Alexis Salas, Presi- Dent of the Huron County Job and Family Ser- “I Vices Chap

OHIO Civil Service Employees Association AFSCME LOCAL 11/AFL-CIO Volume 72, No. 3 • Summer 2016 UNION WOMEN

FREE College pgs. 8-9 for OCSEA members The women of OCSEA

nion work has been predominately male U dominated, but that gap is closing rapidly, says Liz Shuler, the first female AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer elected in 2009. “We have 6.8 million women in the union movement. I don’t think a lot of people “ The union really helps realize that, because they do even the playing field think of men when they think for men and women to of unions,” said Shuler. build careers.” But the facts show that the – Andrea Teschler, ODOT growing sectors of the economy are actually more female and that women are projected to be the majority of union members in less than 10 years, she said. In AFSCME, OCSEA’s affiliate union, women already make up close to 60 percent of the union’s membership. One of those women is Andrea Teschler, a Dist. 3 Ohio Dept. of Transportation Bridge Specialist 2, monitors the safety of OCSEA activist and chapter Ohio bridges and makes recommendations for repairs. president Andrea Teschler, Thanks to her Union Educa- one’s voice is heard and every She says there is value in her a Dist. 3 Ohio Department of tion Trust, she said, she was able member is treated fairly on union that is beyond measure. Transportation Bridge Spe- to get her bachelor’s degree in the job—whether they are a “It’s job security, a way for me cialist 2. While she works in a Business Administration while woman or a man. “Fairness, to provide for my children,” said male-dominated field, she tries working her full-time job. doing what’s right, that’s what Xylina. not to think too much about “It really took me years to get unions are about,” she said. Like Teschler, her job security gender when it comes to doing where I am now,” said Teschler. Xylina Schneck, a Correc- is linked to her Union Education her job. “I got my job today, I’d like to tion Officer at Lebanon Correc- Trust funds, which allow her to Teschler helps maintain think, because of my skill sets. tional Institution, student and go to school to study criminal bridges on and along Ohio state That’s it,” she said. single mother says her union justice while working a full-time routes and Interstates. She and Union contracts help even job means everything to her. job. “My union education benefit other inspectors monitor the the playing field for men Schneck said she left a job in lets me to go to school for free. safety of those bridges and make and women to build careers. home care nursing four years It’s perfect for moms like me, recommendations for repairs to Thankfully for unionized public ago for Corrections, because it because I don’t have to worry ODOT engineers. employees like Teschler, the offered flexibility, predictable about leave balances or whether With a simple start as an gender gap for union women hours, wages and benefits that I’m spending too much time ODOT college summer intern nationally is 40 percent smaller made it possible for her to care away from my kids. It’s a win- 26 years ago, Teschler says a than for nonunion workers. for her family of five—four boys win,” said Xylina. lot of hard work and a union As the president of OCSEA’s between 5 months and 8 years Now more than ever, the contract helped her climb the Ashland Chap. 300, Teschler old and an 11-year-old daughter. following issues are at the fore- ODOT career ladder. fights to make sure every- front for Schneck: affordable 2 Public Employee Quarterly Summer 2016 “It’s job security, a way for me to provide for my children.” – Xylina Schneck, DR&C

Xylina Schneck poses with some of her children during a picket to stop job and service cuts at state prison farms. Herself a Correction Officer, Xylina says it’s important for her children to know the security that comes with union jobs. education, paid family leave for the job who aligns with her coworkers helped defeat And what a rebellion it’s and affordable health care. And their views. Women will choose that law that tried to curb their been. Election cycle after politicians who want to get their candidates based on those collective bargaining rights. election cycle, the women elected—from the White House views. And union women will Henry was active in registering of this country—especially on down—will get there only if help lead the way! co-workers to vote during the SB union women—have made they can resonate and connect Charla Henry sees the 5 fight and more. their voices and their issues with women. connection between voting There’s no doubt about it: heard loud and clear. American Candidates on both sides of and the work she does as a Dis- 2016 will go down as a historic women have cast more votes the aisle must take issues-based ability Claims Adjudicator with year for women! When activists than men in every presidential approaches to effectively target Opportunities for Ohioans with held the first Women’s Rights election since 1964. women voters. Yes, women have Disabilities. Her agency helps Convention 168 years ago in And they’ll be the ones to complex identities and cast their Ohioans with disabilities find Seneca Falls, NY, the goal was to decide in 2016 as well. votes for a variety of reasons. employment and workplace instigate the “greatest rebellion But, much like the crusaders independence. Her division the world has ever seen.” that came before them, women determines medical eligibility Charla Henry, a Claims Adjudicator with OOD, works to expedite are taking to the polls to stand for Social Security disability Social Security disability claims for Ohio’s homeless population. their moral ground for families, benefits and is entirely federally workers, minorities, immigrants funded. and others who deserve a fair “The investment in disabled and equal shot, but don’t always Ohioans who are unable to get it. work is tied to the those we According to a 2015 AFL- elect in Washington,” said Charla. CIO National Survey of Work- Henry works directly to expe- ing Women, important issues dite claims for the homeless include equal pay for equal population. work, affordable and guaranteed As OOD Chap. 2538 co-chief health care for all, affordable steward, Henry says her union “We have a higher education and raising the impacts how she votes. “I vote minimum wage. Women support God, family and work,” said moral obligation collective bargaining rights and Charla. “We have a moral obliga- to help others... believe in strengthening laws tion to help others. Voting is one Unions are against discrimination in hiring, way to bring about change and our voice and pay, and promotion. Overall, social reform. Unions are our equalizer in women are more likely to favor voice and equalizer in the work- a more active role for govern- place and have paved the way the workplace.” ment and support programs to for advancement all over public - Charla Henry, OOD guarantee health care and basic service,” said Charla. social services. Henry says she saw the Union women know it’s impact of legislation on state about more than just electing workers with Senate Bill 5, the WEB EXCLUSIVE: the first woman President. It’s law that tried to silence union See why OCSEA members give to about electing the right person public employees. She and PEOPLE at ocsea.org/PEOPLEPower Summer 2016 Public Employee Quarterly 3 Candidates for a better Ohio rom public service to politics, women are breaking the gender barrier like never before. Check out some of the OCSEA-endorsed Ohio women candidates making F strides for women and fighting for workers and Ohio families. See all of OCSEA’s endorsements on pages 14-15 and at OCSEAVotes.org. Ginny Favede, running for the 95th District seat, is a Belmont County Commissioner. She Do you worry about says her main focus is protecting Ohio’s working families and strongly opposes any form of Right Right to Work or to Work in Ohio. She opposed Senate Bill 5 and other issues that supports a public employee’s right to bargain collectively. She says she will oppose any efforts could impact public that weaken workers’ rights in the state. She is employee collective a proponent of raising the minimum wage as a means of helping working families and growing bargaining? the economy. Her opponent, Rep. Andy Thomp- son, is co-sponsoring Ohio’s latest Right to Work attack, House Bill 583.

ginny favede Barb Niemeyer is a retired educator from London, Ohio, running in Ohio’s 74th District. She says unionism is a legacy in her family, with a bricklayer father and a brother active in the Ohio Education Association (OEA). Now an OEA retiree, she was active against Senate Bill 5, knocking on doors and making calls to bring down the law. She pledged to fight Right Cynthia Rice to Work and is opposed to privatization and It’s so important to have allies, not the low quality services that come with selling only in the state legislature but on the off assets and outsourcing jobs. Her anti-union Ohio Supreme Court. Appellate Court opponent, Rep. Bill Dean, says he strongly sup- Judge Cynthia Rice is one of those ports passage of Right to Work and is a co-spon- allies. Judge Rice has a long-standing sor of House Bill 583, the Right to Work bill for history with Ohio’s labor community. Ohio public employees. BARB NIEMEYER In her early years, she worked on a factory line during the summer as a Rep. Emilia Sykes currently holds the seat member of the UAW and IBEW to in Ohio’s 34th District in Akron. She is passion- pay for college and law school. The ate about protecting health care for women Ohio AFL-CIO, on their endorsement and families and opposes measures that reduce of Rice for Ohio Supreme Court, says preventative and prenatal care for low-income she understands the challenges of women. She believes in public services that Ohio working families and will act as reinforce safety nets and stands up for com- a fair jurist on “all matters that come munity empowerment that comes with voting before the court, especially ones rights and strong local governments and public related to workers’ rights and eco- schools. She is a strong supporter of the OCSEA nomic justice.” Her opponent, sisters and brothers in DODD in their fight Pat DeWine, comes from a die-hard, to keep open their state-run developmental anti-union family. centers. WEB EXCLUSIVE: See how a former OCSEA staffer and judge is Emilia Sykes making a difference at ocsea.org/WomenAtWork. 4 Public Employee Quarterly Summer 2016 “If fighting for equal pay, affordable child care and earned sick days is dealing the woman card, then ‘deal me in.’” –Hillary Clinton WOMAN CARD Fighting for: • equal pay • affordable child care • earned sick days

