I spend the morning reflecting on the dozens of friends I lost in combat and the dozens more I have lost due to suicide and sickness since we have returned home. But then, like many other veterans like me, I celebrate. I celebrate the lives of my friends who will never have that chance again. 
 
The Metal Trades Department Honors our Fallen Military Members this Memorial Day
Memorial Day Message from President Hart
 
The true meaning of Memorial Day often gets lost to pool parties, beach trips, and backyard barbeques. But Memorial Day is in fact a day of remembrance. A day to honor the sacrifices made by the men and women who have died in service to the United States military.
 
As we watch our allies in Ukraine battle to save their democracy, it reminds me of something former Secretary of State Madeline Albright once said, “while democracy in the long run is the most stable form of government, in the short run, it is among the most fragile.”
 
Democracy is precious and freedom is precarious. The men and women of our military fight every day to preserve the American way of life. Their sacrifices deserve our honor and respect every day. But on this day, it is most important that we remember the fallen soldiers. That we honor their sacrifices and strive to build an America that our service members can be proud to represent.
 
Within the labor movement, we have the opportunity to contribute to a better America everyday by organizing, supporting, and representing each other. The labor movement, in particular those represented within the Metal Trades, are the bulwark of democracy and the stronger we are, the stronger America is. The Metal Trades and its partners and allies will always defend democracy, your rights at work, and your freedom in society.
 
On behalf of the Metal Trades Department staff, executive council, and members, I wish you a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend. I invite you to take time to remember those who lost their lives so that we are free to live ours. I hope you all stay safe and healthy. God bless you. God bless our fallen soldiers and God bless America.
Texas AFL-CIO: ‘Our Hearts Are Broken’
The Texas AFL-CIO reacted to the news of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.
 
“Our hearts are broken—yet again,” the state federation said on Tuesday. “Fourteen children and a teacher at Robb Elementary in Uvalde died today, reportedly at the hands of an 18-year-old shooter. Unspeakable tragedy, repeated endlessly. We mourn in solidarity with Uvalde.”
 
News outlets are reporting that as of today, the death count has risen to include 19 students and two teachers.
AFT President Weingarten Horrified by Elementary School Shooting That Killed Students and Teachers in Texas
American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten responded to the mass shooting that took the lives of at least 21 people, including 19 young students and two teachers, at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, on Tuesday:
 
“Within the span of a week, our country has witnessed two mass shootings, the gunning down of innocent people in what should be our community’s safest spaces. As we await further details, some things are clear: These are despicable acts of hatred designed to terrorize us all. The communities of Buffalo and now Uvalde will join a long list of places that will never be the same. Our hearts are with all of them.
 
“Only in America do people go grocery shopping and get mowed down by a shooter with hate in his heart; only in this country are parents not assured that their kids will be safe at school.
 
“Gun violence is a cancer, and it’s one that none of us should tolerate for one single moment longer. We have made a choice to let this continue, and we can make a choice to finally do something—do anything—to put a stop to this madness.”
Gun violence is a labor issue.
Ten days ago: A shooting at a Tops Friendly Markets store targeting the Black community.
 
Yesterday: A shooting at Robb Elementary School targeting children.
 
Every day, our country loses people to gun violence.
 
What else is there to say?
 
Words aren’t enough; we must act.
 
We must create laws that stop these preventable deaths.
 
This is a workplace issue. This is a school issue. This is a community issue.
 
That makes it a labor issue. And we must act.
 
These mass shootings are a stark reminder of why the Senate must stop hiding behind arcane procedures to avoid preventing gun violence and take action.
 
Because working people deserve safe workplaces without fear of a mass shooting. And America’s children deserve to learn and thrive in safe schools.
 
In Solidarity,
 
Team AFL-CIO
I’m on strike today. Can I count on your support?
Today, my co-workers and I went on strike at Maximus. The support we receive from community members like you really helps, and I hope you’ll continue to have my back in this fight!
 
