News

OAPSE STATE OFFICERS FIGHT FOR YOUR PENSION

After a years long struggle, OAPSE has won a major victory on retirement security for our members. The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted to reverse the unfair Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination Provision. Those laws took thousands of dollars a year out of the pockets of many OAPSE retirees by reducing pension benefits […]

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Calling Retirees: Please Sign Frank’s Petition

Retired OAPSE member and current AFSCME 1184 Retiree activist Frank Weglarz needs your help. He is collecting signatures from retirees in the School Employees Retirement System (SERS) to get on the pension system’s ballot. Next year, SERS will hold an election for a retiree Board seat and Frank would like to continue being your representative. […]

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OAPSE State Officer Elections Occur in 2025

NOTICE OF OAPSE STATE OFFICERS ELECTION Elections for OAPSE State Officers will be conducted in 2025. Click here for more information.

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U.S. House Passes Repeal of Unfair GPO and WEP

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 […]

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OAPSE 2024 Political Endorsements

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 […]

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OAPSE Monitoring the Columbus City Schools Transportation Issue

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 […]

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OAPSE = Stronger Together

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 […]

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GPO & WEP Repeal Update

Today, Senator Sherrod Brown, Chair of the Senate’s Subcommittee on Social Security, Pensions, and Family Policy, held a field hearing for S. 597, his bill to repeal the unfair Government Pension Offset (GPO) and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). OAPSE members, and public sector workers from across Ohio, were in the crowd to show their […]

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OAPSE Local Gets Great Contract and New Library

OAPSE Local 541, Carrollton Schools, has a few things to be excited about this spring. After only two meetings with the district, OAPSE Local 541 agreed to a new contract that has since been ratified by both sides. While members will see a sizeable increase in pay, and a lump sum payment each year of […]

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OAPSE Member Wins 2024 Road-E-O

Ohio’s School Bus Driver Safety Road-E-O was held this May and the top 3 finishers were all OAPSE members! Kevin Ball from Olentangy Schools finished in 1st. Kevin also finished 2nd in 2023. Teresa Felter from Seneca East Schools finished in 2nd. Chuck SantaMaria from Orange City Schools finished in 3rd. Chuck won the Road-E-O […]

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OAPSE’s 79th Conference is in the books

OAPSE Delegates convened in Cleveland last week to discuss and vote on union resolutions, take part in educational workshops, and enjoy some down time with OAPSE sisters and brothers from across the state. With over 400 people in attendance, it was a busy, but great, three-day event. Thank you to everyone who attended! Hope to […]

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Davida Russell and Cleveland Heights City Council have our back!

This month, Cleveland Heights City Council passed a resolution focused on helping school employees, and all public workers, get the retirement they deserve. Cleveland Heights City Council unanimously passed a resolution in support of H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act, which would repeal the unfair GPO and WEP provisions Ohio public sector workers face […]

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GPO/WEP Update: OAPSE State Officers Lobby Congress

This week, the Social Security Subcommittee of the US House Ways and Means Committee had a hearing for H.R. 82 and OAPSE was there. OAPSE’s State Officers, Lois Carson (President), Mike Lang (Vice President), and Sheila Dawkins-Flinn (Secretary), were in attendance continuing to fight for the repeal of the unfair GPO and WEP provisions that […]

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Another OAPSE Local Gets a Win

Delaware City Schools secretaries and educational aides, OAPSE Local 767, had an extra reason to celebrate during spring break. They secured a huge win and ratified one of the largest raises ever for the local! Local 767 President, Kim Estes, was overjoyed with the outcome. “I’m so grateful that the hard work of our bargaining […]

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OAPSE Locals Are Winning Around the State

OAPSE members understand that winning the wages and benefits they deserve happens when we stand together. Members look to their OAPSE local to fight for them when it matters most. Strong OAPSE locals have been putting in the work and winning at the negotiating table across the state recently. Below are just a few highlights […]

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Long Time OAPSE Leader Takes on State Secretary Role

Sheila Dawkins-Flinn has been elected by the OAPSE State Executive Board to serve out the remainder of the current term of our union’s State Secretary position. Since 2015, Sheila has held the Executive Board seat from the Northeast District and has held numerous state and local positions in OAPSE. In recent years, she has chaired […]

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OAPSE State Secretary Sandra Wheeler Retires After 32 Years In Leadership

Sandra Wheeler, who held the position of State Secretary in our union for 32 years, has retired effective December 31, 2023. Sandy held numerous local and OAPSE Northwest Central District positions over a long career as a secretary with the Lima City Schools. OAPSE State President Lois Carson spoke of Sandy’s contributions to OAPSE and […]

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Convention Call for OAPSE’s 79th Delegate Conference

OAPSE Districts and Locals will be receiving information regarding OAPSE’s 2024 Conference shortly. General Information: 79th OAPSE/AFSCME Delegate Conference Hilton Cleveland Downtown Hotel 100 Lakeside Avenue East Cleveland, Ohio 44144 May 1-3, 2024 Book Your Room for the Delegate Conference HERE

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New Higher Education Program for OAPSE Members

OAPSE is pleased to announce a partnership with Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C). OAPSE members, their children, and their grandchildren are able to take advantage of this member ONLY benefit now! Tri-C will be offering exclusive discounts to OAPSE members and their families, on top of federal and state grants, and merit-based, needs-based, and program-based scholarships. […]

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OAPSE Member Recognized in Local News

OAPSE Executive Board Alternate and Eastern District President, John Sindeldecker, received some local notoriety this past week. WTOV-9, a Steubenville area TV station, highlighted John’s career as a bus driver in Buckeye Local Schools and his recent appointment to OAPSE’s Transportation Safety Committee. John has been driving bus and a part of Buckeye Local Schools […]

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OAPSE Stands with Tusky Valley

As most of you are aware, two weeks ago a tragic accident occurred involving students, staff, and parents of Tuscarawas Valley Local School District. As the community and school district work through this tragedy, there are now ways to donate to those who were affected. In support of Tusky Valley and OAPSE Local 634, which […]

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OAPSE Member Stories: Pam Thomas, Coshocton City Schools

Pam Thomas of OAPSE’s Coshocton City Schools Local 387, is an Attendance Secretary at the High School, but there’s so much more to Pam’s story. She started as a part-time cook for Coshocton City Schools back in the mid ‘80s, almost 40 years ago. During her first couple of years with Coshocton Schools Pam went […]

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Update: School Employee Pension Changes

OAPSE has received a lot of questions regarding recent changes to the School Employees Retirement System of Ohio (SERS). We want to make sure all OAPSE members covered under SERS have the most up to date information, so you are not blindsided when it comes time to retire. This summer, the Ohio Legislature passed a […]

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OAPSE Transportation Safety Committee Delivers Statement

After a tragic fatal accident early this school year, Governor DeWine formed a School Bus Safety Working Group to study student transportation and shape recommendations to improve safety. On October 12, that group met and OAPSE was there. Lois Carson, OAPSE State President, and the members of the Transportation Safety Committee that she formed attended […]

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OAPSE Monitoring Gov. DeWine’s School Bus Safety Working Group

As OAPSE members are aware, there was a fatal crash involving a school bus three weeks ago. Since then, school bus safety has been a major topic for Governor DeWine and officials across the state. Governor DeWine has since created the Ohio School Bus Safety Working Group, a 13-member group tasked with examining school transportation […]

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Federal Student Loan Payments Restart in October

As many of you know, most federal student loan borrowers have had their payments paused since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 emergency. This student loan relief has come to an end and will not be extended. The accrual of interest on federal student loans resumed on September 1, 2023, and loan payments will become […]

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OAPSE Rallies to Staff the Front Lines

Hundreds of OAPSE, Council 8 and OCSEA members rallied last week to bring attention to the thousands of vacancies across local and state government and schools. Check out the coverage of the event below! And urge your friends, neighbors and family to apply! ‘A career with purpose and freedom,’ Columbus rally recruits public service workers […]

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Fran Simmons Keeps Students Safe and Secure

Local 581 leader Fran Simmons heads back to school next week with the students at Fort Hayes in Columbus City Schools. A safety and security officer with the largest school district in Ohio, Fran was spotlighted on Daytime Columbus for her work to keep students safe and all the “above and beyond” work she does […]

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Lisa Johnson is a Star Educator and Union Member!

