State of Ohio

SEIU District 1199’s State division represents nearly 4,000 workers in 18 different agencies. These state agencies include the Ohio Board of Nursing, the Ohio Department of Aging, the Ohio Department of Development, the Ohio Department of Youth Services, The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, the Ohio Medical Board, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, the Ohio Pharmacy Board, the Ohio School for the Blind, the Ohio School for the Deaf, the Ohio Adult Parole Authority, the Ohio Department of Health, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, the Ohio Veterans Home, the Ohio Bureau of Worker’s Compensation, and the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.

• State Contract (2018 – 2021)
• APC Meeting Minutes
• Basic State Delegate Training (Postponed)
• Intermediate State Delegate Training (June 2020)
• Advanced State Delegate Training (September 2020)
• Filing a Grievance State Member Webinar
• State Chapter Mediation Dates for 2020

ODRC Flags at Half-Mast

Keeping Ohio Moving Forward

Together, members of SEIU District 1199 are keeping Ohio moving forward. Members with the State of Ohio are heroically working each day to provide critical services and support on behalf of the public. 

Without the brave work of members of this Union, critical agencies, and institutions with the State of Ohio would not be able to carry out and fulfill their vital missions. Whether you are assisting your agency from home or on the front lines, we want the public to know about the important work that you are doing.

We Are Asking Members to Take a Photo to Highlight Your Work:

Take a selfie with a homemade sign and your message of hope or inspiration. Include on the sign the title “Keeping Ohio Moving Forward,” the hashtags listed below, your work details, and your custom message. Then send your selfie by email to media@seiu1199.org.

1. Include the line at the top “Keeping Ohio Moving Forward.” 
2. Use hashtags #SEIUDistrict1199 and #UnionStrong.
3. Please personalize your sign with a message of hope and inspiration. 
4. Add the name of your agency, your location, and your job/role.

The Union would like to make a video with these photos. Without your work, it would not be possible to keep Ohio moving forward during this crisis.

Be sure to send your selfie photo to media@seiu1199.org. Please take good care of yourselves and each other.

In Solidarity,

Joshua Norris – Executive Vice President
SEIU District 1199 WV/KY/OH

Tell Congress – Paid Leave For All Workers

In this current time of crisis, all workers must have access to paid leave so that they can care for themselves and their families. Write to your members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate to demand immediate action to ensure the availability of paid leave for all workers. 

State Chapter Update (3/27)

Sisters and Brothers of the State of Ohio Chapter of SEIU District 1199,

Thank you for your expedient response and cooperation in the voting of the recent letters of agreement to provide for additional pay in sick leave above the 70% after the first 36 hours for any member dealing with a COVID-19 situation. The LOA on allowing other members to work in institutions if the need would arise, the hiring of intermittent employees to help with the need if we get to that point, and the leave pool donation for ODRC members. All of these were passed by an overwhelming vote of the membership. Thank you for your timely responses.

I am working with the office of collective bargaining on an MOU that would create leave pools for the other agencies, or a statewide leave pool, the details are being sorted out now, as far as what the system is capable of doing. We are also exploring other ideas as they become available.

I also wanted to address the announcement Governor DeWine made in regard to 20% reduction in each agency. The reduction does not include any layoffs at this time, all agencies are putting together their ideas for how to accomplish this and will share with us when they have developed their plans. The questions I am hearing most often are related to layoffs and raises. There have been no announcements of layoffs at ANY state agency. The raises scheduled for July of this year are in the contract and protected, they have not been modified or changed in ANY WAY, nor has the state approached us and asked us to make any modifications to the pay increases provided in your contract.

I know these are unprecedented times and that we all have many questions, we are doing everything we can to protect the rights of all members and to negotiate further benefits and protections where we can. We are also sharing all information we have in real time when it becomes available to us. Please feel free to contact your Organizer or the Member Resource Center with any questions or concerns.

Stay strong, stay united, stay Union! Take care of yourselves and each other, and be careful out there.

In Solidarity,

Joshua Norris – Executive Vice President
SEIU District 1199 WV/KY/OH

Safety for Health Care Workers

 Nurses

Important Information for State Chapter Members about the Governor’s Order

• Ohio Department of Health – Stay at Home Order

The Well-being of Our Members and Their Families is at the Heart of What We Do

Update – Paid Family and Sick Leave

This week, the U.S. Congress passed a new bill called the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The bill was signed into law earlier today. This law will offer paid sick leave and expanded family leave, in some circumstances.

This law offers up to two weeks of unpaid leave and ten weeks of paid leave at 2/3 pay for some workers who cannot work or tele-work and due to school or child care closures. Such leave is not available to workers with employers that have 500 or more employees. Health care workers and first responders may be excluded. See below to speak out. 

The law also offers two weeks of paid leave for some workers who must isolate or quarantine due to COVID-19. This leave is also not available to workers with employers that have more than 500 employees. Health care workers and first responders may be excluded. See below to fight back. 

