OHIO CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
UNION NEWS / NOVEMBER 5, 2025

The federal government shutdown, now the longest in history, could soon have an impact on the state workforce. Last Friday the State of Ohio sent emails to employees at six agencies and departments warning of potential consequences. The emails said the state was “evaluating the potential impact on federal funding and whether an interruption in federal funds may result in the furlough of state employees.” The agencies and departments receiving the notification included the Department of Public Safety, EPA, Department of Health, Adjutant General, ODJFS and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities.

“We are monitoring the situation closely and we expect the state to follow our contracts and agreements,” said OCSEA President Chris Mabe. “Congress and the President should stop playing political games, reach a bipartisan solution and reopen the government so our members can do their jobs providing the services Ohioans need.”

If the shutdown continues, OCSEA members whose jobs deal with federal funding could be affected. The State is reallocating funds to avoid furloughs, but that will become more difficult the longer the shutdown lasts.

The AFL-CIO is calling on union members to make calls to House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and our senators and representative to tell them to get to work, fund the government and stop the health care crisis. Call NOW: 844-896-5059 and urge them to: lower health care costs, protect federal workers and end this devastating shutdown by funding public services. Or take action HERE.

 

"Countless jobs, the essential government services we all rely on and the economy are in jeopardy right now—all because the administration wants to take one more swing at wrecking the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and throwing working people off our health care," said AFL-CIO leaders.

 

Every day this shutdown drags on, workers and families are forced to make impossible choices. The labor movement’s message to those in Washington D.C.: Get to work. Fund the government. Fix the health care crisis. And put working people first.  

This month's Union Bulletin Board Network (UBBN) flyers are here and available for download at OCSEA.org/UBBN. Use these flyers for your worksite union bulletin boards for quick access to OCSEA news, events, discounts and more. Chapters should upload them monthly to keep the union news fresh!

 

Don't have an onsite bulletin board? The virtual bulletin board network at OCSEA.org/UBBN gives OCSEA members access to union flyers with a click of a button. Chapters that don't have boards are urged to email the flyers or UBBN link to their members monthly and distribute at chapter meetings. Any chapter that needs assistance with printing fliers should contact the OCSEA mailroom at 614-865-4733.

This month's virtual flyers include:

• Union Membership Cards Coming Soon!
• Union-Made Thanksgiving ideas
• Client VIP Days at Newport Aquarium
• Columbus Zoo & Aquarium Wildlights
• Rocket Arena: Disney on Ice
• Working Advantage: Fresh Fall Savings

The annual OCSEA Membership ID card will be mailed out to all dues-paying members in December. This is a plastic union card that you can easily place it in a billfold, wallet or badge holder without wear and tear. The card will include your name, chapter, OCSEA ID and local president, as well as resources about your union benefits and important contact information. This membership card is a symbol of solidarity, and we hope you are proud of what this card represents.

To ensure you receive your OCSEA membership card, double check your contact information today. Visit your MyOCSEA profile to make sure your address, email and phone number are up to date. Or contact the OCSEA Membership Resource Center at 888-627-3211 (888-OCSEA-11) or MRC@ocsea.org.

“Corrections means family,” said Correction Officer Kate Newman, an activist and union executive board member with Ross Correctional Chapter 7130. That’s why she has joined forces with OCSEA union sister Erinn Cottrill from Chillicothe Correctional Chapter 7120, an activist and steward for her chapter. The duo, spotlighted in the fall edition of the OCSEA magazine, is continually working in concert to give back to corrections union brothers and sisters during their times of need.

 

Both Kate and Erinn were honored at the OCSEA 36th Biennial Convention in August, each receiving the union’s highest charitable-giving award, the Bob White Labor Gives Back Award.

 

“We must do everything we can to take care of each other,” said Kate who wants to bring back what she feels is an eroding ‘family’ dynamic among staff within the state prison system.

 

“Wherever there’s a correction family member in need, we’ll be there,” said Erinn. Read their story at OCSEA.org.

Kate Newman (above) and Erinn Cottrill (below) receive the Bob White Labor Gives Back Award at the OCSEA 36th Biennial Convention in August.

Giving back in your community or know someone who should be honored? Share the story at LaborGivesBack@ocsea.org!