News Archive 2004
Providing union news and resources to OCSEA members

OCSEA's News Center includes links to recent features from the current year and archives from 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004.

Dec. 21, 2004 - Help troops this holiday season

Dec. 15, 2004 - Proposal to eliminate funding for DCs anticipated in biennial budget; Speak out now

Dec. 15, 2004 - DAS, Agencies to enforce new comp time rules

Dec. 14, 2004 - Job vacancy posted at OCSEA

Dec. 14, 2004 - Register for winter courses, CMCA conference

Dec. 13, 2004 - Download new material for bulletin boards

Dec. 10, 2004 - Report concerns about 2 percent bonus to OCSEA

Dec. 10, 2004 - GOP candidate proposals would slice services, make way for more privatization

Dec. 9, 2004 - Union scholarship deadlines approach; Submit your applications soon

Dec. 8, 2004 - AFSCME's legislative agenda focuses on protecting public services

Nov. 30, 2004 - Build union power; Buy union this holiday season

Nov. 29, 2004 - OCSEA extends Horizon Award deadline; Submit nominations by Dec. 3

Nov. 23, 2004 - Updates on bonus eligibility provided by employer; Search alphabetized lists

Nov. 18, 2004 - Search eligibility lists; Clarification provided on union-negotiated ratification payment

Nov. 17, 2004 - Several conferences, convention set for 2005

Nov. 15, 2004 - Data shows union representation results in better benefits, wage increases

Nov. 15, 2004 - One-time supplement to be paid December 10

Nov. 9, 2004 - UBBN offers three new bulletins: ODOT, Events, and GOTV mobilization results

Nov. 5, 2004 - Mobile Training Unit brings math refresher to ODOT union members

Nov. 4, 2004 - State official recommends job cuts

Nov. 4, 2004 - Health Care Spending Accounts help members save money

Nov. 3, 2004 - Kerry Concedes; Union proud of member, staff involvement in this election process

Nov. 3, 2004 - Ohio is key to election outcome; Kerry campaign waits it out for full count

Nov. 3, 2004 - Labor GOTV makes vote too close to call

Nov. 2, 2004 - Share your experience in the MyOCSEA Discussion Forums

Nov. 2, 2004 - Know your voters' rights; Report problems today if someone infringes on your rights

Nov. 2, 2004 - Challengers approved by federal court; Unfair GOP tactics blocked by judge

Nov. 1, 2004 - Prepare to vote on Tuesday; OCSEA staff, voter protection groups ready to help

Nov. 1, 2004 - Be prepared; Get voter information

Oct. 29, 2004 - Candidate delivers plan to protect high-tech jobs from exportation

Oct. 28, 2004 - Kerry, Springsteen to rally Columbus tonight; Regional events connect via video feed

Oct. 28, 2004 - Rally, march for a fair Supreme Court

Oct. 27, 2004 - Kerry delivers plan to protect high-tech jobs from exportation

Oct. 27, 2004 - AFL-CIO hosts regional Big Vote rallies: John Kerry to speak in Columbus; McEntee to address Cleveland crowd

Oct. 27, 2004 - Be prepared on Election Day; Don’t let anyone take your vote away

Oct. 25, 2004 - One week left; Support chapter GOTV efforts

Oct. 25, 2004 - OCSEA launches voter education campaign

Oct. 22, 2004 - Union leaders say continued manufacturing decline alarming and 5,500 net job growth pathetic

Oct. 22, 2004 - AFL-CIO hosts regional Big Vote rallies next Thursday; AFSCME president to speak in Columbus

Oct. 20, 2004 - New resource links added to Info Tech section

Oct. 20, 2004 - Coalition brings job loss issue to northwest Ohio; Ted Strickland to address rally, press conference on Sunday, Oct. 24

Oct. 19, 2004 - Candidate to repeal public pension cuts; Two weeks left to consider facts on presidential candidates

Oct. 18, 2004 - Union denounces Republican’s use of scandal stained operatives in Ohio

Oct. 14, 2004 - Tell Sinclair Broadcasting group that political propaganda disguised as news is unacceptable

Oct. 13, 2004 - Provisional ballot issue still causes concern as federal expert backs Blackwell

Oct. 12, 2004 - Voters to consider health care crisis on election day; Support chapter GOTV efforts

Oct. 12, 2004 - Beggers' night walk cancelled from OCSEA headquarters on Oct. 28; Support Oct. 25 walk instead

Oct. 8, 2004 - Every county in Ohio needs poll workers; Public employees eligible to volunteer

Oct. 7, 2004 - Voter protection training starts today; Poll monitors trained in seven cities or by conference call

Oct. 7, 2004 - State officials award large OAKS contract to PeopleSoft Inc.; Project given green light

Oct. 6, 2004 - Volunteer for phone banks; Earn $25 stipend

Oct. 5, 2004 - Voter registration numbers break all records

Oct. 4, 2004 - OCSEA involved in Ohio's Voter Protection program; Volunteer to be a poll monitor

Oct. 1, 2004 - Martin Consent Order filed by parents

Sept. 30, 2004 - Volunteers still needed to "Take Back Ohio"

Sept. 30, 2004 - Shirts available; Donations go to PEOPLE

Sept. 29, 2004 - Washington officials replace laid-off IT employees with higher- priced consultants, costing taxpayers more

Sept. 28, 2004 - Confirm voter registration by Oct. 4 deadline; Know your rights

Sept. 28, 2004 - Ohio consolidates e-mail servers; State to offer displaced workers training

Sept. 28, 2004 - October WD date cancelled, two other sessions offered in 2005 for next round of pre-retirement planning sessions

Sept. 24, 2004 - Protect yourself against voter suppression; Know your HAVA rights

Sept. 23, 2004 - Voter registration deadline approaches; Look for confirmation postcard or contact local BOE

Sept. 21, 2004 - Six weeks until Election Day; Volunteer for Labor Walks, submit Challenge Grants forms

Sept. 21, 2004 - The Super Tuesday winner Lynette Rawlings

Sept. 20, 2004 - Challenge Grants for chapters, districts to help fund voter registration, GOTV efforts

Sept. 17, 2004 - Kerry commits to repeal of public pension offsets

Sept. 16, 2004 - OCSEA grievances down by more than half

Sept. 16, 2004 - Countdown: Seven weeks left and Kerry again is in the lead... again; Volunteers needed for Labor Walks

Sept. 14, 2004 - GOTV poster winner announced: Sandra Mahaffey, ODNR Chapter 2515

Sept. 14, 2004 - Register for autumn, winter courses

Sept. 13, 2004 - Challenge Grant showcased at OCSEA President's Conference; Members use personal contact to Take Back Ohio

Sept. 10, 2004 - UBBN Updated; Topics include: absentee voter's ballot, voter registration, precinct officials, and clothing dirve

Sept. 9, 2004 - Agreement reached to rewrite settlement proposal; Martin fairness hearing on Sept. 14 cancelled

Sept. 9, 2004 - OCSEA Board of Director's meeting minutes posted for June 2004

Sept. 8, 2004 - Keep walking, talking to help Take Back Ohio; Less than four weeks left to register union members to vote

Sept. 7, 2004 - Union's request to intervene in newspaper suit granted; OCSEA represents members' interests to protect employee privacy rights

Sept. 7, 2004 - Tell young members the importance of voting; Nothing says "Please Vote" like a hand-written letter

Sept. 3, 2004 - Prepare for Marting hearing now; Download support materials

Sept. 2, 2004 - OCSEA members walk-and-talk Tuesday in Franklin County; Members encouraged to participate tonight in largest single-day election mobilization

Sept. 1, 2004 - Challenge Grants for chapters, districts to offer financial support for voter registration, GOTV efforts; Allyne Beach returns to help OCSEA Take Back Ohio

Aug. 31, 2004 - The Super Tuesday winner Brandy Tanks

Aug. 27, 2004 - OCSEA members walk-and-talk Thursday in Franklin County; Gear up for more in Columbus, statewide

Aug. 26, 2004 - Community partners develop action plans to stop outsourcing Ohio jobs; Participate in regional forums in Marion, Mansfield, Canton, Chillicothe

Aug. 26, 2004 - Ohio loses jobs, salaries stagnate, and poverty soars

Aug. 25, 2004 - Parents, employees urged to take part in Aug. 27 conference call to speak out against proposed "Martin" settlement

Aug. 24, 2004 - Vote Smart training offered on Web, CD-Rom

Aug. 23, 2004 - Joint Health Care Committee to examine new vendors for best coverage

Aug. 20, 2004 - Enter GOTV poster contest, win prizes

Aug. 20, 2004 - Browse candidate endorsement list for state, national races

Aug. 20, 2004 - MyOCSEA Toolbox offers delegate change form, complete set of Resolutions passed at OCSEA's 25th Biennial Convention, Elections Guide

Aug. 19, 2004 - Reports available on board website for August

Aug. 19, 2004 - Registration deadline for President's Conference extended to Aug. 30; Key speakers: Gerald McEntee, Jerry Springer

Aug. 17, 2004 - Chapter union fairs offer information, help

Aug. 17, 2004 - Aug. 21 registration deadline approaches; President's Conference theme: Election Day Countdown

Aug. 16, 2004 - Register for OCSEA-sponsored Labor Walks or volunteer for one in your area

Aug. 12, 2004 - Parents, employees needed to speak out against "Martin" settlement at statewide The Arc of Ohio forums

Aug. 12, 2004 - Parents, employees urged to take part in conference call to speak out against "Martin" settlement

Aug. 11, 2004 - OCSEA members encouraged to join Fingerhut on historic walk across Ohio

August 11, 2004 - UBBN Updated; Topics include: health care, voter registration, Labor Walks, Vote Smart training

Aug. 9, 2004 - JIAC develops elections toolkit to support chapters

Aug. 9, 2004 - OCSEA leaders, staff participate in DNC convention

Aug. 9, 2004 - Cheney lets drug companies off the hook

Aug. 5, 2004 - ExpressScripts takes over drug program

Aug. 4, 2004 - OCSEA E-Learning Center offers Vote Smart training; Prepare for the November 2 Election

Aug. 3, 2004 - The Super Tuesday winner Raymond Baumgardner

Aug. 3, 2004 -Register now for Sept. 11 President's Conference

Aug. 3, 2004 - Download resources on “Martin” lawsuit; Next meeting to be held Aug. 14 in Dayton

Aug. 2, 2004 - Volunteering for “labor-to-labor” walks just got easier; Personal contact key to sharing Take Back Ohio message

Aug. 2, 2004 - Martin settlement would end choice; Union members met to discuss MR/DD impact

July 27, 2004 - The Super Tuesday winner Charlissa Wells

July 22, 2004 - Four cities left on OPERS info tour; Ask questions about proposed changes

July 22, 2004 - Register now for autumn education courses

July 20, 2004 - The Super Tuesday winner Sheryl Long

July 16, 2004 - ODJFS faces deep federal cuts, layoffs; Urge U.S. Congress to restore funding

July 15, 2004 - Use talking point to spread word about employment service funding cuts

July 13, 2004 - Use alternate numbers to contact legislators, urge subcommittee members to reconsider ES cuts

July 13, 2004 - Board meeting minutes available from April 2004 meeting

July 13, 2004 - UBBNs for July available; Download now

July 13, 2004 - Diane Crittenden's voter registration card picked in June 29 weekly drawing

July 12, 2004 - Slashed Employment Service funding makes layoffs likely; Urge Reps. Regula, Hobson to reconsider cuts

July 8, 2004 - OCSEA helps secure big TAP increase

July 8, 2004 - Members get Apple computer discounts

July 7, 2004 - New policy for last chance agreements

July 6, 2004 - Rallies with John Kerry in Cleveland, Dayton this week; Get your tickets today

July 6, 2004 - Alan Smith's voter registration card picked in June 29 weekly drawing

July 6, 2004 - Voter Registration T-Shirt Ordering Information.pdf

July 6, 2004 - Union amends original complaint in newspaper suit

July 1, 2004 - Leaders represent OCSEA interests at AFSCME International convention; McEntee re-elected to eighth term

July 1, 2004 - Alexander wins AFSCME convention “Star” award for PERS activism

July 1, 2004 - Troy Ervin's voter registration card picked in June 29 weekly drawing

June 30, 2004 - Lawsuit settlement would mean end of all State MR/DD facilities in Ohio

June 29, 2004 - AFSCME attorneys work together on voter drive

June 29, 2004 - Register now for late summer, autumn courses

June 25, 2004 - Treat your family this summer with union's Fun Day coupons; Print, take to parks

June 22, 2004 - One name drawn weekly for Super Tuesday drawing: Patrick Barrett is the latest winner

June 22, 2004 - First leg of walk good start; Volunteers still needed for June 26-27 “labor-to-labor” walks

June 17, 2004 - Union members, staff gather in columbus for John Kerry rally

June 16, 2004 - Patrick Barrett's voter registration card picked in weekly drawing

June 15, 2004 - Message to newspapers on pension reforms anticipated in print

June 14, 2004 - Labor leaders, unionists hit road to spread Reinvest in America message in Appalachia

June 11, 2004 - Print your AFSCME Family Fun Day coupons

June 9, 2004 - UBBN Updated

June 8, 2004 - Tamla Burke's voter registration card picked in June 8 weekly drawing

June 4, 2004 - Volunteers needed for “labor-to-labor” walks

June 3, 2004 - Apple offers June 2004 discounts for OCSEA Members

June 3, 2004 - Customize and print the latest voter registration drive flier. You may type in the information for your local union fair.

