Archive 2007
Providing union news and resources to OCSEA members and their families

OCSEA's News Center includes links to recent features from the current year, as well as links to the 2006 Archive, 2005 Archive, and 2004 Archive .

Dec. 2007 - OCSEA posts staff representative opening

Dec. 26, 2007 - UET login page down Jan. 11 for ID conversion

Dec. 19, 2007 - Sign up for degree program at labor college

Dec. 19, 2007 - State corrects Dec. 8 payroll sick leave accrual; Double check ePay.

Dec. 19, 2007 - OCSEA President Parks elected to OPERS board

Dec. 19, 2007 - Board meeting minutes updated for members only

Dec. 18, 2007 - Video: Steve Wall talks ART to Union Quality Network

Dec. 18, 2007 - UET tackles retirement in January; Register now

Dec. 18, 2007 - OAKS chokes on sick leave accruals for pay period ending Dec. 8

Dec. 18, 2007 - Sick leave accrual dips last pay day of year

Dec. 18, 2007 - Two AFSCME scholarship deadlines this month

Dec. 18, 2007 - Updated UBBN materials mailed

Dec. 3, 2007 - Strickland reports back to Faith Vote Columbus group

Nov. 30, 2007 - Quality activists move forward with Agency Review Team training

Nov. 28, 2007 - Union leaders invited to preview ODOT's new 2008- 2009 business plan

Nov. 22, 2007 - UBBN updated Nov. 21

Nov. 19, 20067 - OCSEA urges legislators to support veterans' agency with conditions on ODJFS

Nov. 19, 2007 - Sign up for degree program at labor college

Nov. 16, 2007 - House fails to override Bush-Veto of domestic spending bill

Nov. 15, 2007 - New fundraising policy won't impact Combined Charitable Campaign

Nov. 15, 2007 - OCSEA offers Purchasing Power's computer program

Nov. 13, 2007 - AFSCME launches new matching fund program to give back to our veterans

Nov. 13, 2007 - Bush delivers on promise to veto Labor-HHS-Education spending bill

Nov. 9, 2007 - Union quality leaders met to discuss new initiative

Nov. 7, 2007 - View Pathways photos, presentation materials

Nov. 7, 2007 - New processes set in place to help improve Ohio

Nov. 7, 2007 - Urge passage of Labor-HHS-Education / Vets bill with veto-proof majority to cancel Bush; Call Congress one more time

Nov. 5, 2007 - "Keep It Made in America" townhall meeting set

Nov. 5, 2007 - CALL CONGRESS TODAY:
Urge passage of Labor-HHS-Education bill with veto-proof majority

Nov. 1, 2007 - Enroll in flexible spending account by Nov. 30

Nov. 1, 2007 - Parks led late-October planning meeting

Nov. 1, 2007 - Mark your calendar for 2008 events, meetings

Nov. 1, 2007 - Don't forget to check November calendar

Oct. 31, 2007 - AFSCME announces presidential endorsement of Hillary Clinton

Oct. 29, 2007 - Cast your vote on Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 6

Oct. 26, 2007 - Anti-privatization win secured related to expansion of state trade, unemployment programs

Oct. 26, 2007 - Pathways to Excellence set for Tuesday, Nov. 6; Mark your calendar for 2008 events, meetings

Oct. 26, 2007 - AFSCME members' calls key to gaining more support for Labor-HHS-Education Spending Bill

Oct. 18, 2007 - Download Oct. 19 UBBN materials now

Oct. 18, 2007 - Know a hero? Nominate a member for outstanding community service

Oct. 18, 2007 - Union helps members protect home before financial disaster hits

Oct. 18, 2007 - Order Cleveland Cavaliers tickets now through April 3

Oct. 13, 2007 - Union seeks input on new veterans state agency

Oct. 11, 2007 - Stretch your dollars;
Enroll Nov. 5 - 30 in flexible spending account!

Oct. 11, 2007 - New health and wellness program rolls out Nov. 1

Oct. 11, 2007 - Register to vote, and vote early

Oct. 11, 2007 - UET sets pre-retirement training for Jan. 11 - 12

Oct. 2, 2007 - Steward skill honored at conference; 250 attend

Sept. 28, 2007 - Parks sets late-October leadership meeting

Sept. 14, 2007 - Assembly award savings bonds at Roadeo

Sept. 13, 2007 - Union seeks input on new veterans state agency

Sept. 28, 2007 - Members-only board minutes page updated

September 2007 - Union Leaders of Future Scholarship applications postmarked by Sept. 29

Sept. 27, 2007 - UET postpones October pre-retirement training; Future session TBA

