OHIO CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
UNION NEWS / AugUST 29, 2025

Big news coming out of Cleveland this week with the announcement of a new member-only benefit. OCSEA Pres. Chris Mabe unveiled the special member-only benefit on Thursday at convention! The union will now provide NO COST workplace security insurance, a $10,000 insurance policy exclusively to members of the union. 

 

OCSEA has teamed up with Pearl Insurance to offer the workplace security insurance, which covers death and dismemberment while on the job and hostage situations.  The $10,000 insurance policy will be provided at absolutely no cost to members, but only to members. Non-members can receive the benefit if they sign a card with the union.

 

“This is a way to show appreciation for your commitment to public service and for being a valued member of OCSEA,” said Pres. Mabe during the unveiling.

"We’ve been working on this member-only benefit for a while, and we’re excited to share the details with you today. This benefit will be available to every active member of OCSEA, but only members, no one else," he said.

Previously, the union only provided coverage for members who are on the frontlines in dangerous jobs at DRC and DYS. "Now we are thrilled to expand the coverage to ALL members, including those frontline agencies," said Mabe.

For more details on the new member-only benefit you can check out more information from Pearl Insurance HERE.

OCSEA President Chris Mabe has signed a Letter of Agreement (LOA) that state employees covered under the OCSEA collective bargaining agreement shall not be required to remit any compensation or reimbursement received as part of their jury duty services. This LOA will go into effect on September 30, 2025.

 

This LOA makes important updates to Section 30.01 of the 2024-2027 OCSEA contract removing the requirement of remittance of any juror fees. See the Letter of Agreement HERE.

Yesterday, the OCSEA delegation at the 36th Biennial Convention, heard from friend of labor, Sen. Sherrod Brown about the dignity of work, the value of public service and the fight ahead for collective bargaining.

 

Sen. Brown––who recently announced his candidacy to regain a seat in the U.S. Senate representing Ohio in 2026––thanked OCSEA members for their service and urged them to vote for the candidates, from Senate to Ohio Governor to the Statehouse, who will support public employees and their unions!

 

"It's more rigged against workers than it was a year ago," said Brown. "All persuasions know it's rigged and that many  politicians are in bed with corporations," he said, reminding members that he will fight for them only!

 

"I see politics as 'whose side are you on?' Not left. Not right. But what's right! I will take on the bad guys. I’m on your side, not on their side," he said.

 

From rising prescription drugs to privatization, Sen. Brown said, "I will always fight for you! That’s who I am. I fought harder for you than anyone in the US Senate. Which is why I’m running to head back to the Senate."

 

Sen. Brown championed the fight to repeal WEP/GPO, a bipartisan issue that impacted many members at convention. The Social Security Fairness Act, Brown's last vote as Ohio's senator, returns Social Security benefits to thousands of public employees and is just one example of how Brown stands up for organized labor and public employees wanting to retire with dignity!

When union members come together on Labor Day, it's about more than barbecues and parades. Labor Day is a true celebration of union members and workers and is a way of showing the power we all can have to make a difference on the job. See below for some upcoming Labor Day events. Or find an event happening near you at this LINK.