hatever your polit- in the Situation Room when strong public service and strong pay their fair share and that the ical affiliation, this Osama Bin Laden was killed, communities that support economy should work for every- W year will be like but for years before that she women and working families,” one, not just those at the top,” none other with a female candi- worked to help end poverty for she said. said Mabe. date as the first female presiden- families and protect children On the campaign trail, she’s She’s already made a commit- tial nominee in U.S. history. from violence and abuse. often heard responding to ment that in her first 100 days Not only is Hillary Clinton In her role as first lady for Donald Trump’s claim that if she in office, she’ll make a heavy the first female candidate in two presidential terms, she was hadn’t played “the woman card” investment in public services the position, she’s also blazed an early proponent of univer- no one would have considered and infrastructure. the trail for women in politics sal health care, despite bitter her for the position. Even President Barack throughout her career. She criticism of her prominent role “If fighting for equal pay, Obama has hit the campaign took an active role when her on that issue, and was at the affordable child care and earned trail to lend his support for husband Bill was Governor of forefront of the movement for sick days is dealing the woman Clinton. “If you’re concerned Arkansas and then President paid family leave (FMLA). As a card, then ‘deal me in,’” she has who’s looking out for working and was the first, first ladyever U.S. Senator from New York, she said at numerous campaign families,” he said, “…for the to become a U.S. Senator. Under supported paycheck fairness stops, to thunderous applause. woman who’s cleaning a hotel the Obama administration, she and was a co-sponsor of the Lilly “Hillary Clinton is a proven room. If that’s your concern, this was appointed Secretary of Ledbetter Fair Pay Act that pro- champion for working fam- isn’t even a choice. The other State, one of only three women hibited wage discrimination on ilies,” said OCSEA President side has nothing to offer you,” to hold that office in U.S. history. the basis of gender. Christopher Mabe. “Unlike he said. She can be tough when she “Like OCSEA members, Clin- her opponent, she has strong AFSCME International, needs to but also has a more ton has been a dedicated public union values. She opposes OCSEA’s affiliate union that personal and familiar side, work- servant for the majority of her Right to Work laws that drive endorses national candidates, ing for women and families in adult life,” said OCSEA Secre- down wages and benefits, has endorsed Hillary Clinton the fight for economic justice. tary-Treasurer Kathy Stewart. especially for women,” he said. for U.S. President. Not only was Secretary Clinton “She shares a commitment to “She believes the wealthy must

Summer 2016 Public Employee Quarterly 5 Education: the bedrock of our union community

CHRISTOPHER MABE President LOCALLOCAL AFL-CIOAFL-CIO “Nowadays, OhioOhio CivilCivil ServiceService Education Department devoted EmployeesEmployees AssociationAssociation to just that. Want to become a it’s almost a union steward? There’s a class given that for that. Want to learn more President Christopher Mabe about the union? Come to one Vice President Kelvin Jones employees Secretary-Treasurer Kathleen M. Stewart of our many educational confer- ences. We’re serious about our need to receive Board of Directors: education. District 1: Bret Pitts (ODOT), Shawn Gruber That’s because we know a some sort of (DR&C), Jerry Lugo (ODJFS), District 2: Carrie Johnson (MH) good education not only lifts up college Jerry Brown (DR&C) families, it can empower whole District 3: Doug Mosier (DR&C), communities. It can mean the education or Michelle Smith (ODJFS) difference between a job at Tim District 4: Bruce Thompson (DYS), certification Eric Kusky (DR&C) owerful educational Horton’s or Walmart and one at District 5: Doug Korba (DR&C), benefits like those the Bureau of Worker’s Compen- just to enter Jeana Campolo (DODD) we offer through the sation, for example. That’s why District 6: Laura Morris (Health), Debra King P Hutchinson (ODJFS), Gerard "Rocky" Jolly Union Education Trust, free an affordable college education the workforce. (School for Blind), Tim McAllister (BWC), ” Karen Ryther (OOD), Carol Boyes (FCJFS), community college at Eastern has become more important ~Christopher Mabe Deena Gray (Attorney General), Gateway Community College than ever for our members to Bobbi-Jo Heinlen (DR&C), Amy Turner (ODOT), President VACANCY and our Les Best and AFSCME help prepare them for the jobs District 7: James LaRocca (Lottery), scholarship programs are all of the future. Deborah Weaver (DODD) meant to help members level And that’s also why AFSCME of one of our union educational District 8: A.J. Frame (DR&C), benefits. Some have gotten Jason Underhill (MH) the playing field, advance their International has now joined District 9: Charlie Johnson (ODOT), careers and improve their lives. us in offering FREE community degrees or additional certifi- Charlie Williamson (DR&C) It used to be that getting a college to its entire membership cation and moved on to other Retiree Representative: Ron Alexander good union job with benefits of 1.6 million AFSCME members OCSEA bargaining unit jobs or OCSEA Headquarters: gotten promotions. Some have 390 Worthington Road, Ste. A, was all a family would need to through Eastern Gateway Com- Westerville, Oh 43082 enter the middle class, enjoy a munity College. even taken management jobs Live Operator: 614-865-4700 or 800-969-4702 Automated Dial: 614-865-2678 or comfortable living and secure OCSEA and a small handful or left state service all together. 800-266-5615 a modest retirement. But over At the end of the day we want Fax: 614-865-4777 of Ohio unions piloted this Web site: ocsea.org the years that’s changed. Union educational offering beginning our members to SUCCEED. We Customer Service: 888-OCSEA-11 membership has declined, for last fall with Eastern Gateway are in the opportunity busi- (888-627-3211) ness….because at our best, OCSEA Public Employee Quarterly (USPS one, wages have stagnated and Community College. The college 010-112) is published quarterly for $6 by the there are fewer and fewer good came to us because they knew that’s what unions do: provide Ohio Civil Service Employees Association, 390 Worthington Road, Suite A, Westerville, jobs that don’t require high- we were a union that took risks, opportunities. Now, go, find out OH 43082. Periodicals postage paid at more about this one at Eastern Westerville, OH and additional mailing offices. er-level skills. Nowadays, it’s not dangerous risks, but the POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the almost a given that employees kind of risks that can turn into Gateway at OCSEAEducation. Ohio Civil Service Employees Association, 390 Worthington Road, Suite A, Westerville, OH need to receive some sort of big opportunities. And this time org. 43082. OCSEA Public Employee Quarterly is produced college education or certifica- that risk paid off. Big time. We’ve by the OCSEA Communications Department: tion just to enter the workforce. had over 200 people enroll for Sally Meckling, Director; Deirdre O’Neill-Wedig, Pattie Boy, Brittani Vogt, Associates. Really, when you think about classes at Eastern Gateway Com- To update email and other contact information it, education is the cornerstone, munity College and thousands go to: ocsea.org/update or call 800-969-4702.