Lisa Johnson is an instructional assistant and member of Local 518 in Columbus. She was featured on Channel 4 (Columbus) and did a great job explaining her role in providing a great education to students and the value of her union! In her valuable work as a PEAK aide, she helps students develop skills and […]

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Make Your Voice Stronger: Join PEOPLE!

 AFSCME PEOPLE is how OAPSE members have a voice in the workplace.  We elect school board members and local officials who understand our jobs. USE YOUR VOICE: JOIN PEOPLE We work to pass local levies to improve funding for schools. We fight against corrupt politicians and special interests who want to take our jobs and […]

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You Can Vote NOW to Defeat Issue 1

Early voting in Ohio has begun, and that means you can bank you vote against Issue 1 right now! Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose is predicting that turn out for the August 8 election will be very low, at or about 8-10 percent. That’s what the corrupt politicians who scheduled this off-off-year election are […]

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OAPSE has joined a coalition of labor and community groups to oppose Issue 1 and urge a NO vote on August 8. Details about Issue 1, the special election, and informational meetings across the state will be available from now until Election Day. OAPSE members in Northeast Ohio are urged to attend an urgent meeting […]

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CSEA Members Overwhelmingly Approve Tentative Agreement!

Members of the Columbus School Employees Association (CSEA) voted overwhelmingly to approve a new tentative three-year contract that CSEA President Lois Carson called “a huge win for the workers who really make our school district run – the critical support staff who impact our students every single day in so many ways.” CSEA represents nearly […]

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Scholarship Winners Announced

The 11 winners of the 2023 OAPSE/AFSCME Memorial Scholarship have been announced by the scholarship committee chair, Stephanie Wiley. “This year’s winners are so deserving, and we are thrilled to award them each $2,500 to start their higher education journeys,” Wiley said. She thanked the committee members for all the hard work in evaluating each […]

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Bev Payne Wins National Recognition from U.S. Department of Education

Woo Hoo! Bev Payne Recognized by U.S. Department of Education! OAPSE Local 416 Leader and North Central District Executive Board Member Bev Payne has been selected as one of four finalists for the RISE Award – the Recognizing Inspiring School Employees national award established by the U.S. Department of Education to “shine a light on […]

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Click Here for Election Details!

Did you know Ohio has a primary/special election on May 2? Make your voice heard! Register or make changes to your voter registration information by Monday, April 3! Election details below! Military & Overseas Absentee Voting: Begins March 17 Deadline to Register to Vote: April 3 Early In-Person Voting: Begins April 4 and includes the […]

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We Will Be in Crestline This May!

It’s a tradition that means so much to the leaders and members of OAPSE — the OAPSE Making a Difference (OMAD) community service event. This year, we will be at Crestline City Schools in May to distribute food to all the students in the district. No child should go hungry. But OAPSE members who work […]

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Local 51 Wins Fair Wages in New Contract

The 100 members of Local 51 at Morgan Local Schools are celebrating their new contract, which includes wage increases of 6 percent in the first year of the agreement and 4 percent in the following two years for a total of 14 percent. The bus drivers, aides, secretaries, mechanics, food service workers, custodians and secretaries […]

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Local 160 Celebrates $1 million Win!

Nearly 200 active and retired members of Local 160 at Parma Local Schools know first-hand the value of their union after negotiating a deal to pay general monitors and special education assistants (SPEDs) more than $1 million! We recently sat down with Local 160 members Julie Sisunik, Secretary (Union Treasurer); Elaine Crow, Classroom Assistant (Union […]

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OAPSE Member Highlighted for Black History Month; AFL-CIO Features Annie Anderson

This year, for Black History Month, the national AFL-CIO is highlighting union leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check daily at www.aflcio.org for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today’s […]

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Enter Our Love Our Union Contest; Win $100 and OAPSE Swag

It’s almost Valentine’s Day and what better way to show for your union by winning this basket of OAPSE branded swag that includes all the wonderful products shown in the picture below – AND 100 CASH! All you have to do is: + LIKE this POST + FOLLOW OAPSE/AFSCME Local 4 (If you aren’t already!) […]

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Safety/Security Officers Join OAPSE; Form Local 581

Safety and security officers at City of Columbus Schools voted overwhelmingly to become part of OAPSE and are now members of Local 581. They have already negotiated a new contract with management that won them huge wage increases and strong contract language. All officers were brought up to the highest pay rate and will receive […]

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Bev Payne, Kristy Adams Win RISE Awards

OAPSE members can be proud today (and every day) about the important work they do to educate Ohio students. Today, that critical work was recognized for two OAPSE members who significantly impact their schools and their communities. Beverly Payne, a secretary at Crestline Village Local Schools and a member of Local 416, and Kristy Adams, […]

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Send a Message on Social Security GPO and WEP

As we approach the end of the year, you should know that AFSCME and OAPSE continue to work on repealing the Social Security Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). Both HR 82 and S 1302 remain before Congress. OAPSE and the International Union are still pushing and fighting hard to get HR […]

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2023 Scholarship Applications Now Available — Winners Can Now Attend Trade Schools

A huge benefit only for OAPSE members is the opportunity for your child or a child for whom you are legal guardian to be awarded a $2,500 scholarship to pursue education after high school. This year, the OAPSE/AFSCME Memorial Scholarship Committee has added trade schools as institutions that qualify as acceptable places for higher education […]

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Spring Registration Open for Free College Program

Hey OAPSE members! Because you belong to the union, you and your family are eligible for the free college program. You can take classes on your own time and earn an associate’s and even a bachelor’s degree. Spring registration is open for the free college program. To get started and get all the details, go […]

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Bev Payne Educates Ohio!

Bev Payne has been a secretary in Crestline City Schools for 38 and a half years. She’s a leader in OAPSE Local 419 and a member of OAPSE’s state executive board. Bev gives back to her community and has twice been elected to Crestline Village Council. She is a shining example of just how important […]

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OAPSE Gives Back in Dayton through OMAD

The OAPSE Making a Difference Program went to Dayton to feed 2,600 elementary students. What a success! Leaders and members of Locals 627 and 643 joined OAPSE statewide leaders and representatives of Dayton Public Schools to give the bags to students at Roosevelt Elementary on Thursday, October 13. See below for details and photos. OAPSE […]

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You Can Vote Now for OAPSE-Endorsed Candidates

Ohio’s election laws mean we don’t have to wait for Election Day to vote. In fact, you can vote from October 12 through November 8. And, you can request an absentee ballot from your county board of elections. When you do cast your ballot, please consider voting for the candidates who have been vetted and […]

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Have Student Loans? They Could be Forgiven. Find Out How!

AFSCME is committed to helping you get the student debt relief you deserve. Thanks to the Biden administration, millions of public service workers, including AFSCME members, are eligible for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program or (PSLF). And even more public service workers are eligible under a temporary waiver that expires […]

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2022 Scholarship Winners Head to College

The OAPSE/AFSCME Memorial Scholarship Committee has announced the 2022 winners. Twelve children of OAPSE members have been awarded $2,500 scholarships for the fall. Click here to see all the winners. The OAPSE/AFSCME Memorial Scholarship Program is available to children whose parent or legal guardian is a member in good standing of the Ohio Association of […]

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Mistie Patterson is Ready to Roll!

Mistie Patterson is a bus driver at Westerville City Schools and a proud member of Local 719. She’s up early to make sure her bus is ready to roll with her precious cargo of students. Mistie’s favorite part of her job – the relationships she builds with her kids. Check out this video for more […]

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A Message of Solidarity from Executive Director Joe Rugola

A Message From OAPSE As School Year Begins and Teachers Strike in Ohio’s Largest School District: All over Ohio, OAPSE members are heading back to school and playing critical roles in educating our children. OAPSE has your back during this busy season and every day – in good times and in times of trouble and […]

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Win $$ Prizes Just for Sticking With the Union!

Wednesday, August 17, is our official “Sticking with My Union Day.” We want to hear from you! And when we do, you will be entered to win either $500, a 55-inch 4K television, or one of five $100 prizes. Just send a photo with your sticking with the union sticker or a hand-made sign to […]

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Hey “Freedom Foundation!” Back Off! I’m Sticking With My Union

The so-called “Freedom Foundation” is at it again – contacting OAPSE members with a bunch of lies to try to persuade you to drop out of the union. You know his group – funded by some of the richest guys on the planet. They hate unions and the power unions give workers. Sandee Kodysh is […]

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Members-Only Discounts Available Now!

Hey OAPSE members! It’s that time of year – time for discount tickets to fun venues across Ohio. These tickets are available EXCLUSIVELY TO OAPSE MEMBERS and include Cedar Point and Kings Island; Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo zoos; Cincinnati Reds; Columbus Crew; Columbus Clippers; and water parks Zoombezi Bay and Soak City. Log on to […]

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Fight Back Against the Lies!

As the so-called “Freedom Foundation” continues to spread lies about OAPSE, the state officers want you to know the truth. This group and others like them get their money from the super rich who want to destroy unions because they know your union gives you power and a voice at work. Take a look at […]

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Enjoy Your Summer! Update from Joe Rugola

To: OAPSE Members From: Executive Director Joe Rugola Re: Enjoy Your Summer! You Deserve It! Date: May 25, 2022 As we approach the end of the school year, I want to wish you a wonderful, restful and relaxing summer. You deserve it! Check out my video message below for some thoughts on our union’s plans […]

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OMAD Gives Back at Fremont City Schools

Members of OAPSE Local 321 at Fremont City Schools had the opportunity to give back to their community through the OAPSE Making a Difference (OMAD) program, the non-profit founded by the union to feed hungry children in school systems where we represent members. More than 1,700 bags of breakfasts, lunches and snacks were packed at […]

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GPO Takes Center Stage at OAPSE Conference

Harriet Naylor is 81. She Can’t Retire. She was featured at the OAPSE state conference last week as an example of how unfair the Social Security system is for workers with a public pension. Harriet has worked in Manchester City Schools since 1986. As a cook, she is known for her peanut butter sandwiches made […]

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Our Union’s Work for You NEVER Stops!

To: OAPSE Members From: Executive Director Joe Rugola Re: Our Union’s Work for You Never Stops Date: March 24, 2022 Our Union’s Work For You Never Stops It has been two years since our world and our work lives were shaken by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over those long months, we faced down […]

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OAPSE Scholarship Applications Available Now!

One of the benefits of being an OAPSE member is the opportunity to apply for $2,500 scholarships for college. The OAPSE/AFSCME Memorial Scholarship Committee awards at least 10 scholarship each year to eligible high school students who are the children or legal guardians of OAPSE members in good standing. To find out all the details […]

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Happy Holidays and a Great 2022!

To: OAPSE Members From: Executive Director Joe Rugola Re: A Holiday Message and Looking Forward to 2022 Date: December 21, 2021 I hope and pray that this holiday season sees you and yours able to enjoy Christmas together. This Christmas and New Year finds us still facing the challenges raised by the COVID pandemic. While […]

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Get the 2022 OAPSE Convention Information!

It’s time to get ready for our OAPSE’s 78th Conference, to be held April 27-29, 2022 at the Hyatt Regency Columbus. We are looking forward to gathering in person after having to meet in 2020 by conference call. “Now More Than Ever, I’m Sticking With My Union!” is the theme of the meeting, and we […]

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November Update from Executive Director Joe Rugola

To: OAPSE Members From: Executive Director Joe Rugola Re: November Update Date: November 18, 2021 I hope this finds you well and that you are starting to see the beginning of the end of the COVID-19 crisis in the schools and public institutions where OAPSE members work. Make no mistake – COVID is still with […]

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OAPSE Keeps Fighting to Eliminate the Social Security GPO and WEP

OAPSE is keeping up the fight to win fairness for retirees who are penalized because of the Social Security Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). The GPO especially affects OAPSE retired women because it strips them of the Social Security survival benefits they should receive when their spouse passes away. OAPSE Executive […]

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Fall Update From Joe Rugola

To: OAPSE Members From: Executive Director Joe Rugola Re: Fall Update Date: September 23, 2021 As the saying goes, there truly is no rest for the weary – including OAPSE members who are facing challenges on several fronts as we navigate the first weeks of the new school year. But even though it seems as […]

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Win $$ For Sticking With the Union!!

What’s better than being part of a strong union? (Well, aside from keeping your job, your pay and benefits, your seniority and your pension during a pandemic!) Showing your support and entering our drawing for cash prizes! Just show some love for OAPSE on “Sticking With MY Union” Day, August 30, by wearing a sticker or […]

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Summer Update from Director Joe Rugola

To: OAPSE Members From: Executive Director Joe Rugola Re: Summer Update Date: July 22, 2021 I hope this finds you well and enjoying a summer that feels a little more “normal” than what we experienced last year. July is typically a quiet time for most OAPSE members, but that doesn’t mean your union is taking […]

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Update from Executive Director Joe Rugola

To: OAPSE Members From: Executive Director Joe Rugola Re: Updates on OAPSE Priorities Date: June 2, 2021 Greetings, OAPSE sisters and brothers. I hope this finds you well as we wind down the 2020-2021 school year and you head into the summer season. And what a year it has been! Since March 2020, we have […]

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Family Fun Days Discounts Are Here!

It’s that time again! Time to be outside and enjoy special OAPSE members-only benefits at Ohio’s amusement parks, zoos and the Center of Science and Industry (COSI). Take a look at the video below for the places you can get discounts. For details, click here and enter your member number and last name. Go to My […]

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2021 Scholarship Winners Announced

The OAPSE/AFSCME Memorial Scholarship Committee has announced the 2021 winners. Eleven children of OAPSE members have been awarded $2,500 scholarships for the fall. Click here to see all the winners. The OAPSE/AFSCME Memorial Scholarship Program is available to children whose parent or legal guardian is a member in good standing of the Ohio Association of […]

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OAPSE Member’s Quick Thinking Keeps Kids Safe

  Carri Justice has been driving a bus for Buckeye Local Schools for 21 years. She was trained by OAPSE Local 373 leader John Sindeldecker, pictured here with Carri. Her training and experience made all the difference when her bus full of junior high and high school students was hit by a flatbed truck. She […]

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Lois Carson: I educate Ohio

OAPSE members know that every school employee contributes to educating our children. And now, the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) is honoring the work of all school workers through the I Education Ohio program. OAPSE State President Lois Carson is among the first to be featured by ODE on the I Educate Ohio website, which […]

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Now More Than Ever, Barb Phillips is Sticking With Her Union!

Barb Phillips has been a true believer in unions since she was a child. She was raised with the core values that workers deserve good wages, decent benefits and retirement plans that allow them to live with dignity when their working days are done. Barb has been a member of OAPSE Local 233 at Ashland […]

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OAPSE Recognizes Administrative Professionals; Fights for Strong Pensions and Fair School Funding

To: OAPSE Members From: Executive Director Joe Rugola Re: Recognizes Administrative Professionals; Fighting for Strong Pensions, Fair School Funding Date: April 21, 2021 National Administrative Professional’s Day April 21 is the day we recognize the contributions of the OAPSE members who serve as administrative professionals! Take a look at the video below for more about […]

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Billions Coming to Ohio After Union Fights for Funding

To: OAPSE Members From: Executive Director Joe Rugola Re: Help is on the Way! American Rescue Plan Dollars Coming to Ohio and You Date: March 26, 2021 This year has been tough on all of us, but we are starting to see the beginning of better days ahead. I’m very proud of the work OAPSE […]

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Ohio’s Share of the American Rescue Plan

The American Rescue Plan (ARP) will provide critical relief to millions of Americans and critical funding to states, local governments, public schools and libraries, higher education, Head Start agencies and boards of developmental disabilities. Of the $1.9 trillion in the ARP, Ohio is expected to receive $17 billion in ARP money. Of that, $5.7 billion […]

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American Rescue Plan: What’s in it for You?

To: OAPSE Members From: OAPSE Executive Director Joe Rugola Date: March 11, 2021 Re: American Rescue Plan: What’s In It For You? In a huge deal for OAPSE members and all families, Congress has passed and President Biden will sign the American Rescue Plan, which will put money in the pockets of families; continue enhanced unemployment benefits; provide […]

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Paving the Way

As we close out the month of February and Black History Month and look toward March and the recognition of women through Women’s History Month, we can look to African Americans and women in the labor movement to see their impact on improving the lives of workers and families. They paved the way for leaders […]

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Alert! What to do if Identity Theft Hits You

To: OAPSE Members From: Executive Joe Rugola Date: February 22, 2021 Re: Identity Theft on the Rise in Ohio — What to Do if it hits You! Tens of thousands of Ohioans — including OAPSE members and staff — have been impacted by a new scheme to defraud the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services […]

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Update from Executive Director Joe Rugola

SCROLL DOWN FOR A VIDEO MESSAGE FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOE RUGOLA To: OAPSE Members From: Executive Joe Rugola Date: February 10, 2021 Re: COVID Update It has been almost a year since Governor Mike DeWine declared a state health emergency and closed our school buildings, libraries, Head Start agencies and other public institutions where OAPSE […]

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U.S. Census Recognizes OAPSE Northeast District and the Coalition of Labor Union Women – Ohio Region

Congratulations to OAPSE Northeast District and the Ohio Coalition of Labor Union Women Ohio Region for being recognized by the U.S. Census for their efforts in acting as invaluable members of the 2020 Census Community Partnership and Engagement Program. The recognition from the director, Dr. Steven D. Dillingham, was in appreciation for the work done to […]

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Updates on Licensure, Vaccines and Willoughby-Eastlake

To: OAPSE Members From: Executive Director Joe Rugola Re: Member Update Date: January 25, 2021 Greetings and Happy New Year to OAPSE members across the state. With the holiday season behind us and school back in session in some form – remote, hybrid or in-person, this member update celebrates a big win for our members […]

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Barb Ward is a National RISE Award Finalist!!

Below is a press release from Governor Mike DeWine’s office about Ohio’s finalists for the national Recognizing Inspirational School Employees (RISE) Award. OAPSE’s own Barb Ward, a school bus driver and member of Local 345 at Fairland Local Schools, is one of the state’s two winners. Barb is the OAPSE Southeast District Executive Board Member. […]

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Carson, Lang, Wheeler Elected to New Term

Congratulations to OAPSE State President Lois Carson, State Vice President Mike Lang, and State Secretary Sandy Wheeler on their election to a new four-year term as the team that will lead our union. State Nominating Committee Chair Bev Payne announced the results of the election after nominations closed on January 15. “Our current state officers […]

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Willoughby Eastlake Workers Win Injunction; Will be Paid with Benefits

OAPSE Director of Legal Services Tom Drabick, center, discusses OAPSE’s court action with Local 163 President Anthony Cappadonna and OAPSE Field Representative Trina Molnar. Happy New Year! 2021 will be especially happy for the 209 custodians, maintenance employees and food service workers who were laid off and had their insurance threatened by Willoughby Eastlake City […]

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OAPSE Fights Back Against Layoffs in Willoughby Eastlake Schools

To: OAPSE Members From: Executive Director Joe Rugola Re: An Update on OAPSE’s Fight for Willoughby-Eastlake School Employees Date: December 28 We hope you are enjoying the holiday season – even with the limitations necessary because of the COVID-19 health emergency. Most OAPSE members began their winter break knowing they had jobs to go back […]

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OAPSE to Take Legal Action for Willoughby-Eastlake Members

Looks like Willoughby-Eastlake Superintendent Steve Thompson is the Grinch who wants to steal a happy holiday season from 200 OAPSE members who are maintenance employees, custodians and food service workers. Thompson and the school board have set December 16 as the date these hard working members of locals 159 and 163 are set to be […]

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A Holiday Season Message from Your Union Leaders

To: OAPSE Members From: Your State Leadership Team Re: A Safe and Healthy Holiday Season Now that we are near the end of the calendar year and the close of our first semester of school, we want to share our thoughts with you on what happened in 2020, what’s ahead in 2021, and just how […]

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OAPSE State Officer Elections Occur in 2021

NOTICE OF OAPSE STATE OFFICERS ELECTION   Elections for OAPSE State Officers will be conducted in 2021. Click here for information on filing requirements and deadlines.    

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Improved Free College: Get the Details on Nov. 10 Zoom Call

FREE COLLEGE PROGRAM FOR OAPSE MEMBERS     Join a Zoom Webinar at 6 p.m.  Tuesday, November 10th   Below is a link to an informational zoom meeting regarding the OAPSE Higher Education Program that will be held Nov 10th at 6pm. This meeting will be hosted by the group that oversees the whole program between […]

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OAPSE Goes to Court for Local 320 Members

UNION FOR OREGON CITY SCHOOLS CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES FILES IN LUCAS COUNTY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS; OAPSE AND LOCAL 320 WANT LAYOFFS TERMINATED AND ALL EMPLOYEES REINSTATED TO FULL EMPLOYMENT In response to illegal actions taken by Oregon City Schools Superintendent Hal Gregory, Treasurer Jane Fruth, Board President Carol Molnar and the board of education, OAPSE […]

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OAPSE Backs Members Heading Back to School

To: OAPSE Members From: Executive Director Joe Rugola Re: September 15 Update Summer is over, and schools all over Ohio are reopening – in one form or another. Some school districts have opted to do online-only learning. Some are using a hybrid system of virtual and in-person instruction. And still others decided to bring everyone […]

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Happy Labor Day! Unions Impact ALL Workers

Today, we celebrate American workers. And we celebrate labor unions, who make a real difference in the lives of all working families. In Ohio, more than 13 percent of workers belong to unions, including the 34,000 who are members of OAPSE and are sticking with their union! We know that union workers have higher wages, […]

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OAPSE Stands up to Unfair Treatment at Oregon City Schools

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                          UNION FOR WORKERS AT OREGON CITY SCHOOLS LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO ALERT COMMUNITY ABOUT SECRET MEETINGS AND LAYOFFS OF 122 BUS DRIVERS, LIBRARIANS, PARAPROFESSIONALS, CAFETERIA WORKERS AND MONITORS The union for 167 workers […]

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OAPSE at the Table For School Reopenings

In the weeks since the governor and the Ohio Department of Education released the Education Reset/Restart Plan, it has become clear that individual school districts are on their own to figure out what to do in the fall. Other than mandating that staff and some students wear masks, the governor and ODE left it up […]

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Register Now for OAPSE Conference Tele-Town Hall

ATTENTION CONFERENCE DELEGATES: Due to health regulations impacting the gathering of large groups, the 77th OAPSE Conference has been rescheduled as a Tele-Town Hall, which will take place at 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 8. The Tele-Town Hall format will allow OAPSE to hold our convention with participation from local unions across the state. We […]

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Ohio Education Reset/Restart Plan Released

Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Education have issued their Reset/Restart Education plan. The plan lays out recommendations and aspiration guidelines but essentially leaves major decisions about how and when to reopen schools to local districts. Because critical decisions will be made at the district and even the school building level, it is essential […]

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“Free College Changed My Life! And it Can Change Yours!”

Robin Pratt drove a school bus through the hills of Vinton County for 25 years as she and her husband also ran an 85-acre farm with horses, goats, chickens and Great Pyrenees dogs, which they breed. Four years ago, Robin took on an additional task – earning a degree in Health Information Management (HIM) from […]

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Education Reset/Restart Plan Delayed — Again

TO:            OAPSE Members        FROM:       Joe Rugola, Executive Director DATE:        June 16, 2020 Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Education have again delayed the release of the Education Reset/Restart Plan. We do not have word from state officials about why the plan has not been released. But a draft document has been […]

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Governor DeWine, ODE to Release Reset/Restart Education Plan

To: OAPSE Members From: Executive Director Joe Rugola Re: Governor DeWine and Ohio Department of Education Reset and Restart Education Planning Guide As we end this school year, many OAPSE members are wondering about the start of the next one. I know many of you have questions about what your job will look like in […]

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URGENT ACTION NEEDED

To: OAPSE Members From: Executive Director Joe Rugola Re: Help us Pass the Heroes Act URGENT ACTION NEEDED TODAY AND TOMORROW Sisters and brothers, the U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote tomorrow (Friday, May 15) afternoon on the Heroes Act, a $3 trillion stimulus package that includes hundreds of billions in funding for […]

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Governor Cuts Funding to Education, Public Services

To: OAPSE Members From: Executive Director Joe Rugola Re: Governor Mike DeWine’s Cuts to Ohio’s K-12 Education Budget and Other Public Services Today, Governor Mike DeWine announced deep cuts to K-12 education and other public services which may affect the services our members provide.  The education cuts of $355 million, or 3.7 percent, impact May […]

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To: OAPSE Members From: Executive Director Joe Rugola Re: Federal Funding for Schools, States and Local Governments Congress is set to take up legislation that will provide critical funding for our schools, local governments and states. Set to be drafted in the U.S. House of Representatives, the Phase IV Stimulus legislation – called the Heroes […]

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State Officers, Executive Board on the Job

