OHIO CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
UNION NEWS / MAY 2, 2025
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Health Insurance update: OCSEA to File Unfair Labor Practice Against State
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OCSEA is joining forces with other public employee unions to file an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charge against the State of Ohio in response to the state’s unilateral decision to significantly increase health insurance premiums for state workers, effective July 1.
“We are filing this ULP to push the state to come to the table and negotiate fair, reasonable healthcare costs,” said OCSEA President Chris Mabe. “Public employees should not bear the burden of the state’s failure to properly manage the health insurance program. If DAS and its consultants had done their jobs, we wouldn’t be in this situation.”
The sharp increase in premiums follows years of relatively modest adjustments. While the state attributes the rise to inflation and high-cost claims, recent federal data shows only a minimal increase in the cost of medical services over the past year.
Ohio operates a self-funded healthcare plan, requiring both the state and its employees to cover the full cost of claims. The Department of Administrative Services, which oversees the plan and retains consultants to help set premium rates, made the decision without consulting OCSEA or other affected unions.
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New generation of union activists hone their skills at OCSEA leadership training
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Dozens of chapter leaders from across the state gathered in Westerville over the weekend for another round of OCSEA Leadership Training. For chapter leaders it’s an opportunity to learn about a wide range of topics that can help them represent their members. The three-day training included sessions on artificial intelligence, the financial responsibilities of chapter leaders and how state and federal budget cuts have a direct impact on the jobs of OCSEA members.
The training was an eye-opening experience for Lydia Tucke, a Claims Specialist for the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation and the newly elected president of Akron/Canton BWC Chapter 7761. “I really want to learn as much as possible because I’m so new and I think knowledge is power,” Lydia said. “One of the things I learned was where to find all the resources. I didn’t know who to turn to for certain questions.”
Lydia is not only new to leadership but also to public service having joined BWC just over a year ago. With several members of her chapter nearing retirement, she felt it was time to step up and help a new generation take the lead. Lydia said she was impressed by the other members who attended the training, calling them a very knowledgeable and passionate group. This was the second OCSEA Leadership Training of the year with another planned for late July.
See the 2025 Leadership Training photo gallery HERE.
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Lydia Tucke (Chapter 7761) is not only new to union leadership but also to public service having joined BWC just over a year ago.
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Women's Conference is this weekend in Toledo
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OCSEA's annual Women's Action Committee (WAC) Conference will take place May 2-3, 2025 in Perrysburg, Ohio in the Toleo area. Visit OCSEA.org/WAC to see the full agenda and bios of the event's speakers.
The conference will include the following special guest speakers: Dr. Amy Acton, physician and former Director of the Ohio Dept. of Health; Ohio Representative Erika White (OH-41); Dr. Tina Williams, Director of Community Engagement at the Area Office on Aging NW Ohio; and Sonia Flunder-McNair, the founder and Executive Director of Urban Wholistics in Toledo, Ohio.
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Summer is almost here! Get Half Price Admission to Zoombezi Bay!
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The Zoombezi Bay HALF OFF deal for OCSEA members is back!!! Half off daily admission Zoombezi Bay water park tickets are on sale now through May 31, 2025. Please note: the discounted tickets are VALID through June 30, 2025.
Click HERE to get your member-only half-price tickets with username CIVIL and password OCSEA11. Click the "Zoombezi Bay" tab to purchase for $15 per ticket through May 31. Plus, you can purchase a Souvenir Sipper drink for $5.50.
Tickets grant guests admission to Zoombezi Bay and include free access to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium during Zoo operating hours. Children under 3 are free. Limit 6 tickets per transaction.
Visit the Zoombezi Bay's website to check the 2025 operating hours.
Log on to OCSEA.org/extras to find more member-only summer deals.
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Reminder! Register for annual Steward Conference and trainings
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The OCSEA Steward Conference will be held Saturday, June 7, 2025 in Westerville. Register today and join OCSEA contract enforcers from all over the state for this important annual event. Every OCSEA steward and leader should plan to attend. The in-person event will take place at the Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel located at 409 Altair Pkwy, Westerville, OH 43082.
Learn more about the event and register at OCSEA.org/StewardConference or click the blue button below for the direct registration link.
Additionally, there will be two union trainings taking place Friday evening at the hotel before the main event. Register soon before spots fill up.
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Union Bulletin Board flyers available for download
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This month's Union Bulletin Board Network (UBBN) flyers are here and available for download at OCSEA.org/UBBN. The flyers include lots of BIG NEWS about Union Benefits Trust Open Enrollment, the OCSEA Steward Conference, the OCSEA 36th Biennial Convention, member-only discounts and more. Check back each month for new flyers to share. Have an AMAZING union bulletin board you want to share? Email photos to communications@ocsea.org.
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. This includes quick access to OCSEA bargaining news, events, discounts and more. Chapters who don't have boards are urged to email the flyers or UBBN link to their members and distribute at meetings. Any chapter that needs assistance with printing fliers should contact the OCSEA mailroom at 614-865-4733.
This month's virtual fliers include:
- Be prepared! UBT Open Enrollment is May 8-May 21
- Register now for the OCSEA Steward Conference
- Learn more about the OCSEA 36th Biennial Convention
- Save Public Services at AFSCMEGo.org
- Members Only! Get Summer Savings on Amusement Parks, Zoos and More
- Members Only! Half Price Zoombezi Bay Tickets
- Members Only! Shop Summer Savings with Working Advantage
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