Nearly 350 OCSEA stewards and leaders gathered this past weekend for the annual OCSEA Steward Conference. New and experienced union activists from across Ohio joined in person and online via Zoom to grow their local chapters and foster their union representation skills. Over 200 members travelled from every area of the state to attend in-person. Additionally, 130 or so members attended the conference online via Zoom. See photos from the event: Facebook | Instagram
Attendees participated in trainings and discussions on a variety of issues including developing grievance skills and building multi-generational strength throughout their union and workplaces.
Guest presenter Rick Bales, an Ohio arbitrator, and Ohio Northern University law professor, held two sessions at the event. The first session focused on holding grievance hearings including assembling documents, preparing witnesses, developing strategy and much more. The second session homed in on developing burden of proof within a labor arbitration scenario. Arbitrator Bales walked through several hypothetical scenarios with attendees.
Guest speakers Joe Trejo and Joe Wilson, both Commissioners with the Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service, spoke on generations in the workplace. Through humor and tolerance, their presentation helped union leaders gain a better understanding of themselves and others by looking at different generational values and expectations; addressing different generational methods of communication and conflict resolution; and ways to promote better working relationships and organizational effectiveness.
Were you unable to attend but looking for more information? See the presentations below:
New stewards shine at annual conference
During the OCSEA Steward Conference, we couldn't help but share stories of some of our new union stewards, soon-to-be stewards and the union leaders beaming with pride about their new activists.
This includes Generation Z member Lucas Preston-Colvin, a brand-new steward since March who is ready to represent his brothers and sisters in ODOT District 2 in Wood County. He came to his first ever Steward Conference to take back some knowledge to District 2 for ODOT, said Lucas.
Chapters went above and beyond this year, bringing more new and emerging stewards than ever before. Belmont Correctional Chapter 710 brought an astounding 11 members to the event, and the Gallipolis Developmental Center Chapter leaders were excited to introduce their chapter's three new stewards. Click the links right to get to know some of these new activists.
Meet some new stewards. Click the links below to get to know some of them: