Gov. Kasich's speech to be met union protests on collective bargaining

State of the State set for Tuesday

3/7/2011

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Union and Democratic protests over collective bargaining proposals in Ohio are threatening to overshadow the first State of the State speech of Republican Gov. John Kasich.

The speech is Tuesday, the first day a bill that would limit collective bargaining rights for 350,000 public workers begins its trip through the Ohio House. The bill cleared the Senate last week 17-16. The AFL-CIO planned a Statehouse rally beginning 30 minutes before Kasich’s noon address.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees set the stage Monday with a “State of the Worker” event. A handful of public workers drew attention to benefit reductions and unpaid furlough days agreed to by public employee unions under current contracts.

National tea party groups planned a Tuesday event supporting Kasich and the bill.