To: Our OAPSE Family From: Your State Officers and Executive Board Your state officers and executive board members and alternate members are sending our best to all OAPSE families as we go through the shutdown of our schools and other vital services our members provide at libraries, departments of developmental disabilities, residential services facilities, head […]

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Schools Closed Through End of Academic Year

To: OAPSE Members From: Executive Director Joe Rugola Re: Status of Ohio Shutdown and Impact on OAPSE Members Today, Governor Mike DeWine announced that Ohio schools will remain closed through the end of this academic year. We have been communicating regularly with the governor, the Ohio Department of Education, the Ohio Department of Health and […]

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Members-Only College Benefits Just Got Even Better

Members-Only College Benefit Just Got Even Better! More than 1,000 OAPSE members have taken advantage of the free and reduced-cost college program through Eastern Gateway Community College, and some have even graduated! Still others are enrolled at Central State University, where another huge member benefit is available. And now more than ever, these free and […]

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Scholarship Winners to be Selected May 9

Due to the COVID-19 health emergency, the OAPSE/AFSCME Memorial Scholarship Committee has delayed the selection of the 2020 winners until May 9. This will allow committee members to take the time needed to review each of the 165 applications and to select those who will receive the $2,500 scholarships. Winners will be notified after May […]

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To: OAPSE Members From: Executive Director Joe Rugola Re: Licensing Deadlines for OAPSE Drivers Driver Licensing OAPSE continues to work with the office of Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) to provide clarity to our members who are required to be licensed by the state of Ohio. The ODE has provided […]

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To: OAPSE Members From: Executive Director Joe Rugola Re: Updates on CDL, Stimulus, Unemployment, Additional Funding for State, Local and School Budgets OAPSE continues to communicate with the office of Governor Mike DeWine, the Ohio Department of Education and other agencies relevant to the work of our members. We are pleased that through the actions […]

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OAPSE Keeps Fighting for Members

To: OAPSE Members From: Executive Director Joe Rugola Re: OAPSE’s Continued Fight for Members During the COVID-19 Emergency OAPSE joins our sisters and brothers at AFSCME Ohio Council 8 in mourning the loss of George Culestu, a member of AFSCME Local 2493 at Trumbull County Maintenance Department, who died as a result of COVID-19. On […]

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Governor Extends School Closures Through May 1

To: OAPSE Members From: Executive Director Joe Rugola Re: Governor DeWine Extends School Closures Through May 1 Governor Mike DeWine has extended the state shutdown of schools through May 1. Nothing else about his original school closure order of March 12 changes, which means the pay and benefits of OAPSE members will continue uninterrupted. OAPSE remains in […]

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COVID-19 Federal Stimulus, Ohio Legislation Impacts OAPSE Members

To: OAPSE Members From: Executive Director Joe Rugola Re: Update on Federal Stimulus and Ohio Legislation on Vouchers, Elections The U.S. Senate voted 96-0 to advance the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), a recovery and stimulus bill which will give direct payments to families, send billions to state and local governments and […]

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OAPSE Continues to Focus on Job Security, Pay, Benefits

To: OAPSE Members From: Executive Director Joe Rugola Re: OAPSE Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response As the COVID-19 crisis continues to escalate across the nation, OAPSE is focused on the job security of our members and on your health and safety. Your union is closely monitoring the work of the governor’s office, the Ohio Department of Education, […]

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What Does the Stay at Home Order Mean for You?

To: OAPSE Members From: Executive Director Joe Rugola Re: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Emergency and Stay at Home Order Governor DeWine has ordered all workers not engaged in “essential” work or activities to remain at home for the next two weeks. What does this mean for OAPSE members? The bottom line is that the governor’s order to […]

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Families First Coronavirus Response Act

Just as OAPSE is working with state and local leaders to protect our members during this time of uncertainty due to the coronavirus and the shutdown of public services like schools, head starts, departments of developmental disabilities and other vital agencies, AFSCME International is working with congressional leaders to do the same. Of course, some […]

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Critical Update about the Coronavirus

This message has been sent to all OAPSE members for whom we have an email address. Please pass it along to coworkers and union sisters and brothers. And encourage them to sign up for email alerts by going to www.oapse.org or by clicking here. To: OAPSE Leaders and Members From: OAPSE Executive Director Joe Rugola Re: Coronavirus (COVID-19) […]

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Virtual Rally for Public Schools Postponed

  The virtual rally for public schools is postponed. We will announce a date and details when they are known. In response to concerns about coronavirus, we are adjusting our plans for the Rally for Public Schools on March 18. We will not be holding an in-person rally at the statehouse. Instead, we will be holding […]

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Register for the 77th OAPSE Conference!

OAPSE members will gather in Cincinnati May 13-15 for the 77th OAPSE/AFSCME Delegate Conference. We will meet at the Westin Cincinnati, 21 E. 5th St., Cincinnati, Ohio, 45202, 513-621-7700. Opening ceremonies will begin at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, and the conference will conclude at about noon on Friday, May 15. ROOM RATES and RESERVATIONS […]

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Register for March Classes at EGCC — for free!

Deadline Approaching for Free College Program  FREE AND REDUCED-COST COLLEGE  It’s time to register for classes! You and your family can go to college for free, so don’t miss the chance to register for spring classes. More than 1,000 OAPSE members have taken advantage of the union’s free-college benefit. The benefit allows you and your family members […]

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Apply Today for $2,500 Scholarships

College is expensive. But your OAPSE membership can help you afford tuition for your son or daughter who is heading off to further his or her education next fall. The 2020 OAPSE/AFSCME Memorial Scholarship application is available now and can be found in the Members Only section of the website. The OAPSE/AFSCME Memorial Scholarship Foundation […]

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New College Benefits Available!

OAPSE members and our families are eligible for free and reduced-cost college, and classes are starting in January. So now is the time to find out more about what is offered and how you can take advantage of this members-only benefit! You can still get an associate’s degree at no cost. And you can get […]

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Jeff Gueulette Values the Backing of His Union

Jeff Gueulette has an important job. He is one of the mechanics at Columbus City Schools who is charged with keeping more than 800 buses on the road and safe to transport students. Jeff takes that responsibility seriously, and he thinks about the students, drivers and aides who ride those buses every day as he […]

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You Can Vote Now!

October 8 starts early vote in Ohio. That means you can cast a ballot from home or go to your local board of elections and vote there. There are important races all across the state, including those for school boards, mayors, city and county councils, township trustees, judges and more. To find out where you […]

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Bev Payne is Union Strong!

Bev Payne has worked at Crestline City Schools for 34 years and is a proud member of Local 416. She is sticking with her union because of strong contract language that protects her seniority, guarantees job security, fair wages and good benefits. Bev would never consider dropping out of her union. See more of why […]

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OAPSE Members Ready for Back to School!

It’s Back to School time, and OAPSE members across Ohio are ready to welcome students to a new year. OAPSE is the most powerful voice for the hard-working women and men who serve Ohio’s school children, community and technical college students, those in early childhood education programs, children and adults with special needs and those […]

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Jessica Seeley is Union Strong!

Jessica Seeley is union strong! The 17-year member of Local 768 at Whitehall City Schools is a secretary at Etna Road Elementary School. President of her local union, Jessica is proud of the work she does to assist students, staff and families every day. And she is proud of her union – which is at […]

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Valuing Their Students AND Their Union!

The childcare attendants and intervention aides in Columbus City Schools work with disabled students and are members of Local 336. They love the students they work with, and they love their union. Local 336 Vice President Stephanie Wiley said she and her coworkers “take pride in everything we do,” including the summer work to clean […]

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State Budget Impacts OAPSE Members

Ohio has a new two-year state spending budget, even though it took legislators almost three weeks longer than state law allows to finalize it and have the governor sign off. Among the highlights is good news for the free college program offered to OAPSE members. The budget provides a one-year phase-in to changing the SSI […]

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Donna Ragland: Our Union is Our Strength

Donna Ragland has an important job. A 20-year OAPSE member, she is a food service manager at Columbus Downtown High School. Donna values her work and the impact she has on students everyday – students who often face food insecurity and even homelessness. “Serving kids every day, that’s how we make a difference. That’s what […]

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Carson, Lang and Wheeler are New Leadership Team

Experienced New Team to Lead OAPSE   Carson, Lang, Wheeler to serve as the union’s top officers   After 34 historic years as OAPSE State President, JoAnn Johntony has retired from her job with Girard City Schools and resigned her position as the union’s top officer. She has been named President Emeritus by the State […]

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2019 OAPSE Scholarship Winners Announced

The OAPSE/AFSCME Memorial Scholarship Committee has announced the 2019 winners. Eleven children of OAPSE members have been awarded $2,500 scholarships for the fall. Click here to see all the winners. The OAPSE/AFSCME Memorial Scholarship Program is available to children whose parent or legal guardian is a member in good standing of the Ohio Association of […]

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  TELL THE GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATORS WE WANT TO KEEP LOCAL CONTROL OF OUR SCHOOLS! Legislators will vote on the state budget this week and must have it completed by June 30.   So Take Action Now!   OAPSE Members: You can take action to stop the state takeover of our local schools – where thousands […]

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Mike Lang is OAPSE Proud, Union Strong!

