Union Position

Substantial data backs the union stand
against privatization of government services

The Board of OCSEA has been agressively examining privatization and contracting out since 1993. The union'sefforts have intensified over the last decade to develop a plan for state workers to stop inappropriate contracting out, and the loss of efficient, accountable service delivery to the public.

The results of this planning effort are now incorporated into the union's overall strategic plan. OCSEA uses a variety of tools to stop privatization including:

• Contract Enforcement
• Political Action
• Coalition Building
• Quality Services through Partnership

There will be instances, however, when this approach will not work.  Politics, the nature of the service, the unwillingness of management or other factors may undermine the union’s ability to use it.

Repeatedly, bad government decisions and greedy privateers have proven the union's point that public employees are the right workers for delivering public services.

• Eight key reasons describe basics on why OCSEA opposes privatization of public services.
   
• A Question & Answer format explains common issues related to the union´s approach to fighting privatization.

CASE IN POINT  Just look back at a ODJFS situation which came to a screeching halt in 2001. The blunder that occured in the information technology department cost Ohio citizens millions for shoddy work and was anticipated to result in more service and financial loss for Ohioans.

OCSEA has long said that Ohio Works does not work. Union members and customers alike were glad that Ohio scrapped the overpriced, difficult-to-navigate system Dec. 27, 2001.

Ohio returned to—at least temporarily—the award-winning Job Net from the former OBES.  

Cleveland Plain Dealer Article 

Columbus Dispatch Article