SEIU District 1199 stands with all workers. Members are sending letters to members of the U.S. Congress to demand that paid leave should be available for all workers and so that health care workers have access to important safety equipment. 

During this crisis, your Member Resource Center is standing by to assist members at 877-419-7348. We will continue to stand up and speak out together.  

In Solidarity,

Becky Williams – President
SEIU District 1199 WV/KY/OH

10 Steps to Preventing Coronavirus

Together, We Are Union Strong

Your Union is standing with you in this time of crisis. Together, members of SEIU District 1199 and workers across our country will beat COVID-19, just as we did with epidemics of the past. From staffing issues to paid leave and safety, standing together is more critical than ever.

State Chapter COVID-19 Update

Sisters and Brothers of the State of Ohio Chapter of SEIU District 1199,

Earlier this week, the State of Ohio declared a state of emergency. We are proud to represent workers that provide services to the public both in normal times and during times such as these. We have been in contact with many state workers who are having work difficulties in regards to COVID-19. We are working to coordinate efforts with the State of Ohio and to help make sure that you remain protected at work during this time.

We have taken several pro-active steps:

1. We have filed a class action grievance for every member citing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) language Article 35, Emergencies. We believe that the current state of emergency declared by Governor DeWine falls well within the intent of this language and that all members who work during this declared emergency are entitled to the $8 per hour stipend referenced in the CBA. While many of our fellow citizens engage in critically important steps such as staying home, teleworking, and social distancing, it is YOU who continue to protect and serve the public each day. 

2. We are aware that numerous agencies are conducting screenings of employees at entry and are sending members home who present with even the slightest of symptoms; some of which are not related to the diagnosis of COVID-19 as they are the result of other health conditions. We have created an information sheet that we are asking any member who is sent home as a result of this to complete. You can return the form to the Union’s Member Resource Center so that we can compile a complete list of everyone impacted.

3. We have notified the office of collective bargaining that we are aware of the seriousness and difficulties that this emergency has caused. That being said, we also have maintained and reminded them that while this is a serious and unprecedented time in our history, the contract remains in full force and effect and that we are more than willing to sit down and discuss solutions to these issues, but we will not allow our members rights and CBA to be ignored and disregarded. We have requested dates and times to discuss the issues we have identified above and others as they come to our attention, as we want to be part of the solution to this emergency.

Please stay strong and vigilant during these unprecedented times. Know that your Union is doing everything we can to provide real time updates and information. Take care of yourselves and each other.

In Solidarity,

Joshua D. Norris – Executive Vice President
SEIU District 1199 WV/KY/OH

State of Ohio Member – COVID-19 Employee Letter 

Update for Members on COVID-19

SEIU District 1199 is proud to represent health care workers and others who work on behalf of the public. Members of the Union stand with their co-workers every day for fair wages and benefits, in addition to speaking out on behalf of the public in regards to issues such as safety.

We know that many members are concerned about COVID-19, which is a new risk for workers, the public, and our families. While we don’t yet know the impact of COVID-19, it is important to be prepared. I want you to know that we are ready to stand with you.

At the national level, SEIU is fighting for expanded unemployment insurance and paid sick leave for workers who are unable to work due to exposure and/or illness related to COVID-19. It is also imperative that workers have the proper training and equipment, if needed, to stay safe while providing vital services.

Your Member Resource Center is open Monday through Friday. If you face issues on the job related to COVID-19, please know that we will be working overtime and are here to stand with you. The Member Resource Center can be reached by calling 877-419-7348.

In Solidarity,

Becky Williams – President
SEIU District 1199 WV/KY/OH

Important Grievance Filing Update

Sisters and Brothers of the State of Ohio Chapter of SEIU District 1199,

I am writing to ask you all to please make a small change when filing grievances for your members and to remind your members at your location to do so as well. When you file a grievance electronically, many times we site the article we think is most appropriate, but often through discussion and further investigation we discover that another article is also involved or should now be cited. In order to be as pro-active as possible, I am asking each of you to do the following:

In the body of every grievance you file, please add the following verbiage, you can simply cut and paste it from this email: “This grievance cites all applicable CBA Articles that may apply, including, but not limited to, the Articles listed in the Contract Articles Links section.”

Thanks for your assistance with this and please share and remind your members who may file their own grievances to do the same. Please reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns. Thanks. 

In Solidarity,

Joshua D. Norris
Executive Vice President
SEIU District 1199 WV/KY/OH
877-419-7348

State Chapter COVID-19 Update (3/10)

In response to Governor DeWine’s announcement last night of a state of emergency, and in response to the high volume of calls and messages we are receiving from members, we are and will continue to be in communication with state leaders to ensure we all have the information we need to best try to protect the health and rights of members and their families.  

Additionally, the Union has filed a class action grievance concerning emergency pay per Article 35.01(B). We will keep you updated as events progress. Take care of yourselves and each other.

