You made the difference
OCSEA members’ letters, phone calls help stop USDOL privatization attempt

Feb. 16, 2007 - Thanks to all OCSEA members and friends who responded to our recent Take Action alert to stop the U.S. Dept. of Labor's efforts to pave the way for privatization of state employment services (Wagner-Peyser) at One-Stops.

In a major victory for AFSCME, the U.S. Senate yesterday blocked the USDOL privatization attempt that removes the longstanding federal requirement for state employment service personnel to be civil service employees. The legislation was passed in the U.S. House in early February. President Bush is expected to immediately sign the bipartisan-supported legislation into law.

Legislative action came about because USDOL provisions touched on controversial areas that Congress has been addressing over the last four years and, in effect, bypassed the Congress' prerogatives to legislate in these areas.

As a result, language was inserted into a program funding bill that blocks USDOL from altering policy or issuing any new final regulations for employment programs like the Workforce Investment Act, the Wagner-Peyser Act and the Trade Adjustment Assistance until Congress passes legislation reauthorizing, or renewing, these programs.

No rest for the weary- Keep contacting members of Congress about the work you do
The jobs of state civil service staff who provide employment service in One-Stops (approximately 250 OCSEA members in ODJFS) are safe for now. However, members should be aware that Congressional reauthorization of employment service programs like Wagner-Peyser could take place as early as this summer.

Members are encouraged to keep contacting their members of Congress and begin a serious dialogue regarding the necessity of the work they do and the importance of maintaining state civil service employees in this work.

See Related

Learn more about PEOPLE (Public Employees Organized for Political and Legislative Equality)

Look up your members of Congress and Email

Talking Points

Federal revisions threaten state employment service staff, pave way for more privatization