Can you add your name to our community support letter to show Maximus you have our backs?
Maximus is a multibillion-dollar federal contractor that provides administration and services for Medicaid, Medicare and the Affordable Care Act, among other services. Maximus CEO Bruce Caswell’s total compensation for 2021 was $7,906,006 or 208 times more than the median Maximus employee.
 
In comparison, after taxes and other items taken out of my check, my take home pay every two weeks is only about $600. That’s simply not enough to take care of my family, especially with the rising cost of living across the country.
 
I buy the best health care Maximus offers because one of my kids wears glasses, and I have health issues myself (I’m still only just part of the way through the $5,000 deductible for the family health care plan). For people making the base pay of $15 an hour at the Hattiesburg call center in Mississippi, where I work, it would take two full months of working full time just to pay down the deductible! I don’t want to go into debt to pay these hospital and doctor bills, but unfortunately that’s the situation I’m in now.
 
We’re fighting hard to organize for better pay and affordable health care, but Maximus isn’t giving families what we need to live.
 
But I’m not alone. Today, I’m so inspired to be standing with so many of my co-workers, community leaders and elected officials—will you sign onto our letter to show Maximus we have your support, too?
 
Thanks for having our backs.
 
Christina Jimenez
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Pelosi Reaffirms Commitment to Labor’s Agenda as UAW’s 2022 National CAP Conference Concludes
The UAW’s 2022 National Community Action Program (CAP) Conference wrapped up on Wednesday with a surprise appearance from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (pictured above, center). She warmly commended the UAW and its members, and stated her commitment to our cause. After her remarks, UAW President Ray Curry (left) presented her with the Walter P. Reuther Distinguished Service Award for the work she has done on behalf of labor.
 
Ray Davis (not pictured), a retired member of UAW Local 599, perked up as Pelosi delivered her remarks. He has known about her support of unions for years and to see her proudly declaring her dedication to the UAW was both reassuring and inspiring. “It makes me feel good to know that she will not stop fighting for working people,” Davis said. “She knows the importance of fair wages and having a voice on the job.”
SAVE USPS: Oshkosh Contract, Postal Banking, and More
Postal Banking
Even though postal banking language was cut out of the FY22 Appropriations Bill, it is by no means the end of postal banking legislation. Recently, Senators Kirsten Gillibrand, Bernie Sanders, and Jeff Merkley re-introduced the Postal Banking Act. This act allows the US Postal Service to provide a host of financial services like checking and savings accounts, and small-dollar lending. While our preferred policy vehicle for postal banking is the Banking for All Act introduced by Sherrod Brown and Maxine Waters, we welcome more legislative actions around postal banking, and we’re in close contact with Senator Gillibrand and Senator Sanders’ staffers.

In other legislative news, The American Prospect did a piece on how the non-postal services language in the Postal Service Reform Act might actually enable non-bank financial services, through the Treasury Department’s Direct Express cards. The non-postal services provision allows USPS to partner with local and state governments to provide hunting licenses, bus passes, and more, as long as they generate revenue for the Post Office. Previously, USPS was limited to partnerships with the federal government only.

House Seeks Investigation into Oshkosh Contract
Pressure is mounting in congress to take down DeJoy’s bad vehicle fleet deal. Democrats are asking for an investigation into the legality of the contract and are introducing legislation to change the contract direct-ly. Chair Connolly’s Green Postal Service Fleet Act mandates that at least 75% of the new fleet be electric vehicles for the contract to be valid, and thanks to 40 coalition partners, we’ve driven in 98,306 emails so far asking members of Congress to co-sponsor the bill. It’s gaining support with 70 cosponsors!

We are also hoping to get some answers from Oversight Commit-tee Chair Carolyn Maloney’s letters to the USPS Office of the Inspector General requesting a review of the Oshkosh contract, and to Oshkosh Defense demanding more information by April 1.

In response to the growing scandal, USPS announced just yesterday that they will double the initial order of EVs from 5,000 to over 10,000. DeJoy stated that this “makes good sense from an operational and financial perspective.” That number rep-resents a drop in the bucket for a fleet of 150,000 vehicles, so help us keep the pressure on by sending congress letters with our joint action and sign-ing and sharing Wisconsin UAW’s petition.

