RSVP for upcoming FMLA training
OCSEA will be holding a HYBRID FMLA training on August 10 from 5-7 PM. All OCSEA stewards and leaders are highly encouraged to attend. The training is open to all OCSEA members as well. The training will cover the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) eligibility and usage requirements.
For those who register for the in-person training, the event will be held at the OCSEA Bowman Union Hall in Westerville. In-person spaces will be limited to 50 registrants. The online training will be held on Zoom. The Zoom training space will be limited to 100 registrants. Please indicate on your registration whether you plan to attend in person or virtually. Materials will be emailed to Zoom registrants prior to the training.
FMLA Training
Hybrid: On Zoom
AND
OCSEA, 390 Worthington Road, Suite A,
Westerville, OH 43082
5 PM to 7 PM
Register Now!
These trainings are expected to fill up fast, so sign up today! If you have any questions after you have registered, contact jayers@ocsea.org.
ODOT event celebrates workers, family and community
Central Ohio ODOT Chapter 2513 and the Ohio Department of Transportation worked together last week to hold a Central Office event to celebrate ODOT, its workers, their families and the communities we serve.
The all-day celebration included a Bring Your Child to Work event, a Silent Auction led by Chapter 2513 to benefit the Combined Charitable Campaign (CCC), and a Summer Social to say thanks to ODOT workers who keep Ohio going.
The Chapter was instrumental in the CCC Silent Auction, working with the ODOT Directors Office to have each Division in Central Office donate a gift to the auction. Baskets were auctioned off to the highest bidder, raising $1,565 for the charitable campaign. The chapter also donated a basket to the auction. Chapter 2513 President Donita Weatherspoon wishes to thank union members Margret Smith, Teresa M. Adams, and Dina Eaton for making this auction a success.
The Bring Your Child to Work event introduced staff children to the benefits of ODOT. Seventy-six children participated in the fun-filled day. Events included a bike ride tour, a plow and big truck display, wild life displays, Ozobot robot coding, sign shop demo, drone displays, Super Mario Brothers characters, face painting, a free lunch and so much more.
The Summer Social was held in conjunction with the other events to celebrate ODOT staff and thank them for all they do. This event included music, karaoke, games, and an "Ice Cream with all the toppings for $1" with proceeds benefiting the CCC. Chapter 2513 donated $250 to the Summer Social celebration.
"The entire day was a huge success, especially thanks to the union," says Donita. "Thanks to OCSEA, the OCSEA Member Resource Center, the Union Education Trust, the Union Benefits Trust, President Chris Mabe and so many more for adding to this perfect day and helping members to learn about what it means to be union."
"I also want to thank ODOT for this celebration. It's nice to feel appreciated and to brag about the work we do. I want to thank ODOT, including Director Marchbanks' team and Maria Johnson in the Directors Office for all their hard work and partnership on this," said Donita.
Above, OCSEA President Chris Mabe (left) and Chapter 2513 President Donita Weatherspoon (right) pose with Princess Peach and Luigi at the ODOT day of celebration, including Bring Your Child to Work Day and Summer Social.
Youngstown "No on Issue 1" Rally is tomorrow night
Calling all union members in and around Youngstown! Show off the union power of the Mahoning Valley at tomorrow night's No on Issue 1 rally. Ohio unions are saying NO on Issue 1 on August 8 to protect majority rule and preserve the sacred principle of One person, One vote. There will be food provided as well as free swag, including yard signs and shirts.
The Youngstown No on Issue 1 Rally is tomorrow, Thursday, July 20 at 5:30 PM. It will be held at the Operating Engineers Local 66, 291 McClug Rd. #1, Youngstown OH 44512.
Come join us to protect democracy in Ohio! The August 8 Special Election is quickly approaching. These rallies are helping get the word out about this unexpected summer election and how we can stop the power grab by state legislative leaders and special interests. Let’s make some noise! Learn more about why unions are saying No on Issue 1 at UnionStrongOhio.com.
RSVP Youngstown!
Download and Share Youngstown flyer
Upcoming Toledo & Columbus No on Issue 1 Rallies
After the Youngstown meeting, there are TWO MORE important No on Issue 1 rallies scheduled before the August 8 Election Day. One is in Toledo on July 27 and one is in Columbus on August 3. Both events start at 5:30 p.m.
If you live in the Toledo or Columbus areas, mark your calendars to attend the No on Issue 1 Rally and share the flyers and RSVP links, right, with other concerned union members, family and friends.
Toledo Rally
Thursday, July 27 at 5:30 P.M.
Download and Share Toledo Flyer
RSVP Toledo!
Columbus Rally
Thursday, August 3 at 5:30 P.M.
Download and Share Columbus Flyer
RSVP Columbus!
No on Issue 1 Early Voting continues through August 6
Early voting for the Ohio August 8 Special Election is underway. It's no surprise that we're seeing record turnout at the polls despite this ploy to dupe voters with an unconstitutional August special election.
No matter how you vote, it's important that union voters make their voices heard––whether early or on Election Day. You can vote early at the Early Vote location in your county or through the mail via absentee ballot. Or you can find your Election Day polling location here.
EARLY IN-PERSON VOTING HOURS FOR JULY & AUGUST:
- M-F July 17-21: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- M-F July 24-28: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- July 31: 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
August 1: 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
- August 2-4: 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
- August 5: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
(weekend voting)
- August 6: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
(weekend voting)
Please note, there are no weekend voting dates until the final weekend before the special election, August 5-6.
Find Early Vote Location
Request Absentee Ballot
Find Election Day Polling Location
Celebrating 40 years of Ohio collective bargaining
We continue to celebrate 40 years of Ohio Collective Bargaining, the law that gave Ohio's public union members the legal right to sit down and negotiate the terms of their employment. It was signed into law thirty years ago this month by Governor Richard Celeste on July 6, 1983.
For union activist and OCSEA retiree Joe Wing, collective bargaining has brought 40 years of worker voices to Ohio public service. Since then, union members have been fighting to build and protect their union contracts. This includes the rights of OCSEA members to bargain wages, health care, leaves, safety on the job, longevity, overtime, pick-a-post and so much more.
"This has been the best 40 years for public employees in Ohio," says Joe, who as a lifetime OCSEA union member continues to see the value in a union voice and union activism post-retirement. He serves his union brothers and sisters as treasurer for both the OCSEA/ODOT Assembly and his Chapter 2513.
Joe says we have to fight to make sure we don't ever go backward, only forward with our union voices. Learn more about being an OCSEA retiree HERE.