Cincinnati
AFL-CIO
Labor Council
Saturday, March 19, 2022
This Week With AFL-CIO President, Liz Shuler
Improving the lives of working people and improving our communities, that’s why we do what we do and it’s what I think about every single day. And it’s the reason we are all part of the labor movement.

The union difference is so much more than equitable wages and better benefits and working conditions. It’s also about dignity, respect and having a voice to shape workplace culture.

Workers are finding hope and power in our unions. Coast to coast, workers are speaking out, standing up and demanding change. And the labor movement is leading this nationwide reckoning for better wages and working conditions.
It was great to be with Labor Secretary Marty Walsh (LIUNA) on Friday to give the “State of the Union for Union Members.” He has been an incredible partner as we work to support and improve the lives of America’s working families.

Working people have been through so much these past couple years. And President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and this entire administration continue to show us how committed they are to creating an economy with workers at the center.

The state of America’s unions is strong. And there is no doubt in my mind that a year from now we will be even stronger.
March 15, was Equal Pay Day—the day American women, on average, earn what men were paid the previous year. Women received 22.1% less on average than men in 2021—and for women of color, the gap is even wider

The gender wage gap in the United States has barely budged over the past three decades. There’s no single answer to fixing this. To close the wage gap, we need actionable policy changes such as raising the minimum wage, passing equitable paid leave and protecting every worker’s right to organize.

Unions help to close the pay gap by giving workers the opportunity to bargain for better wages. And we’ll keep fighting for equal pay until all workers are paid fairly.

I also want to point you to this important study released today from the Department of Labor. This new research shows how women, especially women of color, have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.
The AFL-CIO Executive Council reaffirmed a commitment to support striking workers everywhere in their fights for respect, and the wages, benefits and health and safety protections they deserve. Executive Council members commit to show up, collaborate and share resources to wield the full power of the labor movement anywhere workers are standing up for our rights at work.

Today, we stand with members of the Mine Workers (UMWA) at Warrior Met who have been on strike for nearly a year, the Minneapolis teachers and professional staff who recently walked out for safe, stable schools, and all the other workers standing up together for justice at work.

The 12.5 million members of the AFL-CIO offer our unwavering support to the striking workers. We will always have their backs.
Thursday March 17th was the labor movement’s day of action to tell the U.S. Senate to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court.

After 232 years, the first Black woman has been nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court: Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. And we are confident she will bring a clear commitment to equal justice and fairness to the highest court in the land.

Let’s mobilize our members to get Judge Jackson confirmed. Our senators need to hear why we support this highly qualified nominee. Sign the petition.
The Fight For Voting Rights Is Far From Over - Liz Shuler
Statement from AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler on the failure of Republicans in the U.S. Senate to pass the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act: 

It is deeply disappointing that just days after our nation paid homage to the great civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., critical legislation that would have strengthened our elections and ensured the right of every person to cast their vote was actively blocked.
 
It is unfathomable that our democracy is dangerously fragile because of the obstructionist tactics of senators who refuse to sideline an outdated rule conceived during segregation. These were the same tactics that some, as Dr. King put it, “misguided senators” used to block civil rights legislation more than 50 years ago. We should expect that our leaders are capable of learning from the past and do not get in the way of progress. Voting rights should not be a tough vote, and we will remember those senators who chose to stand on the wrong side of history.
 
This year and beyond, we will put the full force of our federation behind efforts to defeat racist voter suppression tactics and secure voting rights for working people nationwide.
Take Action to Help Ukraine
Where to Donate:
International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) Ukraine Fund - People in Ukraine are in grave danger of physical harm, families have fled their homes seeking refuge in neighboring countries, and others are sheltering from bombs falling in major cities. The ITUC’s Ukrainian member organizations FPU and KVPU are providing support to families who desperately need assistance with: food and water provisions, medical supplies, hygiene items. You can help Ukraine’s workers and their families by donating to the ITUC’s emergency fundraising appeal. All funds donated will be passed on to our two member organizations to support their humanitarian work in Ukraine.

People in Need Ukraine - People in Need Ukraine provides a wide variety of emergency services, recently they sent the first convoy of trucks loaded with humanitarian aid as requested by reps of Lviv in western Ukraine that included sleeping bags, mats, and other goods either for free or at a great discount. They also provided aid to internally displaced people, such as aid, shelter, insulated tents for displaced children, and basic needs, e.g. food, water, hygiene products. They also receive donations from USAID, WFP, EU and other legit donors.  
 
Ukrainian Red Cross Society - They are part of the Red Cross and help civilians with emergency assistance. The link also provides information on donations and usage of donations. (Please note that the English website takes a bit longer to load).

