Month: May 2026

Active Labor Unions in Lake County, Ohio

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Dock Workers Strike, 1887

The Fairport 1887 strike was a labor dispute in Fairport Harbor, Ohio, where Finnish and German dockworkers and ore handlers struck for a wage increase to $\$2$ a day (20 cents an hour). The strike turned violent, prompting the Lake County Sheriff to call the Ohio Militia to quell the unrest. [1, 2, 3]

Key Details of the Event:

  • Date: The strike began on December 15, 1887.
  • Cause: The workers demanded a wage increase to $\$2.00$ per day to meet the rising costs of living and match prevailing regional wages.
  • Escalation: Strikers utilized open violence and threats against strikebreakers to stop work on the docks, stalling the unloading of vital freight and iron ore.
  • Militia Deployment: Due to the severity of the standoff, Ohio Governor Joseph B. Foraker deployed troops to Fairport to restore order and protect the property of the dock operators.
  • Aftermath: On December 9, a regiment arrived from Cleveland and arrested ten of the primary strike leaders, effectively breaking the industrial strike.

FP&E Railroad Government Takeover, 1942

Industrialists in Olive Drab: The Emergency Operation of Private Industries During World War II

Government Takeover of Diamond Alkali, 1945

Executive Order 9574—Authorizing the Secretary of War to Take Possession of and Operate the Plants and Facilities of the Diamond Alkali Company, Located in Or Around Painesville, Ohio | The American Presidency Project

Baking Soda National Disruption, 1950

BAKING SODA STOCKS DOWN; Strike in Soda Ash Plants Affects Stores, Bakers – The New York Times

IRC Fibers / The Rayon – Labor Actions and Union Representation

Industrial Rayon Corporation- Celebrating a Special Workplace : The Cleveland Memory Project

Industrial Rayon Corporation in Cleveland manufactured rayon yarn, the world’s first synthetic fiber, which found use in items ranging from undergarments to tires. Rayon production using an innovative continuous spinning process at the West Boulevard plant and the Painesville plant reached high levels during WWII. The company weathered the Depression, labor strikes and environmental complaints, but in post-war years demand for rayon fell.

The Textile Workers Union of America (TWUA) historically represented production workers at the Industrial Rayon Corporation (IRC Fibers) plant in Painesville, Ohio. The plant was formerly the second-largest employer in Lake County before permanently closing in August 1980. [1, 2, 3]

Key Labor Union Details for the Painesville Plant:

  • Bargaining Unit: The Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO)
    , specifically through the TWUA
    , won the initial bargaining elections at the Painesville and Cleveland facilities in May 1942.
  • Operating Engineers: Powerhouse and maintenance personnel were often represented by Local 600 of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE).
  • Plant History: Located on a 630-acre site on Bacon Road, the facility produced polyester yarn and was a major synthetic-fiber producer. The operation ceased in 1980 due to a decline in demand for tire yarns.
  • Historical Records: Archival records concerning the plant’s unionization and operations can be explored via the Cleveland Memory Project
    curated by Cleveland State University.

[1] http://www.clevelandmemory.org/irc/articles/19800806close.html

[2] https://web.ulib.csuohio.edu/irc/articles/19420515cio.html

[3] https://www.news-herald.com/2005/03/01/edith-carroll/

Steel Workers Union at Coe Manufacturing

Historically, the primary union representing workers at Coe Manufacturing (known for its engineered wood and forestry equipment) was the United Steelworkers (USW), specifically Local 12833 at the former Painesville, Ohio plant. [1, 2, 3]

Here are the specific details regarding Coe Manufacturing and labor unions:

  • Painesville Plant Closure: The union-represented plant in Ohio, which manufactured heavy machinery for the forest products industry, was permanently closed by its parent company (USNR) in February 2010.
  • Labor Relations: The facility’s collective bargaining agreements primarily fell under USW District 1. Prior to the plant’s closure, the union engaged in “effects bargaining” and assisted displaced workers with securing federal Trade Readjustment Allowances.
  • USW Resources: If you are a former member, a current employee under the USNR/Coe umbrella, or need general representation, you can find information and regional contact details directly through the United Steelworkers Official Website
    .

[1] https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/rod/docs/pdf/11/2003/2003-Ohio-1395.pdf

[2] https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/social-sciences-and-humanities/united-steelworkers-labor-union

[3] https://www.news-herald.com/2009/12/20/the-whole-09-yards-the-years-most-interesting-business-features/

[8] https://www.news-herald.com/2010/02/26/coe-employees-left-to-wonder-whats-next/

Uniroyal Strike, 1979

Diamond Magnesium Represented by Steelworkers Union

The Diamond Magnesium Company was an aluminum and magnesium processing facility that operated a large plant in Painesville, Ohio, during the 1940s and 1950s under contract to the federal government. The workforce was organized under the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO), with labor representation by the United Steelworkers

.Labor & Historical Context

  • Union Representation: The United Steelworkers
    (USW) was actively involved in representing workers and securing early collective bargaining agreements and wage concessions at the Painesville facility during World War II.
  • Atomic Legacy: The Painesville plant is historically recognized under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act
    (EEOICPA) as a former contractor for the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and Manhattan Engineer District. Workers who handled radioactive materials or scrap steel on-site may qualify for benefits through the U.S. Department of Labor’s EEOICPA Program..
  • Current Status: The original site was closed in the late 1950s and has since undergone environmental remediation as part of the FUSRAP Program
    (Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program) managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Fairport Teachers are Unionized

Fairport Harbor Education Association Bargaining Agreement – Fairport Harbor Exempted Village School District

Painesville Teachers are Unionized

Collective Bargaining Agreement – Ohio Public Sector

Collective Bargaining Agreement – Ohio Public Sector

Morton Salt Represented by the Steelworkers

The Morton Salt facility in Painesville, Ohio (often associated with the Fairport Harbor mine beneath Lake Erie) is represented by the United Steelworkers (USW). Specifically, workers at the operation are members of USW Local 12606, which covers hundreds of union members. [1, 2, 3]

Key Details & Background

  • Location: 570 Headlands Rd, Painesville, OH 44077
  • Union Affiliation: USW represents the mine laborers, mechanics, and processing operators who produce water softening salt, ice melt, and industrial salt products.
  • History: The Painesville/Fairport site is one of the oldest active salt mines in the country. While it occasionally faces negotiations, workforce adjustments, and shifting production schedules, the USW maintains a strong, decades-long presence at the site.

[1] https://www.facebook.com/Fox8NewsCleveland/videos/morton-salt-mines/652119061850528/

[2] https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Morton-Salt/faq/is-morton-salt-a-union-company?quid=1c54cknquakdudlk

[3] https://www.facebook.com/steelworkers/photos/a.10150225828646195/10153161083006195/?type=3

Painesville Police are Unionized

Collective Bargaining Agreement – Ohio Public Sector

County Clerk of Courts Unionization

Lake County Clerk of Court employees seek to unionize | wkyc.com

Strong Skilled Trades Unions

Lake County, Ohio offers robust pathways into the skilled trades through local union chapters and state-certified “earn-while-you-learn” apprenticeship programs. These organizations combine paid, on-the-job training with classroom instruction, allowing you to build a debt-free career in construction, manufacturing, or service industries. [1, 2, 3, 4]

The region is represented by a few key umbrella councils and several localized union chapters. [5]

Union Umbrella Organizations

  • Cleveland Building & Construction Trades Council: The overarching federation for over 29 affiliated local unions in Greater Cleveland. You can explore detailed trades and application resources via the Cleveland Building & Construction Trades Council or ACT Ohio
    .
  • North Shore AFL-CIO: Provides comprehensive listings and contact information for local union affiliates operating in Lake County. View local options through the North Shore AFL-CIO Apprenticeships Directory. [5, 6, 7, 8]

Specific Trades & Local Chapters in Lake County

  • Electrical Workers (IBEW Local 673): Services electrical workers throughout Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula counties. The Lake County Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) offers 5-year Inside Wireman and 4-year Telecommunication programs. Contact them and view program details via IBEW Local 673 or the Lake County JATC.
  • Laborers (Local 860): Covers heavy highway, pipeline, and utility construction across Lake, Cuyahoga, and Geauga counties. Members also benefit from statewide training at the Drexel J. Thrash Training Center. Learn more at Laborers Local Union 860.
  • Painters & Allied Trades (District Council 6): Actively recruits apprentices and experienced tradespeople for industrial/commercial painting, drywall finishing, and glazing. Find out how to join via IUPAT DC 6 Membership.
  • Bricklayers (Local 16): Maintains a regional presence specifically in Mentor, OH. [2, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12]

