UNI24016 Ohio 2

MADE IN OHIO: REVIVING DOMESTIC MANUFACTURING

Ohio has always been one of the best places on the planet to make things, but the future of manufacturing is changing. Investments in new, innovative industries are needed to create high-wage jobs for Ohio’s workers and ensure fair trade that holds countries like China accountable.

In this issue of In Union, we’ll explore how domestic manufacturing is being revitalized here in Ohio.

INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE:

BRINGING MANUFACTURING JOBS AND NEW INDUSTRIES TO OHIO

Senator Sherrod Brown is leading the efforts to restore domestic manufacturing here in Ohio, working to pass meaningful legislation like the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 that secures critical supply chains and creates tens of thousands of good-paying jobs.

Historic investments in manufacturing are happening across Ohio, including:

In New Albany, Intel is building a $20 billion chip manufacturing plant that includes funding secured by Senator Brown through the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. This new plant will create at least 10,000 jobs and secure the domestic supply chain for this critical component of the auto industry and other high-tech manufacturing.

[Newark Advocate, 12/31/2023]

Senator Brown secured an $11 million investment for the Copeland plant in Sidney to boost the manufacturing production of electric heat pumps. This critical investment will protect Ohio’s jobs and help to increase energy efficiency and decrease energy costs in homes, schools, and workplaces.

[WHIO TV7, 11/22/2023]

In Springfield and Eaton, Silfex Inc. is expanding production of parts that semiconductor manufacturers use to make chips, thanks to the funding made possible by Senator Brown’s CHIPS and Science Act.

[Dayton Daily News, 10/5/2022]

Akron has long been a leader in the production of rubber and plastics, and with Senator Brown’s support, the city has been named a Regional Technology and Innovation Hub by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This designation will bring tens of millions in funding to attract new manufacturing that produces sustainable polymers and creates thousands of jobs.

[Akron Beacon Journal, 10/23/2023]

The Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub, with locations in Ashtabula, Canton, and Hopedale, will position Ohio as a leader in the energy economy of the future. Senator Brown helped get the funding to create new energy manufacturing jobs and promote significant economic growth throughout the region.

[Cleveland.com, 10/13/2023]

OHIO WORKER VOICES

This is a really exciting time to be entering the workforce in Ohio. Two years ago, I thought I might end up moving out of our state after graduation to find better opportunities or higher wages. But now, there are thousands of long-term, high-paying opportunities in my field just a few miles from my hometown of Newark.”

—Maddix C., Newark [The Columbus Dispatch, 6/7/2023]

For a young person interested in the building trades, there’s never been a better time to get involved. You can come out of your apprenticeship program, apply those skills as a worker, become a foreman, a general foreman, a superintendent, a quality control supervisor, etc. This is critical to strengthening America’s threatened middle class.”

Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council Member of Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Service Technicians Local 776 [Cleveland.com, 2/17/2023]

STANDING UP FOR OHIO’S WORKERS

Ohio State Representative Scott Oelslager is a Republican in the Ohio State Legislature, representing portions of Stark County. While many members of his party have introduced bills and legislation to deny workers’ rights, Oelslager has steadfastly opposed their efforts.

Oelslager was one of only six Republicans who voted against the anti-labor law that would have prevented 400,000 workers from bargaining for fair wages and benefits. Despite Oelslager’s opposition, the bill was narrowly passed by the legislature and later overwhelmingly repealed by voters. Oelslager has also worked to pass pro-worker legislation, including pay transparency and banning mandatory overtime for nurses.

Contact State Representative Scott Oelslager and thank him for fighting for Ohio’s working families:

Call his office at (614) 752-2438 or visit ohiohouse.gov/members/scott-oelslager/contact to send an email.

—Mike Knisley, Columbus

Paid for by In Union USA (www.inunionusa.com) and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.

In Union is a project supported by a group of unions. We’ll provide you with research on issues that affect working people’s lives, examine the records of elected officials on those issues, and give you ways to hold your elected representatives accountable. In Union is not affiliated with, does not take contributions from, and does not make contributions to any candidates or political parties. For more information, please visit www.inunionusa.com.

ARE YOU ONE OF THE THOUSANDS OF OHIO WORKERS OWED BACK WAGES?

Here’s how to find out.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 4,200 Ohio workers are owed more than $1.7 million in back wages. For example, if you changed jobs and never received your last paycheck, your money would have been forwarded to the Wage and Hour Division (WHD) of the federal government to be held for three years.

The department has created a search tool, Workers Owed Wages, to make it easier for workers to find out if they are owed money. If you are owed wages collected by WHD, complete the questions and search the database at dol.gov/agencies/whd/wow.

SENATOR BROWN PROTECTING OHIOANS FROM UTILITY RATE HIKES

In efforts to reduce energy costs, Senator Sherrod Brown urges the Biden Administration to fix a proposed EPA rule that could result in higher electric bills for rural Ohioans. With the Ohio Electric Cooperatives, Senator Brown calls on the EPA to change the rule to prevent possible rate hikes while still reducing pollution and protecting energy independence.

[WTRF, 1/13/2024]