(COLUMBUS, OHIO) - Respiratory Therapists at Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center have voted overwhelmingly to Unionize, 101-to-19, joining with the Ohio Nurses Association (ONA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) to fight for better pay and working conditions.

The win brings the number of new AFT organizing victories this year to 50, a record for the Union, totaling more than 8,000 Workers.

The AFT’s National Membership now stands at a record high of 1,719,060, up from 1,688,886 in June 2022.

Workers want to join Unions because of the voice it gives them and the AFT has invested heavily in organizing.

Despite never-ending extremist political attacks, it is AFT’s organizing efforts, not the attacks, gaining traction. 

The OSU Therapists cited lack of a voice and respect in their fight to organize and to improve their work lives and boost the quality of patient care.

The new Unit will now move to bargain a first contract with the hospital administration, following certification from the State Employment Relations Board.

Julie Barnes, a Respiratory Therapist, said: “I am so excited for all Respiratory Therapists at OSU.  We worked long and hard to get our Union.  With our Union we are looking forward to creating positive changes, improving working conditions and ensuring our contributions to health care are valued and respected.”

The therapists join 3,800 Registered Nurse Colleagues represented by the ONA at Wexner, a full-service teaching hospital located on the university campus.

The ONA is affiliated nationally with the AFT, which represents more than 200,000 Health Care Workers across the country.

AFT President Randi Weingarten said: “Unions make possible what would be impossible alone, but it takes organizing - and grit - to turn words into action.  Workers want Unions - and the more Workers who are organized, the more families have access to the Middle Class.  That’s why it is such a ‘hot’ Labor Summer.  These Workers, and the (49) other new Units that organized with the AFT so far this year, are standing with (1.72 million) Members of our Union to create an America that delivers dignity and justice for the people who care for others.  We will never stop fighting for their rights and for every Worker’s right to organize for a better life for themselves and their families.  I am so proud of the Respiratory Therapists who, when faced with an administration determined to silence their voice, decided to join together to help their patients and win the freedom and protections they need and deserve.”

To Continue Reading This Organizing Labor News Story, Go To: Ohio State Respiratory Therapists Vote ‘Union Yes’ in 50th AFT Victory This Year as Hot Labor Summer Continues | American Federation of Teachers