Caritas Ukraine - Began their work in 1992 after Ukraine declared independence providing humanitarian assistance. Currently providing support to internally-displaced people on the move with essential items, such as food, drinking water and personal hygiene kits and shelter, safe transport for displaced families. Click on link to learn more and make the donation. 

Razom for Ukraine - New York City-based organization that organizes the provision of humanitarian aid and conducts informational work in the US. They are a volunteer-run organization with a low overhead similar to United Help Ukraine, but in my view more able to handle larger sums of money. They have been active since Maidan and have raised $1.05 million in the last two weeks.



Other Actions:
  • Support the global day of action on March 15th
  • Divest public pension fund assets from investments with ties to Russia.
  • Educate your members about Ukraine and the work of the labor movement
  • Pass a local resolution of solidarity
  • Participate in local prayer vigils
LETTER: Confirm the Federal Reserve’s 5 Nominees! 
The Federal Reserve is the most powerful government entity that directly affects the economy. President Biden nominated five people to the Fed who will help us with a fair economic recovery. Send your senators a letter: Confirm the Federal Reserve’s five nominees!
The Fed has an impact on all working people. It manages inflation, regulates commercial banks and helps reach full employment for everyone in our country.
 
The Board of Governors controls the Fed. President Biden has nominated five of the seven members to the Board of Governors:
  • Jerome Powell (renominated as board chair)
  • Lael Brainard (vice chair)
  • Sarah Bloom Raskin (vice chair for supervision)
  • Philip Jefferson (governor)
  • Lisa Cook (governor)
If we confirm these nominees, the Board of Governors would have no vacancies for the first time in many years. This is incredibly important as our economy recovers from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty of the war in Ukraine.
 
These nominees also would make history by adding the first African American woman (Lisa Cook) and creating the first Fed board with a majority of women. They will guide us through recovery with an eye toward diversity, sustainability and justice.
 
Send a letter to your U.S. senators and urge them to confirm Biden’s nominations to the Federal Reserve. Our economy and history can’t wait.
Celebrate the Passage of the Postal Service Reform Act!
The United States Postal Service reached a big milestone yesterday as the Senate voted to pass the Postal Service Reform Act (S.1720/H.R. 3076) with a healthy margin [79-19]! This $107 billion overhaul bill eliminates the pre-funding mandate for retiree health benefits, integrates postal retirees into Medicare, and enables “non-postal services” like fishing licenses and subway passes in partnership with state and local governments.
 
This is the first step in saving the post office! Check out our statement about PSRA passing: https://takeonwallst.com/2022/03/postal-service-reform-act-passes/
PETITION: Confirm Judge Jackson to the Supreme Court!
We must tell the U.S. Senate to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court. Sign the petition: Confirm Judge Jackson now!
After 232 years, the first Black woman has been nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court: Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson.
 
We are confident she will bring her clear commitment to equal justice and fairness to the highest court in the land.
 
Being the first is never easy; Judge Jackson is doing what so many women have done before her, breaking barriers to ensure that she is not the last.
 
House Seeks Investigation into Oshkosh Contract
Earlier this week, a group of House Democrats called for an investigation into Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s plan to purchase an all-combustion engine postal fleet. They wrote a letter to United States Postal Service Inspector General Tammy Whitcomb questioning whether the contract complied with federal law and environmental standards. In the meantime, Gerry Connolly’s Green Postal Service Fleet Act he introduced last week has gained significant support with 68 cosponsors! Check out our joint action to tell congress to block DeJoy’s bad deal and raise the number of electrified vehicles. UAW in Wisconsin is also still organizing daily to make these trucks electric powered and union-made. Be sure to sign and share their petition.
Biden Signs Bill Renewing Protections for Women Facing Violence
President Biden signed the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) on Tuesday. This legislation provides survivors of domestic violence with the legal protections they need. The labor movement stands with survivors of domestic violence. They are our colleagues on job sites and in the office, and they deserve all of the resources and protections they need to safeguard themselves and their families. This bill expands resources for LGBTQ+, indigenous and rural communities. VAWA reauthorization also includes programs and policies to address the economic needs of survivors. The work to end the scourge of domestic violence is not over, and reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act is a critical step toward a safer society for all.
It’s Official: UVC Is the AFL-CIO’s Newest Constituency Group
The AFL-CIO Executive Council met earlier this week to strategize and chart the path forward for our federation. As part of its agenda, labor leaders who make up the Executive Council voted to designate the Union Veterans Council, AFL-CIO, (UVC) as our seventh constituency group.
 
