Ohio lawmakers passed Senate Bill 5 March 31 following protests that packed the Statehouse. The law bans strikes by public employees and eliminates binding arbitration and the ability of public workers to bargain for sick pay and pension benefits. Public union members would be required to contribute at least 10 percent toward their pensions and 15 percent toward their health insurance. Unions could still bargain for wages, hours, terms and conditions and, in some cases, safety equipment.
An effort to repeal the law is on the November ballot.
The panelists will analyze how the bill became law and assess the upcoming vote. The panelists are:
- Molly Bloom, a Kent-based reporter for a collaboration among WKSU, WCPN, WOSU and NPR.
- Dr. Stephen C. Brooks, associate director of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.
- Doug Oplinger, managing editor of the Akron Beacon Journal
The panel will be moderated by M.L. Schultze, news director of WKSU and an Akron Press Club board member.
Details:
Time: Buffet luncheon begins at 11:45 a.m., Thursday, October 20. Program follows.
Place: Martin University Center, 105 Fir Hill, University of Akron campus.
Cost: $15 for Press Club members, $20 for non-members.
Reservations requested: Call 330-564-4211 or e-mail RSVP@cmoresearch.com
The Akron Press Club was founded in 1971 to promote a free press and serve local journalists and public relations professionals. The group has a rich heritage of offering newsmakers a forum to discuss issues of the day at Press Club luncheons and speaking events that are open to the public. The club also funds scholarships for journalists and public relations students and sponsors annual fundraising and community outreach events. Visit www.akronpressclub.org for membership information.