NSFL August 2026 Newsletter
With Election Day Approaching, Now Is the Time to Show Up
With Election Day approaching, ask yourself: What have I done to help turn out the union vote and defend the values we share?
We've heard the excuses. I don't like talking to people. Then do a literature drop. I can't walk doors. Then write postcards. I don't have good handwriting. Then donate.
There is a place for everyone in this movement—but there is no place for passivity when so much is at stake.
Our labor movement isn't someone else. It isn't just our leaders or staff. It's all of us.
When we organize and act together, something extraordinary can happen. For generations, Cleveland's working people have stood together to protect our values and build a better future. They didn't wait for someone else to do the work. They showed up.
Now, it's our turn.
The window is closing. Let's not be observers of our future. Let's take responsibility for our movement by showing up, knocking doors, making phone calls, or donating.
In solidarity,
Brian Pearson
Executive Secretary, North Shore AFL-CIO Federation of Labor
Top Story & Actions
Ohio AFL-CIO Convention Recap
The 35th Convention of the Ohio AFL-CIO concluded Wednesday at the newly unionized Hilton Columbus Downtown, bringing together more than 300 delegates to chart the course of Ohio's labor movement for the next two years.
Delegates adopted 15 resolutions, including two submitted by our Federation. One calls on the Ohio AFL-CIO to support our highly successful Path to Power Program, which helps develop and elect union members to public office. The other calls on central labor councils and local unions to join our efforts to strengthen worker voice in the development and implementation of artificial intelligence in the workplace.
Delegates heard from Jimmy Williams Jr., President of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, who emphasized the importance of activating union members and strengthening the work of central labor councils.
Candidates Dr. Amy Acton for Governor, Sherrod Brown for U.S. Senate, and Jennifer Brunner also spoke, sharing their perspectives and priorities with Ohio's labor movement.
The convention reaffirmed the importance of solidarity, member engagement, and a coordinated labor movement as we continue building power for working people across Northeast Ohio and statewide.
Important Voter Information
- Early voting begins: October 6
- Election Day: November 3
- Verify your registration status
- Register to vote: Deadline is October 5
- Request a vote-by-mail application
- View our endorsements
SEIU District 1199 on Strike at Cleveland Clinic
Nearly 200 SEIU District 1199 members at Cleveland Clinic Lutheran Hospital are on strike after months of negotiations. Their fight is about wages, affordable healthcare, workplace safety, and the protections caregivers deserve.
The North Shore AFL-CIO stands shoulder-to-shoulder with our 1199 siblings. The workers are present 24/7, so there are plenty of opportunities to show your solidarity.
Cleveland Orchestra Musicians on Strike
The talented musicians of the world-famous Cleveland Orchestra are now on strike.
As Executive Secretary Brian Pearson highlighted at a recent press conference, you cannot expect the extraordinary on substandard pay and treatment. World-class musicians deserve competitive wages, safer working conditions to prevent injury, and a meaningful voice in auditions.
Follow our social media for the latest updates.
Federation Hosts First Union Career Fair
On Saturday, September 14, the Federation teamed up with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cleveland to co-host Big Futures: Union Career Passport.
A heartfelt thank you to all the families who joined us. Special thanks to SEIU District 1199 for hosting, and to the dedicated union leaders who volunteered to showcase strong union careers and share why it's better in a union!
Labor in the Pulpit Program Grows
Our Labor in the Pulpit program continues to grow, with the Federation visiting eight congregations this year—more than doubling last year's effort.
From speaking at UCC and AME congregations to a pair of Catholic Masses, we've strengthened the connection between faith and the dignity of work.
We're grateful to every congregation that welcomed us and look forward to building this program even further next year. Thank you to Hector Alvarado and David Sheagley for supporting this program!
Labor Day Wrap-Up
It was a busy and successful Labor Day week.
Beyond our Labor in the Pulpit services and the Union Career Passport event, we carried on our annual tradition of marching in the 11th Congressional District Caucus Labor Day Parade, standing proud with working families across the community.
We also kicked off the weekend with the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists honoring State Senator John P. Green, who led the charge to establish the holiday right here in Ohio—four years before it became a federal holiday.
Dr. Amy Acton Kicks Off Path to Power Canvass
On August 30, Dr. Amy Acton joined us to kick off our Path to Power Day of Action.
Volunteers then spread across the county, knocking doors for our six union members running for the Ohio House: Sean Brennan, Scott DiMauro, Davida Russell, Nicole Sigurdson, Eugene Miller, and Dan Troy—as well as Dr. Acton and Sherrod Brown.
We're helping put union members in the rooms where decisions are made.
Recent Articles
— "Cleveland Orchestra union members begin strike after deadline passes for new contract" from WKYC
— "‘Deserve fair wages’: Congresswoman shows up on Cleveland Clinic Lutheran Hospital picket line" from NSFL
— "Building power, together: A Labor Day message from the North Shore AFL-CIO" from NSFL
— "The labor movement built the middle class. Broken rules are tearing it down" from NSFL
— "What's in the new Cleveland Public Library union contract" from Axios Cleveland
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