Postal Banking Campaign - Call for Storytellers!
As part of our continued fight for postal banking legislation, Take on Wall Street is gathering stories from current and formerly underbanked and unbanked folks to educate and build popular support for legislation as a counterweight to the banking lobby! With postal banking you could cash checks, pay bills, wire money, use a low-fee ATM, even get a completely free checking account right at your local post office. Offering these services through USPS could be a lifeline to rural, Black and Brown Americans and a trusted alternative to the banking industry for all of us. If you or someone you know has had a negative experience with traditional banking and would be willing to share their story for 1-2 minutes, please reach out to us or learn more.
Capital Chatter
Compiled from Ohio Capital Journal & Capitol Letter
 
Spending spree: FirstEnergy’s political action committee has lifted its ban on making campaign contributions imposed in late 2020 in response to the House Bill 6 bribery scandal. As Jeremy Pelzer reports, the Akron-based utility’s PAC donated more than $156,000 last month, mostly to candidates in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
 
This is fine: Chelsea Clark, the Democratic Ohio Secretary of State candidate, got a $500 fine from the Ohio Elections Commission last Thursday over minor campaign finance issues, Andrew Tobias writes. Two violations had to do with the name of Clark’s campaign committee – a July 2021 campaign video carried the disclaimer “Chelsea for Ohio,” the initial name of her committee. Ohio law requires campaign committees to include a candidate’s last name. Another had to do with Clark’s acceptance of a $2,500 check dated the week before her campaign committee was formed. Republican Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s campaign made hay out of the fine, saying it showed she was unfit for the job, while Clark responded that LaRose was just trying to distract from the failures of the Ohio Redistricting Commission.  
 
Warming up: In a Friday column, the Youngstown Vindicator’s David Skolnik details the insults Republican J.D. Vance and Democrat Tim Ryan are already exchanging ahead of the November election for U.S. Senate. Vance, himself a famous mind-changer, said of Ryan, who’s flip-flopped on abortion and guns: “I don’t have any problem with people changing their mind. The issue I have is when there’s no real theory behind it, no explanation behind it.” And Ryan said of Vance: You’ve got a carpetbagger from California with a Silicon Valley billionaire (Peter Thiel) who wrote him a $15 million check,” and “He didn’t get one-third of the vote in the primary. I’m not impressed.” 
 
To the bank: Heartland BancCorp in the Columbus area has appointed Lt. Gov. Jon Husted to be a member of its corporate board, Andrew Tobias reports.
 
Do svidaniya: The Russian Federation banned nearly 1,000 Americans, including 20 Ohioans, from entering the country permanently, responding to the ongoing sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine, Seth Richardson reports. The entire congressional delegation, and former U.S. House Speaker John Boehner and former Gov. John Kasich, were all included in the ban.
 
Board room: A year after the National School Boards Association waded into the critical race theory culture war, causing a schism between some state affiliates, Ohio School Boards Association Executive Director Rick Lewis said his group had no interest in rejoining the restructured national organization, the Washington Post's Laura Meckler reports.
 
Mohr bars: Former Ohio Bureau of Prisons Director Gary Mohr is a leading candidate to run the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, the Associated Press' Michael Balsamo and Michael Sisak report. Mohr, a Kasich administration official, would replace Michael Carvajal, who announced his resignation in January.
 
Growth opportunity: Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval, along with other Asian American Democrats, are launching Justice Unites Us, a super PAC that is planning a multi-million-dollar effort to engage AAPI voters, NBC News' Alex Seitz-Wald reports. The group has already spent around $850,000 this year, though notably not in Ohio.
 
Turning citizens into head hunters: The Statehouse News Bureau's Jo Ingles is reporting, "New Ohio bill proposes the strictest abortion ban yet."
 
Since Sandy Hook: The Washington Post's Ashley Parker, Tyler Pager and Colby Itkowitz are reporting, "In 10 years and 3,500 mass shootings since Sandy Hook, U.S. is still failing at gun control."
Photo Contest: Climate and Energy Jobs Through the Eyes of Union Members
Don’t miss your chance to enter the “Future Is Union: Climate Urgency Through the Eyes of Workers” photo contest. Submit a photo that shows what climate work means to you and win up to $500 from our allies at the Climate Jobs National Resource Center.
 
