OAPSE Local 686 on Strike!

Help make it clear we won’t back down until justice is served! Let’s show the power of community and solidarity!

Call Superintendent Shelly Groves (614-836-4530 ext. 1332) and let her know OAPSE members, school employees and the community stand together. Give Local 686 the fair wages and dignity they deserve. Call: 614-836-4530 ext. 1332

Other administrators to contact:

Dawn Lemley, Treasurer: (614) 836-4530 ext. 1513

Jennifer Blackstone, Assistant Superintendent: (614) 836-4530 ext. 1503

📞 Sample Phone Call Script:

“Dragging this strike out is costing us big time, not just in cash but in how it’s affecting everyone’s day-to-day. Let’s wrap this up and get everyone back to work.”

“Hey, it’s been a week already and without our custodians, maintenance, cafeteria, and IT staff, things are really starting to fall apart. We need the administration to step up, fix this wage issue, and make things right. Our schools and kids are suffering.”

“Have you seen the lunches lately? Moldy and just not up to par. It’s obvious how important our cafeteria crew is. We need to sort this out fast and treat them fairly.”

Email the Eastland-Fairfield Board with one of the messages below or make up your own.

• Board President Bill McGowan: [email protected]
• Jean Parker: [email protected]
• Mandy Young: [email protected]
• Dion Manley: [email protected]
• Barry Alcock: [email protected]
• Joyce Galbraith: [email protected]
• Mary Pierce: [email protected]
• Anne Darling Cyphert: [email protected]
• Leo Knoblauch: [email protected]
• Superintendent Shelly Groves: [email protected]

“Your hardworking employees need your support now more than ever. Please end this strike by granting the wage increase they deserve.”

“It is vital for the well-being of our community and its children that you resolve this strike immediately by adopting the Fact-Finder’s wage recommendations.”

“Each day this strike continues, our community’s faith in your leadership wanes. Please end this now by agreeing to the wage increase.”

“The community is watching. Your failure to act swiftly reflects poorly on our entire district.”

“This prolonged strike is a stain on our district’s reputation. Resolve it by accepting the wage proposal now.”

“Every additional day of this strike causes further damage to our district’s reputation and our children’s education. It’s time to conclude this and agree to the wage increases. Do not let this go on any longer.”

“This extended strike is a clear sign of failed negotiations on your part. We urge you to act responsibly and end this now by agreeing to the proposed wage adjustments.”

On January 7, our newly organized local at the Eastland-Fairfield Career Center, outside Columbus commenced a strike against their employer.

The Local was forced into this situation by an unreasonable and intransigent school board that has refused to implement a neutral fact finder’s report which supports our bargaining position. That report found that our members are seriously underpaid, and that the employer does have the funds to pay a fair wage.

We expect this to be a difficult strike, and our two dozen members will be challenged to make ends meet. OAPSE is devoting considerable resources to support the Local. We are requesting that our Districts and Locals consider a financial contribution to help our people as they accept the risk of standing up for themselves and for all of OAPSE.

Donations should be sent to OAPSE/AFSCME and designated for Eastland-Fairfield strike support. Individuals who wish to make a contribution should do the same.

Thank you for any assistance you can provide.

In Solidarity,  

Joseph P. Rugola, Executive Director

OAPSE/AFSCME Local 4/AFL-CIO