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Dem lawmakers to outline plan to support Ohio workers as GM strike reaches a tentative deal

October 16, 2019
Democratic Newsroom

Democratic state Reps. Jeff Crossman (D-Parma), Michele Lepore-Hagan (D-Youngstown), Lisa Sobecki (D-Toledo) and Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) will hold a press conference TOMORROW, Thursday, Oct. 17, at 9:30 a.m. in the Harding Senate Press Briefing Room to introduce legislation to extend unemployment benefits and food assistance to union workers fighting for fair wages, better benefits and safer working conditions. The call comes amid a nationwide strike by UAW employees as they reach a tentative agreement today on the 31st day of the strike with General Motors.

“We have walked the picket lines with our brothers and sisters in labor these last few weeks and heard their struggles,” said Rep. Jeff Crossman (D-Parma). “What we have been told over and over again is that striking was a difficult decision and it has been made all the more difficult by the lack of support they are receiving at the state and federal level. That is why Rep. Lepore-Hagan and I are introducing a bill that would allow striking workers to obtain unemployment benefits to offset the hardships encountered by being on the picket line. Because workers shouldn’t have to accept starvation, foreclosure and bankruptcy in their pursuit of fair wages, better benefits and safer working conditions.”

“This time we are talking about UAW workers, but next time it could be one of our other unions who need help,” said Rep. Lisa Sobecki (D-Toledo). “My colleague Rep. Russo and I will be introducing a House Resolution intended to complement Reps. Crossman and Lepore-Hagan’s bill that encourages the federal government to not deny SNAP benefits to striking workers. Our country was built by our unions; the hard-fought battles they have waged have resulted in improving the quality of life for working people throughout the U.S. It is our responsibility and our duty to take care of these workers in their times of need because their victories are all of our victories.”   

WHO: Rep. Jeff Crossman (D-Parma); Rep. Michele Lepore-Hagan (D-Youngstown); Rep. Lisa Sobecki (D-Toledo); Rep. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington); Margie Chambers, Vice President UAW Local 1005; Sheri Baker, UAW Local 211

WHAT: Press conference to announce legislation to support Ohio workers

WHEN: TOMORROW, Thursday, Oct. 17, at 9:30 a.m.

WHERE: Harding Senate Press Briefing Room