Activists spread word about June 23

June 18, 2009 - On Wed., June 17 union activists covered the state offices in downtown Columbus in a joint effort to get the word out about possible plans by the legislature to fill a $3.2 billion state budget hole with state employee jobs.

Members gathered at buildings downtown to distribute literature informing readers about the possible cuts that could take place as conference committee members consider ways to balance Ohio's budget with significantly reduced revenue.

At the downtown event, activists provided stamped postcards for people to send messages to their legislators about the services they provide.

These efforts are all leading up to OCSEA's Day of Action June 23, when members will contact their legislators via phone, e-mail or postcard to express their opposition to planned cuts that could reach as high as 30 percent for some agencies.

“This is what we need to be out here doing, as members,” said Shirley Hubbert, BWC Chap. 2535 president. “If we don’t make our voices heard, they’re just going to walk all over us.”

Tables were set up during the lunch hour at the Riffe Center, the State Office Tower, and the William Green building.

"We've had a lot of people stop by, wanting to know what this is about," said Chap. 2545 Pres. Elbert Ferguson. Ferguson also answered questions members stopping by had, and referred people to ocsea.org/June23 for more information about OCSEA's Day of Action.

See Related

Will your job be spared?

Noon rally held June 4 at Statehouse to protect essential public services

State Budget News

OCSEA's June 23 Day of Action