Union Leaders Rally in Ohio to Support Sen. Sherrod Brown's Reelection

In the heart of Ohio, union leaders are rallying support for Senator Sherrod Brown, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to labor rights. At a recent gathering in Columbus, AFSCME President Lee Saunders, alongside other union leaders, energized members to back Brown in the upcoming Senate election.

Speaking to a crowd of nearly 300 union members, Saunders, an Ohio native, highlighted Brown's consistent advocacy for workers, stating, “He has delivered for us constantly, he has fought for us every single day.” The call to action was clear: union members must engage actively to secure Brown’s re-election against Bernie Moreno, a candidate supported by affluent corporate interests.

“All of us are family here. All of us understand the importance of this election,” Saunders declared, outlining the steps needed for victory. This includes organizing, mobilizing, and educating communities across Ohio, as well as door-to-door canvassing and phone banking to encourage voter turnout for Brown.

The stakes are high, with Brown emphasizing the financial challenge he faces. He noted that four billionaires are collectively spending $40 million to unseat him, marking this as potentially the most expensive Senate race in history. “I’d rather have all of you than I would the four billionaires,” Brown told attendees, reaffirming his dedication to labor rights and workers’ dignity.

Union influence in Ohio is significant, as AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler pointed out. Union households account for 20% of the state's electorate, making their support crucial in retaining a pro-worker majority in the Senate. “This is the state that the road to the Senate passes through,” Shuler said, underscoring the pivotal role of union members in the election.

The rally, which took place at the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 189 hall, featured leaders from various unions, including the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and others. These leaders echoed the sentiment that Brown is a genuine advocate for labor.

Joe Wing, a member of OCSEA Retirees, shared his personal efforts in supporting Brown, having canvassed neighborhoods and contributed to the campaign. Wing emphasized the importance of Brown’s legislative efforts to repeal the Government Pension Offset and “Windfall” Elimination Provisions (GPO-WEP), which affect many union members’ Social Security benefits. More information on this legislation can be found here.

“He’s working hard to get regular citizens … everything that they’re entitled to,” Wing stated, praising Brown’s commitment to the “dignity of work,” a principle that defines his career.