OHIO CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
UNION NEWS / October 29, 2026
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Appeals Court sides with OCSEA, unions in health care lawsuit
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A union lawsuit challenging a big hike in health care premiums for state employees in Ohio is moving forward following a decision by the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. The appeals court rejected an effort by the State of Ohio to have the case thrown out, meaning the lawsuit can proceed.
OCSEA and SEIU filed Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charges after the state’s unilateral decision to significantly increase health insurance premiums for state workers, effective July 1, 2025. The State of Ohio did not engage in collective bargaining with the unions about the dramatic increase before making the change. The ULP charges were dismissed by the State Employment Relations Board (SERB), leading to the lawsuit.
Both sides are now preparing legal arguments that will be presented to a Franklin County Common Pleas Court later this year. Read more about the lawsuit here.
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ALERT! Mail scam tries to rip off victims with fake checks from OCSEA
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OCSEA recently learned that a scam has targeted dozens of people in Ohio with fake checks claiming to be from OCSEA. The bogus checks have been mailed along with a letter saying the recipient has won a prize from Publisher’s Clearing House. They are instructed to contact the scammers before they cash the bogus check to claim their prize. So far OCSEA is not aware of any union members receiving one of the checks. But if it happens to you, please contact OCSEA’s Legal Director Bailey Williams immediately at bwilliams@ocsea.org.
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Comparing candidates for Governor: Who should be our next boss?
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Ohio's current campaign for governor has been in the news like no gubernatorial race in recent history. But when it comes to the issues impacting working people, their families and their unions, we're staying hyper focused on issues impacting Ohioans. The gubernatorial race is between Dr. Amy Acton, a pro-union Democrat and public servant, and Vivek Ramaswamy, a Republican billionaire with a record of cutting public services.
For this union, the choice is clear: Dr. Acton supports public collective bargaining in Ohio. On the other hand, Ramaswamy wants to reduce labor’s power and strip union rights in the name of “government efficiency.” Check out this compare and contrast: Where the candidates stand on our top issues, and why Dr. Amy Acton won the union's endorsement.
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Join AFSCME Pres. Moran at a GOTV canvass or rally this weekend
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OCSEA activists are invited to join AFSCME President Patrick Moran and friends of labor in the final Get Out the Vote push to elect union-endorsed candidates. This includes canvassing events and rallies this weekend with Dr. Amy Acton for Governor, Sherrod Brown for U.S. Senate and many friends of labor! Please wear AFSCME Green to all events and look for others in AFSCME green as we crowd build AFSCME support at these important events!
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Join AFSCME Pres. Patrick Moran & friends at an upcoming GOTV event:
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Saturday, Oct. 31 | 9:30 AM – Toledo Labor 2026 GOTV Canvass with AFSCME Pres. Moran & Marcy Kaptur – RSVP
Saturday, Oct. 31 | 9:30 AM – Columbus Labor 2026 GOTV Canvass with AFSCME Pres. Emeritus Lee Saunders – RSVP
Saturday, Oct. 31 | Doors open 1:30 PM – Join Pres. Moran & Pres. Emeritus Saunders at the Columbus Souls to the Polls Rally presented by Congresswoman Joyce Beatty. Special guests: Amy Acton, Sherrod Brown & KY Gov. Andy Beshear – RSVP
Sunday, Nov. 1 | 10:30 AM – Greater Cleveland Labor 2026 GOTV Canvass with Pres. Moran, Pres. Emeritus Lee Saunders & Brian Poindexter – RSVP
Sunday, Nov. 1 | 12:30 PM – Canton Labor 2026 GOTV Canvass with Pres. Moran & Emilia Sykes – RSVP
Sunday, Nov. 1 | Doors open at 6:30 PM – Fighting for Ohio Cleveland Rally with Amy Acton, Sherrod Brown & friends of labor – RSVP
For updates on times and locations, please refer to the Mobilize reservation site as events are subject to change.
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Before you go to the polls, make sure you have your union-endorsed sample ballot. This includes candidates who support our right to collectively bargain, the value of public services and the public employees who provide those services. All hold a belief that unions build up workers across this nation with good wages, benefits, pensions and more. OCSEA endorses candidates, no matter their party affiliation, who support the core mission and values of the union.
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Additionally, look for a pull-out Sample Ballot in the Fall edition of the union magazine delivered to members' homes this month.
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ICYMI: Union activists speak out about supporting union-endorsed candidates
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The results of the November 3 election will be monumental for all Ohioans, and particularly for state employees as we elect the person who will lead the state in contract negotiations. “It’s time we get the best seat at the table to move us forward,” said OCSEA President Chris Mabe.
That's why OCSEA union activists are speaking up about what voting in the upcoming midterms means to them. From protecting the union contract and public services to making sure members are safe on the job and families are getting a fair shake, these activists advocate that voting your job matters!
Read four activists' perspectives on next week's election included in the Fall edition of the union magazine. The magazine, mailed to members' homes this month, also includes a union-endorsed pull-out sample ballot.
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Labor Votes 2026 Canvass Events: Every Saturday!
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Toledo Federation of Teachers, 115 S St. Clair St.,Toledo, OH 43604 | Contact: Mike Noll mnoll@ohaflcio.org
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Tri-County Regional Labor Council, 720 Wolf Ledges Pkwy | Contact: Kyle Weidleman, kweidlem@aft.org
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Click image for remaining Early Voting hours and more:
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