OHIO CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
UNION NEWS / Sept. 11, 2024

Twenty-three years ago, our country experienced unbelievable tragedy. We must Never Forget those who lost their lives or put their lives on the line to save others — especially the AFSCME members who showed up, like they always do, to comfort, heal and begin the long road to recovery.

 

As we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice of this day, also known as Patriot Day and 9/11 National Day of Service, we are reminded of the good that can come from the worst of tragedies. 9/11 Day was created shortly after the September 11th terrorist attacks as an ask to patriotic Americans who wanted "something good" to come from the loss of so many lives. What good deed can you do today, tomorrow and in the days to come to help others and bring positivity and service into your community? Learn more about 9/11 Day at https://911day.org/ to see how your chapter can get involved in Labor Gives Back activities in your community. 

 

This 9/11 we also celebrate the National Defense Authorization Act, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden in December of 2023. This expansion of the World Trade Center Health Program means more 9/11 first responders and victims are receiving the medical treatment and monitoring they need. Sadly, more first responders have since died from 9/11 health-related disease than died on that tragic day.

 

The World Trade Center Health Program was started in 2011 to provide treatment and monitoring to 9/11 survivors and responders who were exposed to toxins and suffered other physical and psychological injuries stemming from the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. However, as more people enrolled in it and health care costs rose, the program needed more funding. The latest expansion of the program authorized that as well as additional funding for certain first responders at the Pentagon and Shanksville sites.

 

“Our nation will never forget those who put their lives on the line to save others on that tragic day,” AFSCME President Lee Saunders said. “‘Never Forget’ means we must continue to honor their service and sacrifice, with actions and not just words. And now, they will have access to the health care they need,” said Saunders in response to the additional funding.

 

Will you help make sure this care continues to be funded? Call your senators and representative and ask them to co-sponsor the bipartisan 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2024.

OCSEA members at the Ohio Attorney General's Office voted to ratify a three-year contract. Successful negotiations by the union bargaining team resulted in major gains in telework language and a total salary increase of 12.5% over the next three years. This aligns with raises negotiated in the main state contract.

 

The 12.5% wage increase over the three-year contract includes 5% in the first year, retroactive to July 1, 2024; 4.5% in the second year to be received on July 1, 2025; and 3% in the third year to be received on July 1, 2026. As mentioned, this mirrors the increases in the main OCSEA state contract. Language added to Article 12 gives members parameters and protections regarding telework, including a 30-day notice requirement for management regarding any changes to telework policy or agreements.

 

The members of the union bargaining team included a diverse group of AG employees: Lyndia Jennings, Corinthia Lacey, Nicole Griffin, Deena Gray, Keith Howard and Gloria Wilson. OCSEA Staff included lead negotiator Karl Wilkins, staff representative, with the assistance of Jeff Freeman, staff representative.

 

AG Chapter President, steward and negotiator Lyndia Jennings says she's proud of the contract and the good work of her union team. "It was a good team on both sides. We worked well together to accomplish goals of the membership,' said Lyndia. AG union members were surveyed prior to bargaining, and it was determined that wages and telework were top priorities. Lyndia says the team was able to get a good contract that met the priorities of those surveyed. 

The OCSEA President's Conference agenda is available at OCSEA.org/Presidents. The OCSEA President's Conference, the kick off to election season, will take place this Saturday, Sept. 14. Additionally, leaders will attend a New Contract Training on Friday evening.

 

Special guests to the conference include Rep. Allison Russo, Ohio's  House Minority Leader
and Maureen O’Connor, former Chief Justice, Ohio Supreme Court. Rep. Russo, a Democrat, will discuss proposals that aim to diminish and attack union rights and protections for working people. The radical agenda includes allowing states to ban labor unions in the private sector; making it easier for corporations to fire workers who engage in collective action or organizing; Eliminating overtime protections for workers; removing civil service protections for public non-partisan public employees and more. 

 

Former Justice O'Connor, a Republican, will discuss the bipartisan Yes On Ohio Issue 1 to end gerrymandering. In November, Ohioans will have the chance to vote on a constitutional amendment to create a 15-member Ohio Citizens Redistricting Commission made up of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents representing all corners of the state. This commission would not include any politicians or lobbyists. O'Connor will discuss the importance of drawing fair and impartial districts that don’t favor one party over the other or one elected politician over the other.

Fall is upon us, and so are member-only deals to Ohio's Cedar Fair parks' fall celebrations. Visit OCSEA.org/Extras (or get links below) to get discount tickets to Cedar Point and Kings Island. Both deals include entrance to the parks' fall and Halloween events.

 

Through Working Advantage, our national perks and discount program, OCSEA members get exclusive ticket deals to Cedar Point, including Halloweekend. Visit this LINK to see all the deals including GOOD ANY DAY TICKETS (including Saturday admission through Sept. 28) for $68 or Thursday, Friday and Sunday tickets (through November 1) for $54. Use Code: OCSEAPERKS for all OCSEA deals through Working Advantage (account creation required).

 

Get discount tickets for Kings Island through November 3, including their Tricks and Treats (family friendly) and Haunt events. Visit this member-only LINK using Username: KIAFSCME Password: KINGSISLAND for member deals including $65 Saturday admission and $43 Friday and Sunday admission. 

 

See all your member-only perks and discounts at OCSEA.org/Extras.