Ohio Democratic Party facing labor problems
Leaders of the Campaign Workers Guild are accusing the Ohio Democratic Party, including Chairman David Pepper, of refusing to meet with them face-to-face, and instead hiring a “union busting” law firm to represent it in contract negotiations.
Less than three months before a November election where they hope to make gains within the state, the Ohio Democratic Party is facing adversity from within its own ranks.
The party that has long stood with labor unions and is largely funded by organized labor is now embroiled in a fight with its own union workers.
Leaders of the Campaign Workers Guild within the state organization are accusing party officials, including Chairman David Pepper, of refusing to meet with them face to face and instead hiring a “union busting” law firm to represent it in contract negotiations with the newly formed union.
“After several day-long bargaining sessions, the ODP has made it clear to us that they are not serious about negotiating a fair contract that lives up to our Democratic values,” union leaders wrote Thursday in a letter to county party chairs across the state.
“We were so excited to see our party stand for working people by ultimately recognizing our union. Unfortunately, this excitement has not held at the bargaining table, where we’ve been continually disappointed and angered as the ODP has refused to present proposals that ensure us the union protections and provide us the working conditions we need and deserve.”
This is the first round of contract negotiations since the Ohio Democratic Party in July became the first state party in the nation to recognize the Campaign Workers Guild and its election workers, which largely consist of field organizers. Pepper praised the move as living up to the party’s Democratic values and ensuring that the more than 80 workers are treated fairly.
Pepper still supports the union, but that has not led to easy contract negotiations. “We remain far apart on many issues of critical importance to our members,” said the letter from union leaders, highlighting problems with pay, mileage reimbursement and a “fair” discipline policy. IS