Sept. 20, 2007 - Power-packed agenda planned for first Steward Conference on Sept. 29

Sept. 20, 2007 - Submit meeting, election notices for magazine by Sept. 24 deadline

Sept. 17, 2007 - DRC assembly president remembers fallen union officers at D.C. event

Sept. 14, 2007 - ODOT Assembly presents awards to Roadeo winners

Sept. 13, 2007 - Apple discounts updated

Sept. 12, 2007 - New regional benefits staff helps leaders promote members-only benefits

Sept. 12, 2007 - UET pre-retirement training set for Oct. 26 - 27

Sept. 12, 2007 - Subordinate bodies consider HPI entries

Sept. 12, 2007 - Union Leaders of Future Scholarship applications postmarked by Sept. 29

Sept. 11, 2007 - Grievance Form now activated with text fields

Sept. 11, 2007 - Download revised union release time form

Sept. 11, 2007 - New wellness program introduced at upcoming meetings statewide

Aug. 24, 2007 - Parks tapped as new union president

Aug. 23 - 25, 2007 - Convention Video Clips

Aug. 23 - 25, 2007 - Convention Photo Albums

Aug. 23 - 25, 2007 - Convention newsletters

Aug. 14, 2007 - Vote YES for new positions in ODNR; OCSEA must receive ballots by Aug. 20

Aug. 9, 2007 - Grievance form gets two useful updates

Aug. 9, 2007 - Various workshop topics offered from benefits to finances to quality

Aug. 8, 2007 - Got a question or an opinion? Contact your elected delegates

Aug. 7, 2007 - State to make two more OAKS corrections

Aug. 6, 2007 - Calling all younger workers; Union offers forum, updates

Aug. 3, 2007 -
ODOT District 5 reviews quality progress, maps out future paths

Aug. 3, 2007 - Get credit for vacation, longevity based on Ohio National Guard time served

July 30, 2007 - Benefit deduction make-up payments to appear on Aug. 3 pay checks

July 27, 2007 - Career Improvement Program benefit dollars increased by UET

July 27, 2007 - Stewards study arbitration process during intensive, hands-on academy

July 27, 2007 -
Photo Album: July 15 - 20 Steward Academy

July 26, 2007 - Photo ID required to vote; New touch screens to improve process

July 26, 2007 - ODNR agreement would increase union positions; Cast your vote by Aug. 20

July 26, 2007 - Latest OAKS glitches impact longevity pay, health care deductions

July 26, 2007 - Get credit for vacation, longevity based on Ohio National Guard time served

July 25, 2007 - CBTU breakfast set for this Saturday in Columbus

July 25, 2007 - ID theft protection offered for deaf community

July 20, 2007 - Check pay stub for OAKS problems with deductions

July 18, 2007 - Union hosted Pathways to Excellence; Strickland's accountability plan shared

July 18, 2007 - BWC Chapter 1810 hosted successful legislative tour at Garfield Heights office

July 17, 2007 - OCSEA leaders endorse Ohio Healthy Families Act

July 16, 2007 - Trade "blue bird" plate for union-designed plate

July 16, 2007 - Cleveland-area BWC employees to host legislator walk-thru

July 13, 2007 - Need your stories on healthy lifestyle, wellness for educational video

July 13, 2007 - Photo I.D. required to vote for officers at convention

July 12, 2007 - Union members picket outside of Lorain prison, earn media attention

July 11, 2007 - Find out how to move health and safety forward

July 11, 2007 - State offers stolen data update, new lookup tool

July 10, 2007 - Steward event set for Sept. 29 in Columbus; Features new recognition program

July 3, 2007 - New pharmacy benefits manager offers more choices, register now

July 2, 2007 - Gov. Ted Strickland signs budget bill

July 2, 2007 - OCSEA wins historic MR community program

July 2, 2007 - Blue Ribbon Commission stalled by budget process, but union continues fight

July 2, 2007 - Union-negotiated 3.5 % pay raise kicks in July 1 pay period

July 2, 2007 - Strategic planning process gaining momentum

July 2, 2007 - Order union-designed license plates to support Ohio State Parks

June 27, 2007 - Media covers Wednesday's union picket at Mt. Vernon Developmental Center

June 26, 2007 - Sandusky media covers Tuesday picket highlighting cuts at Veterans’ Home

June 26, 2007 - Registration closed for July 18 quality event

June 25, 2007 - Learn more about AFSCME Presidential Forum

June 25, 2007 - Sandusky Picket: Program reductions at Ohio Veterans’ Home hurt

June 25, 2007 - Union leaders deliver 5,000 postcards on EFCA to Sen. Voinovich in D.C.

