Benefits Expo shares programs, new and old

Roughly 90 activists gathered this morning for a virtual Benefits Expo to learn the finer details of all the union benefits programs. Knowledgeable representatives from the OCSEA Education Department, Union Education Trust, OCSEA Extras Benefits, AFSCME Advantage and Union Plus were on hand to answer everyone’s questions and to discuss new and old programs.

Benefits experts from AFSCME International and the national AFL-CIO talked about some of the benefits the national affiliates bring to the table, including a new credit card program, the Union Plus Mortgage Program, as well as Hardship grants for members who have fallen on hard times. OCSEA Chapters, Districts and Assemblies can order flyers for their members about all of the benefits of AFSCME Advantage and Union Plus by filling out an online order form here. More detailed information about AFSCME Advantage and Union Plus can be found on their website at AFSCME.org/Advantage.

 The OCSEA Education Department encouraged members to take advantage of the Steward Recognition Program that was created to acknowledge the work of OCSEA frontline activists and "encourages them to press forward, " said the union's education team. Chapters can request the following for their stewards:

• Lapel pin: for active steward
• Jacket or shirt: for active stewards serving five consecutive years (may receive one item each five-year period)
• Plaque: for active stewards serving ten or more consecutive years

 Go here for more information on the Stewards Recognition Program and to download a form.  

Last year, some of OCSEA’s Extras benefits were suspended, including those that happened take place in larger venues around Ohio. That meant our discount tickets for OSU athletics were not available last year. But the union was excited to announce that beginning August 25, OSU Athletics is back to offer OCSEA members discounts with single game tickets to select OSU games! The offer discounts vary, but are specific for OCSEA members and their family members only. Price is always based on location of purchased seating.  For more information about OCSEA’s Extras Benefits, visit our webpage (MyOCSEA account required). 

OCSEA benefit flyers can be downloaded at the union’s New Member website: OCSEA.org/NewMember.

The Union Education Trust is where State of Ohio bargaining unit employees go for education assistance. Visit UEdTrust.org to learn more.