OHIO CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
UNION NEWS / June 26, 2025
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UPDATE: Mediation hearing held on Return to Office
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A mediation hearing was held this week between OCSEA and representatives for the state regarding Governor DeWine’s Return to Office order. With Thomas Nowel serving as mediator, both sides laid out their arguments for and against the Governor’s unilateral order which forced most state employees back into the office on a full-time basis.
It’s OCSEA’s contention that management does not have the authority to eliminate or modify telework without negotiating with the union based on section 13.17 of the state contract. That new section of the contract, written by Nowel when he served as the Fact Finder during contract negotiations, requires management to give advance notice and provide a detailed reason in writing for the termination of telework and hybrid schedules.
A mediator cannot force two parties to reach a resolution but can express their opinion on the strengths and weaknesses of both side’s arguments. The next step is arbitration.
Additionally, the General Assembly voted to approve a two-year state budget this week that places new restrictions on remote and hybrid work. The budget prohibits state employees from working from home after January 1, 2026, except under certain circumstances. This legislative attack on collective bargaining rights also requires agencies to develop plans for state employees to report to their worksite or another location designated by the agency.
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Don't Miss! Guardians Union Appreciation Day is this Sunday, June 29
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Join other union members for the Ohio AFL-CIO Union Appreciation Day with the Cleveland Guardians this Sunday, June 29. Your ticket includes an afternoon game and pregame lunch buffet picnic. Plus, enjoy Kids Fun Day & Kids Run the Bases presented by Cleveland Clinic Children’s.
Union Appreciation Day: Cleveland Guardians vs. the St. Louis Cardinals.
Gates open at 11:00 a.m. with a private event in Pennant District Bay 1995. Your ticket includes a 2-hour lunch buffet with Sugardale Hotdogs, nachos and cheese, pretzel bites, kettle chips, chocolate chip cookies, classic ballpark popcorn and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. First pitch is at 12:05 p.m.
To purchase tickets, scan the QR code or copy and paste this link into your web browser: https://tinyurl.com/AFLCIO25.
Visit OCSEA.org/extras for info on all our union baseball deals and to access all your Extras union discounts and perks.
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If the above specialty link does not redirect, copy and paste the URL into your browser or scan the QR code below to access this deal.
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COLUMBUS CLIPPERS UNION FAMILY DAY
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Don’t miss the Organized Labor of Central Ohio Family Day at Huntington Park with the Columbus Clippers. Get discount
tickets for the July 27 Columbus Clippers versus Buffalo Bisons game. Plus, enjoy discounted food and beverages at the Sandwiches on Deck concession stand for union members only! No discount code is needed. Just click the "Get Tickets" button for deals.
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Make It a Union-Made Fourth of July
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July 4th is one of our favorite holidays! In addition to celebrating America's birthday, the great weather, time with family, and delicious cookouts, it's definitely a day worth celebrating. Plus Democracy and Unions go hand-in-hand.
Check out this exclusive list of union-made hot dogs, snacks, drinks, and more so that you can celebrate July 4th while supporting good union jobs!
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AFSCME: Workers Need Protection from the Heat
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Studies show that extreme heat is linked to adverse health conditions, including cardiovascular and kidney failure and mental confusion, which can greatly increase the risk of workplace injury and death. But the solution is simple: Water, shade and rest!
In the past 25 years, heat-related deaths have more than doubled in the U.S.––and yet the federal government has failed to develop an occupational heat standard. Anti-worker politicians and their business allies argue that providing rest breaks, free water, shade, reliable first aid and written safety plans place an undue burden on employers. Workers, legislators and activists continue to advocate for heat standard regulations because the consequences of inaction are injury and death.
AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer Elissa McBride says this important issue demands immediate action. "Heat-related deaths are preventable, and we know how to prevent them," says McBride. "We can organize our communities, mobilize co-workers and educate elected officials to pass state and local workplace heat standards so that every worker returns home safely to their families." Read more.
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Tell Congress: Stop Billionaire Tax Breaks & Save Public Services!
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The U.S. Senate could vote on the “big billionaire giveaway” budget as soon as Thursday, says AFSCME. The Senate Bill is worse than the House-passed bill in many ways, says the national union.
- If this budget passes, more than 16 million people may lose their health care, and the cost shift will burden state and local governments and jeopardize AFSCME members’ jobs. Hospitals and nursing homes could shut down, and it will automatically trigger $500 billion in cuts to Medicare.
- Additionally, the budget bill would run up the U.S. deficit by $2.4 trillion.
While federal cuts are deeply unpopular, a large number of Americans don’t know much or anything at all about the bill. Approximately, 42% of Americans oppose the budget bill “changing tax, spending and Medicaid policies,” compared with 23% who support it. But, sadly, 34% of Americans polled say they have no opinion about the bill. Even worse, about two-thirds of the public say they have heard either little or nothing about the bill.
It's time to get our members educated and activated to protect public services. With even deeper cuts in the U.S. Senate version of the bill, U.S. House members should be pressed ever harder to vote against this harmful budget. Remember, the previous version of the budget only passed in the House by a single vote —with many hesitant to rip health care and food assistance away from their constituents.
It's time to get organized. Call Congress and tell them: "Don’t cut Medicaid and public services to pay for billionaire tax cuts."
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Union Plus to Celebrate Union Members with Annual "Unions Power America" Events
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Unions Power America is back for its fifth year, and Union Plus is pulling out the stops! This summer's celebration includes a total giveaway of $300,000 in cash, truly stellar hotel stays and unbelievable trips. The mission of Union Plus––your AFL-CIO benefits, discount and opportunities provider––is to honor and elevate union members across the country.
Unions Power America Programs:
Hometown Heroes Contest — June 17-July 8
Union Plus is recognizing our union Hometown Heroes with $150,000 in cash prizes plus stunning stays in the Aloha state. Know a Hometown Hero? Or maybe you're a hero! WE know you're OUR hero! Hometown Heroes go above and beyond in their communities and deserve a huge thank you! Nominate a Hometown Hero today at unionplus.org/laborday
Our Unions Power America Sweepstakes –– July 15-August 18. This sweepstakes includes $140,000 in cash prizes, the NYC holiday trip of your dreams plus a special, $10,000 prize for the Union Moment of the Year! Stay tuned for more information coming soon at unionplus.org/laborday
Labor Day is the BEST DAY!
Unions Power America all comes together on Labor Day, September 1, when the sky's the limit for union rock stars like YOU. Join Union Plus online for our live for the Unions Power America Celebration when Union Plus will continue to shower union members with even more amazing prizes in order of Labor's favorite holiday! Stay tuned to unionplus.org/laborday
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