The contest is open to any union member who sees their work as a climate job—whether you’re driving or fixing electric buses, working on wind turbines, teaching students about the climate crisis, cleaning up after climate-related disasters, working on green buildings, installing solar, operating water systems or doing anything else that relates to climate change.
 
Click here to learn more and submit your photos by July 31.
Senate Bill 47- Overtime Rules Under Assault
Governor DeWine recently signed Senate Bill 47, a Republican-backed bill that changes the law as to what employee activities are subject to overtime calculations. It also forces workers to “opt-in” to class action lawsuits when an employer has been accused of wage theft, which is a major shift in policy and weakens the foremost deterrent to overtime wage theft. Our friends at Barkan, Meizlish, DeRose and Cox have put together a summary explaining the ill-conceived changes made in Senate Bill 47.
 
The legislature did make it clear through the amendment process that collective bargaining agreements dealing with overtime procedures/pay supersede the changes in Senate Bill 47. However, employers could use this new, likely unconstitutional, state law as grounds to try and change previously agreed-to overtime procedures in those agreements. If you believe you have been the victim of wage theft, or have questions about changes to overtime rules in Senate Bill 47, please contact Bob DeRose.
 
Wage theft comes in many forms and is more likely to affect women and is particularly pervasive in the hospitality and leisure industries. According to a new report released by Policy Matters Ohio, an estimated 213,000 Ohioans experience wage theft through minimum wage violations every year. That costs workers in minimum wage positions over $600 million in lost wages alone. In response to the Policy Matters report and passage of Senate Bill 47, US Senator Sherrod Brown recently introduced the Wage Theft Prevention and Wage Recovery Act. If enacted, the bill will hold employers accountable for wage theft by increasing penalties while strengthening workers’ rights for fair pay. 
Congressman Ryan Announces New Transportation Investments For Ohio Under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Congressman Tim Ryan announced that the State of Ohio will receive $214,687,250 in funding under the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, providing Ohioans with more transportation options while easing congestion in local communities.

 “The Ohio AFL-CIO applauds Congressman Ryan and all those who voted to pass the Infrastructure Bill that will rebuild Ohio in all 88 counties. Not only will this investment create good union building and construction jobs, but President Biden approved the Tim Ryan/Sherrod Brown amendment that will ensure these projects will use American made steel and iron,” said Ohio AFL-CIO President Tim Burga.

As working families grapple with rising gas prices, this funding will offer Ohioans more transportation alternatives and will reduce commute times. These funds will be invested in a range of eligible projects, including:
·      Public transit services
·      Electric vehicle charging infrastructure
·      Traffic flow improvements
·      Congestion management technology
·      Pedestrian and cycle trails

“By strengthening Ohio’s transportation infrastructure, this funding will help reduce our reliance on foreign energy and protect working families from rising costs,” added Congressman Ryan. “As these investments reach our communities, Congressional Democrats remain laser-focused on fighting Putin’s price hike by lowering costs, increasing paychecks, and creating jobs.”

As a reminder, every Republican member of the Ohio Congressional delegation seeking re-election voted against this historic jobs bill that is estimated to create 560,000 direct jobs throughout all of Ohio’s 88 counties.
Listening Tour 2022 - Stops In Cincinnati on June 28th, 2022
What’s In A Name?
by Fred Lampe, Executive Secretary GCBTC