LAKE WILLIAMS FULTON LUCAS ASHTABULA no, the bedrock of our union. more inquire for themselves or OCSEA OTTAWA DISTRICT 7 GEAUGA WOOD CUYAHOGA DEFIANCE HENRY SANDUSKY ERIE TRUMBULL LORAIN PORTAGE Not only do we want our mem- OCSEA their family members. PAULDING HURON MEDINA OCSEA DISTRICT 1 SENECA SUMMIT DISTRICT 4 OCSEA PUTNAM HANCOCK DISTRICT 3 MAHONING

ASH- VAN WERT WYANDOT CRAWFORD LAND WAYNE STARK bers to have every opportunity ALLEN COLUMBIANA Now our International is on RICHLAND

HARDIN CARROLL MERCER AUGLAIZE MARION HOLMES MORROW JEFFER- LOGAN to get ahead in their careers board and we couldn’t be more KNOX TUSCARAWAS SON SHELBY UNION HARRISON DELAWARE COSHOCTON

OCSEA DARKE CHAMPAIGN OCSEA DISTRICT 6 DISTRICT 5 LICKING MIAMI through our educational ben- GUERNSEY BELMONT excited. MUSKINGUM FRANKLIN CLARK

MADISON MONT- FAIRFIELD NOBLE PREBLE GOMERY PERRY MONROE efits, we also demand that our Through the years, I’ve heard GREENE MORGAN OCSEA FAYETTE DISTRICT 2 HOCKING WASHINGTON BUTLER OCSEA WARREN CLINTON DISTRICT 8 ROSS union activists be educated. In VINTON ATHENS so many success stories about HAMILTON HIGHLAND MEIGS PIKE JACKSON CLERMONT OCSEA DISTRICT 9 BROWN GALLIA fact, we have an entire OCSEA our members taking advantage ADAMS SCIOTO

LAWRENCE 6 Public Employee Quarterly Summer 2016 Fun Factoids:

Working women – union or not– have a lot on their plates* Right to Work 25% of working women co-sponsors announced spend over 30 hours a week on caregiving. Right to Work legislation for Caregiving WORK public sector employees has Women been introduced in the Ohio More than 1/2 of working <4 women spend less than General Assembly. This anti- 4 hours/ week on 59% are the primary union attack would undermine <4 hrs/week themselves after work breadwinner and nancial OCSEA members’ rights to Personal time and caregiving. decision maker. negotiate for fair pay and benefits. See “Faces of Right to Work” Thankfully, UNIONS help lessen the burden.** on page 10. These state legisla- Union Worker The gender wage gap for union Non-Union Worker tors are the co-sponsors of this Wage Gap members is 40 percent smaller than Wage Gap dangerous bill that threatens to for nonunion workers. undermine Ohio workers and Though still a gap, full-time union women see a 10.9 cent wage gap as take away union protections compared to 18.2 cents for and benefits. All of the co-spon- non-union women. sors are up for reelection this <4 Women are gaining on men when it November! 10.9¢ less comes to union membership with only 1 percent di erence. 18.2¢ less

Veterans Conference is Sept. 16-17 Fair pay for women requires fair minimum wage** The OCSEA Veterans Affairs Committee will hold its annual <4 Veterans Conference the week- end of Sept. 16-17, 2016. The Raising minimum wage majority of the conference Minimum Wage Workers If the minimum wage were increased to agenda will take place on Satur- $12.00/hr by 2020, more than Women are nearly two-thirds of day with a social and network- minimum wage workers, earning ing event on Friday evening. just $14,500 annually, ($4,500 below workers would get a raise, bene ting The event will take place at the the poverty line for a mother with two kids). communities and the broader economy. Ohio Veterans Home in San- dusky, Ohio. Lodging will be at the Best *** Western Plus, 6011 Milan WOMEN VOTES MATTER. Rd., Sandusky, OH 44870. Reservations should be made directly at the hotel by calling 419-627-9595. Got questions? Contact 53% of Voters Votes = Power

Gina Ison at [email protected] Women determined the In the 2008 election, The equation is simple: or 800-266-5615, ext. 4706. last Presidential election 10 million more more female voters as 53 percent of voters. women than men voted. =more female power

SOURCE: *The AFL-CIO, ** National Women’s Law Center, ***VoteRunLead.org Summer 2016 Public Employee Quarterly 7 OCSEA member hits the books with free college “I’m doing this to move up in my career, but I’m also doing this for my family.” –Richard Anderson

ichard Anderson is “Yeah, I’m doing this to move a Correction Officer at up in my career, but I’m also doing R the Ohio State Peniten- this for my family. I have children tiary. He’s also a student at Eastern to raise and to support. I want Gateway Community College them to be proud of me,” he said. where he’s going back to school Recently, Anderson was featured to earn a criminal justice degree. in an AFSCME video about how Anderson says there are only the Eastern Gateway Community a handful of promotional oppor- College benefit has been rolled out tunities as a Correction Officer, to all 1.6 million AFSCME mem- but that an associate degree will bers, after Ohio AFSCME affiliates, help open more doors for him. including OCSEA, piloted the pro- He’s particularly interested in jobs gram. with the Parole Board, where he Eastern Gateway Community could become a social worker. College is available to all OCSEA He said it was difficult going and AFSCME members and back to school after so many their family members, including years, but he’s already aced some spouses, children and grandchil- prerequisites like math and dren. The cost is totally covered by English. “Yeah, it was hard at first, the OCSEA Free College Benefits. but after awhile, you start remem- Richard Anderson, a CO at the bering. It’s like riding a bike,” said Ohio State Penitentiary, says going Richard. back to school after an extended He’s also poured a lot of energy period is all about a better life into recruiting fellow Correction for his family. Anderson is seen here with his son, Connor. employees to take the courses. As a mentor for new employees at his institution, he has How to apply for free college become an outspoken advocate Thanks to your union, you can receive a scholarship that allows you to earn your associate for OCSEA’s educational program. degree from Eastern Gateway Community College—for free! To be eligible for these “I’ve done nothing but promote it. “last dollar scholarships,” interested students must apply to the U.S. Department of Education When I’m down there with new for federal financial aid and use any grants to pay the tuition. They must also use any employer employees, I’m always preaching: sponsored tuition assistance, such as Union Education Trust. Any remaining balance for tuition, you can’t beat going to college for fees, or books at EGCC will be covered by an OCSEA scholarship. This ensures that no student free,” he said. has to pay out of pocket for any tuition or fees at EGCC—resulting in cost savings of thousands Anderson mentors young COs of dollars! for three weeks after they return • Go to ocseaeducation.org. from the Training Academy and • Apply to EGCC (link on the site). before they get on the cell block. • If you are an OCSEA member, apply for UET benefits atUEd Trust.org. “Once they realize it’s no out-of- • If you don’t have UET benefits, complete the Federal Aid Application. pocket cost, it’s a no brainer,” he • Once EGCC has your application, someone will follow up with you to get you enrolled. said. If you aren’t eligible for Federal Aid, you will then receive an OCSEA scholarship.

8 Public Employee Quarterly Summer 2016 Have questions about Eastern Gateway? csea is here to help our members be successful and achieve their educational goals. Below is a Olist of our most asked questions by union members and relatives alike about OCSEA’s new free college benefit.

What is the OCSEA Free College Benefit? OCSEA members and their families are now eligible to receive last dollar scholarships for online associate degree programs offered by Eastern Gateway Community College, after any federal or state financial aid, or employer grants or tuition reimbursement benefits are applied. To be eligible for the scholarship, students who are OCSEA State of Ohio bargaining unit employees and have access to funds through the Union Education Trust must use those funds Why is OCSEA offering this benefit? first. All other interested students must apply for federal financial One of our members’ biggest concerns is the cost of college. aid and use any grants to pay the tuition. Today, only half of Americans who begin college will be able to Any remaining balance for tuition, fees, or books at EGCC will finish, largely due to financial and work/life barriers. With this be covered by the OCSEA Free College scholarship. This ensures benefit, we’ve found a way to help our members and their that no student has to pay out-of-pocket for any tuition or fees at families begin to alleviate this worry. EGCC—resulting in cost savings of thousands of dollars! If this is free, why do I have to fill out a Why do I have to use my Union federal financial aid form? Education Trust benefits? The Free College Benefit is a last dollar scholarship. That This Free College Benefit is a last dollar scholarship for EGCC’s means in order for it to work for as many people as possi- online programs. The college must be satisfied that all grants have ble, and for the benefit to strengthen and grow, we need to been applied to the tuition in order to apply the scholarship for the ensure that students’ grants and employer reimbursement remaining balance. Students who have access to benefits through are applied to the tuition and fees. The grants are only the UET or through Free Application for Federal Student Aid awarded by the federal government based on the informa- (FAFSA) must apply them in order to ensure that the program can tion you provide in your Free Application for Federal Stu- be sustained and expanded for union members and their families. dent Aid (FAFSA). What if I am not eligible for any federal financial aid?

Even if it is determined that the student is not eligible for federal or state financial aid, or employer grants or tuition reimbursement benefits, a last dollar scholarship will be applied to any remaining balance for tuition and fees at EGCC. The cost of the books is included in the fees, so students will have no costs other than equipment (computers, software, etc.).