“From its inception, the UVC was a force multiplier for union veterans and all working families in their fight for economic freedom and security,” said UVC Executive Director Will Attig (UA). “This decision by the UVC board, with the support of the AFL-CIO, will allow us to scale our programmatic work and capacity to be even more effective as we fight to help union veterans and all working families better their lives.”
Labor Department Releases Findings on Job, Pay Disparities for Women
Women—and women of color, in particular—are bearing the economic costs of the pandemic, which have worsened long-standing inequities in America’s workforce. Earlier today, the Labor Department shared hard numbers on many trends we already know to be real⁠—the pandemic had a disproportionate impact on women and occupational segregation contributes to the gender and racial wage gap. Findings show:

  • Women lost 11.9 million jobs compared to 10.1 million jobs lost by men from February to April 2020.
  • There were 4.4 million women who left the labor force between February and April 2020, compared to 3.9 million men. In April 2020, women’s labor force participation rate was at a 35-year low.
  • Mothers’ work hours declined by an estimated 3.5 hours per week between February and April 2020, greater than the 2.5 hours per week decline for fathers’ work hours.

The report also covers the important steps the Biden–Harris administration is taking alongside the labor movement to ensure women do not return to the pre-pandemic status quo, but instead achieve an equitable recovery. Click here to read the full report.
Building Trades Unions Celebrate Biden’s Move to Update Davis–Bacon Regulation
The Labor Department announced on Friday the Biden–Harris administration’s plan to overhaul regulations on prevailing wage for construction work. The plan will speed up prevailing wage updates, enhance efficiency in the current system and ensure prevailing wage rates keep up with actual wages. The building trades unions of the AFL-CIO were quick to praise this decision.
 
North America’s Building Trades Unions President Sean McGarvey (IUPAT) said: “The proposed updates to the regulations will restore the [Davis-Bacon] Act’s intended bipartisan purpose to protect the hard-earned wages of construction workers, and in doing so, shield them from exploitation....As these working-class heroes embark on the mission to usher our nation’s aging infrastructure into the 21st century, we applaud the Administration’s efforts to ensure they are paid 21st century wages.”
Maritime Labor Backs Biden’s Ukraine Response
The presidents of six maritime unions wrote a letter to President Biden last week commending his actions in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, including banning imports of Russian oil and gas.
 
“Our unions and the licensed and unlicensed American merchant mariners we represent have never turned away from the challenges that must be faced to preserve the democratic way of life at home and overseas,” the leaders wrote. “As our nation’s fourth arm of defense, the United States-flag merchant marine and its cadre of American merchant mariners have a unique role and proud tradition of service to our country in time of war or other emergency.”
 
The letter was co-signed by Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P) President Don Marcus, Seafarers (SIU) President Michael Sacco and Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA) President Adam Vokac, among others.
EPI: Building Back Better Means Raising Wages for Public Service Workers
A new report from the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) shows that we can create a fairer economy by investing in front-line workers in the public sector. The report shows:

  • Thanks to federal recovery funds, state and local policymakers have substantial additional resources to invest in their communities—and they should invest in raising pay for their own employees.
  • Many of the workers providing public services are paid low wages. Roughly one-third of state and local government workers are paid less than $20 an hour and more than 15% are paid less than $15 an hour.
  • Black and Latinx employees are especially likely to be paid inadequate wages in the public sector. Investing in public services can promote greater racial equity in pay.

The study also found that women of color are more likely to work low-wage jobs in the public sector than their White male colleagues. EPI concluded its report by pointing out that state and local governments have the money to raise wages for all their employees, thanks to the labor-backed American Rescue Plan, and that public sector employers can help close the pay gap by providing fairer wages for their workers.
USW Members Continue To Hold The Line Against Sherwin-Williams
On Saturday, February 5, 2022, 55 members of the United Steelworkers (USW) Local 14919 began an unfair labor practice strike against Sherwin-Williams  at the company’s facility in Bedford Heights, Ohio.
 
Negotiations started on October 26, 2021, and union members had been working without a contract since the previous agreement expired on November 20, 2021. Sherwin-Williams refused to enter into an extension agreement.
 
“Through our hard work and the dedication of its Steelworker member workforce, the Sherwin-Williams Bedford Heights Plant has been profitable and greatly contributed to the success of the corporation,” said Terrell Williams, President United Steelworkers Local 14919. “All we are asking for is a fair and just contract that keeps up with inflation and provides economic sustainability and security for our members.” 
 
Sherwin-Williams just broke ground for a new headquarters complex in downtown Cleveland, and announced the construction of a state-of-the-art research and development center in Brecksville. 
 
These projects have a price tag of over $600 million, and both received government assistance. Although the USW is not opposing these investments, Sherwin-Williams should be willing to invest in the employees that earned them the profits and enabled the company to make these expenditures.
 
Workers are on strike seeking a just cost-of-living increase and improved pension benefits. Workers feel they deserve a cut of the profits, especially when the CEO of Sherwin-Williams earns 327 times the average worker's pay. His earnings reached $15 million in 2020. 
 
