Union activists make difference in victory on civil service bill

Dec. 8, 2006 - Thanks to the more than one hundred letters and calls sent to their legislators, OCSEA union activists were victorious in fighting off a civil service “deform” bill that would have brought back political paybacks and cronyism.

Despite the voter referendum to clean up corruption, OCSEA predicted that outgoing lawmakers would attempt to fast track bills during this lame duck session that could harm union members and working families. And we were right.

However, the union successfully convinced lawmakers to strike the damaging provisions from the civil service bill that was destined for passage later this month. House Bill 187 moved out of a House committee without any language referring to furloughs or reduced work schedules, thanks to the union’s careful monitoring and hard work.

“We are heartened at the response from our members who wrote and called their legislators with their concerns. By the legislature’s reaction and our victory, it’s obvious the kind of political clout this union carries,” said OCSEA Executive Director Andy Douglas.

The union was also able to restore the requirement that the state submit a written rationale to justify a layoff, and was successful in eliminating language that would have expanded the use of temporary employees.

Perhaps most important, and signifying the final nail in the coffin for the bill, the union secured language that would guarantee the legislation not modify any collective bargaining agreement.  

Thanks to all those activists who responded so quickly to the union’s call to action.

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