The union applauded Acton’s dedication to investing in public schools.
The largest labor union for educators in Ohio has endorsed former director of the Ohio Department of Health Dr. Amy Acton for governor.
The Ohio Education Association (OEA) released a statement earlier this year, saying the endorsement is due to Acton’s dedication to the working class and her plan to invest in public schools.
OEA represents between 116,000 and 125,000 educators, faculty members, and support professionals in Ohio.
“Public education is not a red or blue issue; it’s about making sure Ohio’s students can reach their full potential in our state. Amy Acton truly understands public education and labor issues, and she has a clear vision to address the real challenges facing schools in our state. Dr. Acton is the clear choice to lead Ohio forward toward a better future for all of us,” said OEA President Jeff Wensing in the news release.
“Public schools saved my life. As the wife of a 43-year public school teacher, it is incredibly meaningful to receive the Ohio Education Association’s endorsement,” said Acton in a statement.
The Ohio Federation of Teachers also endorsed Acton for governor of the state.
According to a recent report, Ohio is among the five states “with bargaining policies most favorable to teacher unions.” They have a considerable amount of bargaining power in the state, and critics are concerned that this is hurting the public school system.
However, although the state is ranked high in labor protections and collective bargaining, the strength of Ohio’s teacher unions has fallen to 17th overall in the country. Ohio was previously ranked 12th.
Over the years, the percent of all public school teachers who are members of a teachers’ union in Ohio has also declined, according to the report.
The report says that Ohio is ranked 36 in the country for perceived influence of its teachers’ unions.
With their strength on the decline, public educator unions in Ohio are seeking a candidate that will help restore their power in the state. However, their bargaining power and ability to strike have caused problems in public schools that are already hurting.
