OAPSE leaders march in Memphis to remember Dr. King

 

On the 50th anniversary of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., OAPSE leaders are joining in remembering him and his relationship with AFSCME, particularly with members of Local 1733. Those AFSCME members, sanitation workers in Memphis, went on strike to win basic human dignity and the right to a union. They marched with signs that read, “I AM A Man,” and were off the job for about two months. Dr. King went to Memphis to support the AFSCME members. It was during this visit that he gave the “I Have Been to the Mountaintop” speech. The next day, he was shot on the balcony of his hotel.

Click here to see a documentary about Dr. King’s relationship with AFSCME.

At the River I Stand

This Documentary Explains AFSCME’s Place in the Civil Rights Movement In 1968, 1,300 sanitation workers in Memphis, Tennessee – members of AFSCME Local 1733 – risked everything for dignity and respect on the job. They went on strike, protesting poverty wages and degrading working conditions, demanding both economic justice and racial justice.

And click here for an article by John Nichols in The Nation, entitled:

Dr. King Knew That Labor Rights Are Human Rights

The civil-rights leader was proud to rally with public workers and to connect their struggle with the struggle for a fair and equitable economy.

Dr. King Knew that Labor Rights Are Human Rights

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was not murdered fifty years ago this week at a posh gathering of billionaire campaign donors or at retreat for corporate CEOs. King, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning campaigner for economic and social justice whose who was assassinated in Memphis on April 4, 1968, died while defending the right of public employees to organize labor unions and to fight for the preservation of public services.

OAPSE members – did you know someone is stealing from YOUR pension fund?

That’s right. YOU are being robbed!

They are stealing your money and your retirement security.

For years, OAPSE has tried to convince SERS to adopt policies and practices that would have better protected long-time public school employees and retirees. They refused to listen.

Budget and job cuts have meant less money going to schools. And now, the SERS Board and statehouse politicians want to freeze your COLA to fix THEIR financial mess.

It’s WRONG! You worked hard. Your pension should be protected.

You can do something about it!

Fight back. VOTE!

https://oapse.org/uncategorized/2133/

It’s that time, OAPSE members! Election season is here, and you have the opportunity to elect candidates who will support the issues that matter to you. The endorsements of candidates were made by the union based on their records of service, interviews and discussions. They appear in the MyOAPSE section of the website. To access them, click on MyOAPSE and login using your member number and last name. Under the Issues and Politics tab, click on Endorsements. 

Please consider these endorsements when you make your plan to vote.

You can make sure your voter registration information is current or register to vote here.

Deadline to register to vote is at the close of business on April 9.

You can begin voting in the Primary Election on April 10 at your local board of elections. To find your local board, click here.

EARLY IN-PERSON VOTING HOURS

April 10-13: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

April 16-20: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

April 23-27: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

April 30: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

May 1 – 4: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

May 5: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

May 6: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

May 7: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

OTHER DATES TO REMEMBER

May 5: Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot (Noon)

May 7: Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked by this date

May 8: Primary Election: Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

May 8: Voters are able to drop off absentee ballot at their county board of elections office until 7:30 p.m.

 

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Recent flooding in SW Ohio has displaced many residents from their homes, leaving them without access to basic necessities and supplies. As they begin the long process of restoring their communities, efforts are currently underway to coordinate donations and volunteers to lend a helping hand. On Saturday, March 3, at 10:00 AM, volunteers will meet at the Connection Point Church, 215 Columbia Street in New Richmond, 45157, to collect donations and begin clean-up in the village. Critical donation items needed include diapers, towels, clothing, and cleaning supplies (disinfectants, bleach, rubber gloves, mops, brooms, etc.).

Brothers and Sisters, please consider joining us this Saturday – we can make a difference! For more information, please email [email protected]

*If you can volunteer, please note children are welcome at the church.