Unions, tea party supporters to chime in on Ohio collective bargaining bill

COLUMBUS — Hundreds of union representatives are expected to converge on the Statehouse Tuesday for the first of two hearings this week on legislation to end collective bargaining by public employees.

But even bigger crowds are expected Thursday, with tea party groups from throughout the state planning to add their voices to a growing chorus of opinions on Senate Bill 5.

Hearings on the legislation are scheduled at 2:30 Tuesday and at 10 a.m. Thursday, both before the Senate’s Insurance, Commerce and Labor Committee.

The legislation would eliminate collective bargaining among state employees and workers at state colleges and universities. Current collective bargaining agreements would expire at the end of their current terms, and future employee pay rates and increases would be based on merit, not seniority.