Union fairs set for Wednesdays to educate members on early voting, election issues

Oct. 1, 2008 - OCSEA District Council 6 today began a four-week push to increase Central Ohio members' Get Out The Vote activities, hosting union fairs at various worksites in downtown Columbus.

As Election Day approaches, chapters are holding worksite union fairs to engage members in conversations and offer resources. Topics include: voter registration, absent voter ballot, in-person early voting, voter rights, working the polls, and working family issues. Information will be available on various non-partisan issues that impact middle-class families such as the economy, health care, and job security.

"The plan is simple," District Council 6 Pres. Debra King says of the GOTV plan, Labor 2008: Connecting the Dots from State to Community. "We're reaching out to union members at their worksite locations to offer non-partisan election information. Our goal is to help public employee union members connect the dots and make informed decisions on their voter ballots."

King — working closely with OCSEA Staff Rep. Lori Collins, who is on special assignment—said her leadership team embraced the plan and rolled it out to local chapters at a recent leadership retreat.

"We want people to understand how elected officials impact what public services are provided, who delivers them, and how they are funded. This election is as much about our members' job security as it is protecting the public services all Ohio families want and need in communities across the state," King added.

The Action Pack Union Fairs are set for 11a.m. – 2 p.m. on Wednesdays in October at the following downtown Columbus locations including: Rhodes Tower, Vern Rife, William Greene, Lazarus building, and the Air Center on East Fifth.

"This election year is very important to the life of the union and the stability of our country. There are a lot of key local races that we need to prevail in as well as the presidential race," OCSEA Staff Representative Lori Collins said. “Remember, issues that affect a community of people generally rise to a level of national importance.” 

Questions about the events or want to volunteer? Please contact a local leader listed above or one of the staff coordinators: Lori Collins at 614-679-1567, Marva McCall at 614-404-9314, Jerry Buty at 614-374-6402, or Patty Howell at 614-309-6041.

See Related

Union fairs help connect members to local GOTV activities in Central Ohio

GET THE FACTS - Compare candidates on key issues.

LABOR WALKS: Participate in state wide Labor-to-Labor Walks in your neighborhood on Sept. 4, 2008

PHONE BANKS: Volunteer, coordinate GOTV calls to members in your chapter, district, or assembly

UNION FAIRS: Challenge Grant program offers subordinate bodies resources for Labor 2008 activities

ENDORSEMENTS: Review endorsement lists to identify union-endorsed candidates in your political districts.

CONTEST: Enter Gear Up & Gas Up with PEOPLE for bargaining, elections

STAFF SUPPORT: Contact your Labor 2008 OCSEA Zone Staff for assistance