Connect with us

Cleveland, OH

REI Union Cleveland Workers Walk Out in Unfair Labor Practice Strike | Newsradio WTAM 1100

Published

on

REI Union Cleveland Workers Walk Out in Unfair Labor Practice Strike | Newsradio WTAM 1100


As background, please see Monday’s assertion from the Union, Tuesday’s media briefing recording with staff, and Thursday’s ULP submitting and letter from U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown. 

The worker-led unionization effort within the Beachwood suburb of Cleveland, Ohio, has been underway for over a yr. Nonetheless, staff cite the overwhelming win at REI, Inc. in SoHo, New York, as having put the “battery in our backs” to push to a majority of card signers and file for election. On January 11, 2023, a delegation of REI, Inc. staff on the Ohio retailer formally filed for a union election with Area 8 of the Nationwide Labor Relations Board (NLRB) looking for illustration with the Retail, Wholesale and Division Retailer Union (RWDSU). This got here on the heels of two shops successful their union elections in each the flagship SoHo, New York, and in Berkeley, California shops. Regardless of REI, Inc.’s each effort to union bust coast-to-coast, staff filed for a union election in Ohio once more. 

Staff on the Ohio retailer hoped they would not have to endure the identical union-busting marketing campaign their colleagues on the coasts did, however union-busting has already begun on the retailer, with staff being requested to affix conferences as a lot as twice a day. 

Final week, REI, Inc. refused to succeed in a Stipulated Settlement with the Retail, Wholesale, and Division Retailer Union (RWDSU) to maneuver forward with a union election on the Ohio retailer. The Cleveland workplace of the Nationwide Labor Relations Board (NLRB) commenced a listening to at present, Friday, February 3, 2023. The listening to course of, which is usually a prolonged distraction and delay, stifling staff’ voices, is one thing staff didn’t should endure throughout the prior two REI, Inc. union elections. The result, which can not come for weeks, delaying the election, will decide if, when, and the way staff can proceed. 

Advertisement

The Union seeks to signify all non-supervisory staff on the retailer, a presumptively applicable bargaining unit. However REI has put forth meritless assertions to delay the election. First, REI claims that gross sales leads are supervisors beneath the regulation and due to this fact can not unionize; second, that staff within the store part of the shop don’t share a group of curiosity with the shop’s retail staff; and third, that sure staff are “informal” staff and shouldn’t vote. 

RWDSU vehemently disagrees with REI’s objections. It’s particularly galling as a result of, because the Firm unnecessarily fights RWDSU in Ohio, it’s at present bargaining contracts with staff holding these similar classifications on the SoHo, New York, and Berkley, California shops. REI’s hypocrisy is union-busting plain and easy and is a meek try and exclude greater than half of the proposed bargaining unit from being eligible to vote.

REI additionally seeks to dismiss the Union’s election petition outright, citing an NLRB case from 1962 involving a union election within the South the place the employer made inflammatory racial appeals towards unionization. How this pertains to the Union’s petition in Ohio in 2023 is anybody’s guess. Nonetheless, RWDSU is incensed that REI would make such an implication in its NLRB submitting and decrease the racial and labor struggles within the South throughout that interval.

When profitable, the RWDSU will signify roughly 55 present NLRA-eligible staff within the Beachwood, Ohio, retailer in contract negotiations. The shop at present operates at a 60% staffing stage of its full capability, probably growing that quantity to over 70. The Union seeks to signify all non-supervisory staff on the retailer, which incorporates all full- and part-time gross sales specialists, technical specialists, visible presentation specialists, transport and receiving specialists, licensed technicians and mechanics, operations leads, gross sales leads, and transport and receiving leads.





Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Cleveland, OH

Cleveland police announce 6 more arrests in connection to September street takeovers

Published

on

Cleveland police announce 6 more arrests in connection to September street takeovers


CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Cleveland Police announced six more arrested in connection to the Sept. 28 and Sept. 29 street takeovers in a release Friday.

Cleveland police make arrests in Columbus in connection to September street takeovers

Cleveland Police said the six were arrested on Tuesday and the charges for them all range from aggravated riot, tampering with evidence, disruption of public service and possession of criminal tools to obstruction of official business.

Cleveland Police arrested the following individuals:

Advertisement
  • Duane Thomas Sanders, Jr. age 22, of Cleveland
  • Noah Scott Painting, age 20, of Brunswick
  • Robert Hezekiah Polk, age 18, of Strongsville
  • Imari Tylonic Cross, age 22, of North Canton

Below are the mugshots of the individuals arrested by Cleveland Police:

Cleveland police announce 6 more arrests in connection to September street takeovers(Cleveland Police)

Troopers arrest 2 people in connection to Cleveland street takeovers

Parma Police arrested 23-year-old David Goldwin of Independence.

