Ohio’s controversial bill to restrict collective bargaining rights for unionized public workers is now on its way to Governor John Kasich (R ) to be signed into law. SB 5, which makes it illegal for state workers to strike and gives local governments new powers over contract negotiations with union workers, was passed out of the state legislature Wednesday night.
Kasich is all but certain to sign the bill, which is a key part of his conservative legislative agenda. But opponents say the fight is far from over. Union supporters and Democrats are now readying for their next battle: putting the legislation to the voters of Ohio. Â
Once Kasich signs SB 5, the law won’t go into effect for at least 90 days. That period will give opponents of the bill an opportunity to try and gather the 231,147 signatures (based on 6% of the vote total in the 2010 gubernatorial race, as state law requires) they’ll need to put a repeal referendum on the ballot.
Ohio Democrats are confident they’ll win once the citizens of the state get a chance to weigh in. State Democratic chair Chris Redfern told TPM that grassroot support for unions is the strongest he’s seen in decades. “Right now there’s not a groundswell of organized support to screw with collective bargaining,” Redfern said. “It’s really only coming out of legislature.”
Kasich’s showdown with unions appears to be souring his approval ratings in the state. In a recent Public Policy Polling poll, 35% of respondents said they approve of his job performance, while 54% said they disapprove.
