Cincinnati
AFL-CIO
Labor Council
Friday, December 4, 2020
The labor movement continues to lead the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to fight for economic opportunity and social justice for America’s workers.
A Few of Thoughts from AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka
We have the power... Too often, politicians pander to workers. They promise us the moon. And then when they get to govern, we get the short end of it. Not this time. We have the power. And if our fight for COVID-19 relief has shown us anything, it’s that our power is not limited to red states or blue states. Our power spans across the United States.
 
We’re not going to give up on any worker nor walk away from any state. That’s what separates us from our opponents. Their deep pockets can’t overcome our deep passion for a fairer and more just nation. We didn’t start this fight. But brothers, sisters and friends, we are going to finish it.

COVID-19 is out of control in America. And while hospitals across the country fill up and many unemployed workers struggle to see the light at the end of the tunnel, our president remains obsessed with overturning the democratic will of the American people. Trump’s allies in Congress are no better, having been led by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in a six-month exercise of foot-dragging. The American people can’t wait until Inauguration Day to tackle this virus and the economic devastation it is causing. The Senate needs to pass the HEROES Act now.

An Historic Choice: President-elect Joe Biden made history on Monday by nominating former Federal Reserve Board Chair Janet Yellen to be the first female treasury secretary, moving away from decades of bipartisan Wall Street groupthink. As Federal Reserve chair, Yellen made critical decisions that prioritized jobs and wages for all working people, including communities of color long ignored by economic policymakers. During this prolonged pandemic that is crushing working families from coast to coast, working people welcome this proven public servant who will bring a track record of smart, pro-worker policy to the Treasury Department. The AFL-CIO will never rest in our pursuit of a Workers First Agenda, and we look forward to partnering with the president-elect and Treasury Secretary-designate Yellen to bring a new and better day for all Americans.

Championing The Issues that Matter: The collective hearts of America’s labor movement, particularly transportation unions, are broken by the tragic death of our brother, Transportation Trades Department (TTD) President Larry Willis. Larry brought a love of workers and a deep understanding of transportation issues to his leadership of TTD. He paid incredible attention to detail, always looking for opportunities to win more power and prosperity for the working people who move America. As a lawyer, congressional staff member, policy expert and worker advocate, Larry was respected across the aisle and throughout our movement. Larry’s passing is a reminder that we cannot take a single day for granted, and the AFL-CIO will honor his memory by fighting for the issues he championed and the people he loved. Our thoughts and prayers are with Larry’s wife and daughter, along with the entire TTD family, during this difficult time.
CFT Awarded Highly Competitive AFT Innovation COVID-19 Grant
Announces Parent Support Line
Congratulations to Cincinnati Federation of Teachers (CFT) who was awarded a highly competitive American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Innovation COVID-19 Grant. The grant makes possible a CFT-led parent/caregiver support line to engage and support CPS families in this new teaching and learning environment. Callers to the CFT Help and Support Line speak to CFT “support specialists” who help families get their concerns addressed by the District. CFT is excited to offer this initiative, adding another layer of support to families.

The AFT Innovation Fund COVID-19 grants for the 2020-21 school year are a response by AFT to communities, and districts grappling not only with academics but also with the collective and individual traumas everyone is experiencing, impact of COVID 19 on both teaching and learning. That’s why, during this extraordinary time, AFT took steps to ensure that the AFT Education Foundation’s Innovation Fund would solely focus on supporting efforts to mitigate the short and long-term impacts of COVID-19 on communities. Projects varied, but generally fell into the following priorities:
  1. Supporting schools’ reopening plans
  2. Supporting children’s academic, social, and emotional health
  3. Supporting educators by rethinking and developing blended instruction
  4. Supporting educators by developing health and well-being strategies/supports for adults in school settings
  5. Supporting families by providing crucial resources

CFT responded to an invitation by AFT who invited locals and state K-12 and PSRP affiliates to submit applications that laid out projects to support educators, students, families and communities as they dealt with the pandemic. Proposals included projects focused on supporting educators as they go about transitioning students to hybrid learning spaces, addressing students’ social and emotional needs (as well as those of the adults), securing the necessary equipment and resources to teach in a changed environment, developing strategies to engage families in the new teaching and learning environment, and implementing strategies to strengthen the union.

The Cincinnati Federation of Teachers is a union of professionals that champions fairness; democracy; economic opportunity; and high-quality public education, healthcare and public services for our students, their families and our communities. We are committed to advancing these principles through community engagement, organizing, collective bargaining and political activism, and especially through the work our members do.

