OCSEA activists hit picket line in solidarity for Toledo UAW brothers and sisters

OCSEA activists as well as other Ohio AFSCME members hit the picket line with striking members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) Monday as they fight for a fair union contract. Donning the union's signature AFSCME green, nearly 50 OCSEA and AFSCME union members joined AFSCME International Pres. Lee Saunders and other private sector union members with signs, chants and solidarity outside of the Toledo Jeep plant.

This included the support of OCSEA sister Carrie Coffee, the president of Northwest Ohio Developmental Center Chapter 4817 who came out to march with her community members.

"One of the main reasons for me joining OCSEA in the first place was for unity. Unity––with strength and solidarity––can have the most powerful impact on the mission of standing up and speaking out on what's right," said Carrie, who advocates for Therapeutic Program Workers (TPWs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), maintenance employees and more at the Toledo Developmental Center that cares for Ohio's most developmentally disabled citizens. Carrie, herself, is a TPW.

Carrie says when we come together to support other unions, it not only comes back twofold and helps us build momentum as we head to the bargaining table, but it also heightens awareness of the importance of the union fight for workers. "By standing with UAW, we show an understanding that we are all in battle for support of working families, and together we win," said Carrie.

Carrie's favorite parts of the picket? Marching side-by-side with the proud Jeep workers, meeting AFSCME President Lee Saunders, and all the fun chants of solidarity. Some of her favorites included "What do we want? CONTRACTS! When do we want it? NOW!" and the crowd favorite, "No Justice! No JEEPS!

See photos from the event: Facebook | Instagram

Take action! Tell your State Senator: Stop costly dental bill!

We called you to act last week to stop the costly state dental bill that could increase dental costs for OCSEA members and all Ohioans! Despite your strong efforts, unfortunately, the Ohio Senate Insurance Committee reported out the unnecessary dental bill. That means the bill is now in the hands of the full State Senate. What this also means is that every OCSEA member is needed to take action and call their State Senator today!

OCSEA members, and any Ohioans they know with dental insurance, should email and call their State Senator TODAY. Tell them to stop these costly regulation attempts once and for all. TAKE ACTION!

Your union and your dental benefits administrator––the Union Benefits Trust (UBT)––adamantly opposes Senate Bill 115, and any others like it. SB 115 prevents dental insurance providers from being able to negotiate lower fees for non-covered services for their members. If passed, this dental overreach would give dentists the ability to charge members whatever they want for non-covered services. While this directly impacts OCSEA members who utilize UBT, every Ohioan with dental insurance would feel the financial strain that would come with this dangerous overreach. Read UBT testimony HERE.

Contact your State Senator TODAY! Tell them to STOP the unnecessary dental bills in their tracks. Get talking points and write an email here. You can also look up your State Senator HERE if you prefer to call.

Download October Union Bulletin Board flyers

Can you believe it's Fall already? But the good news is that the October 2023 Union Bulletin Board Network (UBBN) flyers are here and include many fall fun deals. It also includes an important action to protect dental benefits and your last chance to complete the OCSEA Bargaining Survey!

The October UBBN is now available for download at OCSEA.org/UBBN.

This OCSEA virtual bulletin board gives members access to union fliers with a click of a button. With some members continuing to telework, many working hybrid and others working 100% on site, the UBBN flyers give OCSEA members quick access to important union information. This includes OCSEA events, discounts and more.

Chapters should place these flyers on their workplace bulletin boards, where applicable, 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:

• What does Collective Bargaining mean to you? 
• Take Action against Ohio dental bill 
• Final reminder: Take the OCSEA Bargaining Survey 
• Purchasing Power: Vacation deals 
• Member discount: 30% Off Ohio Renaissance Faire 
• Early Bird member discount: Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden Festival of Lights
• Working Advantage: October deals 
• Kings Island Halloween deals

Get early bird pricing to Cincinnati Zoo Festival of Lights through October

Grab your tickets for the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden PNC Festival of Lights through Oct. 31 and take advantage of special OCSEA member-only pricing! Tickets are only $13 each if purchased early (pricing increases by $2 in November) The Festival of Lights runs Nov. 17 through Jan. 7 and includes admittance to zoo.

Get Early Bird Tickets at OCSEA.org/Extras

Download Event Flyer

More discounts and deals...

Working Advantage: October deals

OCSEA members get exclusive access to the Working Advantage Discount Program, your one-stop shop for convenient savings on the products, services, and experiences you know and love. It’s easy to sign up.

Visit WorkingAdvantage.com to create account. Find Company Code at OCSEA.org/extras

Ohio Renaissance Festival

The Ohio Renaissance Festival offers something for everyone with 100 shows daily on 14 stages, over 150 unique arts and crafts shops, hearty food and drink, games of skill, and human-powered rides to amuse all ages. OCSEA members get access to a 30% off ticket discount through October 29. Learn more at OCSEA.org/Extras

OCSEA Nights at the Columbus Blue Jackets

• Sat. Oct. 14 - CBJ vs. New York Rangers
• Fri., Oct. 20 - CBJ vs. Calgary Flames
  Pick one game or both! INCLUDES A FREE GIFT!

Get OCSEA Night Tickets at OCSEA.org/Extras