Open Houses at OCSEA’s temporary location in downtown Columbus drew teams of activists and members during the month of July. New members and seasoned activists alike visited the offices during lunch time to learn about union benefits and to get the latest union news. Many activists won union merchandise like t-shirts, and others spun a wheel for door prizes. Shout out to the chapters from Commerce, Development, Job and Family Services, Public Utilities Commission, Medicaid, Mental Health and Addiction Services and others who showed up.
This included OCSEA member Joseph Bell (pictured right), a Software Development Specialist 2 with the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services' Central Office. He works downtown and is a member of State Office Tower Chapter 2545, a conglomerate chapter made up of members from many state agencies. He was excited to come down and show his support as a union member and to learn more about union benefits and activism that he could take back to his union co-workers. He was also excited to take a spin on the Union Education Trust (UET) wheel of prizes.
Joseph's chapter president Cheryl Bass (pictured left with Union Benefits Trust Director Angela Harrington) was integral in getting members to the Open Houses. She spread the word throughout her membership about the Open Houses and the importance of learning about union benefits and involvement. Booths included the OCSEA-negotiated education benefits (UET), UBT premium-free dental, vision and life insurance, the OCSEA Member Resource Center, union trainings, discounts and more. Union leaders and staff answered contract questions and told members how to get more involved in their local chapters.
Learn more about your union benefits and more online:
Union Education Trust
Union Benefits Trust
Member Resource Center (MRC)
Union Contracts
New Member Orientations | New Member packet
Discounts and perks