An estimated 10,000 union workers from across the state returned to Columbus Tuesday to voice their concerns on Senate Bill 5.
This time, however, officials have limited the number of people allowed inside the Statehouse, and the majority of protesters were locked outside.
A Senate hearing was set for 4 p.m. on the bill, but crowds started arriving for rallies and other events well before noon. Tuesday's show was the biggest yet since
Senators Capri Cafaro and Joe Schiavoni along with state Rep. Bob Hagan helped negotiate getting 500 additional protesters in the building.
"The bottom line," said Schiavoni, "we invite them to take part and then we don't let them in. It is blatantly unfair."
The protesters who were let in the building chanted loudly "kill the bill" and "solidarity."
Former Gov. Ted Strickland and U.S. Congressman Tim Ryan joined the protesters to show their support.
"This is trying to blame workers," said Ryan. "It is totally unfair."
There is no vote set yet, and Republican leadership said they don't expect a vote for at least a week. They also believe there could be changes made to the current proposal.
Right now, the proposed bill eliminates collective bargaining for state employees and restricts binding arbitration for police and fire unions.
"The big question is where the bill will end up," said Sen. Kevin Bacon. "We are in second stage and will find the best way to reform collective bargaining in the state of Ohio."
Several senate Republicans said they fear the bill is moving to fast, and they would like more time to go over it.
Kasich said he believes there needs to be some changes in order to restore balance between labor and management.
However, Democrat Senators and the majority of protesters said they don't want changes to the bill; they want it gone.
At least 200 mostly union workers from across the state packed into the Ladies' Gallery just before a 1 p.m. news conference. The crowds were dominated with Ohio State Highway Patrol workers.
Last week, thousands of union members and Tea Party activists swarmed the Statehouse to voice their opinions on the bill. Tuesday, upward of 1,000 opponents of the bill gathered for rally at YSU.
If passed, the bill would directly affect about 42,000 state workers and close to 20,000 employed in higher education. A vote hasn't been set, but is not expected this week.
