From OCSEA President, Christopher Mabe

Welcome, delegates, alternates and guests to the 36th OCSEA Biennial Convention! We’re excited to have our union leaders in the great city of Cleveland, and we look forward to exploring our theme, “Solidarity is our Strength,” because being united in labor is truly our greatest strength. OCSEA’s convention is the largest governing body of this union, and I’m proud of the diversity and strength of our leadership that makes our membership so strong.

Over the next three days we’ll emphasize the power of our union when we work together with unity and determination. There is much to discuss about the challenges and opportunities facing organized labor. Collective bargaining rights in Ohio are under attack once again, and our union brothers and sisters in the federal workforce are losing their jobs in unprecedented numbers. We will also focus in on the future of public service and how, by working together, we can grow and adapt to keep our union strong. As we have proven through the years, when we stand shoulder to shoulder as members and leaders of OCSEA, there is nothing we can’t accomplish through solidarity!

From the decimation of the public workforce and collective bargaining rights to cuts to public services, including Medicaid, Medicare and education, this convention will underscore how to make our collective voices heard on these issues, because opponents of organized labor won’t stop unless we push back. OCSEA is teaming up with AFSCME affiliates in Ohio and across the nation to speak out against budget cuts and to stand up for workers’ rights. We’re also working with AFSCME’s “Get Organized” campaign to protect our jobs and the public services we provide to communities across Ohio.

We’ll also be focusing in on the future of our members’ work and the drivers of work and technology changes with our “Future of Work Expo.” While we don’t know what the future of work will look like, we do know that the labor market, technology, and how workers find value in their work are all changing quickly.

Also at this convention, we will celebrate leaders past and present, including presenting the first ever Jean Fightmaster Leadership Award. To celebrate life and union legacy of activist Jean Fightmaster, OCSEA createdThe Jean Fightmaster Leadership Award.Jean, who passed away in 2023, was revered by her friends and colleagues as a “force of nature” and a dedicated union activist who truly embodied her last name. The award will be given to the OCSEA member who best exemplifies Jean: dedication to union values, leadership excellence and a commitment to advocacy and representation. The High Performance Initiative (HPI) awards, honoring the outstanding achievements and excellence of our union bodies, and the Labor Gives Back awards, honoring community service, will also be presented.

We also have a great lineup of speakers, workshops and presentations that we hope will add value to the volunteer work you do for this union. We know you will take seriously getting down to the business of the union. But we also hope you enjoy yourself, network with other activists and celebrate all that you have helped create! We will be visiting the Greater Cleveland Aquarium on Thursday and will hold our Delegate Reception on Friday night. We’re excited to gather in fellowship with all our union brothers and sisters in attendance!

Please use this program and the online website Con.OCSEA.org to plan your week and savor this time.Solidarity is our Strength!