Mike Lang has worked at Mt. Vernon City Schools for 10 years, and is an OAPSE local union leader there. Before that, he had a non-union job — so he knows the power and the value of workers speaking with one voice. “I’ve seen both sides, and I can say with confidence that having a […]

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OMAD Targets Hunger in Canton City Schools

CANTON – On May 21, OAPSE local and district leaders in Canton and the North Central District provided meals and snacks to all pre-K-second grade elementary students in Canton City Schools as part of the union’s OAPSE Making a Difference (OMAD) program. The charitable foundation has helped feed more than 12,000 hungry students throughout Ohio […]

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Jackie Leisure: Union All the Way!

Jackie Leisure has worked in the child nutrition department at Canton City Schools for 32 years. She takes great pride in her job – providing healthy breakfasts, lunches and after-school snacks to the hundreds of students at Canton McKinley High School. Jackie knows that some students rely on her and her coworkers for the only […]

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Lois Carson is Union Strong!

Lois Carson has been a secretary at Columbus City Schools for 32 years. Her union has been there for her every step of the way with negotiated pay raises, health insurance, strong contract language — and most importantly for her — sick leave that allowed her to care for her husband when he was gravely […]

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OAPSE Members are Sticking with Our Union!

Over the last year, our union has faced many challenges in Ohio and across the country. In spite of the obstacles put before us by the courts, some employers, and the anti-union organizations which promote so-called right to work, OAPSE membership continues to grow stronger every day. In fact, 3,055 new members have signed up […]

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Building a Local Union — Together

When President Buck Cottrell and the new leadership team of OAPSE Local 391 at New Philadelphia City Schools were elected, they were looking for a fresh start for their local. After a period of membership decline, the local membership was at its lowest level in years. Few members came to meetings. “Over time, people thought […]

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Claymont Strike is Over!

Update April 16, 2019 Striking members of OAPSE Local 390 at Claymont City Schools are headed back to work after spring break. Union members voted 2-1 to approve a contract. The Claymont School Board also voted to approve the new agreement. Local 390 extends its sincere appreciation to all the OAPSE members who joined them […]

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OAPSE/AFSCME Demands Halt to Scab Hires

OAPSE/AFSCME Local 4 has filed a motion in Tuscarawas County Court of Common Pleas to halt the use of scabs at Claymont City Schools. To read more, click here: Claymont City Schools Media Release.  

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Making the Most of Free College

Robin Pratt has been driving a school bus for Vinton County Local Schools for 25 years. She also runs a 65-acre farm. Robin is busy taking care of her family, her land and animals, and the students who ride on her bus each day. But she still finds time to go to college with the […]

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OAPSE Making a Difference in Canton!

Each year, OAPSE members, leaders, staff and community partners give back to the areas in which we live and work by feeding hungry children. Through the OAPSE Making a Difference, Inc. foundation (OMAD), union members have raised more than $60,000 and fed 10,000 students in schools across Ohio. This year, we will distribute totes of […]

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OAPSE Women Make History Every Day!

OAPSE Women Make History Every Day! Since the founding of our union, women have been leading the way for all of us. During Women’s History Month, we honor our women leaders and the men who serve alongside them to make OAPSE the strongest voice for Ohio workers. They join 1.4 million members of AFSCME across […]

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A Million Miles and Still Sticking With Her Union!

Barb Ward has been driving a bus for Fairland Local Schools for nearly 40 years — logging more than a million miles behind the wheel. Her mother, the first woman bus driver at Fairland, taught her how to drive along the winding, narrow roads of Southern Ohio. And Barb taught her daughter and union sister, […]

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OAPSE Member’s Twins Make Their Mark in the Pool

OAPSE Local 591 Member Trent Hunt and his wife, Stephanie, have encouraged their sons to be active and healthy since they were small children. That enthusiasm for fitness led twins Kingston and Solomon to jump in the pool at an early age to take swimming lessons. Miles and miles and laps and laps later, the […]

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Don’t Forget: March 1 Deadline for OAPSE Scholarships

The deadline to turn in all your materials for this year’s OAPSE/AFSCME Memorial Scholarship is March 1. Don’t miss your opportunity to be eligible for a $2,500 scholarship. Get your materials together today and get them in to the state office! *************************************************************************************** College is expensive. But OAPSE members and their children/guardians can get some financial […]

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OAPSE Members Observe Black History Month

February is Black History Month, and OAPSE members are marking it with creative and inspirational artwork to inspire students. Shanee’ Barnes, a childcare assistant at Beechcroft High School in Columbus and a member of Local 529, created tributes to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) at her school to educate students about opportunities at the […]

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50 Years and Counting!

OAPSE Member Has 50 Years as Bus Driver 50 years ago, he took a job as a bus driver for Kettering City Schools to make extra money while his wife was pregnant. Now, OAPSE Local 573 member Terry Lloyd is marking five decades driving students to and from school in this Southwest District school system. […]

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Right to Work is STILL Wrong

Your union will keep you updated about HB 53 and how it impacts your work. Keep checking our website for critical information and how you can help stop HB 53 from becoming Ohio law. OAPSE members remember the Senate Bill 5 fight like it was yesterday — but in fact it was seven years ago. […]

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OAPSE Salutes America’s Veterans — Every Day

It’s always the right time to remember the brave men and women who have served our country. OAPSE salutes those veteran sisters and brothers who have protected and served all of us  in times of war and peace. Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of […]

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Members Only Benefits Save You $$$

Being an OAPSE member doesn’t only get you an advantage at the bargaining table – it also gets you access to discounts and benefits that can help make life — and the holiday season —  a little easier. The AFSCME Advantage program gives you access to great deals on everything from mortgages to flowers and […]

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ECOT Scandal Costs Ohio Schools Millions

  ECOT Stole from All of Us   It’s sad but true. Politicians took thousands in campaign contributions from ECOT. Then, they let ECOT rip off taxpayers and school districts to the tune of $591 million.   Public school employees know what could have been done with that money. A LOT.      

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Fight Back! Vote Today!

Fed up with politicians who don’t listen? Tired of corruption in state government? Well, you can take action to fix that. Fight Back! Vote! And you don’t have to wait for Election Day to cast your ballot. Your local board of elections has early voting hours from now through November 5. The statewide schedule for […]

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Still Time for Great Deals at Cedar Point, Kings Island

Summer is officially over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t visit Ohio’s premier amusement parks — and get a great deal while you’re at it. OAPSE members get fantastic deals at Cedar Point and Kings Island through Sunday, October 28. Admission to either park for the day is only $38. Just log on to MyOAPSE, […]

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Sign Up NOW for Free College Courses!

It’s time to go back to school with the OAPSE Higher Education Program! As an OAPSE member, you can attend Eastern Gateway Community College Online FOR FREE! Don’t delay! Classes start October 15, so get started on your application by clicking here. The OAPSE Higher Education program has provided nearly $2 million in scholarships to […]

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Voter Registration Deadline is October 9

National Voter Registration Day was a huge success with thousands of Ohioans adding themselves to the voter roles in Ohio and across the country. But if you missed out on September 25, you can still register to vote — and it’s always a good time to make sure your voter information is current with the […]

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On Labor Day: Approval of Unions High

As we mark Labor Day 2018, some good news for unions from Gallup: 62 percent of Americans view unions favorably. That’s the highest favorability rating for unions since 2003. “This comes at a time when the U.S. Supreme Court is ruling against unions and when so-called right-to-work laws are being proposed in Ohio and passed […]

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Ohio Supreme Court Rules Against ECOT

In the latest update on the scandal involving the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow (ECOT), the Ohio Supreme Court ruled in a 4-2 decision that the Ohio Department of Education was legally allowed to require ECOT to produce student computer log-in records in order to verify enrollment. The ruling affirms OAPSE’s position that ECOT shouldn’t be […]

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Make Sure You Are Registered!

