The Ohio Civil Service Employees Association
Union News / August 21, 2022
Attorney general members celebrated at union appreciation picnic
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.
Cortland city UNION leader, team spotlighted in "power WE build together" video
OCSEA brother, Trumbull County Chapter 7800 President Chris Guesman, and the efforts of his Cortland City bargaining team are being spotlighted in a series of union victory videos entitled The Power We Build Together. Brother Guesman and his team's efforts were also spotlighted at the AFSCME International Convention in Philadelphia this summer.
“My co-workers and I couldn’t stop working during Covid. We had to be there 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, working in shifts to keep Cortland running," said Chris in his spotlight video.
The video details how the team worked together and thought outside the box to negotiate a contract that would "meet everyone’s needs." They ended up winning a raise, incentives to stick around, more vacation and training. "In the end, we won a contract that we felt good about," said Chris.
"When you stand together—it’s not just about one person—it’s about everybody. That is the union difference,” he says. WATCH HIS VIDEO at contract.afscme.org/chris
OCSEA members receive $5 off Columbus Zoo memberships
Did you know? OCSEA union members get $5 off Columbus Zoo and Aquarium memberships. A zoo membership is a perfect holiday gift for a loved one. It's also a really great way to save big on family outings to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Wildlights during the holiday months.
Discounts for OCSEA members include the Family Plus and Family Memberships as well as Individual Plus and Individual Memberships. Additionally, all zoo memberships include free parking, which saves members $10 every time they visit. Franklin County residents are also eligible for an even more discounted rate. Single day ticket deals are also available for members only.
Click HERE to get the ticket deal. Get membership deals under the "Membership" tab. Use the following code and password: Username: CIVIL | Password: OCSEA11
Find even more member-only deals at OCSEA.org/Extras, your EXTRAS Perks and Discounts website.
Voter registration day kick off: voters Get ready for upcoming election
National Voter Registration Day kicked off the voting season yesterday. OCSEA members are urged to take a minute to check your registration status and register to vote, if you aren't registered already. Encourage your of voting-age family members to check their registration status as well. Visit VoteOhio.gov to do the following:
- Check your Registration Status
- Update your Registration
- Register to Vote
- Find your Voting District
- Learn more about Early Voting and Absentee Voting
The deadline to register to vote in Ohio for the November 8 Midterm election is October 11, 2022. Early voting in Ohio, in person or by mail, begins October 12. Contact your county Board of Elections for more information.