While most OCSEA members fall under the large main State contract, there are a dozen OCSEA local government contracts that get negotiated by localized teams of union members in cities, water districts and other local government agencies around the state.
One of those agencies is the Franklin County Job and Family Services (FCJFS). Members in that local government chapter, FCJFS Chapter 2508, bargain and approve the stand-alone contract each three-year cycle. At the latter part of 2025, members of the FCJFS union bargaining team worked hard to secure a strong union contract for its members before its end-of-year expiration. The union contract was approved through 2028 by the membership at a ratification vote held at the OCSEA Union Hall on Monday, November 17, 2025.
The ratified contract secures an 8.5% wage increase over the life of the three-year contract as well as annual increases for longevity lump sum payments for years of service. It also reflects the county’s minimum wage increases and includes increases to the number of hours that employees can accrue comp time before payout from 50 to 80 hours and increases Paid Family Leave from 8 to 10 weeks.
The elected bargaining team included union members Cynthia Watiker, Sylvia Gaddis, Dorraine Johnson, Kevin Menefield and Jonathan Wright, who brought a variety of skills and experience to the union table. Staff support included OCSEA Staff Representatives Doug Mosier and Robert Knipp.
“We’re proud of this contract and what it affords to our sisters and brothers in Franklin County,” said OCSEA Vice President Cynthia Watiker, who served as chapter president during negotiations. “I’m proud of the team and the staff, and the members, who supported us through the entire process, from the table to ratification.”
FCJFS determines eligibility for core programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid. Additionally, it provides access to a wide range of supportive services programs offered by community organizations, everything from early childhood home visiting and after-school programs to workforce development and job training programs.
When SNAP benefits were at risk during the national government shutdown this fall, Watiker spoke out on behalf of members who provide those benefits to Ohioans. “FCJFS employees work with the impacted residents everyday––face to face and over the phone,” said Watiker. Calling it a “waiting game” as uncertainty lingered, Watiker’s concerns grew of what those cuts, and future cuts, could mean for the public servants she represents and the services they provide.
“We’re just doing our best, trying to say the right words to those who are fearful, and continuing to service residents as they need us,” said Watiker.
See the article on page 12 of the Public Employee Magazine at OCSEA.org/PEM.