This past weekend, nearly 350 activists participated in the annual OCSEA Steward Conference in Columbus. New and experienced union leaders gathered from across Ohio to foster their union representation skills and celebrate the history that built the union rights we have today. Click here to see more photos from the event.
The main event kicked off with the DR&C Honor Guard's celebration of our nation, a welcome from OCSEA officers President Chris Mabe and Secretary-Treasurer Kathy Gersper as well as OCSEA Education Chair Leslie Tilton.
"History is the foundation of everything. When you give a member a firm foundation and understanding of where we started––and where we are now––we develop a more dedicated leader who can to be the voice for our union brothers and sisters," said Leslie.
Special guest speakers Arbitrator Jack Buettner and Attorney Mike Hunter reiterated this point as they talked about the power of a union contract, the men and women who fought for Ohio's public union rights, and their roles as union arbitrators and mediators over the last 40 years.
"Everything about wages and benefits was controlled by the legislature," said Hunter, talking about life before Ohio collective bargaining over 40 years ago. "People sacrificed a lot to give us the benefits we have today," Buettner told the crowd. "Protect it!! Fight to protect it!"
New activist Will Clemons agrees that knowing our union history is a powerful tool. Will, a Corrections Researcher, is training to be a steward for Central Ohio Corrections Chapter 2597.
"For me it’s all we've got," said Will. "What you like or don’t like about work––and the way to change it––is to organize. The way you’ve gotten what you like, somebody did that before you. And I want to be a part of all that."
Special guest speaker Dr. Amy Acton, the former Director of the Ohio Dept. of Health, thanked OCSEA members for their work and passion and talked about her history with the state of Ohio and her own passion for public service.
"I'm here to inspire a new generation of public servants," Dr. Acton told the crowd. "This means, together, creating a North Star that gives everyone an opportunity to reach their potential." Acton said her vision for Ohio is one of building hope. "That's optimism plus a real plan that will take all of us working together," said Acton.