The OCSEA delegation heard from friend of Labor Sen. Sherrod Brown about the dignity of work, the value of public service and the fight ahead for collective bargaining.

Sen. Brown––who recently announced his candidacy to regain a seat in the U.S. Senate representing Ohio in 2026––thanked OCSEA members for their service and urged them to vote for the candidates, from Senate to Ohio Governor, who will support public employees and their unions!

"It's more rigged against workers than it was a year ago," said Brown. "All persuasions know it's rigged and that many  politicians are in bed with corporations," he said, reminding members that he will fight for them only!

"I see politics as 'whose side are you on?' Not left. Not right. But what's right! I will take on the bad guys. I’m on your side, not on their side," he said.

From rising prescription drugs to privatization, Sen. Brown said, "I will always fight for you! That’s who I am. I fought harder for you than anyone in the US Senate. Which is why I’m running to head back to the Senate."

Sen. Brown championed the fight to repeal WEP/GPO, a bipartisan issue that impacted many members at convention. The Social Security Fairness Act, Brown's last vote as Ohio's senator, returns Social Security benefits to thousands of public employees and is just one example of how Brown stands up for organized labor and public employees wanting to retire with dignity!