Tim Burga, a third generation steelworker, returned to Ohio in August of 2002 to begin work with the Ohio AFL- CIO after a nine-year stint working with Congress on workforce training issues on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. The Ohio AFL-CIO represents over 700,000 workers from 48 affiliated international unions and over 1,600 local unions in Ohio. On January 28, 2011 the Ohio AFL-CIO Executive Board unanimously elected Tim Burga as President.
Tim also serves as President of Ohio AFL-CIO Communications, Inc., which was established as the state federation’s outreach arm to administer its predictive dialer call center.
As Chief of Staff for the federation, Tim oversaw the federation's political and legislative work and was appointed to represent the Ohio AFL-CIO on the State of Ohio Global Markets Advisory Team, Industrial Commission Nominating Council, Bureau of Workers Compensation Nominating Council, Midwest Governors Association New Energy Advisory Council and the Unemployment Compensation Advisory Council.
As Legislative Director for the state federation Tim led a coalition in a successful effort to place on the ballot and pass State Issue 2 as a Constitutional Amendment to raise Ohio’s minimum wage. This initiative is hailed as one of the most progressive wage laws in the country as the minimum wage is linked to the consumer price index. Tim also managed a successful legislative campaign to develop and pass legislation in 2004 which created Ohio’s Best Rx -- a prescription drug program that is saving uninsured Ohioans an average of 38% on their prescription drugs.
From 1981 to 1990 Tim worked for the City of Marion, Ohio where he assisted in a successful effort to organize city office workers to be represented by the United Steelworkers. Tim went on to become Vice President and President of Steelworkers local union 7856.
Tim holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ohio Wesleyan University where he graduated Cum Laude from the Arneson Institute of Applied Politics and was the recipient of the James J. Hearn Award for Public Service.
Tim currently resides in Westerville with his wife Myrna and son Roberto