That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet. I wish I could tell you I was well versed with the works of Shakespeare. I wish I could tell you I have read more of his work than I was made to read in school. Nicknames are a part of our fabric. I don’t know if other societies approve of this practice or not. Admittedly, some acquire nicknames for less than flattering reasons. I will try to avoid most of these, but a few are borderline, so they make it into this bit of prose. In the vast majority of cases, one acquires a nickname as a sign of friendship or humor. Some are a variation of the person’s real name. Let’s start with some based on physical attributes; Biggun, Tall Paul, Tiny, Slim, Red, Muscles, Baloo, Too Tall, Jockey, Stretch, Sky King, Big Pete, Big Wayne all fairly harmless. A little less complimentary would be Hoghead, Meathead, Cinderhead & Shaggy to name a few. Before anyone gets too offended, I had one journeyman whose nickname happened to be Alphabet Soup remind me several times a day, “two heads are better than one even if yours is a hoghead.” Thank goodness that one did not stick.
Grumpy came a little closer to sticking. It was alleged that I could be grumpy once in a while, especially when I got hungry. I guess I will own up to that one. I also have to claim Freddie Gas, which is kind of fitting because a few people called my Uncle, Gas. Variations of someone’s name is pretty common. Bobalou, Douger, Billy Mac, Hamlet, Stormy, Barnyard, Sneado, Hemmerhead, KP, Heineman, Wolfie, Lipp, I know there are dozens more, but my memory is shot. I am missing my deadline here, so I am going to close with a flurry. Pepe, Pecker, Sheep Farmer, Rambo, Turbo, Rock Star, Hot Rod, Doodles, Crash, Mother, Jaybird, Judge, Penquin, Den-I, Dragnuts & Dimmle. Writing on this topic has brought back many fond memories.
 No one listed here can be confused with a Rose as is referenced in the opening, but they are all part of my life story. Some have passed on, some are still here making memories. Some I know or did know very well, some our paths briefly crossed. My guess is, I will revisit this subject as I remember more names. Have a safe and relaxing Memo-rial Day.
In Teaching You Will Learn
by Bill Froehle, President, Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council and Business Manager, Plumbers, Pipefitters & MES Local 392

On Monday, May 9th, 2022, members of the Local 392 Apprenticeship who were currently 5th year students were advanced to become Journeymen as well as 80% classification for the Mechanical Equipment Service division. Local 392 JATC Coordinator Matt Taylor along with full time instructor Todd Boenitsch handled the challenge in front of them like seasoned veterans. The 5th year classes each have a separate requirement that they must complete to be fully released from their respective training program. The pipefitters need to complete the rigging certification, the plumbers will need to complete the City of Cincinnati Plumbing exam and the M.E.S. will have to secure the Kentucky HVAC license.

Our instructors handled the challenge like professionals and for that and many other things we owe them a huge Thank you. Our instructors spend countless hours away from their families while passing on the knowledge they have received from their predecessors to the next generations of journeymen and women. The dedication that these members show on a yearly basis is exactly the type of service we expect and hope to receive from all of our members in Local 392.

The full-time officers of Local 392 offer our congratulations to all of the graduates and we look forward to seeing you on the job sites and at the union meetings in the years to come.

GRADUATING APPRENTICES

MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT SERVICE

Brandon Beneker, Sebastian Daw-son, Corey Deck, Samuel Geyer, An-drew Knollman, Daniel Knox, Jacob Kroger, Benjamin Lindner, Jacob Ma-han, Jonathan Naylor, Michael Peters, Benjamin Reed, William Telscher, Colin Walterman, and Brandon We-ber.

PIPEFITTER

Clifford Barker, Zachary Grip-shover, Matthew Howell, Kevin Johnson, Daniel Knuf, Ethan Lam-bert, Cierra Lawson, Michael Nailor, Nicholas Rovito, Jacob Schlarman, Jonathon Schneider, Aaron Setters, Benjamin Shelton, Landon Shelton, and Dustin Smith.

PLUMBER

Roger Babb, Zachery Bennett, Steven Berning, Timothy Briggs, Jer-emiah Campbell, Nicholas Jacobs, Logan Kingsley, Vernon Lawrence, Carl Perez, Jaekob Pesnichak, Benja-min Robben, Scott Rooney, Jonathan Rothweiler, Samuel Schwachter, Pay-ton Spencer, Josh Wendling, Matthew Wessel, and James Wyrick.

Congratulations to our May 2022 retiree, Office Manager Leesa Smith. We hope she enjoys many years of a healthy and happy retirement.

