Striking Ohio State service workers and their supporters marched to City Hall to speak before Columbus City Council at the council’s meeting Monday evening.

Along with student supporters, about 150 members of the Communications Workers of America OSU Local 4501 marched down High Street chanting, “No pay, no way,” in an effort to gain the support of city council members and to voice their concerns to the city’s elected officials.

“There is no democratic forum in which to speak at OSU. This gives us the opportunity to speak to elected officials, people who still have someone to answer to,” said Gary Josephson, union local president.

“A Goliath sits in your midst,” Josephson said to the council. “This Goliath does not have to answer to the city or to the citizens or to the council. This Goliath is Ohio State.”

OSU is not under the jurisdiction of the city council, so this address was only meant to generate support for the workers.

The union proposed a request for support before the council, which included support by resolution or by personal contact that the council members can give. It also requested that Columbus adopt a “living wage” legislation, “anti-scab” legislation and that Columbus combine with other Ohio governmental bodies to change the undemocratic nature of governing bodies at Ohio universities.

City Council President Matthew D. Habash acknowledged the importance of living wage statutes and thanked the union for their safe and legal practices while on strike.

“It is definitely a challenge when people who are playing by all the rules are still unable to support their families,” Habash said.

Other council members were more outspoken with their support for the union workers.

“I support the workers’ demands because that is what’s right,” said Councilwoman Charleta Tavares. “I agree with equal pay for equal work, whether you are on the campus or at the hospital.”

She also talked about a fast food restaurant which was offering $8 per hour starting pay, with benefits and stock options.

“What does that say to these workers who have been with their jobs for 10 to 15 years?” she asked.

About 25 percent of OSU’s union workers earn less than $8 per hour.

Councilman Michael C. Mentel also voiced support for the union.

“When you hear that horn honking out there, it will be mine. I will not go anywhere that involves crossing your picket lines, and you can expect OSU’s leaders to be getting a call from me urging a fair resolution to this,” he said.

Union member Beatrice Polk also addressed the council.

“We don’t want our children on the streets,” she said. “We don’t want them to be part of those (crime) statistics you have to address here.”

The union is expecting to resume negotiations with the university on Thursday.Past Lantern stories:

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From the Office of Human Resources