How Has The American Rescue Plan Helped Working People?
One year ago, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law. This law was the culmination of working people coming together to demand Congress focus pandemic recovery put workers at the center of the recovery. The spending package was targeted at getting working people the support they needed during an unprecedented economic and global health crisis. This was a historic achievement that brought so many often marginalized groups front and center.
 
Here are seven ways the American Rescue Plan helped working families:
 
 1. It provided $350 billion in aid to state, local, tribal and territorial governments to help deal with the budgetary impact of the pandemic.
 
2. It provided some $86 billion in financial assistance to struggling multiemployer pension plans, which the plans will not have to repay, to cover all benefits due through plan year 2051, with no cuts to accrued benefits.
 
3. It subsidized 100% of health care premiums for COBRA-eligible individuals who lose their job or had their hours reduced, who will not have to pay any premiums, for six months.
 
4. It expanded the child and dependent care tax credit to $4,000 per child or $8,000 for two or more children, and made the credit fully refundable.
 
5. It provided $39 billion for child care, including $15 billion in grants to states to help low-income families afford child care and help essential workers regardless of their income level. It also gave $24 billion in state grants to child care providers.
 
6. It provided $200 million for pandemic-related worker protection activities at the Labor Department, half of which went to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to support OSHA enforcement and worker training in high-risk sectors such as meat processing, health care, correctional facilities and agriculture.
 
7. It provided $386 million to create a rapid retraining program for veterans who are unemployed because of the pandemic. 
Biden/Harris Administration Announces Commitments to Advance Pay Equity and Support Women’s Economic Security
This Equal Pay Day, the White House is announcing critical steps that the Biden-Harris Administration is taking to advance pay equity and promote women’s economic security.
 
President Biden and Vice President Harris have long championed equal pay as a cornerstone of their commitment to ensuring all people have a fair and equal opportunity to get ahead. Closing gender and racial wage gaps is essential to building an equitable economy and addressing the barriers that have long hampered women from fully participating in the labor force. But we still have work to do. In 2020, the average woman working full-time, year-round earned 83 cents for every dollar paid to their average male counterpart. Compared with the average man working full-time, year-round, disparities are even greater for Black women, Native American women, and Latinas, as well as certain subpopulations of Asian women.
 
Today, the Vice President is hosted a virtual summit, bringing together partners across the country who are taking critical steps to tackle pay discrimination, create good-paying jobs, and support families’ access to care.
 
Congressman Ryan Secures Over $100 Million For Northeast Ohio in Federal Funding in Defense Appropriations
Congressman Tim Ryan, the Ohio AFL-CIO endorsed candidate for Senate and the Vice Chairman of the U.S. House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, secured $100 million in federal funding for research and development initiatives that will benefit northeast Ohio businesses and universities, with both chambers of Congress passing the FY22 omnibus government funding package.
 
Congressman Ryan successfully advocated for funding for manufacturing, advanced industrial coatings, renewable energy technologies, and other programs to improve the safety and lethality of our warfighters. The bill also includes $8.7 million to widen an assault runway/taxiway at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station (YARS), funding for additional C-130J aircraft for the Air Force Reserve, a 2.7% pay raise for troops, and significant funds to improve military housing.
 
 
"As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I'm proud to have been able to use my position to secure these important funds to not only ensure our servicemembers have the resources they need to protect us abroad, but to help us build the economy of the future right here in the United States," said Congressman Tim Ryan. "These critical investments go a long way to countering both Russia and China, who are working together more than ever before to outcompete the United States. I've always been a champion of a strong national defense, and that begins with the resources we invest here at home."
 
Member Spotlight: Michelle Dillingham Has Spent Her Life Helping Others, But She Needs A Little Help From Her Union Family
The name Michelle Dillingham may come to mind. She was a Path To Power Union member who ran for Cincinnati City Council in 2021. As a member of the Cincinnati Federation of Teaches Local 1520, Michelle has spent a career helping others. But she needs some help from her union family for her son, Michael.
 
Michael is a local artist in Cincinnati, (watch a local news story about his work) and has cerebral palsy. Michael needs a new tub so he can get in and out without assistance, but unfortunately it isn't covered by insurance.
 
As Michelle says on the GoFundMe page, "Michael LOVES tubs - which really help with his muscle spasticity... and hey -- who doesn't need relaxing tubs in their life?! It is not a safe situation (putting it mildly!) for Mom to lift Michael in and out of his traditional tub. No insurance or disability service programs cover these tubs due to liability reasons. Trust us, we have tried every possible funding source. I hate we have to ask, but the cost + installation is out of reach. With your help, we can make it happen. THANK YOU!"
 
