OHIO CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
UNION NEWS / JANUARY 8, 2026

It's that time of year. The application process for the OCSEA Les Best Scholarship is officially open! Applications are being accepted now through April 30.

 

The Les Best Scholarship Program helps OCSEA members and their families pay for a college education. A total of $12,000 is awarded annually for each academic year, divided among winners in three categories: dependents, members and spouses. The scholarship is open only to dues-paying members and their families.

 

The application process is open January 1-April 30 each year. The program is named in memory of former OCSEA Board member Les Best who was committed to union member education. A book scholarship, eligible only in the members category, is named in memory of OCSEA activist Pat Callanan-Castro.

 

Get more information and download applications at OCSEA.org/LesBest.

College scholarships are available to the families of OCSEA dues-paying members through AFSCME and the AFL-CIO. Apply before the deadlines mentioned below. Click the images below or find all information HERE. 

This month's Union Bulletin Board Network (UBBN) flyers are here and available for download at OCSEA.org/UBBN. Use these flyers for your worksite union bulletin boards for quick access to OCSEA news, events, discounts and more. Chapters should upload them monthly to keep the union news on boards timely and as fresh as possible!

 

Don't have an onsite bulletin board? The virtual bulletin board network at OCSEA.org/UBBN gives OCSEA members access to union flyers with a click of a button. Chapters that don't have boards are urged to email the PDF flier packet or the UBBN URL link to their members monthly and distribute at chapter meetings. Any chapter that needs assistance with printing fliers should contact the OCSEA mailroom at 614-865-4733.

This month's virtual flyers include:

• Now accepting applications for OCSEA Les Best Scholarship
• Happy New Year from your Union!
• Using your member UET education benefits in 2026
• OCSEA Discount College for members and families
• MLK Jr. Day of Service. Find an opportunity near you!
• 2026 OCSEA Conferences
• New Year! New Perks, with Working Advantage.

As we head into the New Year, it's important that OCSEA members know where they can access a myriad of OCSEA tools that can help them stay educated on being a union member and the resources needed to become union rights advocates in the workplace.

 

The OCSEA Toolbox includes many important tools needed to become involved. This includes OCSEA contracts (the main State of OCSEA Contract as well as all 16 local and alternative contracts); the most recent OCSEA State Constitution approved by delegates at the 2025 OCSEA Biennial Convention; the OCSEA Grievance Guide; important factsheets and forms; and a multitude of links to help keep members informed.

 

Get familiar with the OCSEA Toolbox TODAY at at OCSEA.org/Toolbox!

It’s time to restore collective bargaining rights for nearly 1 million federal workers, and protect ALL union members’ rights in this country. Urge Ohio's U.S. Senators to co-sponsor the Protect America’s Workforce Act. We need every senator—Republican, Democrat and independent—who says they support America’s workers to vote for the Protect America’s Workforce Act and restore federal workers’ union rights.

 

On December 11, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill with a bipartisan majority. So now it’s the Senate’s turn. Dial 844-994-4554 to be connected with your senators or fill out THIS FORM to receive a call.