Columbus Workers Win Hero Pay

CWA Local 4502 President Susan Wilson signed a Memorandum of Understanding authorizing hero pay and a vaccine reward for City of Columbus workers.

After months of bargaining, members of CWA Local 4502, who work for the City of Columbus, Ohio, won hero pay and a vaccine reward. While the Columbus City Council unanimously authorized $1000 per employee for hero pay in July 2021, the original Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) from the Mayor's Office directed half of that amount toward a vaccine reward. The new MOU provides the full $1000 in hero pay to full-time frontline workers, $500 to other full-time employees who worked during the applicable time period, and a separate $500 vaccine reward.

The local worked with other city unions to win the pay, which is funded with money that Congress allocated as part of the American Rescue Plan.

"During the height of the pandemic, our members picked up extra shifts, worked extended shifts, different hours, and different days all to maintain the services our Columbus community depend on,” said CWA Local 4502 President Susan Wilson. "They are the best of the best, and now they are finally getting compensation for their sacrifices and the recognition they deserve."