In Solidarity,

Josh Norris – Vice President
SEIU District 1199 WV/KY/OH

State Chapter – Update on COVID-19

Sisters and Brothers of the State of Ohio Chapter of SEIU District 1199,

In response to Governor DeWine’s announcement last night of a state of emergency, and in response to the high volume of calls and messages we are receiving from members, we are and will continue to be in communication with state leaders to ensure we all have the information we need to best try to protect the health and rights of members and their families.  

Additionally, the Union has filed a class action grievance concerning emergency pay per Article 35.01(B).  We will keep you updated as events progress.  Take care of yourselves and each other.

In Solidarity,

Josh Norris, Vice President
SEIU District 1199 WV/KY/OH

State Chapter – March Newsletter

March NewsletterState of Ohio – Union Chapter News
● State Nurses Returning to Work After Arbitrator’s Decision. In a decision released at the end of February 2020, an arbitrator awarded a member with the State of Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction her job back after she was improperly dismissed nearly two years ago. The member and Union maintained that the decision was made without just cause. This member was carrying out representational duties when it was claimed that a violation occurred. The co-worker that the member was representing recently returned to work. Both workers will receive full back pay and compensation, which have an estimated combined total of $240,000.

● Educational Development Fund Update. Last July 1st, the Educational Development Fund for members of SEIU District 1199 renewed with an additional balance of $750,000 available for reimbursement. As of February 29th, 31% of the budget and $238,253.30 remains available for reimbursement. This fund was negotiated as a part of the contract and allows reimbursement for approved training and educational expenses. In 2018, members negotiated a substantial increase in funding for the Educational Development Fund as a part of the current contract due to the fact that in previous years the fund had been depleted far in advance of the July 1st renewal date.

● State Member With Ohio Veterans Hospital Successfully Challenges Reprimand. A nurse with the Ohio Veterans Hospital was cited for allegedly not completing required assessments. The nurse worked with her delegate and filed a grievance to protest the unjust discipline. Together, they maintained that the form in question had not been used by anyone at OVH in several years. As a result of the enforcement of the Union Contract and the grievance process, management had to agree that there was no just cause for the discipline. The written reprimand was canceled and removed from the member’s personnel file.

● State Adult Parole Authority Member Files Successful Overtime Grievance. A member was improperly passed over for an opportunity for overtime. The member filed a grievance and proceeded to argue for his contractual rights and benefits. As a result of the grievance discussion, the APA agreed to follow the contract in issuing overtime and to provide the member the next available overtime opportunity.

● Department of Youth Services Member Issued Proper Payment. A member with Ohio Department of Youth Services was not issued proper pay after a hearing they were participating in ran late. The member worked with the Union to file a grievance to preserve their contractual right to compensation for the hours in question. The member successfully argued that contract language was applicable and as a result, full payment was issued for all hours owed.

SEIU District 1199 Member Benefits
Membership with SEIU District 1199 includes membership with three member benefit programs. Those programs include Union Plus, SEIU Member Benefits, and the SEIU District 1199 WV/KY/OH membership card. Members and eligible family members can now take classes with Eastern Gateway Community College at no-cost online or on campus in Youngstown or Steubenville. In 2019, Union Plus announced a new college program with Central State University in Dayton, Ohio. For details visit: seiu1199.org/mrc/your-benefits-as-a-member

Member Resource Center – State of Ohio Chapter
The Member Resource Center has provided assistance to a substantial number of members with the State of Ohio. Members have stood with their co-workers to win grievances, which relate to workplace health and safety, protection of the public, and fundamental fairness, among other issues. Representatives with the Member Resource Center are standing by to assist members. “Your Member Resource Center Has Your Back!”

State Employee Development Fund

The Employee Development Fund (EDF) renewed on July 1, 2019, with $750,000 in additional funding for FY20. We have been provided with the following update, which is current as of 2/29/20: 

Amount Paid (as of 2/15/20): $529,791.08
Amount Approved (as of 2/29/20): $8,444.19
Amount Submitted (as of 2/29/20): $16.02
Total Expended: $538,251.29

Budget + Rollover (FY20): $776,504.59
Total Remaining: $238,253.30
Percent Remaining: 31%

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the Member Resource Center.

Update for Members on COVID-19 (2/27)

We have heard the concerns of members, partners, and allies regarding the recent spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019, also known as COVID-19. SEIU District 1199 is proud to represent health care workers and others who work every day on behalf of the public.

While recent reports show that the outbreak is not yet a serious threat in our region, we also know that it is important for everyone to have the facts and to be prepared. At this link is a fact sheet on COVID-19. 

If you have any questions or need assistance, visit this page by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or you can contact them at 800-232-4636. 

Take Action in Support of Unions For All

  SEIU Vote Header

Update on OPERS Cuts

 

Next Page »

Take Action

MRC contact