OHIO CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
UNION NEWS / MAY 8, 2025

OCSEA has joined forces with other Ohio public employee unions to officially file Unfair Labor Practices (ULP) charges against the State of Ohio in response to the state’s unilateral decision to significantly increase health insurance premiums for state workers, effective July 1. The unions’ intents to file was announced last week. Read more here.

Additionally, OCSEA and six Ohio public employee unions submitted a "Demand for Impact Bargaining" regarding unilateral health insurance premiums to the Ohio Office of Collective Bargaining. The unions joining OCSEA in the demand to bargain request include SEIU/1199, OSTA (Ohio State Troopers Association), OEA (Ohio Education Association), FOP (Fraternal Order of Police), FOP Unit 2 and CWA (Communication Workers of America). 

 

The unions demand that the State of Ohio immediately rescind the unilaterally implemented premium increases, restore status quo regarding contractually-negotiated health care premiums and benefits, and commence good faith impact bargaining.

 

In both the filed ULP and demand for bargaining request, the unions assert that the action constitutes a direct violation of the State’s obligation under Ohio Revised Code § 4117.08 and § 4117.11 to bargain in good faith over mandatory subjects of bargaining—including employee healthcare costs.

 

"We assert that the State's decision to bypass the bargaining process and impose this substantial increase undermines the collective bargaining relationship, violates statutory duties, and erodes employee trust in the process," the unions write in the letter to OCB. "There is clear and long-standing precedent confirming that healthcare benefits, including cost-sharing arrangements, are not only negotiable but require bargaining prior to any material changes being implemented.

The sharp increase in premiums follows years of relatively modest adjustments. While the state attributes the rise to inflation and high-cost claims, recent federal data shows only a minimal increase in the cost of medical services over the past year.

Ohio operates a self-funded healthcare plan, requiring both the state and its employees to cover the full cost of claims. The Department of Administrative Services, which oversees the plan and retains consultants to help set premium rates, made the decision without consulting OCSEA or other affected unions.

 

Please stay tuned to these union newsletters and the OCSEA website for updates and member calls-to-action on this very important issue.  

Just a reminder that your Union Benefits Trust (UBT) open enrollment period begins this Thursday May 8 and runs through Wednesday, May 21. This includes coverage for premium-free dental, vision and basic life insurance. This is also the time to enroll in and make changes to supplemental life insurance, voluntary benefits and legal benefits.

  

Important dependent update!

Effective July 1, 2024, the dependent age qualification has changed. Union members who are actively employed can now cover their unmarried dependents up to age 26 for dental and vision benefits. Enrollment in and any updates to dependent coverage must be made during this open enrollment period, May 8-May 21, 2025.

 

If you, the member, are eligible for benefits, you may cover your current legal spouse and your unmarried dependent children up to age 26. To make changes or to add a dependent, members will be required to submit proof of eligibility when adding them in the system. Be prepared by gathering all documentation prior to the open enrollment process.  Use this UBT Benefits Guide to learn more about dependent requirements as well as all of your UBT benefits and navigating the open enrollment process. 

 

For more detailed information about the UBT, visit the UBT’s website at benefitstrust.org or contact customer service at 614-508-2255 or 800-228-5088 or via email at customerservice@benefitstrust.org. 

OCSEA members gathered this weekend in Perrysburg, Ohio for the 2025 Women’s Action Committee (WAC) Conference. This year’s conference theme was “Hope & Happiness Go Hand-in-Hand,” exploring the ways union members can build hope for the future through solidarity and coalition building for happier and stronger communities.

 

“This event is more than just a conference – it is a celebration of solidarity, resilience, and an unwavering belief that when we support one another as colleagues, as union members, as a community, hope grows, and happiness follows,” said WAC chair Annie Pleasant-Combs. Special guest speakers helped spread that message of hope, said the WAC chair.

 

Erika White, Ohio State Representative (OH-41) gave a rousing speech about building resilience against the threats facing labor unions today. “We have to learn to take that heat and stay in the kitchen,” she said. “What happens is you start to become resilient from being somewhere you don’t want to be––a tough place. You start to build resilience so you can survive through things.” Erika also emphasized the need for more working class people to run for office. “We’ve got to start building our own coalition,” she said.
 
Dr. Tina Williams, Director of Community Engagement at the Area Office on Aging NW Ohio, spoke about the qualities of strong leadership, and how hard work allows us to best serve ourselves and those around us. “Some of the things I want to encourage us to do as leaders is leverage your voice. When you walk in a room, and you’re in an environment where you should share, you’ve got something to say––open your mouth. Because people will treat you according to how you present yourself,” she said.
 
Sonia Flunder-McNair, Founder & Executive Director of Urban Wholistics in Toledo, Ohio, shared her story as an urban farmer who started a grassroots initiative to enrich and improve her community through developing green spaces, and youth farming education. “We created what is now called Tatum Park. The park serves as a space to remind people that we are powerful. And if plants and a farm can thrive here, so can we,” she said. Sonia said the green spaces and the community programs have helped reduce the rate of violence in the area.
 
Finally, the conference closed with Dr. Amy Acton, a well-known physician and former director of the Ohio Dept. Health during the COVID pandemic. She is a community leader who has spent over 30 years pursuing her passion for public health. She is also running for Ohio Governor in 2026. “The whole theme for me––why I’m doing what I’m doing now, why I did what I did then (as director of the Dept. of Health)––is that I just can’t look the other way when I see suffering." She also celebrated the work of OCSEA members––Ohio's public servants. “These jobs we do are not easy. You guys see and do things that no one understands. And I am honored to be considered a public servant alongside you. I want you to know I’ll be fighting with you every step of the way,” she said.

Photo Gallery

Conference Video

The OCSEA Women's Action Committee (WAC) with Rev. Barbara T. Jackson and Ohio Rep. Erika White.

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The OCSEA Steward Conference will be held Saturday, June 7, 2025 in Westerville. Register today and join OCSEA contract enforcers from all over the state for this important annual event. Every OCSEA steward and leader should plan to attend. The in-person event will take place at the Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel located at 409 Altair Pkwy, Westerville, OH 43082. Learn more about the event and register at OCSEA.org/StewardConference or click the blue button below for the direct registration link.

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