MOUNT VERNON — Voters will have the opportunity to approve or disapprove Issue 2, which addresses Senate Bill 5 which was passed by the Ohio Legislature on March 2, 2011. Ballot language reads:
“Issue 2. Referendum on new law relative to government union contracts and other government employement contracts and policies.
“A majority yes vote is necessary for Amended Substitute Senate Bill No. 5 to be approved.”
Amended Substitute Senate Bill No. 5 is a new law relative to government union contracts and other government employment contracts and policies.
The bill has been characterized by some as an anti-labor law.
The bill takes aim at state collective bargaining laws. It would limit collective bargaining rights for public employees, including teachers, police officers and firefighters. In its original version, SB 5 included a ban on collective bargaining. After several days of protests at the Ohio Statehouse, Senate Republicans agreed to amend SB 5. The bill now permits union negotiations for wages, hours and working conditions, but still bans collective bargaining for benefits. It also eliminates binding arbitration and prohibits public employees from going on strike.
