Last night the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the repeal of the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). OAPSE President, Lois Carson, was in Washington working right up to the vote alongside our national union (AFSCME) to secure support for this long-sought goal. The legislation now moves to the U.S. Senate for its consideration.

Many thanks to President Carson, Vice President Lang, Secretary Dawkins-Flinn (who also Chairs OAPSE’s Social Security GPO/WEP Repeal Committee), and all the OAPSE members across the state who circulated and signed petitions, called legislators, and educated co-workers, friends and family about the cruel impact of these unfair laws on retirees.

We will continue our efforts to right this wrong through the last weeks of this Congress. Stay tuned to OAPSE’s website and social media accounts for important updates.

2024 Statewide and Legislative Endorsements

The OAPSE Political Endorsement Committee has made endorsements for the November 5 General Election. We hope you will consider these candidates when you cast your ballot.

Early voting begins October 8. You can vote by mail or in-person at your County Board of Elections.

US Senate Endorsement: Sherrod Brown

VOTE YES ON ISSUE 1!

All other endorsements listed below

As many OAPSE members are aware, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has filed legal action over the issue of transportation in Columbus City Schools.

Because this dispute could affect our members in Columbus, and in school districts across Ohio, OAPSE has sent a letter to Attorney General Yost outlining our position on his actions.

All of us know that almost all of the problems related to student transportation in Ohio are caused by the shortage of school bus drivers.

The letter OAPSE sent to Attorney General Yost is below. OAPSE will continue to track this situation as it moves forward.

Lima City Schools OAPSE Locals 137, 306, and 443 are starting the new school year with a HUGE WIN, that includes better wages for all and much more!

In February the Locals started this negotiation cycle with all new Local Presidents (#137 – Kenny Poling, #306 – Heather Vermillion, #443 – Valarie Bodine), new negotiation team members (Derrick Hurley, Michelle Starr, Malinda Cole), and a new Field Representative (Dave Duhamel).

The negotiation team focused on team building, contract language, and prioritizing the needs of the entire bargaining unit. As a result the negotiation team came together with everything they needed to fight for all bargaining unit members. Once at the table, both sides worked together to address issues that would benefit everyone. The end result was the biggest wage increases for all classifications EVER! Heather Vermillion, Local 306 President and Executive Board Alternate from NWC District, was overjoyed by the whole process this time around. “I could not be happier for our bargaining team and every Lima City Schools OAPSE member. Seeing the smiles, hearing the positive words, and the connections made due to this negotiation and ratification is the picture of being in a STRONG UNION!” Vermillion exclaimed.

Many conversations among members have started about what can be looked at for the next negotiation cycle already. It is never too early to start. Watch out Lima City Schools in 2026 and OAPSE Locals across the state. Solidarity WINS and we are GROWING!

Together We Fight! Together We Win!