Ohio Attorney General union members said good-bye to summer in style this weekend with a Union Member Appreciation Picnic. The event was put on by the leaders of OCSEA AG Chapter 2580 at Deer Creek State Park to say thank you to union members for their service to Ohio. It was also an opportunity for members to learn more about the benefits of being union and getting involved in the local chapter. Guests were on hand to talk about the Union Education Trust (UET), the Union Benefits Trust (UBT) and union and steward training.
Member Melanie Wheaton (right), an AG Legal Secretary, sported an OSU-inspired Rosie the Riveter shirt to show her union pride. "The union contract has been so important to me," said Melanie who recently transitioned to a new position within the agency after many years in the same job. She said having union protections helped her make that transition with confidence.
Union activist Heather Cloutier, an AG Administrative Assistant 2, attended the event with her husband and dog DK Murphy, the "DK" short for "Dropkick" after the famed union punk band Dropkick Murphys. "Hubs and I had a great time, as well as our dog, Murphy," said Heather on Facebook, who thanked the leaders for putting on the event for members and their families.
OCSEA Vice President Rocky Jolly, who helped the chapter put on the event, was on hand to celebrate the AG members. "You are the glue that binds this State together. You are essential and we're proud of all you do," said VP Jolly. Pres. Chris Mabe also thanked the members and urged them to get involved in their chapter and events that promote public service union members. See photos from the event on Facebook.