Hundreds of Clevelanders gathered Monday afternoon on the 31st floor of the Federal Building downtown to protest the recent signing of Senate Bill 5 by Ohio Gov. John Kasich.
The “We Are One” rally was sponsored by the American Federation of Government Employees. About 250 middle-class Clevelanders attended. Many said their right to bargain collectively for a voice at work is under attack as it never has been before.
As the bill worked its way through the Ohio legislature, it was met by strongopposition from police, firefighter and teachers’ unions and drew crowds to Columbus from across the state.
The final version of SB-5 requires public employees to pay more for health care benefits and pensions. The bill also takes away public employees ability to go on strike against the government.
Those opposing the recently-signed bill would need to collect more than 230,000 signatures to get a referendum on the November ballot. That would allow Ohio votes to decide whether to repeal the bill.
article courtesy of Newsnet5.com