This year’s elections are critical for OAPSE members and all Ohioans. So, it’s important to make sure you are registered to vote. Many OAPSE members vote in every election, so those voters should be fine. Although, it’s always worth checking to make sure you are on the voter rolls and to confirm your voting location, […]

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Post-Janus: The Fight and Work Continue

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the Janus v. AFSCME Council 31 is unfortunate and wrong, but it doesn’t change the mission of OAPSE: to work for justice and dignity for all workers in our public schools, libraries and other public institutions and to fight for our members, who provide critical services for families, children […]

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SERS Board Gives Staff Raises After Freezing Retiree COLAs

In a move that ignores OAPSE members and retirees and the basic mission of SERS, the SERS Board of Trustees on Thursday voted to give staff merit-based raises of at least 3 percent. This move comes on the heels of the same board members freezing the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 80,000 retired school employees. State […]

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Save $$ With Members-Only Discounts

It’s summer 2018, and that means family fun for OAPSE members. Thanks to your OAPSE membership, you and your family have  access to great deals for summer fun! OAPSE has negotiated special pricing at Ohio’s amusement parks, water parks, zoos and the Columbus science center, and the deals are good through the end of the […]

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OMAD Donates to Zanesville Elementary Students

OAPSE Making a Difference (OMAD) donates food to 2,000 pre-school and elementary students at Zanesville City Schools; Union members raise thousands each year through the OMAD foundation to feed hungry children  ZANESVILLE – Leaders from the Ohio Association of Public School Employees (OAPSE/AFSCME Local 4) distributed meals and snacks to all pre-school and elementary students […]

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OAPSE Conference Delegates Take Care of Business

More than 400 OAPSE delegates, officers, executive board members and guests gathered in Columbus May 9-11 to do the official business of the union under the theme, “We are OAPSE — AFSCME Strong!” During the 76th OAPSE/AFSCME Delegate Conference, participants heard from President JoAnn Johntony and Executive Director Joe Rugola about the state of OAPSE […]

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Remembering Dr. King #IAM2018

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 […]

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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 […]

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OAPSE Endorsements Posted In Time for Early Voting

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 […]

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OAPSE members – did you know someone is stealing from YOUR school?   Two billion dollars, actually – diverted from public schools to CHARTER SCHOOLS. This reckless misdirection of public dollars means less money for public school workers like YOU—secretaries, bus drivers, classroom aides, maintenance workers, custodians, food service workers, and librarians. It’s wrong. Fight […]

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We need your help!

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 […]

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Flooding in OAPSE Local 267

As some of you may have seen on the news, Ohio has been hit with some devastating flooding in recent days, with some of the worst damage centered in New Richmond and Moscow – which are both part of OAPSE Local District 267. As the river recedes, our union brothers and sisters, the many local […]

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Rally in Columbus February 24

Join your OAPSE sisters and brothers in Columbus on February 24 to stand for strong unions, fair pay and pensions we can live on. We will march from the Sheraton Columbus Capitol Square to the Statehouse to send a strong message that all of us deserve the right to join a union and have a real voice […]

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OAPSE SUES SERS TO HALT THREE-YEAR COLA FREEZE

Our Union has sued SERS over the 3-Year COLA freeze imposed on nearly 80,000 retired school employees. Below is the news release that explains the lawsuit. And you can read the lawsuit by clicking the link at the end. Executive Director Joe Rugola said the OAPSE leadership made the decision to sue because our union […]

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Dr. King: A Special Relationship with AFSCME

On the 50th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination, AFSCME and its affiliate unions like OAPSE remember the civil rights leader and the connection between him and our union. When he was killed, Dr. King was in Memphis to support the 1,300 striking sanitation workers who were members of AFSCME Local 1733. That strike […]

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Fill the Bus!

For many of us, the holiday season is a joyous time with family and friends, celebrating and exchanging gifts. But for some families – those dealing with high medical bills or unemployment, or other financial difficulties — holiday cheer can be in short supply, especially when children are involved. Making life a little better for […]

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Meet Jennifer Ennis from Alexander Local Schools

OAPSE members do important work all over the state, and we hope you have enjoyed meeting some of the more than 36,000+ who are making a difference for Ohio’s children and families. This is the final video in our series showing our members at work and highlighting the critical roles they play in public education. Jennifer Ennis is a paraprofessional with Alexander Local […]

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Local 400 Donates Money and Time to Foodbank

Nelsonville-York Local Aimed to Help Those in Need in Southeast Ohio With the holiday season upon us, many OAPSE members will give thanks for their many blessings. But this isn’t the only time of year during which OAPSE activists undertake community action projects to help those in need. Last spring before school let out, OAPSE […]

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Meet OAPSE Bus Driver Kathy Chamberlain

OAPSE members do important work all over the state, and we hope you have enjoyed meeting some of the more than 36,000+ who are making a difference for Ohio’s children and families. This is another video in our series showing our members at work and highlighting the critical roles they play in public education. Kathy Chamberlain is a long-time bus […]

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Get to Know Instructional Assistant Arnetta Banks

OAPSE members do important work all over the state, and we want to introduce you to some of the more than 36,000+ who are making a difference for Ohio’s children and families. This is the latest video in our series showing our members at work and highlighting the critical roles they play in public education. Arnetta […]

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OAPSE Opposes Changes to Bus Transportation Rules

OAPSE opposes proposed changes to Ohio law that would shift the responsibility for student transportation safety on public school buses from the state to individual local districts across Ohio. OAPSE represents more than 8,200 school bus drivers, mechanics and aides who could be affected by the changes listed below. We have submitted formal opposition to […]

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Get to Know OAPSE Bus Driver John Sindeldecker

OAPSE members do important work all over the state, and we want to introduce you to some of the more than 36,000+ who are making a difference for Ohio’s children and families. This is the latest video in our series showing our members at work and highlighting the critical roles they play in public education. John […]

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Get to Know Secretary Mandee Warfield

OAPSE members do important work all over the state, and we want to introduce you to some of the more than 36,000+ who are making a difference for Ohio’s children and families. This is another video in our series showing our members at work and highlighting the critical roles they play in public education. Mandee Warfield is […]

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OAPSE Vows to Continue Fight for Fair Pensions

By a 6-2 margin, members of the SERS board of trustees voted against OAPSE’s position and for cuts and freezes to pension cost-of-living increases. OAPSE retiree Cathy Moss and OEA retiree Beverly Woolridge voted against the COLA changes, while the remainder of the board voted against the OAPSE position and for the freezes and cuts. OAPSE Executive […]

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Act Now on SERS COLA Cuts and Freezes!

Call SERS and Urge a NO Vote on 3-Year Pension COLA Freezes and Cuts   SERS Board to Vote on October 9   Members of the Board of Trustees of the School Employees Retirement System (SERS) will vote on Monday, October 9, regarding cuts and three-year freezes to retiree cost of living increases (COLAs). OAPSE has […]

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Get to Know Custodian Karen Jones

OAPSE members do important work all over the state, and we want to introduce you to some of the more than 36,000+ who are making a difference for Ohio’s children and families. We are doing a series of short videos showing our members at work and highlighting the critical roles they play in public education. […]

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Get to Know Computer Technician Mike Lang

OAPSE members do important work all over the state, and we want to introduce you to some of the more than 36,000+ who are making a difference for Ohio’s children and families. We are doing a series of short videos showing our members at work and highlighting the critical roles they play in public education. […]

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Join OAPSE in Helping our Union Members Devastated by Hurricanes

Photo Above and on Front Page by Texas Army National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Zachary West OAPSE has donated $10,000 to help our AFSCME sisters and brothers who are victims of hurricanes in Texas, Louisiana, Florida, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Through the AFSCME Fallen Heroes Fund, OAPSE members can also help their […]

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Get to Know 40-Year OAPSE Member Sheila Dawkins-Flinn

OAPSE members do important work all over the state, and we want to introduce you to some of the more than 36,000+ who are making a difference for Ohio’s children and families. We are doing a series of short videos showing our members at work and highlighting the critical roles they play in public education. […]

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Get to know Head Custodian Derrick Fields!

OAPSE members do important work all over the state, and we want to introduce you to some of the more than 36,000+ who are making a difference for Ohio’s children and families. We are doing a series of short videos showing our members at work and highlighting the critical roles they play in public education. […]

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Happy Labor Day!

