The Labor Movement has a rich history in Ohio. In 1881 Samuel Gompers organized the group that was to become the American Federation of Labor in 1886 in Columbus, Ohio. With the shift away from heavy industries like steel and automotive, the service sector has become the front line for workers' rights in sectors such as communications, healthcare, and education. With the advent of Covid 19, we have been forced to recognize the essential nature of the 4 most common jobs in America (retail sales, cashier, food service, registered nurse), all of which have direct physical proximity to the open public. But most importantly, the purchasing power a living wage gives Ohio working people is necessary for the demand that drives a robust, healthy economy. In short, if working people don’t have money in their pockets, the economy tanks!
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