Twenty-thousand working people throughout Ohio made history Tuesday rallying for the middle class on the Statehouse lawn.

Union leaders, students and faith leaders called for defeating Ohio Senate Bill 5 because it removes most collective bargaining rights for public-sector employees. Speakers emphasized the importance of having each participant remain united in the growing struggle.

SEIU took the stage at the Ohio Statehouse "Rally for the Middle Class"  with a performance of union songs by the Solidarity Brothers.

International SEIU President Mary Kay Henry congratulated the audience for inspiring workers around the world with their actions.

"Game on, Mr. Kasich!" declared Lynn Radcliffe, an SEIU 1199 member vice president who assists special needs children for Cleveland schools.

SEIU 1199 member and parole officer Tom Guyer told the audience he felt betrayed by Kasich's anti-union measures after having personally supported the governor's recent election.

Fresh from similar protests at the Wisconsin capitol, the band Street Dogs played a rousing set of labor songs to the late-afternoon crowd.