EPISODE · Jul 22, 2026 · 23 MIN
OFT's Melissa Cropper on AFT Growth, a Library Win and Ohio Elections
from America’s Work Force Union Podcast · host BMA Media Group
Columbus Metropolitan Library workers filed for their union election in December 2025, waited six months and faced weekly anti-union emails from administration the entire time. On July 7, they voted yes with 86 percent approval. OFT filed a demand to bargain the same day. On today's episode of America's Work Force Union Podcast, Ohio Federation of Teachers President Melissa Cropper joins us fresh from the AFT convention in Washington. She discusses the federation's growth to 1.875 million members, why she calls it the fastest-growing union in the country, the five fightback pillars shaping AFT's strategy, and the convention resolutions on school funding and child labor accountability. She also breaks down what is at stake in Ohio's governor, Senate and Ohio House races this fall and where to find the OFT voter guide. Visit oft-aft.org for more.
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What this episode covers
Ohio Federation of Teachers President Melissa Cropper discusses the AFT convention’s highlights, including the federation’s growth to 1.875 million members, resolutions on school funding and child labor accountability and an 86 percent organizing win at the Columbus Metropolitan Library after a six-month election wait. She also covers Ohio’s fall elections, including OFT’s endorsement of Amy Acton for governor and Sherrod Brown for Senate, and why breaking the Republican supermajority in the Ohio House matters as much as the statewide races.
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OFT's Melissa Cropper on AFT Growth, a Library Win and Ohio Elections
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