Linndale Police arrested 19-year-old Ali Zahid Jumma Al Jubainawi of Akron.

Below are the mug shots of Jubainawi (left) and Goldwin (right):

Cleveland police announce 6 more arrests in connection to September street takeovers
Cleveland police announce 6 more arrests in connection to September street takeovers(Cleveland Police)

PREVIOUS: Cleveland City Council closer to enacting law that crackdowns down on street takeovers

Cleveland Police said this brings the total arrests to 15.

Advertisement

4 Columbus men accused in Cleveland street takeovers face judge

According to the release, there is an active warrant for 20-year-old Ethan James Yovann of Parma Heights.

The Street Takeover Task Force Tip Line is also still active.

PREVIOUS: Cleveland Police and the city plan pilot program to deter street takeovers

Anyone with information can call: 216-623-5474 or email to police@clevelandohio.gov.

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Cleveland, OH

6 must-see home holiday displays lighting up Northeast Ohio neighborhoods (photos)

Published

on

6 must-see home holiday displays lighting up Northeast Ohio neighborhoods (photos)


A neighborhood display at 21869 Seabury Ave., Fairview Park. Donations collected benefit Fairview Park Hunger Center, Fairview Park Meals on Wheels and the Fairview Park Senior Center.Jones Drones Cleveland

In neighborhoods across Northeast Ohio, homes are glowing with twinkling lights, oversized decorations and holiday cheer. But these dazzling displays aren’t always just for show. For many local families, lighting up the season is also a way to give back to those in need.

From Brunswick to Medina, these festive homes offer more than just a photo opportunity. They inspire generosity, bringing communities together to support charities that make a real difference. Here’s a look at some of the standout displays and the stories behind them.

Wadsworth Griswold House – Wadsworth

For Greg Osterland, 44, and his wife, turning his home on Duane Lane in Wadsworth into a scene from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” was a way to honor a family tradition. Inspired by the movie his family watched every Christmas Eve, Osterland’s display features 25,000 imported Italian twinkle lights, an RV like the one seen in the movie and even mannequins dressed as Cousin Eddie and Clark Griswold.

“It (The Griswold house from the movie) didn’t really exist, but I was able to create something that made it exist and put something that brings smiles to kids’ faces,” Osterland said. “That’s what’s kept me coming back.”

Through his Hollywood-inspired display, Osterland raises funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Great Strides event, which works to support people with cystic fibrosis (CF), a progressive genetic disease that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs, according to the organization’s website.

Diagnosed with CF himself at age six, Osterland said not many were aware of what it’s like to live with the condition, but the prognosis for those living with the disease has drastically improved over time due to advancements in research and technology.

“When I was diagnosed, the average lifespan was 30. Now, because of all the advancements we’ve had, that number has bumped up well into the 60s and even the 70s,” Osterland said. “I’m well past 30 years old and I’ve never felt better.”

Advertisement

His journey with CF has given Osterland a positive outlook that he hopes to give to others during the holidays through his display and by collecting donations for the Great Strides event.

Over 11 years of collecting donations, the house has raised about $50,000 for the organization, Osterland said.

Where: 173 Duane Lane, Wadsworth

Highlights: Plenty custom-made visual references to “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” including the home’s holiday Italian lights. Interactive games for kids.

When to visit: Lights are on every day until 11 p.m., with extra time during the week of Christmas. The display typically comes down the first week of January.

Advertisement

How to Help: You’ll find a lock box lit up in the front yard with QR Code for donations or you can visit their donation link here. This year’s goal is $12,000.

A Licursi Creations Christmas Story – Medina

For the past six years, Justin Licursi, 37, and his wife have transformed their cul-de-sac into a winter wonderland with holiday lights, attracting lines of visitors eager to enjoy the display.

Licursi says he was inspired to support holiday cheer this way after visiting the residential lighting displays in Crown Point Parkway (also on this list) during his teenage years.

“I remember going there when I was a teenager with friends. It was like ‘Oh, this is magical, this is great,’ and I just always remembered that,” he said. “It was always just a positive feeling around Christmas time.”

Advertisement

When people began donating, the Licursis had to figure out what to do with the money, so they decided to find a family in need who they could support. In 2023, they raised about $10,000 for a local family with a husband who had pancreatic cancer, Licursi said.

This year, donations will support the Kranek family, who have a daughter diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer at just 22 months old.