[1] https://unionizecle.org/apprenticeship/

[2] https://iupat-dc6.org/become-a-member/

[3] https://www.local894.com/apprenticeship-program

[4] https://nationalmechanicalinstitute.com/

[5] https://northshoreaflcio.org/apprenticeships

[6] https://www.cbctc.org/

[7] https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/oh-counselor-training-construction-apprenticeship-3592099

[8] https://unionizecle.org/apprenticeship/

[9] https://ibew673.org/

[10] https://lakecountyjatc.org/

[11] https://www.laborers860.com/about-us/

[12] https://oltc.org/

Summary

Lake County has been a major manufacturing center for more than a century. Unions have represented workers at major employers during this time. Lake County’s state leading incomes were driven by union efforts.

Buckeye Rustbelt – Good News

Proportional Representation Voting Systems

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Our political systems are broken. The Supreme Court’s decision to make race an unconstitutional factor in determining voting districts will probably reduce racial minority representation significantly as partisan political parties are no longer legally constrained by this limit. State level gerrymandering is proceeding towards 80% to 90% of seats being captured by the larger party whenever possible. Minority representation is greatly reduced or eliminated. Polarization increases. Citizen buy-in decreases.

It may be that the American people have had enough. Some states will adopt independent commissions to draw congressional and state districts.

Another option is proportional representation. Define multi-member districts so that minority group, party and sub-party groups are more likely to be represented closer to their proportion of the vote.

Proportional representation requires important choices about the size of districts (typically 3-8 members is ideal) and the balance between party and candidate importance (a balanced approach is recommended).

Ranked choice voting systems can also be implemented with proportional or our existing single member districts. Ranked choice systems allow voters to express more of their preferences for candidates and parties.

A 1967 federal law requires single member congressional districts. It could be repealed by Congress to allow states to experiment with these options.

Few democracies worldwide still cling to single member/first past the post/winner take all districts. The US has historical experience with alternative member district rules.

Proportional representation is not a panacea. No voting system perfectly translates voter preferences into candidates and their subsequent votes. But proportional representation would help to reduce our polarized 2-party system, reduce the influence of money on elections and help voters to see and feel that their votes matter.

‘Proportional representation’ could reduce polarization in Congress and help more people feel like their voices are being heard

Proportional Representation

Proportional representation, explained

Video: Proportional Representation, Explained | Sightline Institute

Imagine if Congress was elected by Proportional Representation

Proportional Representation Voting Systems  – FairVote

Proportional Representation – Center for Effective Government

Proportional representation – Wikipedia

Update on Proportional Representation | American Academy of Arts and Sciences

Protecting voting rights with proportional representation – FairVote

The best response to the Supreme Court’s Callais ruling: proportional representation

The Best Way to Fix the Supreme Court’s Attack on Voting Rights | The New Republic

Economic Malpractice versus a Super US Economy

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Ranked: The World’s Most Valuable Unicorns in 202

As of April, 2026 the US economy has survived 16 months of Trumpian economic malpractice.

  1. Tariffs have cost each family $2,000 annually, acting as a huge tax increase. Suppliers and importers have absorbed less than one-fourth of the increased costs.
  2. Tariffs and surrounding uncertainty have stopped normal business investments, R&D and new hiring.
  3. $34 billion of green energy projects have been cancelled.
  4. Manufacturing employment continues to decline.
  5. Foreign born employment has been flat, after increasing by 4 million during 2022-24 to 31.8 million.
  6. Farm bankruptcies grew by 46% due to retaliatory tariffs, labor shortages and input cost increases.
  7. Mortgage rates have increased by 1% compared to the federal funds rate due to increased inflation, budget deficits and Fed independence concerns. In time, that is an extra $1,500 annually for every home mortgage.
  8. Inflation was trending towards its 2% target. Trump policies have increased it to 3% and rising. This costs the median family budget $1,000 per year.
  9. The DOGE initiatives and government shutdowns have made the federal government much less effective in performing its core functions.
  10. Reduced IRS staffing is forecast to reduce revenue collections by $750 billion per decade.
  11. Higher import tariffs increase input costs to American manufacturers, placing small and medium sized firms at greater risk of bankruptcy.
  12. The US credit rating has been reduced by Moody’s due to the growing budget deficit and uncertainties, adding to the long-run cost of servicing the $39 trillion debt. At a nominal 0.25% premium that adds another $700 per year to the average household’s cost for debt service.
  13. Frozen, reduced and politicized federal R&D threaten future economic advances.
  14. The value of the US dollar has declined by 10%, making imports more expensive and exports more attractive.
  15. The consumer sentiment index has declined from 70 to 50, as low as the depths of the pandemic!
  16. Trump has required coal-fired power plants to operate beyond their planned retirement dates, costing consumers $5 billion per year.
  17. The Iran war costs the country $50 billion.
  18. Weaker relations with others will cost the US $1-3 billion annually in reduced foreign travelers.

