Thu 12/4 @ 7:30PM
The power, role and composition of labor unions in the U.S. has changed a lot since their peak in the mid 20th century. Jobs have changed, who is in the labor market has changed, with more women and people of color in what was traditionally a white male bastion, and there has been a concerted effort from big corporate money and rightwing politicians to destroy worker rights. That’s something we’ve seen in Ohio with former Governor John Kasich’s infamous SB 5 in 2011, which was repealed by voters, and the new SB1, which strips college professors of protections. While there’s been in uptick in union activity recently, there’s also been a divergence of interests with the traditional white male trades (construction, teamsters) leaning right, and unions representing education, nursing and service workers — typically more female and diverse — leaning the other way.
This month’s “Happy Dog Takes On” panel, co-sponsored by the City Club, at the Happy Dog in Gordon Square, will look at the state of labor organizing today in this area, and their role in addressing the economic headwinds facing many workers today. It comes at a time when several of the area’s traditionally white male unions have already endorsed Republican Senator Jon Husted, despite his party’s hostility toward unions and his own vague defined positions about them, against challenger Sherrod Brown who has been a strong advocate for all unions throughout his entire career.
The panelists will address changes in union composition and strategies for supporting workers to create more equitable workplaces. Panelists include Youngstown State University professor Tim Francisco, who directs YSU’s Center for Working Class Studies; Grace Heffernan, executive director of the Northeast Ohio Worker Center; and Brian Pearson, executive secretary of the North Shore AFL-CIO. The City Club’s Cynthia Connolly will moderate.
It’s free and registration isn’t required, although it’s helpful so they know what kind of crowd to expect. The forum will also be livestreamed at the City Club website, and you can also text questions to 330-541-5794.