June 2, 2004 - Minority report cites lack of available beds reason to keep MR centers open

June 1, 2004 - Amanda Cox's voter registration card picked in June 1 weekly drawing

May 28, 2004 - Union fights newspaper’s records suit to protect employee privacy rights

May 28, 2004- Politicians end employee majority on OPERS Board

May 25, 2004 - Changes in the mail-in drug program for Ohio Med participants; Pay balances

May 21, 2004 - Download, share two new fliers on voter registration facts

May 20, 2004 - Union says politics, not facts, dominate Closure Commission decision

May 20, 2004 - AFSCME kids eligible for political scholarship

May 20, 2004 - Alexander talks order at WAC conference

May 19, 2004 - Union tells commission: Apple Creek, Springview closures will shift burden onto taxpayers, communities

May 18, 2004 - Long-term temporary work assignments to prevent working out-of-class at ODOT

May 18, 2004 - ODOT needs you for Level 2 course development

May 18, 2004 - New advancement waiver for people already in ODOT's HT Series

May 18, 2004 - ODOT Earthwork course becomes two courses

May 18, 2004 - Stewards Academy forms due by June 11

May 17, 2004 - Closure Commission to hear final round of testimony on fate of Apple Creek, Springview Retardation Centers

May 17, 2004 - Cassandra Calloway, Chapter 2560, picked for weekly winner

May 14, 2004 - OCSEA president addresses high performance progress at conference

May 12, 2004 - New fliers available for bulletin boards

May 12, 2004 - OCSEA executive committee say voter registration is top priority; Local leaders agree

May 7, 2004 - Urge legislators to protect Ohio's public pension system as Sub. HB 227 heads to conference committee

May 6, 2004 - Amended pension “reform” bill passed Senate, heads to conference committee; Compromise sought on Buy-Ohio provision

May 6, 2004  - Cover the Uninsured Week runs statewide, May 10-16; OCSEA health care policy expert to address community forum in Columbus

May 5, 2004 - Voice: OCSEA executive committee, local leaders encourage members to complete voter registration card (video clips)

May 5 2004 - Corrections chapters get voter registration job done

May 3, 2004 - Bus load of MR/DD parents, employees travel to Rhodes Tower to attend commission hearing in search of answers

April 29, 2004 - Complete Arbitration Index.pdf offered online two places: Union Tool Box for Leaders and the online Arbitration Index

April 28, 2004 - Remember OCSEA members killed in line of duty on Worker Memorial Day

April 28, 2004 - Massive Ohio privatization proposal introduced; Buehrer’s bill would also trick state employees into privatizing jobs

April 27, 2004 - Chapters challenged to raise union's political clout through voter registration; Weekly chapter results, winner announced

April 27, 2004 - Share info about offshoring bill (HB 459) with your co-workers, legislators

April 27, 2004 - Parents, staff and community tell commission ODMR/DD ill-prepared to move clients from Apple Creek center

April 27, 2004 - Weekly voter registration results by chapter announced

April 26, 2004 - Parents, staff and community to address closure commission tomorrow in public hearing to save Apple Creek Developmental Center

April 26, 2004 - Voter Registration campaign incentives announced to mobilize members for Nov. 2

April 23, 2004 - Parents, staff and community tell commission of MR/DD
care crisis if Springview Developmental Center closes

April 23, 2004 - Register for spring/summer union classes

April 21, 2004 - Parents, staff and community to address closure commission in public hearing to save Springview Developmental Center

April 21, 2003 - ODJFS MOU passes by wide margin

April 19, 2004 - Members gathered in Columbus last weekend to build union power, build political power

April 16, 2004 - Members gather in Columbus this weekend to build union power, build political power

April 13, 2004 - Register to vote: Your voice matters; Your votes count

April 12, 2004 - New Union Bulletin Board Network (UBBN) materials

April 8, 2004 - State gets ok to change drug plan; Ohio to join multi-state drug coalition

April 7, 2004 - Union announces support for Trakas’ Ohio Jobs First offshoring bill

April 7, 2004 - DGCs begin candidate screening process

April 7, 2004 - Chief of Information Technology shares key factors, intentions

April 6, 2004 - WD loan amounts for computers drop in line with prices

April 6, 2004 - ODOT member suspended for truck sign

April 5, 2004 - Governor rejects new Ohio Med PPO administration bids, extends MMO for one year

April 2, 2004 - OCSEA IT committee to host chat April 21

April 2, 2004 - Online registration now available for High Performance event

April 1, 2004 - Workshops offer power-building tools, strategies to help Take Back Ohio

April 1, 2004 - OCSEA activist picked to sit on commission

March 26, 2004 - The truth must be told! Is the Administration willing to go to any length to put a muzzle on OCSEA leaders and members?

March 26, 2004 - Office of Collective Bargaining used State Patrol, phony bomb threat charges to wage vendetta against union leader

March 25, 2004 - ODJFS Chat Transcripts now available

March 23, 2004 - Chat offered members chance to pose more questions before next week's MOU vote

March 23, 2004 - AFSCME International President McEntee to speak; Building Union Power 4 conference offers variety of grassroots tools, strategies

March 10, 2004 - Q & A: Changes to the mail-in pharmacy benefit for Ohio Med enrollees

March 19, 2004 - Chat scheduled for customer service reps to ask questions about the move to one-stops

March 9, 2004 - OCSEA leaders leaflet on joblessness

March 9, 2004 - Officer speeches highlight Take Back Ohio at CMCA conference

March 9, 2004 - Clarification sent on December bonus

March 8, 2004 - New state budget cuts difficult to absorb; Problems reflect failing jobs policies at state, national levels

March 2, 2004 - WD offers spring retirement planning session

March 2, 2004 - Twelve teams recognized at recent Pathways to Excellence events

Feb. 27, 2004 - Remember to vote Tuesday in Ohio Primary

Feb. 26, 2004 - State to carve out drugs to Express Scripts, leaving Medco July 1, 2004; Change impacts Ohio Med PPO enrollees

Feb. 21, 2004 - New study says international trade, job loss impacts Ohio workers; Privateers eye government services for offshoring

Feb. 21, 2004 - Contact your legislators about trade-related job loss and how it impacts Ohio public workers

Feb. 20, 2004 - OCSEA Benefits EXTRAS program updated; World Gym discounts now available

Feb. 20, 2004 - AFSCME Advantage discount program updated

Feb. 18, 2004 - Coalition secures MRDD closure commission

Feb. 18, 2004 - Update on conciliation court case

Feb. 17, 2004 - Union Douglas tapped for union executive director

Feb. 11, 2004 - ODNR staff assignment list, heath and safety committee information offered online

Feb. 9, 2004 - Save the date: May 13, 2004 High Performance Workplace Conference

Feb. 9, 2004 - Union to weigh Lima options in wake of Appeals Court reversal

Feb. 9, 2004 - UBBN Updated

Feb. 3, 2004 - OCSEA to continue fight to keep attorneys in bargaining unit

Jan. 28, 2004 - Voter registration deadline looms for Ohio primary election

Jan. 28, 2004 - Privatization lets greedy corporations loot taxpayers in Ohio, Iraq alike

Jan. 27, 2004 - Controlling board urged to reject Convergys loan

Jan. 26, 2004 - Consultant's study recommends privatizing, offshoring State's human resources work

Jan. 22, 2004 - U.S. Senate bows to Bush´s veto threat; Workers´ overtime is still at risk—including state employees

Jan. 20, 2004 - U.S. Senate Democrats today guarded against Bush's attack on overtime pay protections

Jan. 20, 2004 - Call U.S. Senators on today's Overtime Pay Vote

Jan. 16, 2004 - Debate on politicizing pension plans begins again next week; Send a New Years message to your legislators now

Jan. 16, 2003 - Register to vote on union's E-Action Center

Jan. 14, 2004 - Union hails senate's passage of MR/DD protection legislation

Jan. 13, 2004 - Is your chapter connected to your statewide labor council?

Jan. 12, 2004 - New postings available for Union Bulletin Board Network

Jan. 7, 2004 - Les Best Scholarship applications now available

Jan. 7, 2004 - New eAction Center offers voter registration, key dates, races, and candidate info

Jan. 7, 2004 - New eAction Center offers voter registration help