Please share the Help and Support Line with parents and caregivers: https://tinyurl.com/CFTParentSupportLine.
Thanks to LOCAL 12, WKRC-TV reporter Christian Hauser Local 12 for your report on the new CFT Parent Support Line, made possible by the AFT - American Federation of Teachers Innovation Fund! Read his full article HERE!

Parents/caregivers can receive a call by filling out our form at this link: https://tinyurl.com/CFTParentSupportLine

Spread the word!
Sen. Brown's Latest Work for Working People
DECEMBER 02, 2020 ─ Brown Continues Fighting for Covid Relief for Ohio with Critical Deadlines ApproachingWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) hosted a news conference as he continues pushing Congress to do the right thing and pass badly-needed COVID relief for Ohioans before the end of the year and ahead of important deadlines, including the expiration of the eviction moratorium and enhanced unemployment benefits. Meanwhile,... READ MORE

DECEMBER 01, 2020 ─ Brown, Wyden, Schumer, Bennet, Reed Introduce Legislation to Avert Looming Financial Disaster for Millions of Unemployed WorkersWASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Banking Committee Ranking Member Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., Senate Finance Committee Member Michael Bennet, D-Colo., and Senator Jack Reed, D-R.I., today introduced the American Worker Holiday Relief Act to avert looming... READ MORE

DECEMBER 01, 2020 ─ Brown, Warner, Wyden Lead Colleagues in Requesting Extension of Pandemic Unemployment Programs Set to Expire During Holiday SeasonWASHINGTON, D.C – Today, U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Ron Wyden (D OR) led 29 of their colleagues in urging Senate leaders to include in the next COVID-19 relief package an extension of two critical financial lifelines for Americans affected by the economic fallout of the COVID-19 crisis. Currently, the Pandemic... READ MORE

DECEMBER 01, 2020 ─ Brown: We Need Bold Action To Restore People’s Faith In Our GovernmentWASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) – ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs – delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing entitled ‘The Quarterly CARES Act Report to Congress. ‘Sen. Brown’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, follow: Thank you, Chairman Crapo. Welcome... READ MORE

NOVEMBER 30, 2020 ─ ICYMI: POLITICO: ITC Backs Continued Duties on Washing Machines After Whirlpool's RequestWASHINGTON, D.C. – In Case You Missed It, Politico recently reported on the U.S. International Trade Commission’s unanimous vote to continue to apply import duties on large residential washing machines. Earlier this month, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) testified on behalf of Ohio Whirlpool workers, once again urging the ITC to recommend that... READ MORE
Rep Miranda: "Fighting corruption will be a priority of my next term"
This month’s elections expanded Republican majorities in the Ohio Statehouse while cementing Democrats’ hold on Hamilton County.

I live in the middle. I was honored to be reelected to represent Ohio’s Great 28th Statehouse District. Stretching over Forest Park, Evendale, Blue Ash, Montgomery and other communities, the district is a microcosm of this great state. It’s one of the few districts in Ohio that is truly competitive.

I firmly believe that the voters entrusted me with a second term not because I’m a Democrat or because my opponent is a Republican. Rather, they heard my message that we need commonsense solutions to problems that communities of all stripes share.

They heard that I put voters over ideology or lobbyists.

Education. Health care. Job growth. Ohioans care deeply about these issues. I return to Columbus as a member of the Democratic minority but also as a resident of a county whose voters chose President-Elect Joe Biden and the defeated opponents of Republican congressmen, Steve Chabot and Brad Wenstrup.

It’s not an easy place to start. But like our entire country, Ohio desperately needs for its public servants to rise above partisan bickering to help bolster our education system, make our communities healthier and to create good jobs with livable wages for everyone who is willing to work for them.

To make sure that legislators are working for people and not special interests, we first have to reform campaign finance law. That’s why I teamed up with Rep. Gayle Manning, a Republican, to sponsor a bill that would require corporations and labor unions to be transparent about their campaign spending. You can read about it here. I’m proud to sponsor the bill because it’s a commonsense solution to fight corruption that doesn’t raise taxes or increase spending.

Republicans have been plagued by corruption in Columbus, with the Speaker of the House and others being indicted on bribery charges related to the bailout of failing coal and nuclear power plants – a bailout I opposed. Federal prosecutors say millions of "dark money" dollars were funneled into committees controlled by the speaker and allies to secretly – and successfully – influence the vote that raised utility fees on every Ohioan to bail out a huge corporation.