Many of us will celebrate Labor Day 2017 with a day off from work and time to spend with family and friends as we officially close out the summer. Labor Day is also a great time to reflect on the value of unions for working families in our country – starting with the value of […]

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Get to Know OAPSE Members and the Work We Do!

It’s back to school time, and OAPSE members are ready for a great year! We have the buses ready to roll. The buildings are spotless. Student records are up-to-date and school offices are set to welcome children. Cafeterias are stocked and ready for hungry kids. And libraries are organized and quiet – but not for […]

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Local 473 Members “Stuff the Bus” With School Supplies

OAPSE members go the extra mile for the students they work with every day. So when members of Local 473 at Berea City Schools saw that their students needed help with school supplies, they did something about it and created the “Stuff the Bus” campaign, which collected more than $4,000 worth of supplies for district […]

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State Budget Harms Schools, Public Services

Just in time for the June 30 deadline, the Republican-controlled legislature passed the 2018-2019 Ohio biennial budget, which includes cuts to local governments and to hundreds of public school districts across the state. OAPSE members who want to see how their school districts fared in the final budget can take a look here. Overall, more […]

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Sign Up Today for OAPSE’s Free College Program!

Don’t Delay! Classes Start August 21. Registration Ends August 18   OAPSE members have access to many programs that save big money. Members are eligible for discounted mortgages and vacation packages. They can take advantage of great savings at Ohio amusement parks, water parks and zoos. And they can take advantage of excellent rates on […]

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OAPSE Will Keep Fighting for Pension Fairness

OAPSE leaders are vowing to fight back and keep the pressure on administrators at the School Employees Retirement System (SERS) after the Ohio Legislature and Governor Kasich acted to cut and freeze retirement benefits for OAPSE members and retirees. The cuts and freezes were recommended by the administrators at SERS. Unfortunately, instead of taking up […]

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Family Fun Days Coupons Are Here!

It’s summer, and that means family fun for OAPSE members. Thanks to your OAPSE membership, you and your family have  access to great deals for summer fun! OAPSE has negotiated special pricing at Ohio’s amusement parks, water parks, zoos and the Columbus science center, and the deals are good through the end of the summer […]

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OAPSE VP Testifies Against Pension Cuts

On June 14, OAPSE State Vice President Lois Carson testified against HB151, which would change state law to allow the School Employees Retirement System (SERS) to cut and freeze pension cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) without the consent of the legislature. Carson appeared before the Ohio House Committee on Aging and Long-term Care. She was accompanied by members […]

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400 March on Statehouse and SERS for Pension Security

More than 400 OAPSE members and retirees from across Ohio marched on the Statehouse and the School Employees Retirement System (SERS) in opposition to proposed cuts and freezes to cost of living increases for retirees. Chanting “Keep the Promise. Protect our Pensions!,” the group circled the Ohio Statehouse and paused on the west steps to […]

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June 7 Pension Rally Details Set

Here’s what you need to know about event parking, traffic, timing, staging and marching! If you are planning to join your OAPSE sisters and brothers in Columbus on June 7 for a rally against pension COLA cuts and freezes, here are the latest details: We will meet at the Sheraton Columbus Hotel at Capitol Square, […]

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OAPSE Making a Difference Helps Lima Students

In a huge demonstration of giving back to the community they work in and love, members of OAPSE local unions 137, 443 and 306 at Lima City Schools provided totes full of food to 1,650 elementary students in the district. The May 17 event at Unity Elementary School in Lima was made possible through the […]

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Pension Rally Set for June 7 in Columbus; RSVP at 1-800-786-2773

OAPSE is fighting to save your pension and your retirement security. We are pushing back against Senate Bill 151 (SB151) and House Bill 242 (HB242), which would freeze and reduce the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for current and future retirees under SERS. We hope you will join us for a rally at the Statehouse […]

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Urgent: Director Joe Rugola on Your Retirement Security

A message from Director Joe Rugola on Proposed SERS Pension Cuts: Last year, you received from me a letter concerning proposed drastic cuts in the retirement benefits of OAPSE members covered by SERS. On April 13, I attended a meeting of the Ohio Retirement Study Council, during which the administration of SERS made a formal […]

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Restore Bus Transportation $$

OAPSE members across Ohio have the responsibility of safely transporting students to and from school each day. In 2009, Ohio lawmakers eliminated bus purchase funding, so bus fleets across the state are aging and require frequent, expensive repairs. And now, Governor Kasich and Republican legislators also want to cut base transportation funding – the very dollars […]

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You Can Vote Now for May 2 Election

OAPSE members across Ohio will be voting in the May 2 Primary Election on important issues in their communities. But you don’t have to wait until May 2 to cast a ballot. You can request an absentee ballot by mail by clicking here. Or you can vote in person at your county board of elections. […]

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Help Make a Difference in Lima City Schools!

Spring is finally here, and that means it’s time for what has become a very meaningful tradition in OAPSE – feeding hungry kids in schools where OAPSE members work. We do this through our OAPSE/AFSCME Making a Difference, Inc. foundation (OMAD). All money we raise through tax-deductible donations from OAPSE members, locals and districts is […]

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Check out our new video: We are OAPSE

Every single day, in communities all across Ohio, OAPSE members are making a difference in the lives of many of our state’s most vulnerable citizens — children, students, and the developmentally disabled. We are bus drivers, aides and mechanics. We are crossing guards, secretaries, and custodians. We are library, educational and special education aides. We […]

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Register Online to Vote by April 3 for Primary Election

Yes, that’s right. Ohioans can now register to vote online at the Ohio Secretary of State’s website. You can also change your address and update your voter information by clicking on the link below. The deadline to register in order to vote in the May 2 Primary Election is Tuesday, April 4. Make sure you […]

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“Right to Work” Introduced in Ohio; Beaten in New Hampshire

Legislation that would make Ohio a “Right to Work” state for public employees was introduced in the Ohio House of Representatives and referred to the Finance Committee. Representative John Becker is behind the bill, which would — among other things — eliminate the ability of public sector unions to collect fair share fees from workers […]

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OAPSE Making a Difference to Benefit Lima City Schools

Lima City Schools will be the beneficiary of the OAPSE Making a Difference project for Spring 2017. More information will follow soon about our effort to feed hungry students in the schools where workers are represented by locals 137, 443 and 306. It’s never too early — or late — to make a tax-deductible contribution! […]

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Tax Breaks and School Cuts

Governor John Kasich’s biennial budget is under consideration by members of the Ohio House of Representatives, where Finance Committee members have already called several provisions “dead on arrival.” What action they will take before letting the Ohio Senate have a turn at the two-year fiscal plan is anyone’s guess. But what is certain is that […]

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State Officers Re-Elected

The three state officers for OAPSE have been re-elected for a four-year term, which will begin in May. OAPSE State Nominating Committee Chair Deb Basham said State President JoAnn Johntony, State Vice President Lois Carson and State Secretary Sandy Wheeler  faced no opposition. Nominations for the union’s top offices closed January 17, and Basham notified […]

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Ohio Leaders: Trump Education Nominee Betsy DeVos Owes State $5 Million

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Betsy DeVos for Secretary of Education. The billionaire from Michigan will appear before Congress next week to answer questions about her qualifications and fitness to serve. If Ohio Congresswomen Marcy Kaptur and Joyce Beatty have anything to say about it, DeVos will be asked why she has not paid Ohio the […]

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3,964 Reasons to Become an OAPSE Member

  It pays to belong to OAPSE! OAPSE members know from experience that union membership pays off. OAPSE members have higher wages, better benefits and stronger pensions than workers who do the same jobs but do not belong to a union. OAPSE members make $3,964 more annually than our non-union counterparts. That’s $330 each month in […]

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OAPSE Helps Pass School Levies

Across Ohio, OAPSE members used PEOPLE dollars to successfully pass school levies and strengthen the financial position of school districts. In a big win for more than 2,800 members of OAPSE who belong to the Columbus School Employees Association, Issue 57 passed overwhelmingly after a levy failed last time on the ballot. “We worked closely […]

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Free College for OAPSE Members

College is expensive. That’s not news to OAPSE members and our families. We know that students are taking on enormous debt to get a college degree. In fact, the average amount of loans for graduates after four years of college is over $37,000. That’s a problem. But OAPSE has a solution for members and our […]

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