WEB EXCLUSIVE: Watch Richard’s story at ocsea.org/CollegeStories Summer 2016 Public Employee Quarterly 9 t was smooth sailing,” said Alexis Salas, president of the Huron County Job and Family Ser- “I vices Chap. 3900, when asked about a recent Breaking through round of contract negotiations. These county OCSEA members, with a contract sepa- the language barrier rate from the main State of Ohio contract, must bargain County JFS contract compensates bilingual workers with Huron County officials every three years. The Huron County JFS office, located in Norwalk, Ohio, includes child support, children services, family support and Ohio Means These services are so important, because Jobs, the workforce development and job-training arm of “ the county. we service such a huge Hispanic community.” After less than a month of bargaining, the five member — Alexis Salas bargaining team (plus two alternates) walked away with a successful contract that they are very proud of, says Salas. A major win, Salas said, is an increase for interpreter employees who work across all of the Huron JFS departments to assist Spanish-speaking Ohioans. The improvement removed a previous set bonus and, instead, increased the hourly wage by 25 cents—a win for bilingual-speaking members. “These services are so important, because we service such a huge Hispanic community,” said Salas, one of only two interpreters in the department. Salas said translating is a very complicated and sensitive process, especially in the area of child support, where both parties must be on the same page and understand what’s happening through all steps. Dialect interpretation is also a difficult skill to master. “We need the best of the best,” said Salas, hoping the increase will entice more bilingual and high-skilled applicants. Contract wins also include a wage increase for the Members of the Huron County Job and Family Services bargaining team, from left to right: Alexis Salas, Renee King, Karmen Ross, Alexandra next three years; a bonus for the next two years (with an Roblero, and Robert Heidl, are proud of their union contract. (Not opener in the third year); increases to sick leave, personal pictured: Nikita McCann and Heather Alicea). Salas and Roblero serve as time accrual, expense reimbursement and longevity; and interpreters for the entire county agency. no changes to health care.

Becker Antani Brinkman Buchy Dean Hood Roegner Thompson Vitale Zeltwanger

Primary Sponsor: Rep. John Becker The Faces of Right to Work Co-sponsors: Rep. Niraj J. Antani nti-union state legislators are at it again! A Right to Work bill for public sector employees Rep. Thomas E. Brinkman, Jr. has been introduced, and just like Senate Bill 5, this anti-union attack would undermine Rep. Jim Buchy OCSEA’s right to negotiate for fair pay and benefits,plain and simple. A Rep. Bill Dean House Bill 583, “The Limit Applicability of Public Employee Collective Bargaining Act,” is another Rep. Ron Hood scheme to silence workers and take away union protections. Rep. Kristina Roegner Visit OCSEAVotes.org/RTW to read the bill and to contact the anti-union GOP sponsors. Each Rep. Andy Thompson co-sponsor is on the ballot this November. Tell them: “We said NO to Right to Work when we Rep. A. Nino Vitale defeated SB 5. Dump HB 583, or we’ll dump you!” Rep. Paul Zeltwanger 10 Public Employee Quarterly Summer 2016 LGBTQ and union communities join forces ollowing the recent and the pursuit of happiness,” poem, “First They Came,” to have a say in their work envi- tragedy in Orlando, said OCSEA union and LGBTQ teach colleagues about tol- ronment via a contract, they are F unions across the activist, Orlando Ashley, an erance and joining together. subject to management’s whims. country proudly stood with the Administrative Professional 3 “‘Then they came for me and Union members must hold the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgen- at the Ohio Attorney General’s there was no one left to speak line, keep their productivity dered and queer communities Office. “No matter what our for me,’” he quoted the piece. high and their contracts strong. (LGBTQ) to stand up against Ashley says It’s the American way,” he said. hate. “Staying involved, whether it’s overcoming “We have a set of general With messages like AFSC- within the LGBTQ community oppression is the rules that ‘should’ work for all in ME’s “Choose Love” and the key basis for alle- our workplace. It’s my mission AFL-CIO’s “Workers United or with your union, we must giance. “Staying to be there and fight the good Against Hate,” leaders in stay loud and proud! involved, whether when they don’t,” said Orlando. labor affirmed their stance ” it’s within the that hate, violence and discrim- core community, we are all part LGBTQ community or with ination will not be tolerated. of the larger connected commu- your union, we must stay loud Unions reiterated that the issues nity. The more widespread levels and proud!” plaguing workers, minorities of justice we can create, the He explained, “By not partici- and the LGBTQ community more secure sense of commu- pating to my fullest in the union, closely align and overlap and nity we all enjoy,” he said. I deprive co-workers who may deserve a united front. This is exactly what drives not understand LGBTQ issues “We are all expected to work Orlando in all he does, espe- the opportunity to meet one in Pride@Work is a and pay our taxes, so we should cially in his union activism as the flesh and potentially affect all be able to enjoy life, liberty a steward and executive board their views by my humanity.” constituency group member for OAG Chap. 2580. Ashley has a strong union of the AFL-CIO that “My goal is to be involved heritage, with both parents organizes mutual and limit the effect of policy 30 plus years retired from the support between changes and workplace rules I United Auto Workers and a see as harmful to my co-work- slew of relatives having worked organized labor and ers, LGBTQ or not. Though in union jobs in the local the LGBTQ community something may not seem harm- steel mills and auto plants in to further social and ful to one coworker, it may Youngstown, Ohio. economic justice. ultimately turn out to be directly “Power can corrupt, absolute Learn more at related to another,” said Orlando. power corrupts absolutely,” said He says he uses Niemoller’s Orlando. “When workers don’t prideatwork.org. Summer 2016 Public Employee Quarterly 11 5 pickets in protest

undreds of OCSEA activists and leaders came out to area pickets in support of prison farm employees, who could be affected by the H announced closures of Ohio’s prison farms. From Marion, to Pickaway to Chillicothe, to Lebanon and London, members and supporters came out in droves to cheer on farm and dairy workers and to educate the public about the importance of Ohio’s prison farms. OCSEA filed a motion in court demanding the state cease and desist the closures until their arbitration is heard. That case was heard on June 17. A decision by a judge is expected any day.

WEB EXCLUSIVE: See more photos of the pickets at ocsea.org/FarmPickets 12 Public Employee Quarterly Summer 2016 More on privatization fights:

Ralph Fitzpatrick and John Baxter are Treat- ment Plant Coordinators at Ralph Fitzpatrick and John Baxter are Treatment Plant Lebanon Correctional Insti- Coordinators at Lebanon Correctional Institution and recently joined a picket at their facility against the tution (LeCI) who recently prison farm closure. joined a picket at their facility to show their already been asking nies who have helped him solidarity with the farm where the prison’s nearest along the way,” he said. workers in danger of water supply is. There’s also talk that the losing their jobs. But just like with the prison commissary could The Ohio Department of short-sighted prison farms be handed over to failed Rehabilitation and Correc- sale, major investments in food service vendor Ara- tion has said it will close state infrastructure have mark. all ten prison farms by the already been made to But the union is in the end of the year, affecting the water treatment plant privatization fight for the 56 OCSEA members, even at LeCI. Screens and long haul. While the union though the farm programs washer compactors that lost the court case to over- have saved money, pro- separate solid trash from turn the law that made duced their own meat and the liquid sewage were North Central Correc- dairy and provided invalu- just replaced, costing $1 tional Institution a private able vocational skills for million. prison, a large, statewide Ohio inmates. “There’s a domino effect grievance regarding the But Baxter and Fitz- around here lately,” said privatization of prison food patrick believe the farm Fitzpatrick, who has been to Aramark is still being closures are just the tip of with the state 15 and a fought. the iceberg when it comes half years. “We believe In addition, the union is to future privatization, and the writing is on the wall.” awaiting a court decision that their jobs could be Not coincidentally, the on an injunction to stop next. recent push to privatize the prison farm closures The colleagues are state agencies got ramped until the rights of affected responsible for providing up as Gov. Kasich’s cam- OCSEA members are clean water and remov- paign for president began restored. ing waste solids for LeCI, to wind down. “We’re in this to win which houses about 2,500 “We knew that once the this,” said Shawn inmates, as well as two Governor returned, there Gruber, Corrections halfway houses nearby. would be political payback Assembly President. “With Rumors are circulating to be dished out,” said the strength of our union that the recently updated OCSEA President Chris- and the momentum we’re prison sewage plant is on topher Mabe. “There’s receiving in the public, property that a nearby little doubt that the farm we’ve only just begun Racino has set its sights on. sale and other privatiza- these fights.” And high-level administration initiatives are a way tors with DR&C’s Capital to pay back campaign Improvements team have contributors and other cro-

Summer 2016 Public Employee Quarterly 13 OCSEA-endorsed candidates 2016 What district are you in? Use these maps as a guide to find your Ohio House, Ohio Senate, U.S. Congressional and local government districts.

