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Kasich signals end to right of State workers to organize

The article in Saturdays Columbus Dispatch (12-4-10) on Governor elect John Kasich’s decision to strike down the ability of State employees to organize clearly shows the anti-Labor sentiment he espouses. It is yet another proof that organized Labor in Ohio is being attacked on multiple fronts. Even before Mr. Kasich has taken office, he has voiced support for privatizing public sector work and is now signaling a reversal of Governor Strickland’s executive order that would have allowed over 6,000 State workers an ability to organize. The impacts of his actions promise to reach all levels of State and Local government. All who have given their talent (and careers) to public service should be aware of the philosophy which roots his actions.  

For years, the public sector employee has been the target of numerous negative media campaigns and now seems to be flanked by the highest level of State government? At some point we need to stand in solidarity and tell the “other side of the story.” Just as in the private sector, ranking administrators and elected officials continue to add to their ranks and to increased wages and cost to the taxpayer – while the front line civil servant, the one who actually offers critical services to the citizen gets squeezed even more. What is the end result? Less service to the citizen and more cost from administrative wages and less accountability to the people footing the bill.

The taxpayers of the great State of Ohio need to understand the huge savings and benefit a public sector employee provides. They need to understand the accountability and service offered by front line workers and the benefit received by being able to contact their local jurisdiction and talk a “live person.” A public servant who will take care of their concerns and needs! Not a third party company who can separate themselves from public contact. Historical little oversight of private companies performing public work almost never produces the results stated by elected officials!

Central Ohio Labor needs to protect and defend a person’s right to organize and seek a remedy for grievances with the employer. The right of a workforce to join together to assure safe working conditions, fair and impartial treatment and living wages is an American principle. One that should never be taken for granted. Unions are not organizations whose goal is to financially restrict American business or hamstring their ability to compete. Quite the opposite is true! Organized labor’s main goal is to work with the employer to create a successful business. Unions advocate safe and fair treatment of employees, while negotiating living wages on behalf of members who individually have little voice. We work with management to save money and refine processes that make the employer competitive. Interesting that today’s media does not give too much time or ink to the scandalous wages of most corporate management or the elimination of employees retirement and drug benefits so American corporations can “survive.” The rain of golden parachutes seems of little interest. It is much easier for the press to focus on the worker than the “movers and shakers” that run a state, city or corporation.

Central Ohio Labor organizations should stand in solidarity and speak against Mr. Kasich’s attempt to restrict the rights of American workers to organize and be heard. We need to show our support to the thousands of State workers who desire to be represented and be treated fairly.

Awareness is the first step to mobilization. It is time to wake up and let your voice be heard. When you have the opportunity, make sure to share the simple truth that workers should have the right to bargain and be represented when their rights are violated. The “new” face of Labor is not one of burden, but one of partnership and support. The more an employer is successful, the better chance the employee will have a job for life. An ideal that has long been a foundational principle in America. One that the Unions have long held, but forgotten by America in our new age culture.

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