Why hasn’t the economy tanked? The Iran war and tariffs may combine to tip the US economy into recession before the end of 2026, but so far it has been very resilient. How is this possible?

Good News: The Business Cycle is Done – Good News

The US Economy Leads the World – Good News

  1. The long-term trends point to dynamic and creative US business and labor sectors compared with other countries.
  2. The US economy has moved from a high fixed cost manufacturing world to a diversified service and knowledge economy, diversifying its economy and risks.
  3. The US economy is more globally competitive and able to use international trade to manage its risks.
  4. The AI revolution has sparked a huge data center and electricity power investment cycle. This is a classic Keynesian investment multiplier-accelerator situation, driving large investments today to support future expected demand.
  5. The US stock market valuation has grown based upon historical growth trends, US competitiveness and the expectation of future business-friendly policies (regulation, competition, taxation, trade).
  6. The wealth effect of the stock market has boosted the K-shaped economy with higher income/wealth families continuing to spend.
  7. The One Big Beautiful Bill is a classic Keynesian economic stimulus from lower effective tax rates. In the short-run, the bond markets have not yet determined that the US has reached the point where it’s deficit spending is unsustainable. It may be close to that limit.
  8. The “exorbitant privilege” of the US dollar as the world’s reserve currency and hedge for economic uncertainty remains in place. This is another “tipping point” situation where at some time China and the EU become reasonable options and US government borrowing rates spike upwards.
  9. The federal reserve bank has cut baseline interest rates from 5.3% to 3.6%, offering borrowers a loose monetary policy, even if Trump calls for even lower rates.
  10. Annual new home construction starts remain at 1.3 million as builders bet that higher housing prices and an 8-year building deficit will have to be filled. Historically they would have reduced their investments.
  11. Employers remember the pain of filling open positions after the pandemic and remain slow to make major job cuts that can be rationalized away.
  12. 3% inflation is “manageable” by producers and consumers, even if it is not at the nominal 2% target.
  13. TACO: Trump has not maintained his headline import tariff levels.
  14. US imports are only 14% of GDP, down from 17% in 2011. Tariff changes have a smaller impact.
  15. US strength in trade negotiations has been confirmed. Other countries have mostly chosen not to implement significant retaliatory tariffs. China is an exception.
  16. Health care job growth has continued as the US population ages and requires greater care funded by employer insurance, Medicare and savings.
  17. The leisure and hospitality industry has added jobs as the pandemic travel rebound continues.
  18. The energy industry investments in wind, solar and transmission continue after a decade of limited investments, despite Trump’s lack of current support.
  19. Trump’s pro-business tax, regulation, enforcement and competition policies provide businesses with opportunities to grow their profits.
  20. The core age labor force participation rate remains at an historically high 84%.
  21. Global oil prices trended down by 25% during 2023-2025. They’re up by two-thirds in the last few months.
  22. Labor force productivity growth has been 3%+ during 2023-2025 after 3 years of no growth in 2020-2022.
  23. The US leads the world in scientific and economic innovation by a wide margin.

List of unicorn startup companies – Wikipedia

Summary

Trump’s policies have cost the typical American family about $5,000 per year on a base of $100,00. They feel this and reflect it in the consumer sentiment surveys.

The US economy is far more diversified, resilient, creative, innovative, responsive than it was historically. It is able to adapt to changing regulations, immigration, regulatory enforcement, tariffs and opportunities. It is well positioned to succeed in the new US and global environment.