OHIO CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
UNION NEWS / August 5, 2026
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Saunders' legacy, preparing for the next generation of union leaders
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For decades, AFSCME President Lee Saunders brought together public service workers from every background around a simple belief: when working people have a voice on the job, everyone wins.
Ahead of his retirement this month at the 47th AFSCME International Convention, read about President Lee Saunders' legacy and lifetime of dedication to AFSCME members and the labor movement in The New York Times.
Saunders, who got his union start here in Ohio as an OCSEA activist, has always electrified and inspired OCSEA members, including at the most recent OCSEA Steward Conference. His powerhouse speech was a "thank you" to Ohio's public union members and a solemn goodbye as he prepares to retire from his union presidency.
"This is home. This is family," said Saunders. "The first thing that I did when I became a state employee, working for OBES [Ohio Bureau of Employment Services], I joined a union. And guess what union I joined? It was OCSEA!" he exclaimed proudly. Originally, an OCSEA AFSCME Local 11 member and activist, Saunders went on to serve AFSCME International for nearly 50 years, as a staffer as well as its Secretary-Treasurer and then President for 14 years.
"Lee has been and always will be an OCSEA member, through and through," said OCSEA President Chris Mabe, who reflects on Saunder's labor and OCSEA history, including early bargaining and contract fights here in Ohio. “Lee leaves his mark on this nation. He’s a great man and a great leader, and one hell of a fighter for the labor movement,” said Mabe.
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It's never too late to take the next step in education
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Sometimes the biggest step forward starts with a decision made quietly over years. That's what happened for Victonia, an AFSCME union member who spent years cheering on her own children's college dreams while holding onto a big dream of her own.
"For years, I watched my children study for exams and talk about their dreams of college. I was their biggest cheerleader, but deep down, I felt my own sense of regret. I wanted that for myself too, but with the bills and the demands of being a single parent, a degree felt like a luxury I couldn't afford," said Victonia.
Working full-time and raising a family, Victonia wasn't sure a degree, diploma, or certificate was still possible. Through the Union College Benefit, powered by Edvance, she found a program that worked around her schedule––and this year, she did just that by earning her Associate Degree in Liberal Arts.
"Earning my degree is about more than education. It represents perseverance, personal growth, and showing my children and grandchildren that it is never too late to pursue your dreams," she said.
Through your Union College Benefit powered by Edvance, OCSEA members and their all of the family members have access to:
- Discounted and affordable tuition: 200+ online programs across accredited schools in the Edvance network.
- Programs that fit your life: Earn a degree, diploma, or certificate 100% online, on your own schedule.
- Support from real people: Edvance's unionized Student Success Coordinators help you explore options, choose a program, and get enrolled. No pressure, no runaround, just real support from real people!
This benefit extends to your family, too. Spouses, children, grandchildren, parents, and dependents can all access discounted tuition and personalized guidance.There's no cost to explore or apply. As we head into fall, we encourage you to explore programs and savings through your Edvance Union College Benefit.
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As part of our continuing coverage of the 2026 Presidents Conference, we’re exploring how OCSEA activists are learning about the importance of “voting our jobs,” especially as we prepare to elect our next governor in November.
OCSEA leaders from across the state gathered in Columbus for the biennial Presidents Conference to discuss the upcoming election. The conference theme was "From the workplace to the Statehouse, OCSEA Strong" with a emphasis on members voting their jobs and standing up for working people.
Check out the Vote Your Job video highlights from the 2026 Presidents Conference to learn more.
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Labor Votes 2026 Canvass Events: Every Saturday in August
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Join union leaders and members across Ohio for door-to-door canvass events every Saturday in August. These events will allow unoin voices to talk one-on-one in neighborhoods with
union families about electing union-strong endorsed candidates up and down the ballot!
LABOR VOTES CANVASS
EVERY SATURDAY IN AUGUST!
August 8, 15, 22 & 29
- COLUMBUS: 9:30 AM at UFCW Local 1059, 4150 E Main St.| Contact: Mike French, mfrench@ohaflcio.org
- CLEVELAND: 9:30 AM Locations Vary By Week | Contact: Rebecca Gorski, rgorski@clevelandaflcio.org
- CINCINNATI: 9:30 AM at Cincinnati AFL-CIO/APWU Local 164, 1385 Tennessee Ave. | Contact: Will Minehart, wminehart@ohaflcio.org
- AKRON: 9:30 AM at Tri-County Regional Labor Council, 720 Wolf Ledges Pkwy | Contact: Jason Perlman, jperlman@ohaflcio.org
- CANTON: 9:30 AM at USW Golden Lodge, 1234 Harrison Ave., SW | Contact: Kathleen Kelly-Calcei, kcalcei@ohaflcio.org
- DAYTON: 9:30 AM at Dayton-Miami Valley CLC, 6550 Poe Ave. | Contact: Will Minehart, wminehart@ohaflcio.org
- NILES: 9:30 AM USW 2155/Mahoning-Trumbull CLC, 1265 N. Main St. | Contact: Kathleen Kelly-Calcei, kcalcei@ohaflcio.org
- TOLEDO: 9:30 AM, Locations Vary By Week | Contact: Mike Noll, mnoll@ohaflcio.org
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CC: OCSEA Board and Staff
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