The Chamber on Ohio State Issue #2

The chamber's board of directors decided at its regular meeting on August 18 to provide some background information to our members on State Issue #2 that is calling for the repeal of Senate Bill 5 (SB5).

This is the first of what will be weekly communications regarding various elements of this legislation that was passed by the legislature and signed by the governor in June as part of the budget balancing process. Soon we anticipate providing access from our chamber website to other websites and/or publications for anyone interested in seeking additional information. It is expected that this state issue #2 on the ballot in November will be the subject of the most scrutiny in a long time. The board feels therefore it is in the best interest of our members to attempt to provide as much factual information as possible so that our member organizations and their employees can make informed decisions when they go to the polls.

According to the draft ballot language made available at this time, a "yes"
response calls for SB5 to remain the law. Accordingly, a "no" response or vote on the ballot calls for the repeal or rejection of the law.

Here are some frequently asked questions:

How does Ohio law define "public employees"?

Public employees, in general, are persons (not elected to an office) holding positions by appointment or employment in the service of a public employer (i.e. state, county, municipal, township, school district, etc). Examples include but are not limited to teachers, school administrators, firefighters, law enforcment officers, police dispatchers, correctional officers, state university professors, psychologists at state or county institutions, nurses at university medical centers or city/countyhealth departments, city bus drivers, custodians on state/county/city payrolls, public librarians, highway maintenance workers, city road crews, employees of state parks, county children's services employees, city building dept employees, city meter utility meter readers, city sanitation workers, employees of any counci/committee/board/bureau created by a legislative action, and employees of state agencies.

Are all public employees members of unions?

No. Public employees may choose to form, join, and participate in a union or to refrain from joining or participating in a union. SB5 does not change the rights of these employees to join or participate in a union. Ohio has 697,700 employees of state and local governments. Of these 358,276 work under union contracts. Collective bargaining laws for government employees do not affect all government employees.

Will SB5 "bust up" the unions?

No. State law will still protect the rights of union workers to collectively bargain for wages, hours, terms, and conditions of employment. The State Employment Relations Board will still be responsible for approving "appropriate" collective bargaining units (unions). SB5 does make additions to the list of what is inappropriate for negotiations.

Look for more frequently asked questions and their factual responses over the next few weeks.

The Chamber of Commerce
Serving Middletown, Monroe and Trenton
513.422.4551
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