Memorial Day

Local 392 has a long and storied history of members who have served in the military from World War I all the way through the latest wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and wherever we are called to serve. Our members and their families have paid the price and made the ultimate sacrifice for the Love of our country and our brothers and sisters. While I do not know the names of all the members who laid their life down in defense of our coun-try, many of us do remember Brother Tony Campbell who lost his life on December 15, 2009 while protecting our freedom. Business Agent Chris Webster and Tony were best friends from a very young age and Chris can tell you a million stories about Tony and the type of person it takes to be willing to run towards trouble while others are running away.

After last year’s article I was made aware of a young man named Greg Idy who was a first – year apprentice who worked with Thomas Doherty prior to being drafted and defending our country in Vietnam where he made the ultimate sacrifice when his machine gun nest was overrun as well. I feel it is very important that those stories be told and passed on to the next generation of Local 392 members so that we never take our freedom for granted. If there are stories of other Local 392 members who made the ultimate sacrifice, we would Love to hear their stories so that we can write them down and pass them on. Write us a note, shoot us an email, or make a phone call so that these members are memorialized as they so deserve.
 As you celebrate this Memorial Day, please remember to bow your head in remembrance and give thanks for all our military brothers and sisters serving in harm’s way and especially for those for whom this day is truly about, our fallen heroes. Have a blessed Memorial Day.
Keep Building America . . .
by Dave Baker, Business Manager Financial Secretary Ironworkers Local 44

On April 26th we attended the Commercial Real Estate Power Breakfast. This is a yearly gathering of the groups of people responsible for building and shaping the Tri-state area. There were lots of industry executives there to discuss the future of developments in and around the city.

One of the topics of discussion was the number of companies which have now gone to remote work from home models and how this effects the overall need for office buildings to be built. Overall, there has been a reduction of about 24% in time spent at the office. This seemed like a concern to me but according to the industry expert opinions there will still be need for buildings from the overall growth of companies nation-wide.

goods going up everywhere. Once again this sounded like a major concern to me, and I was shocked when they said the market has been able to absorb it for the most part. The need is still going strong and so companies have been working together to try and do the best to adapt to the cost hikes. They also spoke about the rising cost of inflation and overall costs of supply chain issues was probably the deepest concern because regard-less of the cost some items are still hard to come by. The recent developments of more companies producing things here has helped a little, but we still need to grow American manufacturing chains. Many companies are attempting to grow but the worker shortage is slowing that down at this time, but it is slowly getting better.

Next the topic turned to the Feds raising the interest rates and the possibility of a recession headed our way. While several thought we may see a bit of a slowdown in some areas they did not feel a slowdown was coming to the construction and real estate markets. This was extremely great news for all of us in construction.

So, in the end what heard was this. We have rising cost in the mate-rials from inflation. We have supply chain is-sues. We have fed rates that about to skyrocket. We have people now working from home. We have grow-ing turmoil in Europe. Yet despite it all we still have a growing market which will continue to remain strong. Frankly that is amazing to me. So far, every sign I have seen points in this direction. I feel the forecast is correct on this so let’s keep building America.
Ironworkers Local 44 2022 Graduating Class Of Apprentices
Left to right in appearance back row: Jacob Hudson, Adam Farr, John Allen, Bryan Reis, Marsha White, Brett Stith, Jordan Teeters, Branden Grenat, Dylan Shaw, Austin Geurin, Corey Sykes, Dylan Johnson, Mason Cook, and James Hensley. Front row: Cody Deller, Heysus Smith, Michaela Schneider, RJ Clark, Maggie Schneider, Josh Frommeyer, Jade Gibson, Sean Pruitt, and Sean Hartman.
Lighting The Path to The Middle Class
by Phil Bovard, Press Secretary IBEW Local 212

The IBEW 40th International Convention was held in Chicago Illinois May 9th-13th. The Brothers/Sisters of IBEW Local 134 Chicago, Illinois rolled out the red carpet with a reception at their hall. On the first day of the convention Lonnie R. Stephenson, Kenneth W. Cooper and Christopher Erikson were unanimously elected by acclamation Monday to the offices of International President, International Secretary-Treasurer and International-al Executive Chairman, respectively.

