Episode Details

In this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we dive into two major battles for the future of public education and worker rights.

First, Jason Rabinowitz, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 2010, discusses the weeklong strike of 1,100 skilled trades workers across the California State University (CSU) system. He breaks down why the union is striking over "broken promises" regarding negotiated step increases and how the CSU system is prioritizing executive compensation over the workers who keep 22 campuses running.

Next, we head to Ohio with Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT). Cropper sounds the alarm on HB 671, a "bully bill" that threatens to withhold state funding from school districts that challenge state laws in court—specifically targeting those fighting EdChoice vouchers. She also addresses the professional autonomy concerns within HB 693 and the upcoming 2026 OFT Convention.

What we discuss in this episode:

• The CSU Strike: Why electrical, HVAC, and plumbing workers are withdrawing their labor to enforce a signed contract.
• The "Step" Struggle: The 30-year fight to restore fair wage progression in California higher education.
• Ohio’s HB 671: How a new bill seeks to financially penalize school districts for exercising their legal rights.
• Educator Autonomy: The impact of HB 693 on classroom language and teacher-student relationships.