Catherwood LibraryILR School

The Ohio Senate passed a bill that will eliminate collective bargaining for public workers, including police and firefighters. The bill also contains provisions that give governments the final say in negotiations and one that blocs workers from talking to elected officials during contract negotiations. The bill also makes strikes a criminal offense for most workers. Supporters of the bill say that it is necessary to control the deficit, but many see the bill as an attack on the unions. The measure passed the Senate by one vote, with 6 Republicans voting against it. Most said that they agreed with the majority of the bill, but felt that some provisions went too far. Others said that they worried about alienating voters by passing sweeping reforms so quickly. By passing the bill so quickly, Republicans are ensuring that a ballot referendum will be during the 2011 election rather than 2012 election.