THE OHIO CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
UNION NEWS / JANUARY 18, 2023
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Local Government contracts: Small but MIGHTY!
While most OCSEA members fall under the State contract, there are numerous OCSEA local government contracts that get negotiated by union members in cities, water districts and other local government agencies around the state. Two of those were negotiated over the last couple of months: the City of Wellston and Twin City Water and Sewer District—with big results for the dozens of public employees who work in those locales.
In Wellston, in Southeastern Ohio, OCSEA members were able to negotiate a contract with significant wage increases: 4 percent the first year, 3.5 percent the second and 3 percent the third. They also made major gains in the hourly rate for those employees required to hold licenses or certification as a condition of employment including: $1.25 per hour, up from .75 cents per hour; and for Wastewater and Water Operators and Garbage Truck Drivers and individuals required to hold a CDL, $1.00 per hour, up from .60 cents per hour.
Additionally, there was no increase in employee health care and employees received a first-time vacation carry-over and vacation cash out. Way to go OCSEA City of Wellston Bargaining Team!
OCSEA Bargaining Unit members who work for the Twin City Water and Sewer District can be proud of the three-year contract they just negotiated. Not only did they secure sizable raises, they got a $250 clothing allowance and a one-time, $1,000 stipend for obtaining a license in his/her field. While there were some increases in out-of-pocket health care, the wage increase amounted to about a 15 percent increase overall over three years, with a 10 percent wage increase in the first year of the contract. Good work, Twin City union!
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Celebrate Union Night with the Blue Jackets, get free giveaway
Members and families are invited for OCSEA's Union Night with the Columbus Blue Jackets coming up on Saturday, March 11, 2023. OCSEA members receive exclusive rates and a CBJ giveaway item as the Blue Jackets take on the St. Louis Blues. The game starts at 7 p.m. at Nationwide Arena.
Click the link below to go to OCSEA.org/Extras. From there, scroll down to Columbus Blue Jackets" to get member-only deal to the Union Night event. Tickets for the Union Night starts at $53 for OCSEA members.Once tickets are purchased, you will receive instructions on how to pick up your free CBJ giveaway item.
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League of Women's Voters condemns rogue state legislators for reviving anti-democracy resolution
The League of Women Voters of Ohio is calling out "a rogue group of extremist politicians" in the Ohio General Assembly after they reintroduced a resolution that would make it harder for Ohio voters to pass amendments. In their statement of opposition, Jen Miller, the Executive Director of the non-partisan voter protection group, says the reignited "HJR 6" (as it was known last legislative session) severely undermines the sacred principle of one person, one vote.
"For over a century, everyday Ohioans have had the freedom to collect signatures and pass ballot initiatives that make our lives better. This resolution is unnecessary, unpopular, and undemocratic, and our broad coalition stands ready to defeat it," said Miller.
OCSEA couldn't agree more.
As the head of the We Are Ohio coalition that defeated Senate Bill 5 through a citizen's veto over a decade ago, OCSEA says this resolution aims to break citizen-driven initiatives, plain and simple. If the rogue legislators move forward, it would increase the threshold for amending the Ohio Constitution to 60% and would make it harder to get initiatives on the ballot. "This is a blatant attack on Ohioans who want a voice on issues that matter to them at the ballot box," said OCSEA President Chris Mabe. "Just like joining a union, Ohioans deserve this sacred right. They deserve true democracy in action to enact change," he said.
Last month, more than 500 Ohioans representing 175 labor unions, organizations and individuals, including OCSEA, converged at the Ohio Statehouse against this resolution. Those in attendance held a mock vote to demonstrates the hundreds of thousands of voters they represent who are opposed to this "shredding the Ohio Constitution."
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Share the good news. Nominate a charitable union co-worker or local chapter
Know of an OCSEA union member or chapter that stands out by giving back in their communities? Share the good news and nominate them for the Bob White Labor Gives Back Award! Union acts of goodwill include community service work, volunteerism and acts of heroism.
Within OCSEA we call the goodwill, volunteerism and heroism of our members "Labor Gives Back." It is a very important part of unionism, and what sets union public employees a part as good neighbors and active citizens in our towns and cities. To celebrate those efforts, the OCSEA Board of Directors continues to spotlight the charitable and volunteer efforts of its members and chapters with the Bob White Labor Gives Back Award.
Nominate today at OCEA.org/LaborGivesBack. The winner of the award will receive $500 to donate to the charity of their choice and will be announced at the 2023 OCSEA Biennial Convention in August.