Corey O’Connor is claiming credit for Pittsburgh’s paid sick leave policy in TV ads and mailers in his campaign against Mayor Ed Gainey. But the truth is, he almost killed it.
I know this because I was there in the negotiating rooms. As executive director of Pittsburgh United, I helped lead the coalition that spent months crafting a strong sick leave bill with unions and faith and community groups like SEIU 32BJ, Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network and Action United.
O’Connor initially agreed to sponsor the bill and told us he supported the policy. In early meetings, he said all the right things: praising unions, nodding along and assuring us he was with us. We thought we had a shared commitment. Then, out of nowhere, he reversed course.
After a private meeting with the Restaurant Association, he tried to introduce a massive exemption for businesses with fewer than 14 employees — a change that would have excluded 85% of workers. We were stunned at his cowardice at the cost of workers.
Only after serious pressure from labor and council leaders did he get back on board. The policy passed, and Gainey took bold steps to enforce it.
Once I saw O’Connor’s ad claiming credit, I felt obligated to be transparent with the people of Pittsburgh: He didn’t lead on paid leave, he nearly derailed it.
This wasn’t a one-off. O’Connor tells people what they want to hear. Pittsburgh needs a mayor who won’t fold to lobbyists, but will fight for working people.
Barney Oursler
Pittsburgh