Labor, management work to resolve OAKS personal leave glitch

April 19, 2007 - The implementation of OAKS has not been without challenges. The union and the state, however, are working to quickly identify and resolve problems to minimize negative impact on OCSEA members and their families.  

The most recent example of such cooperation resulted in an agreement between the State and the Union regarding Article 27.01: "OCSEA agrees that the "[B]ase rate of pay" shall be read as "regular rate of pay" pursuant to the Collective Bargaining Agreement. LETTER OF AGREEMENT (PDF)

OCSEA General Legal Counsel Sandra Bell explained, "If you look at the language of 27.01, you will notice that it uses the term 'base' rate. This means that no supplements, such as the NAIC supplement in Insurance, were added to the hours paid under personal leave. It also flies in the face of the past practice of most of the agencies."

OCSEA and the State have agreed that the parties really meant to use the term “regular” rate. 

A few agencies had followed the actual language and NOT added supplements to personal leave pay outs. This interpretation will result in a consistent application within all the agencies and, in some cases, additional funds for our members.

If you believe you’ve been impacted, please contact your payroll office.

Are you or your chapter members still experiencing other problems with OAKS? Send the union an email to OAKSconcerns@ocsea.org and include concrete examples by attaching to your email copies of your checks, e-pay records or responses from management.

See Related

Union Toolbox - Oaks Concerns

State of Ohio's OAKS Website

OAKS Alerts

OAKS Training Support Kit - Get the most current info on ePay; View paychecks online

OAKS Training - Support Kit Brochure (PDF)