June 20, 2007 - Activists continue advocacy as budget bill moves to conference committee

June 19, 2007 - Statewide officer candidate statements due June 25

June 14, 2007 - ELECTIONS ALERT:
Exec. Director's sends letter to Board of Directors, all candidates for board regarding election process

June 14, 2007 - Treasurer offers financial empowerment courses

June, 2007 TODAY: Noon rally at statehouse to support union choice (EFCA)

June 14, 2007 - Toledo Zoo coupon now available for download

June 12, 2007 - Support state parks, sport union-designed plates

June 5, 2007 - OCSEA calls on General Assembly to reject pension divestment bill

June 5, 2007 - Union activists successful: Senate's budget includes state-operated MRDD pilot

June 5, 2007 - Legislators listened intently to union's concerns about state-operated MR pilot

June 4, 2007 - Rally at statehouse to support union choice (EFCA)

June 4, 2007 - Download AFSCME Summer Fun Coupons for members

June 4, 2007 - Elections-by-mail for Board of Directors' seats; Complete, return ballot

June 2007 - Apple discount for iPods

May 30, 2007 - Help secure MRDD pilot via state budget amendment

May 23, 2007 - OPERS for retirement, not foreign policy

May 22, 2007 - OCSEA launches union choice postcard drive; WAC gets signees

May 22, 2007 - Need officer candidate statements by June 25

May 21, 2007 - First Lady Strickland entertains WAC conferees

May 16, 2007 - UET increases career improvement benefits

May 16, 2007 - OCSEA Extras: Newport Aquarium discount added

May 16, 2007 - OCSEA mourns loss of a Chapter VP, Ed Henderson

May 15, 2007 - Register for next Pathways to Excellence event

May 15, 2007 - First Lady of Ohio to speak at WAC event held May 18 - 20

May 11, 2007 - Governor talks quality at TeamUp ODOT Event

May 10, 2007 - WAC Agenda finalized; First Lady of Ohio Frances Strickland to address union women

May 9, 2007 - Subordinate body presidents get board update from president

May 9, 2007 - Workers' Comp Ombuds Office offers help

May 8, 2007 - House budget gets unanimous yes: 97-0

May 8, 2007 - Union to host OAKS-related meetings during lunch hours on Friday

May 3, 2007 - Vocal talent needed for OCSEA's convention

May 3, 2007 - L-M agreement fixes OAKS-related comp time glitch

May 1, 2007 - Ohio's Chief Information Officer met with union

April 30, 2007 - Exec. Dir. Andy Douglas talks quality at the April union event in Columbus

April 27, 2007 - Members to vote on board of directors seats; Request nomination kits by May 1

April 27, 2007 - House substitute budget released: Keeps much of governor's plan, but adds prison privatization rule

April 26, 2007 - Email, fax forms to union to accelerate removal grievances

April 26, 2007 - Stewards Academy applications reopen

April 23, 2007 - Six HPI Awards presented at BUP 7 last weekend

April 23, 2007 - Budget plan to improve coordination of IT system

April 20, 2007 - Workshops, speakers support theme of Building Union Power 7

April 19, 2007 - OAKS: L-M agreement to fix personal leave glitch

April 19, 2007 - UBBNS for April - Les Best, CEO Pay and AFSCME's eAcademy

April 19, 2007 - Chief Information Officer to attend union meeting

April 18, 2007 - Hearings, union testimony continue in House with three OCSEA Assembly Presidents

April 17, 2007 - Register for summer member, leader courses

April 13, 2007 - RSC leader makes plea to legislators

April 12, 2007 - MR Budget: State workers key to state-operated community services

April 12, 2007 - DYS Budget: Leader says more staff, training needed

April 11, 2007 - Friday Night at the Movies returns to BUP event

April 7, 2007 - Register for summer member, leader courses

April 5, 2007 - Chief Information Officer to attend union meeting

April 5, 2007 - OAKS Alert - New extended e-pay hours announced

April 5, 2007 - Union steward says more needed for ODNR budget

April 4, 2007 - DRC assembly president offers legislative testimony

March 30, 2007 - Convention: Campaign lit memo, forms mailed out

March 28, 2007 - Ohio AFL-CIO hosts May 8 - 9 legislative conference

March 28, 2007 - May 10 Team Up ODOT to share, recognize results

March 27, 2007 - MRDD: GDC hosts Rep. Stewart, finance chair

March 15, 2007 - Union studies Strickland's budget plans, impact

March 14, 2007 - Bush budget wrong for Ohio; Sign Petition

March 14, 2007 - Urge Senate to approve Employee Free Choice Act

March 8 - 9, 2007 - Photo Gallery - Check out photos of speakers and leaders

March 8 - 9, 2007 - Strickland cabinet members, legislator, policy expert address leadership

March 9, 2007 - Training Day 2 - Speakers talk messaging, impact of federal cuts

March 8, 2007 - Training Day 1 - Tax Commissioner Rich Levin addressed OCSEA leaders

March 8, 2007 - Training Day 1 - OBM Director Pari Sabety: Money savings explored

March 8, 2007 - Training Day 1 - Senior Policy Analyst, John Corlett describes budget process

March 8, 2007 - Training Day 1 - Rep. Scott Oelslager talks to leaders about talking to legislators

March 7, 2007 (updated) - Gov. Strickland Video: Providing valued services in state government important work

March 5, 2007 - MR/DD lawsuit finally over

March 2, 2007 - Submit meeting notices online for magazine

March 1, 2007 - Reserve hotel for BUP event by March 22

March 2007 - AFSCME introduced its new magazine, AFSCME Works! this month. Check it out, and get involved through the publication's new member-driven features: Ask AFSCME, Talk Back, Privatization Watch, and Letter to the Editor.

Feb. 28, 2007 - WAC conference to focus on personal finances

Feb. 28, 2007 - MRDD: Budget fight begins with Warrensville tour

Feb. 26, 2007 - Horizon Award recipient serves homeless, mentors young people

Feb. 26, 2007 - Committee collected, donated used cell phones to women's shelter

Feb. 22, 2007 - State budget crisis on horizon; Union prepares

Feb. 22, 2007 - OCSEA Biennial Convention Call Sent (PDF)

Feb. 22, 2007 - OCB provides FAQ to help address weather emergency questions

Feb. 21, 2007 - AFSCME's Wednesday presidential to air on TV

Feb. 21, 2007 - OCB provides FAQ to help address weather emergency questions

Feb. 21, 2007 - New Directions newsletter (Feb. 23 issue) for activists published online (PDF)

Feb. 20, 2007- Weather emergency declared in some counties

Feb. 16, 2007 - OCSEA members’ letters, phone calls help stop USDOL privatization attempt

Feb. 15, 2007 - Strickland encourages quality activists; Speaker shares reinvention experiences

Feb. 14, 2007 - DAS provides clarification on procedures related to weather emergency

Feb. 14, 2007 (1 p.m.) - Weather emergency situation updated, effective until 5 p.m. today

Feb. 14, 2007 (9:23 a.m.) - Two-hour delay on Wednesday morning for state offices; Weather emergency message reported by media

Feb. 14, 2007 (8:30 a.m.) - OCSEA headquarters closed Wednesday; Check out winter weather safety tips

Feb. 14, 2007 (8:05 a.m.) - OCSEA Blog reports office closing

Feb. 13, 2007 (12:30 p.m.) - Union secures update on weather situation; Stay tuned

Feb. 13, 2007 - Cleveland Cavalier ticket discount back for members | Download Form

Feb. 13, 2007 - Mark your calendar for two women's events

Feb. 12, 2007 - Help AFL-CIO identify union members who hold elected office

Feb. 09, 2007 - MRDD: Latest 'Martin' proposal could impact budget

Feb. 5 and 6, 2007 - Activists’ efforts payoff in One-Stop privatization threat

Jan. 31, 2007 - Fisher: Strong labor-management partnership key to TurnAround Ohio

Jan. 31, 2007 - Several OAKS issues identified, resolved

Jan. 31, 2007 - ODNR members hosted briefing to prepare legislators on budget

Jan. 25, 2007 - Strickland makes agency leadership changes

Jan. 19, 2007 - Email union with OAKS concerns, problems

Jan. 18, 2007 - Register now for February event; Keynote speaker to address TurnAround Ohio plan

Jan. 16, 2007 - FULL STORY: Federal revisions threaten state employment service staff, pave way for more privatization

Jan. 16, 2007 - TALKING POINTS: Federal revisions threaten state employment service staff, pave way for more privatization

Jan. 8, 2007 - Columbus-area Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) honors two OCSEA leaders at annual MLK event

Jan. 8, 2007 - Gov. Ted Strickland takes oath of office

Jan. 3, 2007 - Request application for Les Best Scholarship - College and Vocational

Jan. 3, 2007 - Patricia Callanan-Castro Memorial Book Scholarship for members offered for first time

Jan. 3, 2007 - Mark your 2007 calendar for union events

Jan. 3, 2007 - Legislators end lame-duck session with language to cripple union PACs; New session underway

Jan. 2, 2007 - Presidential observance does not impact state employees