WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, workers from Ohio, Wisconsin, and Indiana came together to speak out against the attack on their rights, and to explain the necessity for middle-class workers to collectively bargain.  In all three states, Republican Governors and state Representatives have proposed legislation drastically limiting the ability of public employee unions to negotiate.  The House Democratic Steering & Policy Committee hearing,“The State-by-State and Congressional Assaults on Workers’ Rights and the Middle Class”, focused on state legislation, in addition to federal policies that undermine workers and inhibit the creation of jobs.  Representatives Marcia Fudge, Marcy Kaptur, and Betty Sutton attended, along with 11 other Members of Congress, to hear testimony from witnesses.

Congresswoman Fudge made this statement: "This is an assault on working Americans, and an assault on the middle-class, a sector of the population that is vital to prosperity.  Union-limiting measures, including those supported by Governor Kasich and Republicans in Ohio, will strip workers of their rights and leave them voiceless.

Hearing witnesses included a parole officer from Wellington, a teacher from the Columbus public schools system, and Lynn Radcliffe of Euclid, an employee of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.  She works in a department that assists parents, school administrators, and educators to make sure Cleveland’s school children, including special needs children, are receiving an education to fit their needs.  

She made this statement during the hearing: "I will not sit by quietly and watch the successes of those who came before us be taken away.  Politicians are making these attacks on our collective bargaining while also giving tax breaks to big business and doing a whole lot more of nothing on a comprehensive plan to create jobs.”

View video here: