OHIO CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
UNION NEWS / MAY 13, 2026
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Leader Update: Bargaining survey calls began this week
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This is a heads-up to OCSEA’s state union leaders—including subordinate body officers and stewards—that bargaining survey calls began this week. To help gauge member priorities for bargaining, OCSEA staff started calling leaders ONLY to conduct the state contract bargaining survey. All other members will be called at a later date coming this summer. The surveys only take a few minutes and will include questions on the importance of issues and updating contact information.
The OCSEA State Contract Bargaining Team will be elected this September and bargaining with the State of Ohio could begin as soon as the end of the year. The OCSEA Contract expires at the end of February 2027.
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Important OCSEA Steward Conference hotel and registration deadlines quickly approaching
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The OCSEA Steward Conference will take place on Saturday, June 6, 2026, in-person, at The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center (100 Green Meadows Drive South, Lewis Center, Ohio 43035). Pre-conference trainings will also be held on Friday, June 5 in the evening.
Several conference deadlines are approaching this week and next week:
- Hotel: The deadline to book hotel lodging at The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center is this Friday, May 15. BOOK HOTEL - Hotel is almost full, so book soon!
- Conference Registration: The last day to register for the conference is next Friday, May 22. REGISTER
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Register for pre-conference trainings
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There are two (2) pre-conference union trainings being held at the hotel on the evening of Friday, June 5 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The trainings are in-person only AND are limited to 70 people for each (no drop ins permitted). Indicate on the registration form whether you are interested in attending a training, and which training of the two trainings you would like to attend. The pre-conference trainings will include:
- GOTV (Get Out The Vote) Training OR
- Chat GPT Training
Book trainings as soon as possible as spots are nearly full!
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The deadline to register for the conference and optional trainings is Friday, May 22.
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London union leader named Correction Officer of the Year
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Congratualtions to Officer Brittany Booker of the London Correctional Institution on being named the Ohio Dept. of Rehabilitation and Correction's 2026 Ronald C. Marshall Correction Officer of the Year!
Officer Booker has served DRC for over 10 years and is currently working as a front entry officer at LoCI. Brittany is an OCSEA union activist, serving on the London Correctional Chapter 4900 Executive Board since 2025.
DRC wrote: "Brittany is frequently praised for having a 'natural gift' for turning stressful situations into comfortable, welcoming encounters. As a front entry officer, she often sets a positive tone for both staff and visitors entering the facility."
Congratulations to Officer Booker on this amazing achievement!
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Is your OCSEA contact information up to date?
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There are a few things you can do to make sure you stay connected, especially as we get closer to state contract negotiations later this year. Make sure your contact information is up to date with the union so you get all the bargaining updates throughout the process. This includes double checking your personal email, home address and a personal cell phone number.
Update your contact information in your member-only MyOCSEA profile by logging on at OCSEA.org/sign-in. You can also send contact updates to the OCSEA Member Resource Center (MRC) at MRC@ocsea.org or by calling at 1-888-OCSEA11 (627-3211) to make sure your information is up to date. PERSONAL EMAIL IS KEY! Bargaining news is for members only!! Have a good personal email on file with the union. We highly discourage the use of state emails for bargaining correspondence.
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Purchase half off Zoombezi Bay tickets through May 31
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FEATURED DEAL: 1/2 PRICE ADMISSION!
Half price tickets to Zoombezi Bay are on sale for OCSEA members through May 31, 2026. Tickets are REDEEMABLE May 16 through July 5, 2026. Children under 3 are free and do not require a ticket. Tickets must be purchased online in advance.
PLUS: Save $3 on souvenir cups when purchased in advance; $11.95 each
Purchase tickets at this member-only link
Username: CIVIL
Password: OCSEA11
You will find this deal under the Zoombezi Bay tab. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium deals can also be found through this link.
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You will find this deal under Zoombezi Bay tab.
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From AFSCME: Public service workers are teaching us a lesson
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During Public Employee Recognition Week, AFSCME President Lee Saunders penned a column in Common Dreams to commemorate the public workers who keep our communities running.
"There is no sector of the workforce more resilient than those who work in public service. As billionaires raise costs for working families and funding for essential services is slashed, these workers are being asked to do more with less," Saunders wrote.
He continued, "Every day they go above and beyond to respond to the needs of their community: stepping up during extreme weather events, responding to emergencies, educating the next generation, keeping our streets clean, caring for patients and the elderly, ensuring public safety, and so much more.
Saunders urged Americans to "show our appreciation for their grit and dedication by taking a page out of their book and joining the fight to protect public services and workers’ voices on the job. Read more.
Know an OCSEA member who goes above and beyond in their work and life? Nominate them for AFSCME's Never Quit Award.
Click below to watch Pres. Saunders thank you message to public employees on AFSCME's You Tube page:
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ICYMI! Women's Conference looks to election ahead, inspires members to action
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During the first weekend in May, OCSEA activists gathered at Deer Creek State Park for the 2026 Women’s Action Committee (WAC) Conference. This year’s conference theme was “Together We Lead, Together We Win,” focusing on the importance of solidarity as we face this year’s union and political challenges, and how crucial women leadership is in the fight.
Read the conference wrap up HERE. Click below for a conference video and photo gallery from the weekend.
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One more week! UBT Open Enrollment deadline is May 20
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Union Bulletin Board flyers available for download
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