Ohio Workers Slam Bernie Moreno: “Selling Out Workers” and “Stiffing His Employees”

Photo byBernie Moreno for Ohio Senate Media Kit

Ohio workers and union leaders voice strong opposition to U.S. Senate candidate Bernie Moreno, accusing him of betraying workers’ interests and prioritizing profits over people.

Moreno Faces Harsh Criticism from Ohio Workers

In the run-up to the Ohio U.S. Senate race, Republican nominee Bernie Moreno is facing fierce criticism from workers and union leaders across the state. From allegations of “selling out workers” to “stiffing his employees,” Moreno’s business practices and integrity are under intense scrutiny. At the heart of the backlash is a belief that Moreno, a wealthy businessman with a controversial past in the auto industry, is more interested in personal gain than in genuinely supporting Ohio’s labor force.

Moreno’s past involvement in the auto industry, where he once owned over a dozen car dealerships across the Midwest, has been a focal point of union-led attacks. Despite his claims of stepping back from the industry to focus on his political ambitions, recent reports reveal Moreno’s plans to establish a new Mercedes-Benz dealership in Sunbury, Ohio. Union leaders argue this move directly contradicts his public statements and casts doubt on his commitment to Ohio workers.

A History of “Selling Out” and Shredding Evidence

The backlash against Moreno is not just about his current actions but also about a broader pattern of behavior that union leaders and workers describe as deeply troubling. According to Delaware County Recorder’s Office documents, Moreno sought $40 million in financing for the dealership—a move that, for many, confirmed suspicions that Moreno is far from the worker-focused candidate he claims to be.

Moreno’s business record is marred by accusations of mistreating employees, with allegations ranging from failing to pay overtime to shredding documents pertinent to lawsuits against him. In one notable instance, Moreno faced a 2014 lawsuit from a former employee, Michael Falcone, who claimed he was denied agreed-upon compensation and was terminated after raising the issue. In a separate 2017 case, another former employee, Omar Adem, accused Moreno of not paying for overtime work, with evidence reportedly lost or destroyed. These incidents have fueled the narrative that Moreno prioritizes his interests over the well-being of his employees.

Union representatives have not held back in expressing their disdain. Dave Dilly, UMWA Ohio COMPAC Coordinator, criticized Moreno as someone who “has always catered to the rich,” while Tiffany McKee of United Steelworkers described Moreno as emblematic of the corporate greed she fights against daily. “He’s a used car dealer, and has no idea what a good day’s work is,” said Frank Papini, president of USW Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees, highlighting the deep mistrust among union members towards Moreno.

Union Leaders Rally Against Moreno, Back Sherrod Brown

Moreno’s plans have drawn sharp rebukes from several prominent unions, including the AFL-CIO, United Auto Workers (UAW), and United Steelworkers. Union leaders have publicly backed Moreno’s opponent, incumbent Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown, whom they praise for his consistent support of workers’ rights. At a press conference in Sunbury, labor leaders stood across from the site of Moreno’s proposed dealership, voicing their concerns amid the backdrop of a giant inflatable “fat cat”—a symbolic jab at Moreno’s perceived alignment with corporate interests over those of Ohio’s working class.

“He’s lying to our faces and getting rich,” said Jeff Adams, President of UAW Local 1219, summarizing a sentiment shared by many of Moreno’s critics. “He’s a megamillionaire and has spent years selling out Ohio workers,” Adams added, underscoring the belief that Moreno’s actions speak louder than his campaign promises. The union-backed press conferences have been marked by strong, unified messages that Moreno’s business decisions are at odds with the needs and values of Ohio’s labor force.

Workers Demand Accountability and Trustworthy Representation

The outcry from Ohio workers is rooted in a broader call for accountability and transparency in leadership. Union members like Jamie Shumaker, Executive Director of Ohio AFL-CIO Central Ohio CLC, and Jeff Gase, UAW Region 2B Central Ohio CAP Council Chairperson, have emphasized that Ohio needs leaders who will genuinely stand up for workers, not just cater to corporate interests. “What’s going to keep him representing us 14 million Ohioans, whom he never expects to meet?” asked George Jeffries, UAW Lima-Troy Cap Council chairperson, encapsulating the widespread doubt about Moreno’s intentions.

As the Senate race heats up, the pressure on Moreno continues to mount, with union leaders and workers determined to make their voices heard. The allegations against Moreno have not only called his integrity into question but have also highlighted the critical role that workers’ voices play in holding public figures accountable.

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