February 2025 has marked a watershed moment for Ohio public employees exercising their right to independent representation. With an unprecedented 117% increase over any previous February, opt-out rates have shattered records—signaling a fundamental shift in how workers view their relationship with organized labor.

This record-breaking month is no accident. The surge in opt-outs is directly tied to the focused efforts of the Freedom Foundation, an organization dedicated to informing public employees about their right to leave their unions. The Freedom Foundation deployed nearly 50,000 informational mailers throughout February, complemented by strategic digital outreach, personal phone conversations, and face-to-face meetings with public employees across the state.

By providing clear, factual guidance on the opt-out process, the Freedom Foundation has empowered workers to make informed decisions about their workplace representation. These opt-outs represent real people taking back control of their paychecks and refusing to fund a union that does not serve them.

Workers are realizing that their paychecks shouldn’t be used to fund political agendas they don’t support or to prop up organizations that fail to prioritize their best interests. With union dues averaging $900 annually, more employees are recognizing the financial impact of opting out—and they’re taking action.

The Freedom Foundation’s commitment to worker freedom is making a measurable impact, as February’s record-breaking numbers demonstrate. Ohio public employees are waking up to their rights—and thanks to the Freedom Foundation—they now have the resources and support to exercise them.