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2024 - 2027 OCSEA Contract
 

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Update:  Mediation hearing held on Return to Office

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.
 
On a related note, the General Assembly voted to approve a two-year state budget this week without placing new restrictions on remote and hybrid work. An earlier version of the budget would have prohibited state employees from working from home after January 1, 2026 except under certain circumstances. But that provision, which represented a legislative attack on collective bargaining rights, was removed before the final vote.

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AFSCME: The Federal Budget Bill Will Blow a Big Hole in Medicare

If the federal budget bill that is being debated in Washington becomes law, it could lead to huge cuts to Medicare. About $500 billion in cuts.

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But what does it mean? 

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It means nearly 70 million older Americans, low-income adults and people with disabilities would find it harder to access health care. Medicare recipients may find it harder to locate doctors and hospitals or keep their current physicians, especially in smaller towns and communities. 

 

We know the U.S. House-passed bill takes a sledgehammer to Medicaid, the food assistance program known as SNAP, and other crucial programs. The cuts to Medicare benefits are hidden. Though they are not specified in the bill, the Medicare cuts would be triggered by the $2.3 trillion in deficits that the legislation would create.  

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Why? Because of a law that requires automatic cuts to programs like Medicare if Congress passes legislation that blows such a giant hole in the federal deficit. 

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The cuts to Medicare and Medicaid would reduce access to medical care for millions of Americans. For instance, these cuts would make it harder for struggling community hospitals, especially in rural America, to survive.  

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These cuts will hurt more than just the people who are on Medicare. Their families will struggle to care for them. Working people who receive health insurance from their employers may face higher premiums and out-of-pocket costs. That’s because doctors and hospitals may try to charge them more to make up the difference if Medicare pays them less.  

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We must stop this cruel bill from passing the Senate. Text GO to 237263 to get alerts and learn how you can join the fight and Get Organized.

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New Membership Card Signatures

Please visit OCSEA.org and log into your account to sign a new membership card.  If you don't have an account, you can sign up for one and sign your new membership card.  When you sign up and provide your personal email address, you will receive all the latest information regarding our union directly from OCSEA.

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• Affiliation Meeting Dates and Locations

• OCSEA - AFSCME News Updates​

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