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The Central Ohio Worker Center and the Ohio Federation of Teachers are co-hosting the first Central Ohio High School Collective Bargaining Day. At least ten unions and 45 students will come together for a day-long program to learn about unions and participate in a Collective Bargaining Simulation. The curriculum and materials for the program are provided by the DePaul University Labor Education Center, and the Northeast Ohio Worker Center has hosted a similar program the last two summers. Students will leave with hands-on experience negotiating a work contract, will learn about what rights they have as a worker, and will make personal connections with local union leadership. Columbus City Councilmember Rob Dorans will share opening remarks. Event registration is full.
Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers and Secretary-Treasurer of the Ohio AFL-CIO, is proud to cosponsor this important event. “Ohio is a state with a rich labor history. Working people built strong unions in Ohio that gave us the power to negotiate for better pay and working conditions. It’s important that students understand the process of collective bargaining, where workers can have a real say in what happens in our workplaces. As these students choose what career path to take, we want them to know by joining or forming a union, they can have better pay and benefits, a safer workplace, and a voice at work.”
What: High School Collective Bargaining Program
When: Thursday July 31, 2025 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m
Where: IBEW 683 Union Hall 939 Goodale Blvd, Columbus, OH 43212
Who: The Central Ohio Worker Center and the Ohio Federation of Teachers with support and collaboration from the following labor unions in central Ohio: the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 683, Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 189, United Steel Workers Local 73, Central Ohio Labor Council AFL-CIO, Communications Workers of America Local 4502, Gateway Film Center United AFSCME Local 281, Columbus Education Association, Ohio Education Association, United Faculty of Central Ohio Technical College, Local 4729, and Transport Workers Union of America Local 208.
