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Clarification provided on union-negotiated ratification payment;
Search alphabetical eligibility lists, Report problems to OCSEA

Nov. 18, 2004 (updated Nov. 23) - Qualified state employee will receive the OCSEA-negotiated two percent ratification bonus on Dec. 10, 2004. The union requested clarification from the Ohio Department of Administrative Services regarding members' eligibility.

Report problems or concerns to ms@ocsea.org or call 888-OCSEA-11.

Three types of lists are available to search regarding your preliminary eligibility determination. DAS says these lists should not be considered final. These lists have been provided to agencies and unions in order to provide an opportunity to identify errors prior to the Dec. 10 payment.

Please note that as we are anticipating updated lists from the state in the next few days.

Should you have questions or identify inaccuracies after reviewing your status, however, please contact your human resources department and or your union steward.

Employees names are ordered alphabetically on the eligibility list. If someone else has the same name as you, cross reference the department number and job title. You can find find your department number on the upper left corner of your pay stub. If you do not know your department number, You'll need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the following files.

Eligible (PDF) - This resource lists the names of employees who are eligible to receive the two percent bonus. It also provides a payment estimate. Please also check the supplement below, "Updates to Eligible List." (updated 11-23-2004)

Updates to Eligible List (PDF) - This resource lists the names of employees who were initially deemed ineligible and have been added to the eligible list for the two percent bonus. It also does not include the payment estimate. (updated 11-23-2004)

Not Eligible (PDF) - This document alphabetically lists employees who are not eligible based on appointment date. (updated 11-23-2004)

On Leave (PDF) - This resources lists employees who were on leave during the qualifying period.

 

REPRESENTATION  Any grievances concerning non-payment of the two percent bonus shall be filed directly at OCB.

Time limits for filing a grievance at the first step will apply to the filing of any grievances regarding the 2 percent. Thereafter, and failing resolution, the union would be free to demand arbitration.

What's the contract say? According to Article 43.05 – Ratification/Contract Finalization Payment, on page 111 of the OCSEA and State of Ohio Contract for 2003 - 2006:

"In consideration of ratification and/or finalization of this Agreement, employees who are covered by this collective bargaining agreement and are on the active payroll as of March 6, 2003, and November 14, 2004, shall receive a one-time two percent (2%) lump sum ratification payment in pay period that includes December 1, 2004.

"This two percent (2%) payment shall be based on the annualization of the top step 108 rate of the pay range in which the employee is in on November 14, 2004, and is not to be included in the wage base. Less than full-time employees shall receive a pro-rated amount based on the number of hours worked in the twenty-six (26) pay periods preceding November 14, 2004. This payment shall not be subject to PERS withholding.

taxes  In accordance with federal IRS laws, 25 percent will be deducted from the bonus amount for federal taxes. The bonus amount will be lumped in with the employee’s regular check. If the bonus was dispersed in a separate check, employees would pay more taxes, according to federal tax code.

DEFERMENT  Employees who wish to put all or a portion of their bonus in the employees’ Deferred Compensation Plan should contact their offices immediately to set it up.

The Deferred Compensation Plan office can be reached at 1-877-644-6457 or visit www.ohio457.org.