Bargaining kicks off with proposal exchange and Solidarity Rally tomorrow
OCSEA State Contract Negotiations kick off this week as the union and management meet for the first time to exchange bargaining proposals. The union team met today in final preparation to exchange proposals with management tomorrow.
To KICK OFF bargaining and to show support for the OCSEA Bargaining Team, members will RALLY tomorrow, Wednesday, December 13, outside of the OCSEA Solidarity Headquarters from 11:00 a.m.- 1 p.m. Boxed lunches will be provided!
There will be a hand-made sign-making event at 10 a.m. with "solidarity sandwiches" being served starting at 11 a.m. There will also be t-shirts, pre-made signs, and stickers available. At 11:30 a.m., after members grab a bite to eat, we'll hit the street outside the headquarters to let our voices be heard about the respect and dignity state workers deserve at the bargaining table. See full agenda and RSVP link for the Solidarity Bargaining Kick Off Rally below.
We encourage chapters to bring as many members as possible to the lunchtime event. It's important that we raise awareness NOW about the bargaining fight ahead. This will be the only bargaining event taking place before the New Year, so it's important that we show up in a big way. The bargaining teams will not be back to bargaining table again after this week's head-to-head until January 2024. We encourage chapters to start planning their own worksite events NOW to build solidarity as the new year begins. Need help planning a Solidarity event? Email communications@ocsea.org for assistance with events.
Bargaining Kick Off Rally + Solidarity Sandwiches
Tomorrow, Wed., Dec. 13 11 A.M.-1 P.M. | 65 East State Street, Columbus
Grab a sandwich and then participate in a Solidarity Rally outside to kick off bargaining and build support for a strong union contract.
AGENDA
Come between 10 A.M. and 1 P.M. as your schedule allows.
- 10 A.M. Hand-made sign making
- 11 A.M. Boxed lunches
- 11:30 A.M- 1 P.M. Bargaining Kick Off Rally outside Solidarity Headquarters. Wear warm and comfortable clothing.
Want bargaining event updates? Text OCSEA2024 to 237-263
Member appreciation "Thank You!" billboard campaign continues in downtown Columbus
Your union Bargaining Team continues to work hard to bring awareness about the upcoming state contract bargaining with the #FightingToWin billboard campaign in downtown Columbus. This week's billboard campaign continues to focus on saying "Thank You" to Ohio's vital state employees and reminds the public that Ohio's public union workers make our communities safe, healthy and strong.
The #FightingToWin billboard campaign will be updated throughout the bargaining process. Stay tuned for a special holiday message coming next week. The #FightingToWin billboards can be seen at the corners of Broad and High streets and State and High streets in downtown Columbus.
We encourage members to take selfies in front of the billboard to spread the message of bargaining solidarity on social media. Photos can be tagged with #FightingToWin. Or email photos directly to communications@ocsea.org.
OCSEA unveiled yet another #FightingToWin billboard in downtown Columbus this week to say "Thank you" to our hard-working and dedicated public union members. The billboard campaign raises awareness with the general public about the respect State union members deserve at the bargaining table, particularly for all they do for our communities.
ICYMI! New discount college benefit launched for 2024
Last week, OCSEA launched a brand new union discount college benefit, and OCSEA members were ecstatic! The benefit offers up to 50% discounted college tuition rates for all OCSEA members and their extended family. Spring start dates are in January and March, so there's plenty of time to apply!
OCSEA has partnered with the EBS Network of Colleges and Universities, which is comprised of regionally accredited institutions that are committed to providing deeply discounted tuition rates to our union members and their families.
Whether you are interested in pursuing an Associate, Bachelor's, or Master's degree, or a professional certificate, EBS has a comprehensive range of over 50+ online program offerings. Explore more at OCSEA’s College Benefit website: EBSunioncollegebenefit.org/OCSEA.
Kim Slane, ODOT: Public Service Spotlight
Kim Slane grew up around trucks and heavy equipment her whole life. Maybe that’s why she set her sights on becoming a Highway Technician (HT) with the Ohio Dept. of Transportation over 21 years ago. Recently, she told her story on a Public Service Spotlight segment on NBC4i called Daytime Columbus.
“My dad owned a trucking and excavating business, so I’ve been around construction my whole life,” said Kim. But a lot of the guys around her dad’s company said construction wasn’t for girls. Kim was intent on proving them wrong.
“We’ve come a long way. My dad was surprised by my career choice but now he sees what a great career I’ve made out of it,” she said proudly. Kim moved up in the HT Series quickly, going from the field to the asphalt testing lab and still manages to plow snow every winter.
And thanks to our union’s education fund, she’s been able to explore other avenues of service outside of ODOT, including a stint as a police officer.
“A career in public is a career you can progress in in many different directions,” said Kim, who is now a Transportation Technical Specialist with the agency. “Just look at my story. I have so many opportunities,” she said.
Ashtabula Chapter 400 State Parks members donate to school kids for third year in a row
It's that time of year to really show up for our communities in need. And that's exactly what the Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources Pymatuning State Park staff are doing for the third holiday in a row. They are taking care of their community in need! Recently the staff donated over 200 hats, gloves, scarves, food and toiletries for the students in the Grand Valley Local School District. The district is located near West Orwell east of Cleveland.
"I just want to say thank you to all my brothers and sisters and co-workers who make this happen each year," said Chapter 400 Executive Board member Betsy Overly. "We're doing this every year for the kids!" Chapter 400 was a recipient of last year's Bob White Labor Gives Back Award.
Tell us how your chapter or you personally are giving back to your community this holiday season at laborgivesback@ocsea.org. Send photos if possible!
Congratulations to our Week 3 Pledge Card raffle winners
OCSEA's Bargaining Pledge Card Solidarity Drive kicked off in November, and we're excited to announce our next pledge card raffle winners! All winners signed a pledge card showing their support for the OCSEA Bargaining Team and State contract negotiations.
Congrats to our winners:
- Shyana Deutschle - Massillon Chapter 7650 - Prize: Beats Studio Pro Wireless Headphones
- Leslie Ingles - Ohio Veterans Home Chapter 2200 - Prize: $100 gift card
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Robert Miller - Mansfield Chapter 7010 - Prize: $50 gift card
- Columbus OOD Chapter 2538 - Prize: $500 Chapter Rebate