Ei-iE

EI’s U.S. affiliates, the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), have celebrated the historical vote overwhelmingly repealing Senate Bill 5, a controversial bill signed into law by Governor John Kasich. This legislation was designed to silence the public workers’ voices and strip away their collective bargaining rights.

This vote sent a clear signal that Ohioans will not sit idly by while politicians scapegoat hard-working public employees for an economic crisis they did not create.

Voters came together and formed We are Ohio, a citizen-driven, community-based, bipartisan coalition to stop the bill, collecting more than a million signatures to trigger a citizen veto process to put a referendum of the unpopular law on the 8 November ballot.

Every day, activists pounded the pavement, knocked on doors, called voters, showed up at volunteer centers, stuffed packets and enlisted the support of family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. Among them, NEA deployed 177 staff members and resources from 22 states, and members of the Cleveland Teachers Union, affiliated to the AFT, made well over 300,000 calls.

NEA President Dennis Van Roekel said: “Tonight, we are all Ohio. The good people of the Buckeye state sent an unequivocal message to those who play politics with the lives of teachers, nurses, and firefighters: we got your back. That is because hard working families built the middle class. These are the people who teach our children and protect our communities and our country. This vote is a trumpeting reminder of America's promise to its people and our fundamental rights to shape our democracy and create a brighter future for every American.”

He added: “This decisive vote should be a wakeup call for politicians who go too far or are considering following in on the footsteps of Governor Kasich. They will have to think twice before launching politically motivated and unfair attacks on public workers.”

AFT President Randi Weingarten also noted: “The repeal of Senate Bill 5 is a victory for every teacher who helps a struggling child, every firefighter who races into a burning building, every snowplow operator who ensures safe travel for others, and every community that relies on these vital public services.”

She went on to say: “Ohioans said loud and clear that they would not turn their backs on the people who watch theirs. The historic citizens' veto was a victory for all Ohioans, and for all Americans who care about democracy and fair play.”

EI President, Susan Hopgood, welcomed the good news, stating: “EI believes Ohio voters have set a clear message and example for all concerned citizens around the world, who will oppose any anti-worker laws attacking educators and other public employees.”

She further noted: “Voters in Ohio know that when educators have a voice in the workplace, they are better advocates for children. Families are healthier when nurses can speak out for better care and more staffing. Communities are safer when firefighters and police can collectively bargain decisions related to staffing and equipment.”

She also highlighted: “Ohioans expressed their strong view that taking away workers’ rights does not solve a state's economic problems. They chose to support the idea that workers should retain their right to have a voice and dignity in their workplace.”

To watch the We are Ohio video from the NEA, please click here

The AFT video on the campaign against the Senate Bill 5 in Ohio is available here