Stephenson’s re-election was for a second full term as International President. He first took office in 2015 when the IEC appointed him to fill the unexpired term of Edwin D. Hill and he was elected to his first full term at the 39th International Convention in 2016.

Gina Cooper was elected IVP to the 4th District. This is historic in that she is the first woman elected to this role. Our delegates also voted for Daniel L. Shirey to the International Executive Council.

There were Resolutions covering many topics. A push on organizing, recommitment to Code of Excellence and encouraging “Day One Member-ship” just to name a few. I encourage all members who want to find out more to come to a Union Meeting.

Lastly, I want to say It was an honor to represent Local 212 at this historic event and witness this Brotherhood we belong to.
IP Stephenson calls the 40th International Convention to order with a gavel made by an IBEW member.
Newly elected IVP Gina Cooper.
Newly elected IEC Rep Daniel L. Shirey.
Congratulations To IBEW Local 212’s Sixty-four 2022 Grads!
GCBTC Golf Outing 
The Greater Cincinnati Building and Construction Trades Council hosted its 36th Annual Gold Invitational this past Thursday, May 26 at Twin Oaks Golf Club in Covington, Kentucky. Despite the on-again, off-again rain that kept the golfers on their toes, the sold-out event was a huge hit. Proceeds from this annual outing are donated to “Dollars Against Diabetes” better known as DAD’s Day. Congratulations to Executive Secretary Fred Lampe and his committee on yet another fine day on the links! Here are a few pics to give you a sense of the camaraderie and fun!
669 Golf Outing
It is time for Local Union 669, our contractors, and friends to play golf again, and it's my job to help raise money for a very worthy cause. We are once again collecting money for D.A.D.'s Day (Dollars Against Diabetes), a disease that we are all very familiar with.
We are offering a hole sponsorship for $150. Simply complete the information on the enclosed form and return it no later than July 16, 2022. If you prefer to make a monetary donation or donate a door prize, that would also be appreciated. Thank you in advance for your support.
 
If you plan to sponsor a hole and enter a foursome please make separate checks as the checks go directly to the charity and the golf course.

Please come out and join us for a great day of golf.
Sincerely,
Edward Suiter
Local 669 Business Agent, District 30
Southern Ohio, West Virginia
PO Box 897 
Amelia, Oh 45102
Phone: (513) 340-5637
U.S Senator Sherrod Brown: Working For Working People!
Hamilton Pride
Cincinnati Housing Solutions Summit
RetireMed: Just for You! Your June Medicare Webinars
Are any of your team members considering early retirement or approaching Medicare eligibility? Our webinars are the perfect place to start preparing—whether it be for finding the right health coverage before Medicare or transitioning to Medicare, (even if working past age 65!) Join us live or on-demand for an overview of the basics and a chance to ask our experts questions.
 
Share this June Live Webinars Flyer with your team or sign up to join.
Tuesday, June 7
12 p.m. (Noon) EST
 
Medicare 101 :
Understanding Medicare
basicImage
Thursday, June 16
12 p.m. (Noon) EST
 
Retiring Before Age 65?
Your Health Coverage Options
Collaborative Agreement Community Workshops
Education Opportunity
I know many of you care deeply about education issues, and so I wanted to share information on a great opportunity to join a network of education advocates and aspiring school board members who are working together throughout our community to build school systems where every child can thrive.

You can apply to the next School Board School class now through June 21st. I attached a flyer with more information, and you can also go to their next virtual info session on June 7 at noon.

To learn more, apply, or sign up for an info session, go to www.schoolboardschool.org

Best,
Elisa Hoffman
Founder & Executive Director, School Board School
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Action Tank Presents: City Council Bootcamp - Year Three
City Council Bootcamp Is Back!

Attention Cincinnati and NKY's best and brightest!

City Council Bootcamp, Action Tank's flagship training program for potential candidates and advocates, is now accepting applications for its third year!