Where: 6321 Shadow Creek Drive, Medina

Highlights: Large “Merry Christmas” sign. 18 community-donated trees lit up. Yearly Grinch photo opportunity.

When: Lights are up 5-11 p.m. every night.

Advertisement

How to help: Visit the display’s Facebook page for more options to support this year’s family.

Crown Point Parkway Festival of Lights – Strongsville

What began as a neighborhood holiday lighting contest in 1988 has grown into a dazzling tradition at Crown Point Parkway in Strongsville, attracting thousands of visitors each season.

Dan Hoag, 68, and his wife, alongside their neighbors, have built a collaborative display featuring coordinated light arches, themed areas like Frostyville and Candyland and more intricate decorations.

The project started small, with Dan determined to win a neighborhood lighting contest in 1988. By 1994, nearly every house on the street participated, and Crown Point Parkway gained local fame after appearing on multiple new channels and TV shows, including ABC’s “Great Christmas Light Fight” in 2015.

Advertisement

Hoag, a home improvement contractor, dedicates months to setting up.

“It’s a six-to-nine-month project,” Hoag said, explaining the effort that goes into ensuring every light and decoration is perfectly aligned. “Seeing the joy it brings makes it worth the effort,” he said. “Walking away is hard when you see how much good this does.”

Donations began when visitors insisted on giving back, and the neighborhood eventually started donating to organizations and families in need. The tradition has since raised nearly $250,000 for charitable causes over the years, Hoag said.

This year, donations will support the Wish Foundation of Northeast Ohio and the Berea Animal Shelter.

Where: 14335 Crown Point Parkway, Strongsville

Advertisement

Highlights: Santa visits on the weekend. Meticulously placed and cared for lights. Themed display areas. Holiday light arches between homes. Widespread neighborhood participation.

When to visit: Lights on around 5:30-10 p.m., Monday– Thursday, 5:30–11 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 6–9 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

How to help: Collection box on site. Or, support the A Special Wish Northeast Ohio Chapter and Bera Animal Rescue online.

Naelitz Holiday Displays – Brunswick

Naelitz Holiday Displays

A bright display with thousands of lights and holiday figures at 369 Crestway Oval, Brunswick, collecting donations for the Brunswick Food Pantry.Scott Naelitz

Nestled on Crestway Oval in Brunswick, the Naelitz family’s display boasts plenty of inflatables, animatronic holiday figures, and over 50,000 lights, according to Scott Naelitz, 54.

He grew up in a household that went all out for the holidays in the Old Brooklyn area of Cleveland. With his wife, he decided to carry on the tradition when starting his own family in Brunswick, he said.

Advertisement

When the Naelitzs noticed the amount of attention the display started to attract, they knew they had to make the most of it. Both longtime volunteers at the Brunswick Food Pantry, the couple began to collect nonperishable food items and monetary donations from visitors for the pantry.

“We just decided if we ever had the opportunity to be able to do something to help… as opposed to just being out there passing food, we’d take the opportunity to help them,” Naelitz said.

Where: 369 Crestway Oval, Brunswick

Highlights: Large “Joy” sign shining bright on the roof, blow molds.

When to visit: Their lights shine nightly from 5:30 to 11 p.m. through January 1.

Advertisement

How to help: In the yard is a donation box accepting non-perishable donations for the Brunswick Food Pantry.

Fairview Park Holiday Lights – Seabury Avenue

Fairview Park’s Seabury Avenue has become a well-known destination for holiday cheer and dazzling lights, thanks to Bill and Diane McVicker, who started their community’s extravagant neighborhood lighting tradition in 2012.

To get to the point where the neighborhood’s lighting festival is today, Bill, who inherited the habit of taking on holiday projects from his grandfather, worked that habit into his home’s lighting display and encouraged neighbors to do the same.

Now, through the neighborhood’s holiday display and fun attractions like the McVickers’ “Elf Tent” which offers hot chocolate, “magical” reindeer food, and more, they collect donations for three organizations: the Fairview Park Hunger Center, Fairview Park Meals on Wheels and the Fairview Park Senior Center.

Advertisement

“Kids will have a handful of coins for the drop box. It’s nice to see kids learning to give back at an early age,” Bill McVicker said.

The McVicker said it feels good to see families returning year after year and hearing stories about how their display has become part of other families’ traditions.

Since 2018, the family has raised over $23,000 for the three charities, according to the McVickers. They expect donations to be down this year due to increased enforcement of rules by the city of Fairview Park that aim to reduce unruly visitors and traffic issues.

