Recent News
Providing union news and resources to OCSEA members and their families

Archive 2008

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

Oct. 1, 2008 - Union fairs educate members on early voting, election issues

Sept. 29, 2008 - Visit first-ever PEOPLE Mall at Oct. 4 event; "Watch" for deals

Sept. 26, 2008 - New Directions newsletter online

Sept. 25, 2008 - Steward Conference open to ALL union activists, retirees

Sept. 24, 2008 - Budget Cuts: OCSEA members spared… this time

Sept. 24, 2008 - ODOT leaders hold phone bank, announce negotiating team

Sept. 19, 2008 - Ohio EPA Assembly discuss flex time, political action at meeting

Sept. 17, 2008 - Leaders offer voter info at picnic hosted by Columbus chapter

Sept. 15, 2008 - New bulletin board fliers online

Sept. 15, 2008 - Info Tech: Review draft class specs; Comments due Sept. 19

Sept. 12, 2008 - ODOT joint committee members discuss salt costs, vests

Sept. 12, 2008 - Mediation victory: All displaced ODJFS employees likely to return to work; L-M Contracting Committee also created

Sept.11, 2008 -Workshops announced for Oct. 4 Steward Conference

Sept. 10, 2008 - Union responds to Governor’s announcement of budget cuts

Sept. 10, 2008 - Joint committee to discuss Shared Services project

Sept. 9, 2008 - Political Action Day cookout inspires activists to up efforts

Sept. 9, 2008 - IC Chap. 2525 offers voter info, shows appreciation at event

Sept. 9, 2008 - RSC chapter holds member luncheon with PEOPLE focus

Sept. 5, 2008 - Coalition pulls sick day issue from fall ballot; OCSEA backs decision, looks toward future

Sept. 3, 2008 - Three chapters host fair at Lazarus building in Columbus

Sept 2, 2008 - PEOPLE introduced to union members at three work sites

Sept 2008 - IT workers invited to briefings, Sept. 25 union meeting

Sept. 2008 - FAQ on IT classification updated

August 2008 - AFSCME Family Scholarship application opens for 2009-2010

Aug. 27, 2008 - Get facts on early voting now; Request ballots starting Sept. 30

Aug. 22, 2008 - Joint IT committee holds focus group on classification design

Aug. 22, 2008 - Download New Directions

Aug. 21, 2008 - Download September UBBNs

Aug. 21, 2008 - ODJFS Assembly surveys membership on bargaining

Aug. 21, 2008 - Challenge Grants available for Labor ‘08 events

Aug. 21, 2008 - OCSEA Steward Conference set for Oct. 4 in Columbus

Aug. 19, 2008 - June Board of Directors meeting minutes okayed Aug. 16, online

Aug. 19, 2008 - What are you doing Labor Day? Show solidarity, union pride

Aug. 19, 2008 - Know who represents you on Board of Directors? Find out

Aug. 18, 2008 - Board members sworn in at Aug. 16 directors' meeting

Aug. 11, 2008 - WAC relay team raised record dollars for PEOPLE Fun Run

Aug. 8, 2008 - Joint IT committee to hold focus group at union hall on Aug. 20

Aug. 8, 2008 - Board runoff election results announced; Winners to take oath at Aug. 15 - 16 meeting

Aug. 5, 2008 - Quality activists learn, laugh at July 31 Pathways to Excellence

Aug. 4, 2008 - UPDATE: Info Tech FAQ 

Aug. 4, 2008 - News Archive of AFSCME's 38th International Convention

Aug. 1, 2008 - OCSEA Chapter GCI member tells story of organizing efforts - in Kentucky? Yes!

July 31, 2008 - Sen. Obama speaks to AFSCME convention delegates

July 28, 2008 - Union corrects label error on member magazine mailing

July 2008 - OCSEA Pres. Parks named AFL-CIO Labor Leader of Week; View video interview now

July 2008 - OCSEA Pres. Parks talks to members about fall election

July 25, 2008 - AFSCME Pres. McEntee urges Congress to give fiscal relief

July 25, 2008 - Steward Academy a success 

July 25, 2008 - UET increases CIP to $3,500

July 24, 2008 - ODOT bargaining online 

July 24, 2008 - PEOPLE benefits ODOT

July 23, 2008 - AFSCME goes "green" at July 28 - Aug. 1 biennial convention

July 16, 2008 - RSVP: JFS phone bank Aug. 9 

July 15, 2008 - Board runoff ballots due July 31

July 14, 2008 - FAQ: Joint IT committee offers classification project details

Juy 14, 2008 - Bargaining Council selects team

July 14, 2008 - Top 10 bargaining issues picked

July 9, 2008 - Bargaining Council registrations due ASAP for July 12 event

July 8, 2008 - Local leaders support, plan activities to get vote out this fall

July 2, 2008 - Board election results announced; 3 runoffs in July

July 1, 2008 - Union convinces state to up mileage rate to 50.5 cents

July 1, 2008 - Union-negotiated pay raise kicks in July 1

June 2008 - Columbus Zoo & Zoombezi Bay included in Fun Coupons

June 26, 2008 - Advisory committee reviewed bargaining surveys, gave input'

June 26, 2008 - Presentation describes joint IT reclassification project, goals 

June 25, 2008 - AFL-CIO recognizes Ivan Stithem as Labor Leader of Week

June 25, 2008 - AFSCME endorses presidential candidate; Parks meets with Obama

June 23, 2008 - OVH employee Ferguson wins Horizon Award

June 24, 2008 - OCSEA endorses presidential candidate

June 19, 2008 - New officers elected by Ohio EPA Assembly members

June 13, 2008 - Layoffs: Displaced workers browse resource fair offerings

June 13, 2008 - Download Challenge Grant Form for leaders

June 12, 2008 - Legislature wraps up capital/corrections bill

June 5, 2008 - PEOPLE recruiters "Gear Up & Gas Up" for elections, bargaining

June 3, 2008 - NCCI Chapter 5188 hosts Voter Registration, PEOPLE drive in parking lot

June 3, 2008 - Memorial slide show honored union sisters, brothers (PDF)

June 3, 2008 - WAC '08: Conferees learn how to manage life's ups, downs

June 3, 2008 -
Photos: WAC '08 at Salt Fork

June 2, 2008 - Take advantage of health incentives before June 30

June 2, 2008 - Sneak preview of June 6 New Directions newsletter for leaders, activists (PDF

June 2008 - Walking with Dinosaurs tickets discounted for union members

May 30, 2008 - UnitedHealthcare bargaining with OhioHealth system; Contract expiration June 9

May 30, 2008 - Leaders say job cuts could affect security; Members picket

May 28, 2008 - Ballots for Board of Directors' elections mailed June 2; Due June 25

May 28, 2008 - April winners announced for Gear Up & Gas Up contest

May 27, 2008 - Faith Vote needs you

May 21, 2008 - Holiday pay eligibility settled; Union gets back pay for most grievants 

May 21, 2008 - Download new UBBNs

May 20, 2008 - Union participates in joint subcommittee to review IT jobs

May 20, 2008 - Take Charge! Live Well! incentive rewards paid

May 19, 2008 - AFL-CIO stands up for veterans, surveys members to ID needs

May 16, 2008 - ODNR releases layoff rationale; Union helps displaced workers

May 13, 2008 - Bargaining Council meets July 12 to select negotiating team

May 12, 2008 - Talk to members in your town during May 17 Labor Walk

May 16, 2008 - ODNR releases layoff rationale; Union helps displaced workers

May 9, 2008 - Team Up ODOT: President Parks encourages quality activists; Trout honored

May 8, 2008 - Prison picket pays off at BeCI

May 8, 2008 - DRC releases layoff timeline

May 7, 2008 - Members protest prison job cuts

May 5, 2008 - Correction Officer of Year named: Veeda Rucker, WCI 

May 5, 2008 - Team Up ODOT''s agenda packed full for 10th anniversary

May 2, 2008 - ODJFS announces 77 position cuts; Union’s focus turns to displaced members

