Ohio — Rugola Elected Ohio AFL-CIO President

Columbus, Ohio

Joseph Rugola

Photo Credit: Finocchi Photography

Joseph Rugola, executive director of the Ohio Association of Public School Employees (OAPSE)/ AFSCME Local 4 and an International vice president, was recently elected to the top post of the Ohio AFL-CIO following the April 27 retirement of Pres. Bill Burga.

“We’re proud of what the labor movement has accomplished in our state, notably the election of Governor Ted Strickland [D] along with other proworking family candidates, and our successful effort last fall to bump the minimum wage from $5.15 per hour to $8.85,” Rugola says. “I intend to build on Bill Burga’s achievements and to keep on fighting for the rights of working families.”

Under Rugola’s leadership, OAPSE has grown from over 25,000 members to more than 38,000 — one of the most successful organizing records in the labor movement today. Considered one of Ohio’s most vocal and effective advocates against privatization and for strong public education (waging battles against school vouchers), public libraries and Head Start programs, Rugola is widely praised for his efforts on behalf of public school students. He has also represented OAPSE on a number of coalitions addressing public education issues.

Rugola was elected OAPSE executive director in 1988, after 10 years of OAPSE field experience as a representative and organizer.