U.S. Congressional Districts Dist. Endorsement Dist. Endorsement 1 Michelle Young D 10 Robert Klepinger D 3 Joyce Beatty D 11 Marcia Fudge D 4 Janet Garrett D 12 Ed Albertson D 5 James Neu, Jr. D 13 Tim Ryan D 6 Michael Lorentz D 14 Michael Wager D 7 Roy Rich D 15 Scott Wharton D 8 Corey Foister D 16 Keith Mundy D 9 Marcy Kaptur D

Ohio Senate Districts Dist. Endorsement 2 Randy Gardner R 4 John Kinne D 10 Matthew Kirk D AFSCME has endorsed: 18 Wiley Runnestrand D 24 Emily Hagan D Hillary Clinton 28 Vernon Sykes D for President 30 Lou Gentile D 32 Sean O’Brien D Ted Strickland for U.S. Senate Local Government Races by OCSEA District OFFICE COUNTY OCSEA DIST. CANDIDATE OFFICE COUNTY OCSEA DIST. CANDIDATE County Commissioner Defiance 1 Charles Bakle D Court of Common Pleas Montgomery 2 Mary Wiseman D County Commissioner Clinton 2 Dean Feldmeyer D Court of Common Pleas Warren 2 Jeffery Kirby R Court of Appeals Hamilton 2 Marilyn Zayas-Davis D County Commissioner Crawford 3 Daniel Wirebaugh D County Commissioner Hamilton 2 Denise Driehaus D County Commissioner Erie 3 Jim Lang D County Commissioner Hamilton 2 Todd Portune D County Commissioner Huron 3 Howard Smith D Court of Common Pleas Hamilton 2 Alvertis Bishop D County Commissioner Richland 3 Ron Davis D Court of Common Pleas Hamilton 2 Darrell Payne D County Commissioner Richland 3 Gary Utt D Court of Common Pleas Hamilton 2 Robert Ruehlman R Prosecutor Richland 3 Bambi Page D Court of Common Pleas Hamilton 2 Peter Stackpole D Sheriff Richland 3 Matthew Mayer D Sheriff Hamilton 2 Jim Neil D Clerk of Courts Franklin 6 Maryellen O’Shaughnessy D County Commissioner Montgomery 2 Judy Dodge D Common Pleas Court Franklin 6 Laurel Beatty D County Commissioner Montgomery 2 Deborah Lieberman D Common Pleas Court Franklin 6 Jeffrey Brown D Court of Common Pleas Montgomery 2 Tony Capizzi D Common Pleas Court Franklin 6 Kim Browne R

14 Public Employee Quarterly Summer 2016 Keep up to date on election news and issues affecting OCSEA members at OCSEAvotes.org

RESOURCES: • OCSEA endorsements • Voter information • Talking points • Fliers Ohio House of Representatives Districts Dist. Endorsement Dist. Endorsement Dist. Endorsement 5 John Dyce D 31 Brigid Kelly D 59 John Boccieri D 6 Phillip Robinson D 32 Catherine Ingram D 60 John Rogers D 7 Thomas Patton R 33 Alicia Reece D 62 Samuel Ronan D 9 Janine Boyd D 34 Emilia Sykes D 64 Michael O’Brien D 13 Nickie Antonio D 35 Greta Johnson D 69 Frank Zona D 16 Tommy Greene D 36 Bobby McDowell D 71 Joseph Begeny D 17 Adam Miller D 39 Fred Strahorn D 74 Barb Niemeyer D 18 Kristin Boggs D 40 David Richards D 75 Kathleen Clyde D 19 Michael Johnston D 41 James Calhoun D 76 Terri McIntee D 20 Heather Bishoff D 43 David Sparks D 79 Alex Wendt D 21 Ryan Koch D 44 Michael Ashford D 86 Scott Crider D 22 David Leland D 45 Teresa Fedor D 89 Steven Arndt R 23 Lee Schreiner D 46 Michael Sheehy D 94 Sarah Grace D 24 Jim Hughes R 49 Thomas West D 95 Ginny Favede D 25 Bernadine Kennedy Kent D 53 Suzi Rubin D 96 Jack Cera D 26 Hearcel Craig D 55 Nathan Manning R 99 John Patterson D 27 Joe Otis D 57 Tom Dunlap D 28 Jessica Miranda D 58 Michele Lepore-Hagan D

OFFICE COUNTY OCSEA DIST. CANDIDATE OFFICE COUNTY OCSEA DIST. CANDIDATE Court of Common Pleas Montgomery 2 Mary Wiseman D Common Pleas Court Franklin 6 Kimberly Cocroft D Court of Common Pleas Warren 2 Jeffery Kirby R Common Pleas Court Franklin 6 Richard Frye D County Commissioner Crawford 3 Daniel Wirebaugh D Common Pleas Court Franklin 6 Michael Holbrook R County Commissioner Erie 3 Jim Lang D Common Pleas Court Franklin 6 Julie Lynch R County Commissioner Huron 3 Howard Smith D Common Pleas Court Franklin 6 Crysta Pennington D County Commissioner Richland 3 Ron Davis D Common Pleas Court Franklin 6 Mark Serrott D County Commissioner Richland 3 Gary Utt D County Commissioner Franklin 6 Kevin Boyce D Prosecutor Richland 3 Bambi Page D County Commissioner Franklin 6 John O’Grady D Sheriff Richland 3 Matthew Mayer D Court of Appeals Franklin 6 Jennifer Brunner D Clerk of Courts Franklin 6 Maryellen O’Shaughnessy D Court of Appeals Franklin 6 Julia Dorrian D Common Pleas Court Franklin 6 Laurel Beatty D County Recorder Franklin 6 Danny O’Connor D Common Pleas Court Franklin 6 Jeffrey Brown D Prosecutor Franklin 6 Zach Klein D Common Pleas Court Franklin 6 Kim Browne R *No local endorsements for Districts 4, 5, 7, 8, 9.

Summer 2016 Public Employee Quarterly 15 Congratulations! Les Best Scholarship Winners CSEA’s Les Best Scholarship awards a total of $12,000 in scholarships each year to OCSEA members, their Members’ College O spouses and dependents. An additional $500 is awarded Right to Work has nothing to members through the Pat Callanan-Castro Book Scholarship. to“ do with a right to work, or Each year, an outside panel of independent judges with back- grounds in education or labor affairs makes the Les Best Scholarship even whether people can be award determinations to ensure fairness and impartiality. Our judges forced to join a union or not, but this year were Petee Talley, Secretary-Treasurer of the Ohio AFL- it is yet another ploy to inhibit CIO, Elaine Silveira, Assistant General Counsel Operations Manager, the union’s ability to assist Ohio Trooper Organization, and Antoine Brown, Assistant Dean of Adult Continuing Education, Wilberforce University. Deborah Moore-Pay employees in bargaining for Points are awarded to each applicant based on requirements for Deborah is employed by better wages, benefits, medical, the Ohio Attorney General. the three scholarship categories, and include points given for essays, safety and to limit the ability She is attending Cuyahoga grade transcripts, ACT scores, community service and union activ- to fully represent the ism. During the final judging session, the final scores for each appli- Community College, studying membership. cant from each judge are added together and then averaged. The communication and literature. top score-getters from each category are awarded the scholarships. —Deborah Moore-Pay” All applicants are encouraged to reapply yearly, Les Best Scholarship recipients are eligible to win up to three total awards. Right to Work would strip This year the judges were particularly impressed with the quality “ away the majority of our of the applicants’ essays, which answered the question: rights on the job without any “How would a Right to Work law affect you and your family? Why is it not such a good deal for working families? ” Read the excerpts protection of a contract. from their essays here. The job security we have now through the bargaining unit Son follows mom who won would be eliminated. 17 years ago ” Tammy Milner —Tammy Milner Tammy is employed by the The Les Best Scholarship is truly a family affair, providing Department of Rehabilitation financial assistance for college to our members and their and Corrections. She is cur- families. In fact, the mother of one of this year’s winners rently attending Columbus of the Dependents’ College Scholarship, Von Wooding, State University. won a Les Best Scholarship way back in 1999! Jennifer Wooding won a Les Best Scholarship in the Spouse category. She was working full time as a special education teacher and pursuing With Right to Work laws, her Master’s degree in education I believe“ negotiating would be at Ohio University. Her son Von was two years old at the time. one-sided which no doubt would Things have come full circle for be in favor of the company, this family, and her son is now the and not the workers. It would recipient of a Les Best Scholarship, probably be a ‘do as I say or hit seventeen years later. The schol- Mary Johnson the road relationship.’ arship continues to serve OCSEA Mary works for the Ohio ” members and their families. Department of Youth Services. —Mary Johnson Jennifer Wooding, as pictured in the She is attending Liberty University, 1999 Public Employee Quarterly pursuing a Master of Arts in as winner of a Les Best Scholarship. Human Services Counseling. 16 Public Employee Quarterly Summer 2016 Dependents’ College Right to Work laws are Without union power, aimed“ at weakening unions, teachers“ are struggling to fight reducing union membership and for the funds for student school reducing the collective bargain- supplies and for smaller class- ing power of unions to negotiate rooms as well, which benefit with employers on behalf of students through increased Maria Riley employees for higher wages, Lexi Rager individualized attention. Maria is currently enrolled benefits, good working condi- Lexi is currently enrolled In Right to Work states, schools in The Ohio State University tions and protection against ter- at Youngstown State are receiving $3,392 less per University, studying Integrated as a Biomedical Science major. mination without just cause. pupil, leaving students starved Mathematics. Her father, Her father, Timothy Riley, is — Maria Riley” for the things they need like employed by the Department William Rager, is employed of Administrative Services. by the Department of new textbooks and updated Rehabilitation and Corrections. computer software. — Lexi Rager”