In Cincinnati, three current or former City Council members from both parties have been charged in an ongoing bribery investigation as well. I can’t express how angry all of these scandals make me. Voters have entrusted us to use their tax dollars wisely, and those who break this trust undermine our democracy at a time when we desperately need to rebuild trust.

I ask everyone to hold us accountable. Keep tabs on what’s happening in Columbus and closer to home. If public office holders are working for anyone other than the public, let us know. We have a tall task before us, but my daughters, my community and my state are too important to me not to join with every good-faith official to move us forward together. I’m eager to get to work.

State Rep. Jessica E. Miranda represents Ohio District 28.
They're Back Today at 11:00 AM
Lunch With Your Legislators!
We took a little break but now we are back to start off December with a Lunch with Your Legislators! Please join us this Friday at 11:00 AM on Facebook Live for a discussion about school funding with friend and fellow Representative John Patterson (OH-99).

Representative Patterson is one of the main architects of the Fair School Funding Plan currently making its way through the Ohio Legislature. It's passage would remedy the long standing issue of constitutional school funding in our state.

We're excited to be talking with Rep. Patterson about the good this plan will bring to students all over Ohio. A more equitable way to fund schools and ensure all of Ohio's children have access to a quality education is of special importance right now as our children and their educators take on learning during COVID-19.

I hope you will join us on Friday for a great conversation! Be sure to tune in on to Rep. Jessica Miranda's Facebook page at 11:00 AM.

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reach out to us. Hope to see you on Friday!
Tell Golf Channel: Stop Treating Behind-the-scenes Workers Like Second-class Citizens
Sisters, Brother, Kin, and Allies –

Golf Channel crews responsible for broadcasting portions of the PGA and LPGA Tour are fed up with a lack of COVID testing, which is making their work increasingly more difficult and hazardous.

While players and caddies receive COVID tests prior to events, Golf Channel has refused to extend this protection to their behind-the-scenes workforce, even though this practice has been called out by leading epidemiologists as dangerous and nonsensical. Multiple crewmembers have already been infected as a result, and workers are concerned that their next event could become a super spreader.


In solidarity,
Team IATSE
IATSE General Office:
207 W. 25th St., 4th Fl., New York, NY 10001
Democracy Initiative Announces Jennifer Lamson as Interim Executive Director
National Search Underway to Replace Outgoing ED Wendy Field
Washington DC, November 30: The Board of Directors of the Democracy Initiative (DI), a coalition of 75 labor, civil rights and environmental organizations representing more than 45 million people, announced today that current Deputy Director Jennifer Lamson will serve as interim executive director, effective December 1, 2020. 

The organization will conduct a national search to replace outgoing Executive Director Wendy Fields, who is leaving the organization to pursue new personal and professional opportunities. 

“We are grateful to Wendy for four years of dynamic, innovative leadership,” said Karen Hobert Flynn, president of Common Cause and co–chair of the DI Board of Directors. “Wendy’s strategic vision built our capacity and grounded our work in the real needs and experiences of the millions of people who are members and constituents of DI affiliates. We could not be prouder of the role DI has played in the growing democracy movement, achieving a record turnout in 2020, the most diverse and inclusive election in U.S. history.” 

“You don’t say ‘goodbye’ to someone like Wendy,” said Tefere Gebre, executive vice president of the AFL-CIO and also a co-chair of the DI. “She is my sister in the trade union movement and a true warrior for social justice. I know for certain that we will be marching together in the future, wherever there is a cutting-edge fight for our democracy, for the rights of workers, and to protect our planet.” 
Lamson, has served as DI’s Deputy Director since 2019, overseeing the organization’s field organizing and strategic communications activities. She is an experienced non-profit executive, with extensive background in grassroots organizing, strategic planning, communications, and program management.  

Lamson has previously served as a vice president of Common Cause, director of the International Boreal Conservation Campaign at the Pew Charitable Trusts, and as a strategic advisor to foundations, environmental and social service organizations. 

“We don’t have a minute to waste,” said Lamson. “DI partners share a deep commitment to realizing the promise of our democracy by lifting up the leadership of people of color, the working class, and front-line social justice organizations. Together, we can build on this historic election to create a governing agenda that confronts the urgent issues that affect our lives: racial justice, the right to vote, the corrupting role of big money in politics, climate change, and COVID-19 relief.” 
 