Local 392 Scholarship Opportunities For Members And Their Families
By Bill Froehle, President, Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council and Business Manager, Plumbers, Pipefitters and MES Local 392

UA SCHOLARSHIP FUND INFORMATION


We are pleased to announce that the United Association Scholarship Trust Fund is gearing up for the 2022-2023 academic year scholarship awards. Up to 112 scholarships totaling as much as $222,000 will be awarded this year, including 106 for students pursuing undergraduate studies and up to six for students pursuing graduate studies. Scholarships range from $1,500 to $5,000 each. Generally, dependents of UA members who are pursuing a post-high school education at an accredited college or university may apply for a scholarship (please see eligibility requirements and award criteria in the detailed instructions found with the application). The deadline for submitting applications is June 9, 2022.

Applications are exclusively accepted electronically through https://uascholarshipfund.communityforce. com/. The application is now live and potential applicants can check that website and click on the “Login” icon at the top right corner for additional instructions to access and submit applications. Note that upon logging in, users should be sure to click on the scholarship titled 2022 United Association Scholarship.

Awards will primarily be based on academic achievement and potential, personal achievement, and community involvement. Financial need may also be considered. Scholarships will be awarded without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Applications will be judged by an independent and impartial Selection Committee, comprised of distinguished members of the community. The Selection Committee may request information concerning the financial circumstances of applicants and use this information in the award of scholarships. Also, note that because UA scholarships do not automatically renew each year, receiving an award in one year does not guarantee you awards in future years. In addition, six scholarships will be given to “Second Chance” awardees.

Those selected will be students whose academic achievement is not the best in their region, but who demonstrate they want another chance at an education to advance their potential for higher-paying employment. We would like to thank everyone for supporting the Fund and look forward to awarding our next round of scholarships to our deserving UA students.

BUTLER COUNTY MEMBERS 

The Butler County Building and Construction Trades Council will be sponsoring the Edwin L. Pence Memorial Scholarship again this year. The Butler County Building and Construction Trades Council will be awarding scholarships to Students at the high schools in the Butler County area.  
The Edwin L. Pence Memorial Scholarship is open to any high school senior planning to further his or her education after graduation from high school. Each applicant must be eligible – for graduation this spring, have a GPA of at least 2.5 and be active in their community.

Please contact Business Agent Jerry Back at the union hall for more information or to receive an application form that must be filled out by the applicant and returned, along with a current grade transcript, to The Butler County Building and Construction Trades Council no later than May 20, 2022. The Selection Committee will make its final decision May 30, 2022. Scholarship winners and their
schools will be notified by mail.

“You will need to write a short essay on “How this scholarship will help you in furthering your career”.

INDIANA MEMBERS

Edwin Marsh Scholarship information
Scholarships for the 2022-2023 academic year will be awarded to up to four (4) applicants who shall be one of the following:
  • A high school senior (during the 2021-2022 academic year),
  • A full-time college or vocational training student,
  • A building trades union-affiliated apprentice,
  • Or a building trade’s union member engaged in furthering his/her education or skills to the benefit of his/her craft and Indiana’s Building Trades Unions.
  1. The value of each scholarship is $1,000.00. Each applicant must be a member or dependent child of a member of a local building trades union in good standing with the Indiana State Building and Construction Trades Council.
  2. The winners will be selected from all entrants who submit a short essay on the yet to be determined topic. Once the topic Is determined, the membership will be advised, and full submission and deadline details provided.
  3. Each essay should be between 600 and 1,500 words in length, be typewritten, double-spaced, and follow APA guidelines for formatting style. The topic of the essay is yet to be determined. We will get you the information as soon as we receive it.
  4. Entries MUST include: a cover sheet with the following information: student’s name, mailing address, email address, name of university, college, or vocational school which he/ she plans to attend/name of joint apprenticeship training center currently enrolled/name of building trades local union and continuing education sought or engaged in, his/her relationship to a building trades union member, and the name of the local union of which that person is a member.
  5. Entries must be mailed to: Edwin Marsh Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Indiana State Building and Construction Trades Council, 150 W. Market St., Suite 805, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
  6. Entries MUST be received by the established deadline which will be later this summer. Entries received after will not be considered. 

We will let you know the deadline as soon as we receive the information.
Be There For One Another . . .
By Dave Baker, Ironworkers Local 44 Business Manager & Financial Secretary
 
An alarming trend has been going on around the country and it is very sad to watch. Construction workers are committing suicide at a rapid rate. Everything from the pandemic to unemployment to the political state of the nation have been blamed. I’m not sure what all we need to do to combat the problem, but we have got to do something. Ironworkers Local 44 has lost 2 members in the last month from suicide. All together we have lost 5 members in the last two years. A total of 11 members have died early from either suicide or overdose since 2014. This is alarming to me, and we need to do all we can to address it.
 
One thing we can do is try to educate our members about the programs we have available to them for help. If you or someone you know appear to be having a hard time coping with life right now, please each out to the folks at Anthem and they can put you in touch with professionals who can help.
 
If there is a situation dealing with addiction or substance abuse, we also have programs to deal with that. All the information is available here at the hall and is available through Anthem. Many don’t know but over 100,000 people died last year in this country from overdoses. This is the highest rate in U.S. history.
So many people are struggling right now with the all the ails of society weighing down on them and some just need some help getting through. We have got to do all we can to be there for our Brothers and Sisters who are going through it right now. It is so hard attending the funeral and seeing the hurt from the family members who lose a loved one too soon. I always leave wondering I wish I could take away the pain but by then it is too late.
 
We all need to remember that as Union members we are a family. We need to look out for one another. It is our responsibility to extend a hand to our Brothers and Sisters. If you see someone hurting, ask if you can help. You may be the last person they get the chance to talk to and you may help to save their life.
A Sense of Belonging
By Fred Lampe, Executive Secretary/Cincinnati Building Trades

It will always be a sizable hurdle for one generation to understand the ones that follow. Baby Boomers, Millennials, Gen X, Gen Y, Gen Z, I really don’t even get the idea of lumping age groups together just to prove how different they are from one another. I am a Boomer, born between the years 1946 and 1964. Heck, my mom was born in 1941 and I was born in 1959. Shift our births five years forward and we both would have been Boomers. I bet that would have skewed the data. I remember watching a video as a fourth-year apprentice that attempted to portray the interaction between an older foreman and a young apprentice. I think it had several versions of the same interaction.

In one, the two people involved misunderstand each other and it results in a mess. The second version shows how a little patience and understanding of the other generation can have a much more favorable result. I just remember thinking it was a waste of time. Of course, my opinion was evidence that I did not have the patience and understanding as to why they were showing us the movie in the first place. Do we always have to assume the new generation’s outlook on life is better than the one before it? I struggle with that.

My wife bought a Mustang GT convertible in the spring of 2002. That summer we went to the Tri-State Mustang car show and promptly joined the club. It was $20.00 per year to join. Since then, the price of membership has skyrocketed to $25.00 per year. We have never been active in the club activities. We might show up at one cruise in per year. We have never attended the picnic or the Christmas party, but we were still members and had the comfort of knowing we were welcome to participate.

I recently attended a monthly membership meeting for the first time in 6 or 7 years. The topic of membership came up. I was surprised to hear that young people simply do not see the value in belonging to clubs. They don’t see the value in belonging and surely don’t want to pay $25.00 per year in dues. This is where I struggle. First of all, this small group of people work hard to put on a car show every year, the proceeds of which go to charity. That alone is worth my $25.00. One fellow whom I did not know said his son does not believe in belonging to groups because he doesn’t need anyone telling him what to do. I told this guy to tell his son, “As a 42-year member of the IBEW Local 212, I could not disagree more. We are all stronger together whether it is a labor union or the Mustang Club.” In my humble opinion this individualistic, I can take care of myself, approach to life could possibly spell the end for the United States of America. Note the word united.

We had better put aside our differences and pull together, or Russia will see to it that we are no longer a world leader. Can those of you reading this even comprehend members of Congress and Fox News praising Putin? To me it is frightening. If you are a member of one of the younger generations listed above, nothing I write here is going to make you run out and find a club to join. The most I can hope to accomplish is have you see the benefits I have enjoyed from having the sense of belonging. Whether it be the IBEW, a softball team, bowling team, basketball team, ushering at church, education commission, pastoral council, whatever it was. I belonged and people counted on me. Priceless!
GCBCTC At Mayor Pueval’s Career Expo
GCBCTC Executive Secretary Fred Lampe and Assistant d
Director of IBEW NECA Electrical Training Center at Mayor Pueval’s Career Expo held at Duke Energy Convention Center March 5th. The Expo works in conjunction with the Cincinnati Recreation Commission’s Youth to Work (Y2WK) program in designing an event that brings together local employers and approximately 1200+ high school seniors, recent graduates, and college students from local colleges and universities. (Photo credit Bill Froehle)
AFSCME Rallies For Equity in Hero Pay!
Nearly one (1) year after Hamilton County told workers at the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services (HCJFS) that their representatives would bargain with them regarding their "Hero Pay," there's an effort to divide the rank and file with arbitrary rules where some get less than others despite every worker at HCJFS picking up more, being at risk, and working harder because of the pandemic.

At a time when the agency has lost 150 employees in a one-year period, it is a drop in the bucket to give every worker there a one time $1,000 bonus. In fact, since the average wait time to hire a new employee is four to six weeks after they have been selected, they have spent at least an estimated half a million dollars less in labor costs alone this year, which is more than triple what it would cost to fill the gap between what was budgeted and what the workers are asking for.

This past Wednesday evening, AFSCME Workers gathered outside the Portman County Administrative Building to show themselves undivided and undeterred! HCJFS employees have fought steadily to keep local children safe, local people fed, and local people in housing. When you needed us, we were there. Now we need you to stand with us and tell Hamilton County to fund social services!
Plumbers, Pipefitters & MES Local 392 to Host Russo & Miranda Labor Breakfast
Northern Kentucky Labor Council Fish Fry
This is one of our main fundraisers. We would like to see you there. Donations are greatly appreciated. If your organization has a PAC fund please make the check out to NKYCLC PAC Fund. If not, make the check to Northern KY Labor Council. Hope to see you there.

Tim Donoghue 513-477-4331
Come Celebrate Women's History Month!
You are invited to an event in honor of Women's History Month!

When: Saturday, March 26th 
1:00-3:00 PM

Where: Cincinnati Federation of Colored Women's Club House
1010 Chapel Street, Cincinnati, OH 45206

We would love to see you there! 
SAVE DATE SAT. JULY 23RD NOON-3PM
HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSIONER AND CINCINNATI BLACK MUSIC WALK OF FAME FOUNDER, ALICIA REECE ANNOUNCES WALK OF FAME INDUCTION & DEDICATION TO TAKE PLACE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CINCINNATI MUSIC FESTIVAL RETURN THIS YEAR

HAMILTON COUNTY, OH- Hamilton County Commissioner and founder of the new Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame (CBMWF), Alicia Reece announced today that the CBMWF Induction Ceremony and dedication will take place at the Andrew Brady Music Center on Saturday, July 23rd from Noon-3pm during the Cincinnati Music Festival weekend. The CBMWF induction ceremony and celebration will be free and open to the public.

“The Cincinnati Music Festival Weekend is one of the largest African American music festivals in the country and has a major economic impact on our county. Our county and state have a rich history of African American music artists, producers, and song writers and our Black Music Walk of Fame will ensure a permanent place to recognize their accomplishments for the entire world to see,” says Commissioner Reece. “This partnership creates a mega music weekend.”

Commissioner Reece, whose late mother was a national recording artist who performed at the music festival many years ago and father owned an independent label expressed that her parents met through music, and she grew up being exposed to a lot of artists and heard many of their stories, but those stories and their accomplishments had not been captured in a permanent way.

 “I would not be here if the music had not brought my parents together. That’s how they met. The CBMWF will be a permanent place to honor our African American music legends and allow everyone to see their worldwide music impact. Most of the inductees we will be honoring have performed at the music festival over the years.”

The CBMWF is a new interactive outdoor park being built by Hamilton County across from the county’s NFL Paul Brown Stadium which is home of the AFC Champion Cincinnati Bengals and the Cincinnati Music Festival. Stars of the founding members of the CBMWF – Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Bootsy Collins and the Isley Brothers, Gospel Grammy Winner Dr. Charles Fold, and Doo-wop Hall of Famer Otis Williams will be unveiled along with the new 2022 Induction class which will be announced during Black Music Month this June. “There is nothing like this in the country to date,” added Commissioner Reece.

The Cincinnati Music Festival Weekend will headline Janet Jackson and Charlie Wilson at Paul Brown Stadium and will also feature a themed Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame lounge. Procter & Gamble is the presenting sponsor of both the Cincinnati Music Festival and the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame festivities.
Get Your Foursome Together for the
35th Annual Cincinnati AFL-CIO Golf Outing!
NAACP Deeply Disappointed in Gov. DeWine's Signing of Senate Bill 215
To Rebuild, the Labor Movement Will Have to Organize Young Workers and Gig Workers
For decades, unions in Australia have suffered declining membership. The solution is not a new app or social media campaign, but a laser-focus on organizing the unorganized.

Union membership in Australia has been in decline for several decades. Unions have adopted different strategies to adapt, and to retain and rebuild their membership bases. These range from experimenting with different organizing models, dedicating resources to electoral campaigns, and, increasingly, emphasizing social media campaigns. Despite a number of short-terms gains, these strategies have largely failed to build enduring, institutionalized gains for workers. At worst, some attempts to regain members have seen unions abandon industrial organizing all together.
Retired Ohio public school teachers to receive the first cost-of-living increase since 2017
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Retired Ohio public school teachers will receive a 3% cost-of-living adjustment later this year, the first increase since 2017.

The board of the State Teachers Retirement System, which goes by STRS and is pronounced “stirs,” approved the increase at its monthly meeting Thursday.
Group Urges Ohio Lawmakers to Address Nurse Burnout
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The Ohio Nurses Association said hospitals across the state will soon be in a crisis if they aren’t already.

The association said the number of nurses was low before the COVID-19 pandemic and the burnout from the virus has caused more nurses to quit.
N.L.R.B. sues Amazon over labor practices at a Staten Island facility
The labor agency wants a federal judge to order changes there in the case of a fired worker before a union election starts next week.

The National Labor Relations Board sued Amazon in federal court on Thursday, asking a judge to force the company to swiftly rectify what it called “flagrant unfair labor practices” before workers at one of its Staten Island warehouses begin voting in a union election next week.

U.S Senator Sherrod Brown: Working For Working People!
39th Annual Labor-Management Conference
Join us at this year’s 39th Annual Labor-Management Conference on Building Labor-Management Relationships: Through Cooperation and Knowledge, where experts will share practical, cooperative, and legal information to build and enhance effective labor-management relationships.

The annual conference was borne out of a partnership between NKU and FCMS many years ago to promote Labor-Management cooperation. When Labor and Management work together, they strengthen the region's workforce and its economic competitiveness. Business leaders, labor representatives, and government officials gather at our conference to find effective and valuable approaches to working together.

SHRM and CLE credits for Ohio and Kentucky are pending.
*Must register by April 13, 2022 to receive the early bird registration rate
LOCATION

Northern Kentucky University
Registration and sessions will take place at the Student Union
WHEN

May 13, 2023
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
COST

Early Bird: $160*
Late Registration: $175
NLRB Rate: $95
Student Registration: $40
Group Registration (10 tickets): $1,440
Freestore Foodbank: Take the Leap to End Child Hunger 
Over the past two years all of our lives have changed. The way we work, live and play. However, some things remain the same: The fight against hunger in our community!


All of us at Freestore Foodbank are so grateful to see our community come together to help children, families, and seniors who face hunger.
Over the past year, we have distributed more than 41 million meals throughout our community, and we owe it all to supporters like you. Your generosity keeps our impactful work going strong in 2022.

Many children and families in the tristate area continue to struggle financially due to the rising cost of essential items. And, when it comes to new parents, the baby formula shortage has impacted their ability to ensure their child is fed.
In every way imaginable, supporters like you have made it possible for us to keep extending a lifeline to help families. For this, we are forever thankful.

Sincerely,
Your friends at Freestore Foodbank

PS: Did you know? If you have a charitable giving account or a trust also known as a donor-advised fund (DAF), you can easily designate a donation to Freestore Foodbank.

Freestore Foodbank: Volunteers Needed - Mayerson Distribution Center
We are in need of volunteers for our Monday through Friday volunteer shifts at our Mayerson Distribution Center, 1250 Tennessee Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229. We have morning shifts from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and afternoon shifts from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. availability.

You can click on the link below to view our schedule and register for volunteer shifts. We would love to have individuals and groups to help to pack Power Packs, Emergency Food Boxes and Senior Food boxes for March and April.


If you need further information, please contact me at cfrank@freestorefoodbank.org or 513-482-7550.

Carolyn Frank
Help Michael Dillingham Have a Safe Tub!
Even a small donation could help Michelle and Michael Dillingham reach their fundraising goal. And if you can't make a donation, it would be great if you could share the fundraiser to help spread the word.
Thanks for taking a look!
https://gofund.me/2df91aa7. 
Cincinnati NAACP: Amos C. Brown Student Fellowship
Register Now for Upcoming FMCS Institute Courses!
Training for the real-world challenges of labor-management relations and organizational change.

Don't wait! The FMCS Institute's 2022 courses will provide you with the opportunity to expand your conflict resolution and organizational change toolkit by introducing a diverse lineup of targeted and hands-on programs brought to you by experienced instructors and practitioners. Register today for some of our most in-demand courses. 
Negotiation Skills (Online) Spring 2022 

Negotiation Skills (Online) Summer 2022 

Arbitrating in the Federal Sector (Online) Spring 2022 

Arbitrating in the Federal Sector (Online) Summer 2022 

Becoming A Labor Arbitrator (Online) Spring 2022

Dealing with Difficult People Behaviors (Online) Spring 2022
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.
FREE PRE-CONFERENCE SESSIONS INCLUDED W/ REGISTRATION

February 25, 2022 - New Bargaining Units: Challenges for Both Sides

Newly organized workplace? Going from an organizing drive to a productive partnership can be challenging. Bring your questions and concerns to this webinar for practical suggestions, ideas, and expert advice that you can choose to use immediately!

Don't miss this value-added workshop and others offered monthly leading up to the general conference. 
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, March 18 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, March 18, 2022 from daily data reporting to the Ohio Department of Health. These metrics are updated daily.
Hamilton County
Cases
186,696
Hospitalizations
6,015
Deaths
2,008
Clermont County
Cases
51,131
Hospitalizations
1,427
Deaths
537
Brown County
Cases
11,165
Hospitalizations
107
Deaths
174
Butler County
Cases
91,520
Hospitalizations
3,175
Deaths
1,122
Warren County
Cases
57,475
Hospitalizations
1,349
Deaths
571
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