..as I look around my local Employees in Right to area“ at all those who are already Work“ states are less likely to struggling to make ends meet, have job-based health insurance if a Right to Work law were than people in other states. With passed in our state causing the health care coverage provided wages and benefits to noticeably by my mother’s union, members Mackenzie Hornsby drop, building a comfortable Von Wooding of my family are able to get Mackenzie is currently living situation would only be Von is currently graduated medical attention without the enrolled at Ohio University as that much harder for working from Linsly High School and burden of becoming financially an Integrated Language Arts families. will be attending Oberlin at risk. Education major. Her father, College, studying Law and ” — Von Wooding” Steven Hornsby, is employed by Society. His father, Richard the Department of Public Safety. Wooding, works at the Belmont Correctional Institution.

Right to Work laws are A bill of this sort (RTW) a bad“ deal for working class would“ lead to essential employ- families because these laws ees being lost, and wages that diminish earnings, diminish safe are not competitive and cannot working conditions, impeded sufficiently provide for a family. employees in the performance Valuable employees in a stable Brooke Bobovnyik of their job duties, and reduce Hannah Edwards job who work hard do not Brooke is currently enrolled benefits for hardworking Hannah is currently attending deserve the uncertainty of won- at Youngstown State University, people and families. the Univeristy of Mount Union, dering how long it (their job) studying Secondary Education/ — Brooke Bobovnyik” pursing a degree in Speech will last. History. Her father, David Pathology. Her father, Kevin — Hannah Edwards” Bobovnyik, is employed by the Edwards, is employed by the Ohio Industrial Commission. Ohio Department of Veterans Services.

Summer 2016 Public Employee Quarterly 17 Subordinate Body Meeting and Election Notices – Fall 2016

