Thousands protest in Ohio state capital

Thousands of teachers, firefighters, police officers, students, community members and other public service workers from across Ohio united Tuesday at the Statehouse to express opposition to the Republican-led attempt to weaken the middle class, and instead ask lawmakers to focus on creating good jobs.

At issue is Senate Bill 5, which would eliminate collective bargaining rights and salary schedules for public workers. They were joined by thousands of private sector union members, including UAW members, steel workers, building and construction trades members and others.

Unfortunately, Republican legislators have silenced the voices of the Ohioans they were elected to represent. Testimony before the Senate Insurance, Commerce and Labor Committee has been limited to those who met a deadline that was never publicized.  And while thousands stood outside in peaceful protest, only 1,200 were allowed access to the Statehouse. Senate Democrats have filed a court order to the Republicans to open the hearing.

The actions are viewed as an effort to silence the voice of working families and push through legislation without having a fair and open debate.
 

Thousands gather to protest union-busting in Ohio