Fall union magazine spotlights the union difference
Download the union magazine at OCSEA.org/PEQ
The Fall edition of the OCSEA magazine, The Public Employee Quarterly, is arriving in members' mailboxes, and we're excited that members can read more about OCSEA activists who are making a difference because of the UNION DIFFERENCE. In Stories In Action: The Union Difference, three OCSEA members tell their stories of public service and union activism and how both have changed their lives for the better.
For Melissa Yank, a union activist at the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation, she says her public union job helped give her the opportunities she never dreamed of. Looking back on her childhood, she says, “I can remember in those early days, we sometimes had to skip a meal, even. The jobs my mom got sometimes couldn’t even put food on the table,” she explained. "But all that changed when her mom went to work for the BWC. “Once my mom got a job with the State, all that changed.” She followed in her footsteps and flourished thanks to union education and more.
In the case of Casey Marcum, working in the Ohio State Parks system is like putting on a fuzzy hoodie, she says (she works outside a lot!). It’s comfy and warm, she says as a third generation Hueston Woods Park employee. After finally getting on full-time in the park system, Casey is excited to tell her story of perseverance and dedication to public service. Being union is just an extra perk and she's looking forward to getting more involved.
For Marcus Harris, a love of sports, family encouragement and a strong work ethic helped guide his life and career as a Therapeutic Program Worker with the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. He uses those skills, not only as a chapter president, steward, and inspirational leader in his chapter, but also in life as a coach and inspiration to his son and other teens he mentors.
Read these stories and more at OCSEA.org/PEQ.
Sign up for State bargaining text alerts now!
Last week we announced the members of the elected OCSEA Bargaining Team. If you missed that email, you can see the Bargaining Team HERE. One of the best way to show support for the Team is by making sure you are getting all the bargaining updates.
This includes signing up for up-to-the-minute bargaining text alerts. To sign up for State bargaining-specific mobile alerts, text OCSEA2024 (no spaces!) to 237-263 on your cell phone.
Follow the prompts to get signed up. We will text you when there are important bargaining updates, including actions around bargaining, supporting the team, including solidarity days, any tentative agreement and more.
And don't forget to update your contact information in your member-only MyOCSEA profile by logging on at OCSEA.org/sign-in. You can also sign up for union emails HERE. Want to make sure your contact info is up to date? Contact the OCSEA Member Resource Center (MRC) at 1-888-OCSEA11 (627-3211) or MRC@OCSEA.org.
Download Union Bulletin Board flyers for November
The November 2023 Union Bulletin Board Network (UBBN) flyers are here and available for download at OCSEA.org/UBBN. The virtual bulletin board gives OCSEA members access to union flyers with a click of a button. This includes quick access to OCSEA bargaining news, events, discounts and more. Chapters are urged to place these flyers on their workplace bulletin boards, where applicable, email to their members and distribute at meetings. Any chapter that needs assistance with printing fliers should contact the OCSEA mailroom at 614-865-4733.
This month's virtual fliers include:
- Prep for Bargaining: Sign up for text alerts (State members only)
- Working Advantage deals: November highlights
- Kings Island Winterfest ticket deal
- Columbus Zoo Wildlights ticket deal
- Disney One Ice Magic in the Stars ticket deal
It's time to Vote
There’s less than a week left to vote and if you haven’t already, now’s the time to cast your ballot for the many local government races, levies, and issues before Ohio voters.
This coming weekend is the only weekend of early voting in Ohio. You can cast your ballot at your local county board of election on Saturday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. or on Sunday from 1-5 p.m. There is no longer any Monday voting the day before Election Day.
Election Day voting is from 6 a.m.-7 p.m. at your local precinct. Don’t know where to vote on Election Day? Go here to check your registration and poll location. A photo ID is now required for voting.
FINAL WEEK VOTING HOURS :
- October 30: 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
- October 31: 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
- November 1-3: 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
- November 4: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- November 5: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Kings Island Winterfest
OCSEA members get discount tickets to WinterFest, an unforgettable holiday experience where Kings Island transforms into 11 enchanting winter wonderlands. The annual event features ice skating on the Royal Fountain, the Eiffel Tower turned into a magical Christmas tree, the WinterFest Wonderland Parade, more than five million lights and live entertainment throughout the park. Plus, experience up to 20 rides including Mystic Timbers and Kings Mills Antique Autos. Cincinnati’s premier holiday event is open select nights in November and December. Don't miss this amazing Christmas event for the entire family! See all winter deals at ocsea.org/extras.
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