Standing with columbus teachers, families as strike commences
Union brothers and sisters across Ohio are asking how they can help the nearly 4,500 members of the Columbus Education Association (CEA) who are sacrificing their financial well-being to fight for the schools that Columbus students deserve. Ninety-four percent of CEA members voted to strike on Sunday evening and hit the picket lines across Columbus bright and early on Monday. A federal mediator urged the two parties back to the bargaining table today. Talks began at 1 p.m.
The best way to support students, educators, and our community during this strike is honor the picket line and to join with Columbus educators urging the school board to end the strike and agree to CEA’s common sense demands at the bargaining table, says CEA President John Coneglio.
OCSEA members who can are encouraged to join the picket lines across the city Monday-Friday, 7 AM - 4:30 PM or to make a financial contributions to the CEA Strike Fund. The OCSEA State Board of Directors approved a donation to the teachers' strike funds for both Columbus teachers and those in Niles, Ohio where a strike vote is pending. To find a local picket line near you in Columbus go HERE. Community members are also encouraged to contact the Columbus Board of Education and demand that they bargain a fair contract. You can see all the ways to help at CEAOhio.org/strike or get the "How Can I Help? flier HERE.
CCC kicks off ToDay, VP Jolly urges OCSEA members to give back
OCSEA Vice President Gerard "Rocky" Jolly is once again proud to serve as the labor co-chair for the annual Combined Charitable Campaign (CCC). The CCC kicks off today, Aug. 24, and runs through October 21. "The funds from our combined effort make it possible to provide educational opportunities, feed the hungry, house the homeless and protect the environment," said VP Jolly in this year's CCC kick off video. He urges OCSEA members to give back generously, as they always do, to support and grow our communities. Last year, the joint CCC raised 2.3 million, surpassing its goal.
Additionally, OCSEA hosted a CCC fundraiser lunch at today’s Team Up ODOT at the Ohio State Fairgrounds. All proceeds will go directly to the CCC.
Have a union bulletin board? Download the CCC Toolkit and promote the joint labor and management charitable campaign on your union informational bulletin boards. Learn more about the CCC at ohio.gov/ohioccc.
This LABOR DAY, let's Raise our voices in union solidarity
Labor Day is just around the corner, and there is no better way to show solidarity and union pride than to go all out on the holiday that solely celebrates workers and their union power. Union solidarity around our nation is on fire. And the upcoming holiday is definitely going to reflect that union power. This Labor Day, make your union voice heard at events across Ohio.
Visit aflcio.org/laborday to find an event near you. Below are also a few Labor Day events taking place across Ohio:
- Sat. Sept 3 - Marietta Fair Parade. Join union members of the Southeast Labor Council at 10 AM for the annual fair kick off parade and Labor Day celebration. Contact pmbtc@suddenlinkmail.com for details.
- Sun. Sept. 4 - Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council Historic Labor Day Celebration at the Great American Ball Park. Learn more and get discount tickets at Reds.com/Labor. Code: LABOR . Special guests: AFL-CIO President, Liz Shuler and U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. Check-in for this meet and greet will be at Gappers Alley (Gate B) at 10:30 a.m. Your ticket will be scanned upon entry to this event.
- Sun. Sept. 4 - Lorain Labor Day Festival - noon-5 PM. Black River Landing, 421 Black River Lane, Lorain. Festival atmosphere with games, food, car show, music, big stage for speakers, back from a 2-year hiatus.
- Mon. Sept 5 - Newark Labor Day Parade with the Central Ohio Labor Council and the Licking-Knox CLC. Union members are welcome to march in the parade and get lunch at the USW/CLC union hall. The parade starts at 10 AM on Kings Ave. in Newark.
- Mon. Sept 5 - Join the Greater Northwest Ohio AFL-CIO for Toledo Labor Day Parade. Gather at 9 AM at Summit St and Monroe launch area.
- Mon. Sept 5 - Trumbull/Mahoning picnic. Join union members at Maronite Center, 1555 S. Meridian Rd., Youngstown from 2 PM-5 PM. Special guest will be Tim Ryan.
Wrap up summer with last minute fun and UNION discounts
Summer is wrapping up and school is starting for most, but that doesn't mean there isn't still time for some summer fun. There are still a few summer fun opportunities left through your union OCSEA Extras discounts and perks program.
Are you a fan of theme parks? Cedar Point and Kings Island discount tickets are still available. For Cedar Point this includes discounts on one-day tickets during the weekends through Sept. 11 and discount two-day tickets on weekends through Oct. 30. Two-day tickets are good for Halloweekends at Cedar Point. GET CEDAR POINT TICKETS. Username: CPAFSCME | Password: CEDARPOINT
Kings Island discount tickets are still available on the weekends through Labor Day. This includes discounts on one-day and two-day tickets. GET KINGS ISLAND TICKETS. Username: KIAFSCME | Password: KINGSISLAND
Love Marvel? There's still a chance to see the amazing Marvel exhibit at COSI for a deeply discounted union-member price. The exhibit goes through Labor Day. Get tickets now before it's gone. COSI entry tickets must be purchased in addition to the Marvel exhibit. GET COSI & MARVEL TICKETS.