The Democracy Initiative is a coalition of 75 organizations with a collective 45 million members fighting for workers, civil rights, social justice and the environment. DI partner organizations are united in their commitment to realizing the promise of American democracy where all people have an equal seat at the governance table. 
Join Us for "The 'Pow-Her' to Run" Training
You have the "Pow-Her" to run for office...


You just might need some help or direction in getting started and Women LEADing Ohio can definitely help!

There are important elections between now and the next presidential election year with direct impacts on our lives and the lives of our families.
If you're even considering running for office in 2021 or 2022, our 3 hour evening program will provide the foundation you need to go from the idea of running for elected office to actually launching a campaign.

Join 2018 Ohio Senate candidate and Deputy Director of LEAD Ohio, Louise Valentine, along with special guests currently serving as elected officials (check out this flyer to learn who these amazing women are) to learn how to kick start your campaign, especially as a woman in this male dominated space.

3 Key Things you'll learn:

  • What it takes from a legal perspective to get on the ballot
  • What it takes in personal drive and dedication to run for office as a woman
  • How to start creating a compelling narrative on why YOU are right for this job 

Although this event is geared towards women, men are welcome to join or pass this on to the women in their lives who might be interested in this conversation.
Join us
(virtually of course) 



Tuesday,
December 15th
5:00-8:00 PM
This class is free!
Women LEADing Ohio is run by the staff of LEAD Ohio and operated under the 501(c)3 fiscal sponsorship of the Innovation Ohio Education Fund. Women LEADing Ohio does not support or oppose any candidate for public office and serves only as an educational and leadership training ground.

Want to learn more?
Save The Date: Watch Radium Girls
A Women-Led Film
On Tuesday, December 8, 2020, Radium Girls, a women-led independent film production, will play at the DC LaborFest (via Zoom) at 7 PM ET/ 4 PM PT. The Coalition of Labor Union Women is co-sponsoring the film event, Radium Girls at the DC Labor Fest. Based on a true story, Radium Girls follows teenage sisters, Bessie and Jo Cavallo, who dream of Hollywood as they paint watch dials at the American Radium Factory in the 1920s. When Jo loses a tooth, Bessie’s world is turned upside down as a mystery slowly unravels.

This thrilling film showcases young women factory workers investigating and advocating safer work conditions after their colleagues become ill from radium exposure. At CLUW, we encourage all of our members and supporters to participate.

Additionally, this event will have a live Q&A from the directors, Lydia Dean Pilcher and Ginny Mohler. Please click here to RSVP to attend and watch Radium Girls on December 8!

Below are some of the reviews from critics the film has received:
"A worthy entry in the category of workers’ rights movies, “Radium Girls,” like “Silkwood,” is based on actual events. Directors Lydia Dean Pilcher and Ginny Mohler reveal a little-known part of history with a loudly beating feminist heart and a narrative grounded in reality."
— Kristen Yoonsoo Kim, New York Times
“With the words "teen" and "activist" becoming increasingly synonymous, this historical drama is incredibly relevant and feels made to appeal to and encourage today's passionate youths."
— Tara McNamara, Common Sense Media
“Radium Girls” is a story based on hauntingly true events that question the themes displayed in today’s society.” 
— Molly Given, AM/METRO
Thank you for reading and watching Radium Girls with CLUW!
Union-Made In America Holiday Gifts!
It's not too late yet to find that perfect holiday gift that carries a union label and is made in America. Below is a wide range of gift possibilities, from clothes to games to sports equipment and more, made by members of UNITE HERE, Boilermakers (IBB), Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM), Machinists (IAM), United Steelworkers (USW), Teamsters (IBT), UAW, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union/UFCW (RWDSU/UFCW) and United Farm Workers (UFW).

