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News Release
Douglas stepping down as union administrator
April 27, 2006 - COLUMBUS – The former Ohio Supreme Court justice who began a new career as a labor leader announced late yesterday that he has resigned as the executive director of the Ohio Civil Service Employees Association.
Andy Douglas said he has a number of personal and professional opportunities he wants to pursue now that he has helped steer the union through successful contract negotiations and several other internal projects.
Former Justice Douglas was tapped by the organization in 2004 to run the daily operations of the 36,000-member public employee union after serving 18 years in the state’s top court. Although a self-described moderate Republican, Douglas was known for his evenhandedness on labor issues and was an ally in union circles.
His tenure as executive director at OCSEA began in a period when state agencies faced severe funding crises, and several state prisons and direct care facilities either closed or faced the threat of closure. Difficult contract negotiations in early 2003 had further strained relations between OCSEA and state officials.
During Douglas’ two-year tenure with the organization he led several successful initiatives including a massive get-out-the-vote voter registration drive that added 5,000 additional voters to the rolls.
His most recent accomplishment was at the bargaining table where he led OCSEA’s negotiating team to a double-digit wage package and benefit improvements in their health care.
OCSEA President Ron Alexander thanked Douglas for his hard work. “Andy is a shrewd strategist. When we asked Andy to take this job on, we knew we were facing important economic and political battles, and he took on those challenges. His talents will be missed.”
Alexander said no replacement has been named for Douglas and warned that the search process is often lengthy.
OCSEA is an affiliate of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and represents a variety of security, direct care, skilled trades, regulatory, administrative, clerical, scientific and technical public workers throughout Ohio.
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See Related
April 28, 2006 - Douglas gives up job with state union; Ex-justice says move to city post not ensured (Toledo Blade)
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