ASSEMBLIES CHAPTERS CHAPTERS ODNR Sep. 10 9 a.m. - OCSEA, Rm. 188, Chap. Sep. 28 & Oct. 26 Job Center, Suite Chap. Sep. 14 & Oct. 12 Giant Eagle Meeting 1 p.m. 390 Worthington 5700 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. B 292, 1133 S 7700 Market District, Rd., Westerville Meeting Edwin C Moses E-Board 5:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. 2nd Floor, 1700 Blvd., Dayton Meeting 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. Corporate Woods ODOT Sep. 17 10 a.m. - OCSEA, 390 Dr., Uniontown Meeting 12:30 p.m. Worthington Rd., Chap. Oct. 19 Golden Corral Westerville 6000 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. Restaurant, Chap. Sep. 13 & Oct. 11 The Village SPOTLIGHTSPOTLIGHT Meeting Community Room, 8320 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. Family Inn, 144 ODJFS Aug. 06 & Oct. 01 OCSEA, 390 1586 Northpoint Meeting South Main St., Meeting 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Worthington Rd., Rd., Zanesville Waynesville Westerville Chap. Oct. 04 USW 169th DISTRICTS Taxation Oct. 08 OCSEA, 390 7010 Union Hall, 376 E-Board 10:30 a.m. Worthington Rd., E-Board Noon - 12:30 p.m. Longview Ave., District 2 Sep. 10 12 p.m. - Golden Corral Andrew Cox Meeting 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Westerville & 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 Mansﬁ eld Meeting 2 p.m. Party Room, ndrew Cox works Laboratory Scientist 1 CHAPTERS p.m. 3350 Village Dr., Meeting 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 Franklin for the Ohio Depart- Ohio Department of Chap. Oct. 04 IBEW Local 32, p.m. District 5 Aug. 31, Sep. 28 Theo’s Restaurant, ment of Agriculture’s 200 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. 1975 N. West St., Agriculture Meeting & Oct. 26 6:30 632 Wheeling A Meeting Lima Chap. Sep. 27 Days Inn, 400 Animal Disease Diagnostic p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Ave., Cambridge members one at a time and 7500 Folkerth Ave., Lab. As an expert in Serology, He’s a new steward for his Andrew said his parents, Chap. Oct. 11 State Ofﬁ ce Tower E-Board 5:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. Sidney retired public employees, bringing a personal element to 1801 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. Plaza, 615 West Andrew provides diagnostic and building and worked as the Meeting 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. each interaction. Meeting Superior Ave., export test services to veterinar- Reynoldsburg Chap. 4550 encouraged him to get involved Cleveland “My philosophy is, more ELECTIONS ians in an effort to support the PEOPLE Captain during the in the union as soon as he was Chap. Sep. 21 & Oct. 19 Northeast Chap. Nominations: Oct. 18 - Noon - 12:30p.m. - WGB, Training Pres., Vice Pres., Treas., Sec., 5 most recent recruitment for hired. And he’s been trying to cooperation, less dissension,” 1835 Reintergration 2535 Room G, 30 W. Spring St., Columbus E-Board, 1 District 6 Delegate, 1 state’s livestock industries. He E-Board 1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m. Center, 2675 voluntary contributions for the make a difference ever since. said Andrew. And it’s making a Election Elections: WGB - Oct. 25, - 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. Assembly Delegate, 5 AFL/CIO makes sure that animals going Meeting 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. East 30th. St., difference, a positive difference, - 4:30 p.m., 30 W. Spring St., Trg Room G, Columbus; Delegates across state lines or to other union’s political action commit- “Unfortunately, my building Cleveland OCOSH - Oct. 26 - 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., 13430, Room is a known hot spot on our as he continues to increase the F, Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington; MAFIL - Oct 27 - 11:30 countries don’t have any dis- tee. He says he’s first on the list Chap. Oct. 03 6:30 p.m. Top Hat a.m. - Noon, 3655 Brookham Dr., Lighthouse Conference to attend the highly sought after campus for fairshare member- number of active members, said 2320 - 7:30 p.m. Restaurant, 202 Room, Grove City eases that could spread. Meeting West Main St., OCSEA Stewards Academy for ship,” said Andrew, who said a Chap. 4550 President Christine Run Offs: Oct. 28 - 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., WGB, Training Andrew has only been in Junction City Lightner. Room G, 30 W. Spring St., Columbus public service for a little less 2017, and he’s looking forward history of cynicism and distrust Chap. Oct. 20 OCSEA, Bowman to increasing his knowledge of came along with his union 2500 Hall, 390 Chapter Nominations: Sep. 01 - 11 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Pres., Vice Pres., Sec./Treas., 3 than three years but is already contract enforcement. duties. But Andrew’s working E-Board 6 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Worthington Rd., 4010 Elections: Sep. 01 - 11:15 a.m. - 11:30a.m. E-Board, 1 District Delegate. making a mark on his workplace Meeting 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 Westerville Election hard to change that, talking to p.m. Run Offs: Sep. 01 - 11:30 a.m. - 11:45a.m. and in his union. Wellston City Building, Council Chambers, 203 East Chap. Oct. 31 WGB, Arcade, 30 Broadway, Wellston 2535 Noon W. Spring St., Fall 2016 Education Calendar Designed for all Members Meeting Columbus Chap. Nominations: Sep. 01 - 12-12:15 p.m. & 4 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. Pres., Vice Pres., Sec./Treas., 5 To register for any of the following classes, call the education registration hotline at 800-266-5615, ext. 4772 and follow the recorded Chap. Sep. 28 & Oct. 26 DOE, B-004, 25 4720 Eaton Town Hall, 12043 Avon Belden Rd., Grafton E-Board, 1 District Delegate, 1 instructions, or sign up online at ocsea.org/education. 2565 Noon - 1 p.m. South Front St., Election Assembly Delegate If you’d like a class for your area and don’t see one currently scheduled on the calendar, contact Pat Hammel at 800-266-5615, ext. 2654 Meeting Columbus Elections: Sep. 06 - 5 a.m. - 5 p.m. or [email protected] to find out what types of classes are available or to schedule one for your area on a just-in-time basis. Once you’ve Chap. CWA Hall, 4140 Run Offs: Sep. 07 5 a.m. - 5 p.m. recruited 10 people to attend a class, the class will be scheduled. 2599 E. Broad St., LORCI -B1, 2075 South Avon-Belden Rd., Grafton Meeting Aug. 25, Sep. 27 Columbus & Oct. 25 Chap. Nominations: Aug. 22 - 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Pres., Vice Pres., Sec., Treas., 3 SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. OCSEA, 390 5041 Amen Corner Restaurant, 20 West Main St., Girard E-Board, 1 District Delegate, 1 E-Board Oct. 20 Worthington Rd., Election Assembly Delegate, 1 AFL-CIO THURSDAY 15 - PROMOTION LANGUAGE THURSDAY 6 - PROMOTION LANGUAGE WEDNESDAY 9 - ADVANCED STEWARD 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. Westerville Elections: Aug. 26 - 6 a.m. - 4 p.m. Delegate 6 p.m.-9 p.m., Holiday Inn (Fairlawn), 4073 6 p.m.-9 p.m., Hampton Inn, 986 E. State St., 6 p.m.-9 p.m., OCSEA Headquarters – RM Chap. Oct. 11 Theo’s Restaurant, Run Offs: Aug. 29 - 6 a.m. - 4 p.m. Medina Rd., Akron, OH Athens, OH 195, 390 Worthington Rd., Westerville, OH 3000 632 Wheeling OSP, Front Entrance Blg., 878 Coitsville-Hubbard Rd., SATURDAY 17 THURSDAY 13 - ADVANCED STEWARD MONDAY 14 - BASIC STEWARD PT. 1 E-Board 6 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Ave., Cambridge Youngstown - ADVANCED STEWARD Meeting 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 10 a.m.-1 p.m., OCSEA Headquarters – RM 6 p.m.-9 p.m., OCSEA Headquarters – RM 6 p.m.-9 p.m., OCSEA Headquarters – RM p.m. Chap. Nominations: Sep. 13 - 5 a.m. - 7 a.m. & 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Pres., Vice Pres., Sec./Treas., 4 195, 390 Worthington Rd., Westerville, OH 195, 390 Worthington Rd., Westerville, OH 195, 390 Worthington Rd., Westerville, OH 7660 E-Board, 1 District Delegate, 1 Chap. Oct. 19 Ryan’s Elections: Sep. 15 - 5 a.m. - 7 a.m. & 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Election Assembly Delegate TUESDAY 20 - BASIC STEWARD PT. 1 WEDNESDAY 19 - INVESTIGATORY INTERVIEWS 6 WEDNESDAY 16 - BASIC STEWARD PT. 2 3510 Restaurant, 1095 Run Offs: Sep. 16 - 5 a.m. - 7 a.m. & 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. p.m.-9 p.m., Southgate Hotel, 2248 Southgate 6 p.m.-9 p.m., OCSEA Headquarters – RM E-Board 6:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. Shoop Ave., 6 p.m.-9 p.m., OCSEA Headquarters – RM Indian River, 2775 Indian River Rd. SW, Massillon Meeting 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. Wauseon 195, 390 Worthington Rd., Westerville, OH Parkway, Cambridge, OH 195, 390 Worthington Rd., Westerville, OH Chap. Oct. 04 & Nov. 01 AFSCME Ohio District 6 Nominations: Oct. 03 6:45 p.m. - 7 p.m. Pres., Vice Pres., Sec., Treas., 3 THURSDAY 22 - BASIC STEWARD PT. 2 SATURDAY 22 - BASIC STEWARD PT. 1&2 SATURDAY 19 - DISCIPLINE 10 a.m.-1 p.m., 4800 Council 8, Main Election Elections: Nov. 07 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. E-Board, District Steward - ODOT 6 p.m.-9 p.m., OCSEA Headquarters – RM 9 a.m.-4 p.m., OCSEA Headquarters – RM OCSEA Headquarters – Bowman A, 390 E-Board 5:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. Room, 420 S. District 6 Run Offs: Nov. 07 8:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. 195, 390 Worthington Rd., Westerville, OH 188, 390 Worthington Rd., Westerville, OH Worthington Rd., Westerville, OH Meeting 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Reynolds Rd., OCSEA, Bowman Hall, 390 Worthington Rd., Westerville Toledo MONDAY 26 - FMLA BASICS MONDAY 24 - TESTING IN PROMOTIONS THURSDAY 25 - ADVANCED STEWARD Chap. Oct. 11 Medina County 6 p.m.-9 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, 12000 6 p.m.-9 p.m., Holiday Inn, 6001 Rockside 6 p.m.-9 p.m., OCSEA Headquarters – RM 5200 6 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. ODOT Lunchroom, Submitting A Meeting Notice Fall 2016 Deadline: Sept. 5, 2016 - Meeting must take Innovation Dr., Miamisburg, OH Rd., Independence, OH 188, 390 Worthington Rd., Westerville place ON or AFTER Nov. 3, 2016. Meeting 3220 Medina Rd., To have an event notice published online or in the OC- Medina SEA magazine or to request a direct mailing postcard, go OCTOBER SATURDAY 29 - FIRED FOR FACEBOOK TUESDAY 29 - PROMOTION LANGUAGE Winter 2017 Deadline: Jan. 9, 2017 - Meeting must take 10 a.m.-Noon, OCSEA Headquarters – RM Chap. Sep. 12 Korner Kafe, 7995 to ocsea.org/meetingnotices OR email MeetingNo- place ON or AFTER March 11, 2017. 6 p.m.-9 p.m., OCSEA Headquarters – RM TUESDAY 4 - HANDLING PREDISCIPLINE MTGS 195, 390 Worthington Rd., Westerville, OH 195, 390 Worthington Rd., Westerville, OH 5410 5:15 p.m. - 6:15 St. Rt. 119, Maria [email protected]. Only authorized leaders can request 6 p.m.-9 p.m., Holiday Inn, 1705 Tallgate Meeting p.m. Stein an notice or add events online. A MyOCSEA account is See candidate eligibility and election requirements at required to publish an event. ocsea.org/meetingnotices Dr., Maumee, OH Summer 2016 Public Employee Quarterly 19 Contractors failing injured workers Union seeks to bring work back in-house