May 2, 2008 - Union: Cuts could affect security

May 2, 2008 - Layoffs class scheduled in several cities statewide for May

May 2, 2008 - Regional Worker Adjustment Committees gear up to help

May 2, 2008 - UET can help you develop new skills, sharpen existing skills

May 2, 2008 - Union Benefits Trust posts job

May 1, 2008 - Union leaders address paper layoffs, work to reduce job loss

May 1, 2008 - Support Ohio Healthy Families Act; Write letter to editor

May 2008 - AFSCME offers online class on investor education

May 2008 - Register for May 29 "Smart Credit Strategies" webinar

April 30, 2008 - New UET process could reduce tax liability on tuition 

April 30, 2008 - Layoffs class scheduled in several cities statewide for May

April 30, 2008 - Regional Worker Adjustment Committees gear up to help

April 30, 2008 - Register for WAC by May 16

April 30, 2008 - PEOPLE offers MVP Quarterly Payment Plan for retirees and local government members

April 30, 2008 - DRC Agreement signed to save jobs

April 30, 2008 - Members to protest prison job cuts outside of Belmont Correctional Institution

April 29, 2008 - ODJFS budget reduction plan anticipated later this week

April 29, 2008 - Participate in local union candidate screenings

April 29, 2008 - PEOPLE: New quarterly plan for retirees, local government

April 29, 2008 - Register online for union classes

April 28, 2008 - Quality leaders use power event to recruit agency activists

April 28, 2008 - Layoff training offered April 29 to ODJFS union members

April 25, 2008 - Columbus JFS chapter goes above, beyond at union fairs

April 25, 2008 - Joint JFS committee submits recommendations to director

April 24, 2008 - Know how to keep safe on job

April 23, 2008 - ODNR unionist lobby legislators

April 23, 2008 - First-ever PEOPLE auction successful, held at BUP 8

April 22, 2008 - Get free health screenings

April 22, 2008 - Bargaining Advisory Council meets in June

April 21, 2008 - Building Union Power 8 mobilizes, offers tools

April 21, 2008 - HPI awards presented to 8 chapters at BUP 8

April 18, 2008 - Open enrollment May 5 - 16

April 18, 2008 - Bus heads to PA for GOTV

April 15, 2008 - Members to bid on auction items at BUP8 to raise PEOPLE dollars

April 15, 2008 - Event workshops designed to help members make change that matters

April 15, 2008 - Guest speaker says health care messaging to clinch 2008 elections

April 14, 2008 - Power-packed agenda to help support members in making change that matters

Apri 11, 2008 - Chapter 2599 to host 3 health, education fairs in Columbus

April 11, 2008 - OCSEA leaders mourn loss of union activist Bob Boger

April 10, 2008 - OCSEA members in DR&C shoulder unfair burden of cuts

April 10, 2008 - ODNR Activists on Earth Day to lobby legislators; Register now

April 2, 2008 - BUP to showcase Gear Up & Gas Up with PEOPLE contest

April 2, 2008 - WAC event set for May 30 - June 1 at Salt Fork Resort

April 1, 2008 - AFSCME affiliate leaders gear up for Labor 2008 activities

April 2008 - OCSEA assembly leaders to participate in NASHTU to advocate for federal dollars

April 2008 - Consider Retiree Membership

April 2008 - ERIP factsheet updated

April 2008 - Disability factsheet updated (PDF)

April 2008 - ODJFS Assembly Pres. asks for Q & A input by April 23

March 29, 2008 - Photo Gallery Update: AFSCME Affiliates meet to gear up for Labor 2008 Activities

March 20, 2008 - Download most recent UBBN materials for your board

March 19, 2008 - Celebrate Team Up ODOT

March 13, 2008 - Consider your BUP 8 workshop choices now; Register now

March 13, 2008 - OCSEA Department Factsheet on ERIP revised (PDF)

March 12, 2008 - Union leaders work to minimize damage to agency programs, jobs

March 12, 2008 - Bush administration to fund employment services at -100% (yeah, that's ZERO)