City Council Bootcamp is a free, nonpartisan, arts-driven program for engaged community members interested in running for local office and/or who want in-depth understanding of government systems and practices in order to advocate for positive change at the local level. This year’s Bootcamp will run from September 2022 - March 2023 and will give students an opportunity to network with other civic-minded residents as they learn how to effectively champion new, impactful policy changes that benefit all residents.
Complete the Hamilton County Broadband Survey!
Does your current broadband internet service in Hamilton County meet your current and future needs?

Can you stream movies, or have a Zoom meeting while someone is online gaming in the other room with no screen freeze or “spinning circle”?

Completing the Hamilton County Broadband Survey includes your voice in planning for future-ready broadband throughout Hamilton County. 

With funding available to expand and improve broadband services, now is the time to ask, “Is my internet service acceptable today – and for the next 20 years?”

If you’ve never had an internet connection problem, never mind; do nothing. Otherwise, click here to take the survey.
Freestore Foodbank: Last Chance - Make it a plan to walk for hunger this Memorial Day 
If you haven’t participated in the Memorial Day Hunger Walk and 5k Run before, you have yet to witness the meaningful power of a community coming together as ONE.

It’s a feeling you will never forget — each step you take makes a direct impact in YOUR own community by feeding hungry neighbors.
Every registration and donation for the Hunger Walk & 5k Run will provide vital support to over 570 partner food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and community centers that help thousands of people each day. Select the agency of your choice when registering.


On the day of the walk, take pictures along the way to share on social media with the hashtag #cincyhungerwalk!

Please continue your holiday by joining us for the post-walk celebration in Smale Park.
P.S. Can’t make it in-person? You can still make a difference by guaranteeing critical funds are available with a donation to the Hunger Walk & 5k Run. Select the Community Partner of your choice when you give.

P.P.S. The walk will begin promptly at 9 AM at the Banks on Monday, May 30. Last chance registration online! Waiting out the weather? We will have walk up registrations starting at 7AM on Monday morning at the Banks!
NAACP: Free Adult CPR Class!
OLBC Golf Outing
Cincinnati NAACP Golf Outing
There's ONE more month to sign up for our upcoming Golf Outing! Click the link below to sign up, we hope to see you there!
NAACP Block Party
It's Back! The Second Annual Community Outreach Block Party will be returning this summer on July 9, 2022!
Ohio River Paddlefest
We’ll See You in August!
Applications are Open for Ellequate’s August Community Cohort

Foster a diverse and inclusive workplace to attract and retain the best talent

We help people leaders like you—including HR professionals, executives, and DEI professionals across the country—invest in strategies that have been proven to work.

Ellequate is now actively recruiting courageous organizations for the August 2022 community cohort. Take our Readiness Assessment today to see how you can connect workplace policies and practices to employee experience, get customized action steps, and secure leadership buy-in. Celebrate your commitment to building a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace and communicate to employees, job seekers, and key stakeholders that your organization is living its values and leading by example.
National Labor-Management Conference 2022
Join us at The National Labor-Management Conference, and learn the latest about essential bargaining techniques, hear critical updates on the labor and employment landscape, and gain valuable insights into new directions, technology, and trends in the changing world of work.

This is a can't miss event for 2022! You’ll leave inspired to be a change agent within your organization and empowered with the tools, insight, and information to make an impact.
COVID-19 Dashboard
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, May 27 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, May 27, 2022 from daily data reporting to the Ohio Department of Health. These metrics are updated daily.
Hamilton County
Cases
193,683
Hospitalizations
6,173
Deaths
2,071
Clermont County
Cases
52,696
Hospitalizations
1,485
Deaths
562
Brown County
Cases
11,329
Hospitalizations
108
Deaths
180
Butler County
Cases
94,869
Hospitalizations
3,248
Deaths
1,159
Warren County
Cases
59,242
Hospitalizations
1,364
Deaths
586
Other News For and About Working People:
Cincinnati AFL-CIO
Labor Council
President

Executive Secretary-Treasure

Communications & Administrative Associate
1385 Tennessee Avenue | Second Floor | Cincinnati, OH 45229 | 513.421.1846 | info@cincinnatiaflcio.org | www.cincinnatiaflcio.org