n Information Tech- definition,” he said. “We have the The answer for McAllister nology contract in expertise in-house in terms of and his colleagues is not further A the Bureau of Work- scale to take care of this. Con- privatization, as some have sug- ers Compensation to rebuild tractors simply do not.” gested, but the opposite: bring Ohio’s injured workers’ billing Each year, BWC members the IT services back in house. and claims system has cost tax- process 150,000 injured worker Now! payers millions more than antic- claims and have as many as 2 Research supports this view ipated and still hasn’t seen the million open claims at any one and other large employers are light of day. time. moving in that direction. Some, The cost and scope of the project have both skyrocketed and deadlines have long been “We have a proven track record, past due. Originally, the plan was existing skill sets and are able to do to overhaul only the billing and additional work supporting the claims system at BWC, called it efficiently and on time.” contractor. Core, by the end of 2013 at a —TIM McALLISTER Many thought their in-house cost of $52.7 million. performance would be a jump- Now, not only has the cost of But, for five years, BWC IT such as General Motors, keep a ing off point for BWC to drop the original project ballooned workers have been tied up strict time limit on contractors the CGI Group and bring the to $60 million and beyond, helping the privateer, instead of and are bringing large IT sys- work back to state employees. the contractor, CGI Group, still working on other systems that tems back in-house with perma- “They saw we could do it isn’t finished and will develop need support, a bone of con- nent employees.* better and that we had the flex- additional BWC processes, tention for many IT employees Last year, when the CGI ibility to get it done. We have despite not completing the orig- in the department. “Given that group had its hands full with a proven track record, existing inal project on time or within our IT employees had to be cost over-runs and missed dead- skill sets and are able to do it budget. involved, think of the opportu- lines, BWC IT staff were quietly efficiently and on time,” said CGI Group’s reputation has nity costs that we’ve lost over developing two new systems: McAllister. “In the time it has hardly been stellar. They were the last five years. That’s huge. one for employer billing and taken the contractor to com- one of the primary contractors Instead, we’ve been propping another for medical claims plete this project, we could in charge of the ill-fated Afford- up the contractor,” said billing. And they did it on time have rebuilt the entire system able Care Act website. That web- McAllister. and on budget, despite their from the ground up.” site was plagued with massive BWC Chap. 2535 Pres. Tim McAllister and VP Maria Byrd both work in IT and have concerns regarding glitches during its roll out, and the contracting out of large IT systems in that agency. was temporarily shut down. CGI was eventually let go on the project. For OCSEA members in the state agency, none of this had to happen, though. “The problem with bringing in outside vendors for something like a BWC IT system is that it’s very large and complex,” said Tim McAllister, an Infrastructure Specialist for the agency and an OCSEA State Board of Directors member. “When you’re talking about a system that’s taking care of all of Ohio’s injured workers, that’s a big system just by *Source: Computer Weekly, “Why are so many organizations bringing outsourced IT back in-house? Feb. 12, 2016 20 Public Employee Quarterly Summer 2016 Member’s son raises awareness of DC closures ichael McDowell, found it interesting because she Wise beyond his years, spilling over into the state 16 years old, has a didn’t know anything about it,” Michael believes the decision to prison system. M passion for giving said Michael. “Nor did my other close the DCs just doesn’t add “We have some individuals in back. His dad, Chuck Wallace, classmates,” he said. “It was a up financially. “I feel like there our state prisons with a devel- a union steward and Correction way for me to get the word out, isn’t any actual reason to close opmental disability diagnosis. Officer at Lebanon Correctional in my small way, about the harm it. There’s no problem with the Something is not right with Institution, said his son once that could come to the resi- money. The $6 million dollars that,” said Chuck. “Why those wanted to give half his savings dents,” he said. that they say would be saved is individuals would be in a state to tsunami victims. Another The paper was supposed to still going to stay in the system,” prison, just doesn’t feel right,” time, he told his mom and dad cover both sides of the issue, he said. he said. to stop giving him Christmas but in the end, Michael con- Wallace says Michael still Michael will enter his senior presents and to buy some for cluded that the closure was a wears his Stop the Closure year at Little Miami High School the needy instead. bad idea, and got a stellar grade. t-shirt on a weekly basis that he in the fall where he’ll be in the That’s why when Wallace “It’s hard to understand got at one of the rallies. Wallace choir. As for the future, Michael learned of the announced clo- exactly why the closures are also sees the problems of the plans on going to college and sure of two of the state Develop- happening,” he said. “It makes no developmental centers and wants to pursue a career in mental Centers for individuals sense.” proper care for the disabled radio when he graduates. with severe developmental disabilities, he wasn’t surprised that his son wanted to get It’s hard to understand involved. “ The sixteen-year-old was exactly why the closures already familiar with the issues are happeninG. It makes regarding the downsizing of state facilities. His mother no sense. worked as a direct care worker ” at Cambridge Developmental –MICHAEL MCDOWELL Center, and from time to time would take Michael to work with her. So one afternoon, McDowell and his dad made the trip from their small town in Monroe near Cincinnati to the Dayton area to attend a meeting about the closure of Montgomery Devel- opmental Center. They wanted to learn more about what they could do to help. After that meeting, the family attended a larger rally in Huber Heights to lend support to MDC, meet with legislators and fight to keep the center open. Then Michael wrote a paper about the closures and made a presentation to his high school junior English class. That was a game changer. “The teacher Michael McDowell, 16, got involved in the fight to save Montgomery Developmental Center. His dad, Chuck Lowell, is a Correction Officer and steward at Lebanon Correctional Institution. Summer 2016 Public Employee Quarterly 21 Steward Conference Celebrating 30 years of contract enforcement “The hardest part of a steward’s job is lighting that union fire!”

hose are the words of keynote speaker Dr. T Elaine Bernard, who addressed the nearly 400 OCSEA stewards and activists attending this year’s OCSEA Steward Con- ference in Columbus. She said that stewards have a role to play in their workplaces to educate, motivate and instigate union participation. As Executive Director of the Harvard Law Labor and Worklife Program, Bernard is an expert in labor studies and described labor rights as a “human right” that is fundamen- tal to a free society. Bernard addressed the issues facing union activists, from on-the-job internal struggles to external factors like the economy, legislation and anti-union propagandists and politicians who want to silence the voices Conference goers attended of workers. workshops on a variety of But she also said despite the steward-related issues like attacks on labor and public promotions, just cause and last employees in particular, unions chance agreements, and how are one of the last groups in the to determine if a workplace country that are practicing true problem is really a grievance or democracy. Unlike social clubs just a “gripe.” Leaders received or associations, unions MUST financial leadership training and allow everyone to join. That’s looked to the future with “Pre- the definition of democracy, she paring Today for Tomorrow’s said. Union.” While there were many new Attendees participated in faces, the conference celebrated a union sing-a-long and gave the stewards of years past and kudos to subordinate body marked 30 years of OCSEA stew- leaders who have gone above ards enforcing workplace rules and beyond and were bestowed WEB EXCLUSIVE: and rights under the OCSEA See photos of the other HPI Award with the union’s High Perfor- contract. winners at ocsea.org/HPIgallery mance Initiative Awards. 22 Public Employee Quarterly Summer 2016 WAC Conference

ctivists joined together May 13-15 for the 2016 Women’s Action Committee Conference at the Hope Hotel and Conference A Center in Dayton. The event left members feeling empowered by the strides women have made in the labor movement and feeling encouraged to fight to maintain those rights. Attendees heard from many strong female speakers. Ohio AFL-CIO Secre- tary-Treasurer, Petee Talley, told conference goers, “If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down, then we as a group should be able to turn it right side up.” She urged union activists and women to stand up for what they believe in and work together to strengthen their rights. OCSEA President Christopher Mabe and Secretary-Treasurer Kathy Stewart encouraged activists to take the lead in womens’ rights and stand with those who stand up for women. Stewart closed with, “I am woman, I am free, I am you, I am we, and together we are one.” Other empowering speakers included Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley, OCSEA activist Ivy Payton and WAC chair Debbie King Hutchinson. Pres. Chris Mabe, Sec.-Treas. Kathy Stewart, WAC chair Debbie King Hutchinson, and Ohio AFL-CIO Sec.-Treas. Petee Talley join activists to spread the word about women union members and families.

Conference goers relax and socialize at the Friday night social event, taking part in family events with Spider-Man, Elsa, Iron Man, and many other favorite characters. WEB EXCLUSIVE: See more photos of the WAC conference at ocsea.org/WACgallery Summer 2016 Public Employee Quarterly 23 LOCALLOCAL AFL-CIOAFL-CIO OhioOhio CivilCivil ServiceService EmployeesEmployees AssociationAssociation 390 Worthington Road, Ste. A Westerville, OH 43082-8331 COVER STORY

OHIO Civil Service Employees Association

AFSCME LOCAL 11/AFL-CIO Volume 72, No. 3 • Summer 2016 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE QUARTERLY UNION WOMEN

p. 14-15 SUMMER 2016 OCSEA Endorsements Feature stories PRES. MABE Year of the woman 6 Education: the bedrock of 2-3 The women of OCSEA Never Quit our union community

MEETING NOTICES Women at work 18 4 Candidates for a better Ohio 19 EDUCATION CALENDAR 5 Deal me in

OCSEA member hits the books 8 - 9 Have questions about Eastern Gateway?

Union pride 11 LGBTQ and union communities join forces

12 5 pickets in protest

14 -15 OCSEA-endorsed candidates

16 -17 2016 Les Best Scholarship winners

20 Contractors failing injured workers