This list is compiled from Union Plus, the AFL-CIO Union Label and Service Trades Department (UL&STD) and the BCTGM website. Check them out for even more gift ideas.
Apparel and Accessories
  • Brooks Brothers (UNITE HERE)
  • Joseph Abboud (UNITE HERE)
  • Majestic Athletic (UNITE HERE)
  • Timex watches (IAM)
  • Naturalizer shoes (UFCW)
  • Nunn Bush shoes (UFCW)
  • Red Wing shoes (UFCW)
Beauty Products
  • Avon (UFCW)
  • Caress skin care (UFCW)
  • ChapStick (USW)
  • Dove beauty products (UFCW)
  • Revlon (UAW)
  • Old Spice (UFCW)
Games
(All made by RWDSU/UFCW)
  • Barrel of Monkeys
  • Battleship
  • Candy Land
  • Chutes and Ladders
  • Clue
  • Connect 4
  • The Game of Life
  • Hi Ho! Cherry-O
  • Monopoly
  • Mouse Trap
  • Operation
  • Pictionary
  • Risk
  • Scrabble
  • Sorry
  • Taboo
  • Twister
  • Yahtzee
Sports Equipment
  • American Athletic (Russell Brands) (UAW)
  • Louisville Slugger (USW)
  • MacGregor golf clubs (IBB)
  • Standard Golf (IAM)
  • Top-Flite golf balls (IBB)
Stocking Stuffers
  • Rayovac batteries (IBT and UAW)
  • Bic lighters (USW)
  • Ghirardelli chocolates (BCTGM)
  • Jelly Belly (BCTGM)
  • Laffy Taffy (BCTGM)
  • Tootsie Roll Pops (BCTGM)
  • Allan peppermint candy canes (BCTGM)
  • Hershey's chocolates (BCTGM)
  • See's Candies (BCTGM)
Wine and Beer
(Wines brought to you by UFW)
  • Chateau Ste. Michelle (IBT)
  • Columbia Crest
  • St. Supéry
  • Charles Krug
  • C.K. Mondavi
  • Gallo of Sonoma
Miller Beer (UAW and IBT)
  • Miller High Life
  • Miller Genuine Draft
  • Miller Lite
  • Milwaukee’s Best
  • Icehouse
  • Red Dog
Anheuser-Busch (IBT and IAM)
  • Budweiser
  • Budweiser American Ale
  • Bud Light
  • Michelob
  • Shock Top
  • Busch
  • Rolling Rock
  • O’Doul’s
If You're in the ‘Big Spender’ Category (UAW)
  • Jeep
  • Ford Mustangs
  • Cadillacs
Essential Webinar for Volunteer Workers:
Protecting Volunteers from COVID-19 During Natural Disaster Response and Recovery
Please see the "Save the Date" flyer for this December 7th webinar: Protecting Volunteers from COVID-19 During Natural Disaster Response and Recovery.

In partnership with AIHA and the Interagency Working Group on Environmental Justice, Subcommittee on Environmental Justice and Natural Disasters, this webinar will provide guidance on keeping those who deploy as volunteers to assist with natural disaster response and clean-up safe from COVID-19. It will address suggestions for how and why to deploy, expectations for volunteer supervisors/organizations, controls for indoor and outdoor safety measures, PPE supply, HAZMAT training, and more.

PLEASE NOTE: Live Section 508 Compliant Captioning will be provided during this meeting.

Register HERE:
This program is brought to us through coordination with the The Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council's subsidiary organization, The Greater Cincinnati Occupational Health Center (GCOHC). GCOHC is a training center that specializes in emergency response and hazardous worker operations. It was one of the first labor-sponsored occupational health clinics in the nation. GCOHC’s training program in emergency response and hazardous waste operations is carefully monitored by the Board of Directors, comprised of representatives recognized nationally and internationally in emergency response, hazardous waste operations, and other environmental fields. Celebrating four decades of of service to industry and workers throughout the state of Ohio, GCOHC is a member of the Midwest Hazardous Waste Workers Training Program of the University of Minnesota and is Funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). For further information on GCOHC and the training opportunities it provides, go HERE!
New Unemployment Claimants Required to Conduct Work-Search Activities
COVID - 19 By The Numbers
Global Confirmed: 64,694,713
Global Deaths: 1,496,247
U.S. Confirmed: 13,941,101    
U.S. Deaths: 273,746
(As of 12:00 PM, Thursday, December 3, 2020)
Ohio COVID-19 Dashboard
Current Trends
Below are the current reporting trends for key indicators calculated from data reported to the Ohio Department of Health. These trends are updated daily and are presented by report date.
Hamilton County
Cases
34,402
Hospitalizations
1,684
Deaths
379
Clermont County
Cases
6,934
Hospitalizations
366
Deaths
54
Brown County
Cases
1,223
Hospitalizations
44
Deaths
5
Butler County
Cases
17,186
Hospitalizations
675
Deaths
152
Warren County
Cases
9,704
Hospitalizations
403
Deaths
79
Other Important Headlines and Information: