We say NO to Issue 2! Front Line Feedback
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Sisters & Brothers: I would like to offer my sincere thanks and congratulations to UWUA Members, Family and Friends for their efforts over the past few weeks and months in defeating anti-worker, anti-middle class legislation in Ohio. Those efforts were also vitally important in the successful recall of legislators who were leading the anti-worker charge in several states. We can be proud of these accomplishments but we should not become complacent. There is still much work to do. We must continue to support the efforts of all citizen activists, such as the "Occupy Wall Street" movement. We have much in common and much to lose if we do not join forces and fight back against those forces intent on the demise of workers rights and the middle class in America. I look forward to seeing you at rallies and marches over the coming months leading up to the presidential elections. We MUST let our legislators know we will NOT stand by and silently allow the continued attacks on our rights. We MUST become political and social activists to make sure the workers voice is heard in all legislative arenas. We MUST remember... D Michael Langford ------------------- As a National Representative, my travels have taken me to all across Ohio, Indiana and West Virginia. The people I have spoken to in all these areas were supportive of what we were doing in Ohio. The same goes for the 99 per centers. People are finally starting to realize that they need to get actively involved and vote. Here in Ohio we have proved that what we can do when we join together as a group with a common goal. ------------------- "The UWUA is so very proud of our members in Ohio and leaders like John Duffy and rank-and-filers in other states who worked so very hard to defeat the Ohio rightwing assault on our labor movement in Ohio. We won a great victory in Ohio and the UWUA played a key role. I was in Ohio and saw UWUA members working hard for this wonderful victory." Stewart Acuff It was clear from the beginning in early March when SB-5 was passed through the Ohio Legislature it was an attack on Unions and the middle class. When we protested and rallied at the Ohio Statehouse we were locked out. Fortunately, in Ohio we have the ability to give citizens the last word on legislation. The AFL-CIO, We Are Ohio, Working America, and other constiuency groups went to work circulating petitions to place a measure on the November ballot repealing SB-5. An unprecedented 1.3 million signatures were gathered, loaded into a tractor trailer and thousands marched to the Secretary of State's office to deliver them. The signatures were certified and the repeal of SB-5 was placed on the November 8 ballot as Issue 2.
The campaign continued, through the summer with worksite visits, leafleting and mail. Tele-town hall's were held with local union members as well as constituency groups. In mid September leafleting, phone banks, and door to door visits were stepped up. Hundreds of thousands of voters were contacted by phone and in person. Union members and non-union alike recognized that SB-5 was an over reach and trampled on the rights of all workers and the middle class. When meeting people while going door to door it was apparent a majority did not support eliminating collective bargaining for public employees.
With all the National attention it was evident the results of the Issue 2 referendum in Ohio would send a signal across the country on whether or not labor and middle class would standby and allow their hard fought rights to be taken away or standup and reject the draconian attacks. Almost immediately after the polls closed on November 8 it was apparent voters would reject overreaching legislation and reject it they did by a resounding 61% tp 39% NO on Issue 2. The Solidarity demonstrated throughout the campaign was like never seen before and all of the participants have vowed to build on this effor. It felt good to be a part of it.
Donald P. Opatka
Region III Director Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO
------------------- We're pumped up in Ohio and feel like the Republicans can't win without taking Ohio. We would like nothing more than to finish them ourselves next year in the crucial presidential election coming up! Todd Brosey ------------------- As a National Representative, my travels have taken me to all across Ohio, Indiana and West Virginia. The people I have spoken to in all these areas were supportive of what we were doing in Ohio. The same goes for the 99 per centers. People are finally starting to realize that they need to get actively involved and vote. Here in Ohio we have proved that what we can do when we join together as a group with a common goal. Bob Fronek ------------------- “The President Barack Obama congratulates the people of Ohio for standing up for workers and defeating efforts to strip away collective bargaining rights, and commends the teachers, firefighters, nurses, police officers and other workers who took a stand to defend those rights. Sam Stein ------------------- Tonight the people of Ohio delivered a gigantic victory for the middle class with their overwhelming rejection of a Republican attempt to strip away collective bargaining rights. Fundamental fairness has prevailed. By standing with teachers and firefighters and cops, Ohio has sent a loud and clear message that will be heard all across the country: The middle class will no longer be trampled on. The people of Ohio are to be congratulated. Joe Biden ------------------- Thank you for the opportunity to help in Ohio. I had my family help here. They are going door to door. We are going home tonight because we have to work,
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