March 12, 2008 - OCB director leaves; Note new address when sending forms

March 11, 2008 - Sign up by April 9 to donate items for auction at BUP

March 11, 2008 - OCSEA VP testifies on Veterans Department bill

March 2008 - Stop MRDD cuts; Email your legislators now

March 6, 2008 - TAKE ACTION: Stop MRDD cuts; Email your legislators

March 6, 2008 - FAQ: Flextime & Alternative Work Schedule Changes

March 2008 - Savings: 2 Cavs games left

March 4, 2008 - Share your ideas to ease ODJFS budget squeeze

Feb. 2008 - Extras Benefit Correction: First Communications local, long distance phone plans

Feb. 29, 2008 - Check your union bulletin or online PDFs

Feb. 28, 2008 - Photo Gallery Update: AFSCME Retirees Chapter 1184 Luncheon

Feb. 27, 2008 - TAKE ACTION: Urge legislators to stop MH hospital closings

Feb. 26, 2008 - Board meeting minutes posted; Login to view

Feb. 26, 2008 - Note new address when sending forms

Feb. 22, 2008 - Tell OCSEA how flextime changes impact your family, your customers

Feb. 22, 2008 - Help get out vote for Hillary by March 4; Join labor walks, phone banks in your area

Feb. 19, 2008 - Labor, management agree to review IT classifications

Feb. 15 - 17, 2008 - Photo Gallery Update: CMCA Conference

Feb. 15, 2008 - Union members, community to protest closing of Dayton mental health hospital

Feb. 11, 2008 - Legislative Watch: Federal budget cuts hurt jobless and state budgets

Feb. 11, 2008 - Final Bush budget means cuts to AFSCME member jobs across nation

Feb. 11, 2008 - Congress passes stimulus plan; Senate Republicans blocked addition of unemployment benefit extensions and home heating assistance

Feb. 7, 2008 - AFSCME to Congress: Reform or Repeal GPO, WEP Laws hurting retirees

Feb. 6, 2008 - AFSCME convention delegate elections approach this spring

Feb. 5, 2008 - BUP 8 event delivers tools for change

Feb 2008 - Savings: 3 Cavs games left

Jan. 29, 2008 - Agency Review Teams request member input

Jan. 29, 2008 - Feb. 4: Last day to register to vote in March 4 Primary

Jan. 28, 2008 - OAKS tracks preventive care incentives; Next batch paid after Feb. 29

Jan. 28, 2008 - Get free health screening at your workplace

Jan. 25, 2008 - Ohio AFL-CIO President Joe Rugola testifies on government pension offset impact on AFSCME members

Jan. 25, 2008 - Economic stimulus plan on move; Ignores needs of states, local governments

Jan. 24, 2008 - Ohio's low-income children denied health care thanks to Congressional Bushies

Jan. 23, 2008 - Agencies to consider options to fill budget gap

Jan. 23, 2008 - DYS Report: Facilities overcrowded, understaffed

Jan. 22, 2008 - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. helped AFSCME sanitation workers 40 years ago

Jan. 22, 2008 -
Watch MLK Jr. video

Jan. 16, 2008 - Help override Bush veto on children's health insurance

Jan. 16, 2008 - Union Plus Scholarship deadline: Jan. 31, 2008

Jan. 15, 2008 - Blog - Consider paper, early voter ballot to ensure your vote counts

Jan. 15, 2008 - ERI OCSEA Education Factsheet (PDF)

Jan. 14, 2008 - Blog - Financial woes push Gov. Strickland to consider ERIs

Jan. 14, 2008 - Check out State of Ohio's foreclosure prevention programs

Jan. 14, 2008 - Blog - Policy Matters Ohio: Growth of Payday Lending in Ohio

Jan. 14, 2008 - Cut your tax preparation time, filing fees

Jan. 14, 2008 - Blog - Save money, time this tax season

Jan. 11, 2008 - Share your stories of savings, stretched dollars

Jan. 11, 2008 - Are You Struggling With Debt? Union offers help

Jan. 11, 2008 - Blog - Burdonsome photo ID rules could tip balance in presidential race

Jan. 11, 2008 - Blog - Baby boomers' impact on Ohio's economy making noise

Jan. 10, 2008 - Revised constitution and bylaws sent to presidents; Order extras today

Jan. 8, 2008 - Blog - State considers early retirements