OHIO CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
UNION NEWS / September 16, 2025

OCSEA's celebration of its member veterans, past and present, will be held November 14 & 15. Register now to take part in the annual celebration of those who have served in every branch of the military. The conference theme is “The Legacy of Service: Honoring Veterans through Unity & Sacrifice.

The annual OCSEA Veterans Committee Conference will take place at the Mohican State Park Lodge. All OCSEA members, including our member veterans, are encouraged to attend. The Veterans Committee will hold a reception Friday evening, Nov. 14. The main program will be held throughout the day on Saturday, Nov. 15. Overnight accommodations must be made directly with the Lodge by calling 419-938-5411.  

 

Get information on the conference, including registration, lodging, tentative agenda and veteran nominations at ocsea.org/veterans. 

OCSEA Veterans Committee Conference
November 14-15, 2025
Mohican State Park Lodge,
4700 Goon Rd,
Perrysville, Ohio 44864

REGISTER NOW!

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The coalition that defeated Senate Bill 5 needs your help! TOMORROW, join Ohioans from each of our 15 congressional districts for Fair Maps Day––an important event being organized by Fair Districts and Equal Districts. Concerned Ohioans will come together to surround the Ohio Statehouse with this message: No more cheating Ohioans out of fair representation! The event will begin at the Trinity Episcopal Church across from the Statehouse at 10:30 a.m. and then will move to the Statehouse.

Fair Maps Day
Sept. 17, 2025

10:30 AM
Starts at Trinity Episcopal Church,

25 E. Broad Street Columbus, Ohio 43215.

RSVP TO ATTEND

Ohio is constitutionally required to draw a new congressional map this fall. Ohio is already one of the most gerrymandered states in the country, but without Ohioans demanding fair representation, there’s a good chance it’s going to get even worse, says the coalition.

 

As Ohio politicians begin redrawing our congressional map, Ohioans have the opportunity to come together in a show of force to let the politicians in the Statehouse know that voting Ohioans deserve fair representation and fair elections. it should be the power of the vote, not maps and gerrymandering that protect career politicians from being held accountable.

 

"The current maps are unconstitutional via a ruling by the Ohio Supreme Court in 2022," writes We Are Ohio, reminding voters that this is a bipartisan issue. "This robs each voter in this state, Republican, Democrat or Independent, of the power of their individual vote."

 

"Fair Maps Day on September 17 is our chance to put politicians on notice that we are paying attention, and we demand that politicians respect voters and the rules of the Ohio Constitution," urges Fair Districts Ohio.

 

The event will begin at the Trinity Episcopal Church at 25 E Broad Street Columbus, Ohio 43215. Gatherers will then march together to the Statehouse.

The first-ever Jean Fightmaster Leadership Award was presented to long-time union activist Joe Wing at the recent OCSEA 36th Biennial Convention. Brother Wing, a 48-year activist, worked side-by-side with Jean Fightmaster––for whom the award was named–– as well as with former OCSEA Pres. Ron Alexander and so many other OCSEA leaders. Today, as a retiree, he continues to serve as treasurer for his ODOT Chapter 2513 and the OCSEA/ODOT Assembly.

Joe Wing signifies all it means to be a lifelong unionist! In her nominating letter, Chapter 2513 President Donita Weatherspoon said she could not think of a more deserving winner of the Jean Fightmaster Leadership Award than Joe Wing. “Joe Wing is the union in every aspect of his life,” said Weatherspoon, calling him the “Book of Joe” because he knows where we have been and where we are going.

Joe has been a steward, a chapter treasurer and a member of the state Board of Directors. “He has served on so many committees over the years that we can’t count them all,” said OCSEA Sec.-Treas. Kathy Gersper, who presented him with the award. 

Joe was humbled by the award, reflecting on his years of union activism and recalling those who helped him along the way. He thanked his chapter, the board of directors and all the members in attendance for the honor. 

The Jean Fightmaster Leadership Award was named for the dedicated union activist who truly embodied her last name. Described as a “force of nature” by her friends and colleagues, Jean was an active member of OCSEA for 34 years. Jean passed away in 2023 but left an indelible mark on the union. Her grown children were in attendance for the presentation of the award. Learn more about the award at ocsea.org/leadership.

Read more stories from the OCSEA 36th Biennial Convention at con.ocsea.org.