Where: 21869 Seabury Ave., Fairview Park

Highlights: Elf tent with treats, merry-go-round for kids. Widespread neighborhood participation.

Advertisement

When to visit: Lights are on all the time. This year, community festivities run from December 20 to 25, with the Elf Tent open nightly from 6 to 9 p.m.

How to help: Donations collected on site, particularly in the Elf tent. Or, visit the charitable organizations online: Fairview Park Hunger Center, Fairview Park Meals on Wheels and the Fairview Park Senior Center.

Petkovsek Family Christmas Lights – North Royalton

On a corner lot in North Royalton, the Petkovsek family’s vibrant display has been a staple in the neighborhood since 2016. Thousands of lights illuminate the home, delighting visitors who often stop to snap photos or enjoy the festive atmosphere.

For Joe Petkovsek, 45, the tradition dates back to his childhood, helping his father decorate their family home every holiday season.

Advertisement

“As a kid, I remember having my eyes wide open helping my dad decorate the roof. I always enjoyed it.”

Now, he and his wife try to carry that tradition forward to the next generation. Their three kids — ages 10, 7, and 5 — are just as invested in helping build the display as he once was.

But for the Petkovseks, it’s not just about experiencing the fun themselves; it’s also about doing something good.

“We wanted to show the kids that the lights aren’t just for our joy, we’re doing something for the needy,” Petkovsek said.

Being an animal-loving household, the display collects donations for Stearns Homestead, an educational farm in Parma that takes care of various animals.

Advertisement

Where: 10020 Applewood Drive, North Royalton

Highlights: Lights everywhere, fun figures expanding the large property.

When to visit: Lights are on 5 p.m.–11 p.m. every night. Extended hours closer to Christmas. Open all night on Christmas Eve.

How to help: Collection box on the property. Or visit the farm’s website to support the cause.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Cleveland, OH

Cleveland Browns Foundation and United Airlines surprise Stay in the Game! educator with a trip to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans

Published

on

Cleveland Browns Foundation and United Airlines surprise Stay in the Game! educator with a trip to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans


CLEVELAND, OH – On Tuesday, Dec. 17, the Cleveland Browns Foundation surprised Ann Pesta, an educator from Stay in the Game! partner school Lakewood High School, with a surprise gift and recognition: tickets to Super Bowl LIX, round-trip flights courtesy of United Airlines, and accommodations for her and a guest.

The Stay in the Game! Attendance Network, launched in 2019, provides support and resources to Ohio school districts with the goal of increasing school attendance and decreasing chronic absenteeism. The Network supports 161 districts throughout the state of Ohio, with 108 of those districts within the Browns region, including Lakewood City School District.

Pesta, a Lakewood science teacher, received the news in front of her students and colleagues during a catered holiday luncheon, courtesy of the Browns. Browns players – guard Wyatt Teller, wide receiver David Bell, defensive back Tony Browns II and Chomps – were in attendance to present the tickets and commend Pesta for her impact on students throughout her 30-year career.

“It is a huge honor to be able to surprise Ms. Pesta today and show her that her job matters a lot to the Browns organization, Stay in the Game! and to me personally as my mother, father and older sister are educators,” said Browns defensive back Tony Brown II. “They can positively affect a young adult’s life by encouraging them to come to school. So hopefully something like this can show teachers that they are seen and appreciated.”

Advertisement

In November, the Browns called for nominations of educators who inspire students to show up for school. Receiving a large number of nominations, Pesta was selected for her contribution to education by creating an engaging learning environment that encourages regular student attendance. She was nominated by both current and former students, parents, and colleagues, which shows the impact she has had on her community throughout her career.

“We are so excited to be part of Stay in the Game! because it gives us another way to really reinforce the great things that so many of our Lakewood teachers are doing,” said Lakewood City School Coordinator of Student Wellness, Dr. Merritt Waters. “To partner with an organization like the Cleveland Browns to help show Ms. Pesta just how much we appreciate her is fantastic.”

In addition to the Super Bowl surprise, the Cleveland Browns Foundation and United Airlines invited Pesta and four other educators from Stay in the Game! partner districts across NE Ohio to be celebrated at the last Browns home game of the season against the Miami Dolphins on December 29th. Each educator will have the opportunity to bring three guests with them to enjoy the game.

One of United Airlines’ key areas of focus in the community is youth education, which aligns with the efforts of the Browns Foundation and Stay in the Game! Attendance Network. As a part of that focus, United Airlines wanted to help celebrate Pesta by providing the flights and recognizing four other educators who are making a huge impact on their students.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending