ODJFS budget reduction plan anticipated later this week director said at assembly;
Union leaders play waiting game

April 29, 2008 - ODJFS union leaders anticipate, based on conversations with ODJFS management, that the agency's budget plan and rationale for layoffs MAY be released later this week.

This also was the message ODJFS Director Helen Jones-Kelly and other members of management brought to the ODJFS Assembly meeting this past Saturday, April 26, at the ODJFS Air Center complex in Columbus.

Before a packed house of union assembly delegates and concerned members, Director Jones-Kelly was vague in her information regarding the potential for job reductions and other cuts in ODJFS as the result of the budget shortfall.

The director and others, however, did say that management would meet initially with the union before the plan was released to discuss the impact on bargaining unit employees. Once briefed, the union plans to meet with union leaders from around the state immediately.

The special April 26 ODJFS Assembly meeting was called to discuss the plan but the deadline as indicated by management early on was extended.

Although little or no information was divulged — including how many jobs and which areas would be impacted — union members in attendance used the time to ask questions on a variety of subjects, including dress code, flexible schedule changes and issues relating to layoff rights, management-to-bargaining unit ratios and the Early Retirement Incentive Plan (ERIP).

It is anticipated ODJFS will offer a 1-year ERI as part of the plan. ODJFS employees will likely receive more information from management as the plan is unveiled.

Leaders from both OCSEA and ODJFS in attendance at the Assembly meeting made mention of the incredible labor and management partnership throughout the budget crisis. The Joint Budget Committee, established at the union’s request, recently worked together to develop cost saving ideas – based on employee suggestions and input – to help address the budget shortfall and ultimately save jobs. The Committee gave their recommendations to the director on April 7.

Director Jones-Kelly described the committee as precedent-setting. ODJFS Assembly President Tommy Jones said it felt good to have a real, meaningful place at the table and hopes that open communication will continue in the future.

“As a union we’ve given our all – contributed all we could to the process,” said Jones.

“Now we’re just playing the waiting game. It’s all in management’s hands now. We have to focus on the rights of our members’ and the services we provide to Ohio’s citizens. That’s what’s first and foremost on our minds right now and will be as we go to the table with management later this week.”

Members are urged to continue sending their questions, concerns and cost-savings suggestions to odjfstaskforce@ocsea.org

See Related

Layoff Resources - Factsheets, contract language, employment search, retirement links, etc.

Early Retirement Incentive Plans (ERIP)

Union Resources for Retirees

Joint Budget Committee's Recommendations