Support OCSEA Statehouse work at lunchtime action event on May 20

Stop efforts to displace laid-off public employees with inmates by generating public awareness, gathering petition signatures

 Statehouse - Wed., May 20, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.  

May 18, 2009 - OCSEA activists were outraged when the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board proposed the implementation of an inmate work release program to replace OCSEA bargaining unit employees laid off as the result of budget cuts. These employees performed custodial, grounds keeping and other duties at the Ohio Statehouse.

As a result, OCSEA members have already written more than 250 letters urging state senators to help stop the proposed program and asking CSRAB to call back the laid-off workers. OCSEA Pres. Eddie L. Parks has contacted state officials and legislators, asking for reconsideration.

“We're starting to get some leverage. Our collective voices are being heard,” said Parks, who received word last week that four bargaining unit laborer positions will likely be recalled and that use of non-violent offenders for this work is on hold.

“We're not out of the water. It still remains to be seen whether our folks will continue to do this work that they’ve done for so long,” said OCSEA Secretary-Treasurer Kathy Stewart, who is organizing a May 20 Statehouse rally to oppose the work release program. “We have to be vigilant and vocal to make sure that history stays in the right hands.”

OCSEA leaders are inviting all union members to keep standing together for our union brothers and sisters on this issue:

1. ACTION LUNCH HOUR (PDF) - Participate in May 20 Statehouse Action Day, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., to generate public awareness and gather petition signatures.
   
   
• Meet at one of the four corners around the Statehouse and in front of the Rhodes SOT and Riffe SOT.
• Action Day T-Shirts (see image above) will be available for the first 100 volunteers who show up.
• Distribute fliers and secure petition signatures.
  
  
2. EMAIL YOUR STATE SENATOR - Please call or write your state senators and urge them to stop any plans that would replace laid-off workers with inmates.
   
   
3. TELL-A-FRIEND - If you've already written to your state senators, send an email asking your friends, co-workers and family to do the same.

See Related

Download Take Action Flyer (PDF) - Participate in May 20 Statehouse Action Lunch Hour to generate public awareness and gather petition signatures

Chapter 2570 to hold action event May 20 to stop job loss