We need your bargaining priorities! Complete the bargaining survey!

Have you filled out your state bargaining survey yet? The State Contract Bargaining Team will be elected next month. Get in your priorities today so your union team has everything they need to go STRONG to the table.

At the end of this year, your elected OCSEA State Bargaining Team is expected to begin negotiating the next three-year State contract that runs from 2024-2027. That’s why it’s critical that we gather member feedback NOW about YOUR priorities for your State contract. Included below is a link to an OCSEA member bargaining survey that asks what’s most important to YOU. This will help guide the member team when they face off with management at the bargaining table.

We pride ourselves on this being a member-driven union. That’s why your feedback is so important. Go here to COMPLETE THE BARGAINING SURVEY!

Register for annual OCSEA Veterans Conference

OCSEA's celebration of its member veterans and all veterans, past and present will be held November 3 & 4. Register now to take part in the annual celebration of those who have served in every branch of the military.

The annual OCSEA Veterans Committee Conference will take place at the Mohican State Park Lodge. The Veterans Committee will hold a reception Friday evening, Nov. 3. The main program will be held throughout the day on Saturday, Nov. 3.

Overnight accommodations must be made directly with the Lodge by calling 419-938-5411.

OCSEA Veterans Committee Conference

November 3-4, 2023

Mohican State Park Lodge, 4700 Goon Rd, Perrysville, Ohio 44864

REGISTER

OCSEA members help CCC flourish

Pamella Butts has been on the steering committee of the Combined Charitable Campaign (CCC), the State of Ohio’s charitable workplace giving campaign, for four years now. This year’s campaign, “Coming Together to Give,” is underway and Pamella encourages all OCSEA state bargaining unit members to give to the charity of their choice.

“There are over 1000 charities to choose from. So, it doesn’t matter what you’re passionate about,” said Pamella. “Especially if you’re pledging through the online portal, you can look up charities by region, key word, or charity name. We want to be as inclusive as possible,” she said. Go HERE to see and search the list of available CCC charities, including those helping with the recent natural disasters.

Pamella is also part of the subcommittee that reviews the applications of the different charities. “We review all the charities and make sure that administrative fees are low enough and their paperwork is set to the standards of the Combined Charitable Campaign. We make sure all is on the up and up,” she said confidently.

Pamella also helps her agency’s CCC coordinators. Each agency has their own CCC coordinators, which include OCSEA bargaining unit members, who work during the 8-week campaign to coordinate activities to raise more donations. Nabeel Khoury on Tussing Road and Katie Balderson at the Riffe Center are the coordinators for the Department of Commerce.

Pamella says since COVID, a lot more is being done virtually to raise awareness and funds. She said last year, for example, the Fire Marshalls in her agency took part in a “masked singer” fundraiser where employees provided donations by voting for their favorite video of a masked singer. This year, silent auctions are being conducted online, and Commerce did an incentive by putting those who donated into an online drawing.

Things are beginning to change post-pandemic, Pamella indicated, with a very well-attended kickoff at Rhodes Tower in August. The event included CCC Honorary Chair Paul Keels, play-by-play announcer for The Ohio State University Football & Men’s Basketball, as well as members of the federations, like the United Way, and other charities.

Pamella Butts, Commerce Chap. 2501 Secretary and Steward, has been on the steering committee of the Combined Charitable Campaign (CCC) for four years and works to coordinate fundraising events.

The CCC campaign kickoff at Rhodes State Office Tower took place on Tuesday, Aug 22. The campaign wraps up on Oct. 18.

To donate at the State portal, go MYOHIO.GOV

Congratulations to our Labor Gives Back Award winners!

At this year's 35th Biennial Convention, two chapters were honored for their Labor Gives Back efforts. We were happy to honor Grafton Correctional Chapter 4710 and Ashtabula Chapter 400 as the co-recipients of this year’s Bob White Labor Gives Back Award. Both chapters continue to carry the torch of community service, just as the award's namesake, Bob White, did in life.

Throughout the year, both chapters led clothing drives for children in their communities during the winter months, giving hundreds of children coats, hats and gloves. They also led fundraisers to give money to provide resources, opportunities and hope for area children. Both chapters will be awarded $500 to use to give back to a charity of their choice.

In honor of a man who dedicated his entire life to public service and giving back, OCSEA's community service award is named Bob White, a union activist, Sergeant and Correctional Counselor at Richland Correctional Institution of 25 years. Bob passed away after an illness in February 2016. He served at nearly every level of union leadership and was passionate about volunteering in his Mansfield community.

Grafton Correctional Chapter 4710, pictured above during Convention ceremonies, was one of two chapters honored with the Bob White Labor Gives Back Award. Below, Ashtabula Chapter 400, the second award recipient, is pictured holding a hat and glove drive for local children last winter. Learn more about the award at ocsea.org/laborgivesback

Want to nominate a chapter for the Bob White Labor Gives Back Award? Email the union at laborgivesback@ocsea.org.

Your OCSEA Extras Discounts and Perks

Purchasing Power Travel Services

Whether it’s a long weekend getaway or a weeklong vacation, Purchasing Power makes it easy to plan your next adventure. Unlock your Spending Power through payroll deduction and book the trip you’ve been dreaming of. No credit check, no down payments and no surprises. Get deals at ocsea.org/extras.

Working Advantage September Highlights

Make the most of your Working Advantage membership this month! Get instant access to exclusive deals, limited-time offers and members-only perks. With something to excite every interest, it’s time to spend less and enjoy more this season. 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