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Latest news! OCSEA member E-news July 28, 2022

Posted Jul. 28, 2022 by

OCSEA Presidents, Delegates to gather this Saturday to build union power

OCSEA subordinate body presidents and delegates will gather for the 2022 OCSEA Presidents Conference this Saturday, July 30. Per the OCSEA Constitution, the conference of subordinate body presidents can be held by the OCSEA Board of Directors biennially, in years in which there is no regular convention. This will be a virtual conference on Zoom.

The event will offer union leaders the opportunity to build their activist and leadership skills that they can use to build union power at the local chapter, district and agency assembly levels. Main session and workshop links are being sent to all attendees at the email used to register for the conference.

Get the Presidents Conference agenda at OCSEA.org/Presidents.

Learn more about the OCSEA Presidents Conference in Section 6 of Article VII – Chapters, District Councils, and Assemblies of the OCSEA State Constitution.


"Let union history be our guide,” says 35-year retiring ODOT union member

Jim Costello is a long-time union activist set to retire this year with 35 years of public service. Jim, who is chief steward for Ashtabula Chapter 400, came to the Ohio Department of Transportation back in 1987, right after OCSEA’s first State contract was signed in 1986. Having lived this union history, Jim says it's vital the next generation of OCSEA activists know the history of the union and let history be their guide for the future.

“When collective bargaining came in, we finally had representation and could fight against [unfair] practices. It gave us protection and really changed the game for public employees,” he said in reference to political patronage that plagued ODOT.

Jim says it's time for the next generation to "step up in our union, too." "People like me are leaving the union. I’m the last of the old stewards in Ashtabula County,” he said, referring to his pending retirement this month. “Young people need to get more experience in the union and learn from our history. And what a history it is,” he said. Read his story on page 11 of the recent union magazine at OCSEA.org/PEQ.


From sporting events and concerts to water park and theme park fun, there's still plenty of summer left to enjoy. Make sure you make the most of it with member-only discounts all around Ohio, including Kings Island and Cedar Point. See all your member-only summer fun discounts at OCSEA.org/Extras (Member login required).


Zoombezi bay 1/2 price deal ends this weekend

Looking for something fun for the family this weekend? Member-only HALF OFF discount tickets to Zoombezi Bay are available through this Sunday, July 31. The tickets must be purchased and used by Sunday. Ticket price also includes entrance into the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium.

1/2 price Zoombezi Bay ticket offer:
Username: CIVIL
Password: OCSEA11

Click the Zoombezi Bay tab to see the discounted ticket deal. Choose the Zoombezi Bay 1/2 Price Admission Special ticket option. After the half price deal is over, discount tickets and memberships will still be available throughout the Zoombezi Bay season.

Purchase 1/2 price tickets


Union APPRECIATION day at the guardians and more summer BASEBALL deals

Make the most of your summer days with member-only discounts to baseball games throughout the summer months. OCSEA members get access to sporting event discounts and special deals to the Cincinnati Reds and Columbus Clippers baseballs. All union members are also invited to attend a special Union Day of Appreciation at the Cleveland Guardians.

Union Day with the Cleveland Guardians
Looking for a fun day at the ball field? Join the North Shore AFL-CIO at Progressive Field for a Union Appreciation Day at the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday, Aug. 7. The Cleveland Guardians will take on the Houston Astros. The game s at 12:05 PM.

Tickets are available online at this LINK. Use the special code: Union 22


Cincinnati Reds:
Tickets start as low $12.91. Use Promo Code: afscme22 | GET TICKETS

Columbus Clippers:

$8 per person tickets plus Wednesday Dollar Day Deals (4-5 concession items priced at $1 a piece) | GET TICKETS


Cleveland event deals: Member-only discounts to family events, concerts & more  

The Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland offers discounts for OCSEA members to many events. This includes fun for the whole family with everything from the Jurassic World Live dinosaur tour, comedians, concerts and sporting events throughout the year, including the Cleveland Cavaliers. Discounts are available, for members only, by clicking the special access link below or at OCSEA.org/extras.

Don’t miss your chance to save on these upcoming fall 2022 events:

Elevation Worship Summer Tour - Aug. 17, 2022
Tickets from $20. 

Twenty One Pilots: The Icy Tour - Aug. 30, 2022
Tickets from $25. 

John Mulaney: From Scratch - Sept. 23, 2022
Tickets from $43. 

Jurassic World Live: Oct. 7-9, 2022
Tickets from $25. 

Smashing Pumpkins & Jane's Addiction: Spirits on Fire Tour - Oct. 29, 2022
Tickets $99. 

Get Tickets to All Events