Tier 1 National Org

Ohio's AFL-CIO is launching a Spring Blitz to talk with union voters  and start conversations centered on the real experiences working people are having in today's economy. Join other union activists for the AFL-CIO Spring Blitz  as we connect with our union family across Ohio to talk about changes we want to see after the November Election.

Connect with our fellow union members and their families as we knock doors and make calls to hear directly about what they’re experiencing and what changes they want to see.

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During th weekend of May 1-2, OCSEA activists gathered at Deer Creek State Park for the 2026 Women’s Action Committee (WAC) Conference. This year’s conference theme was “Together We Lead, Together We Win,” focusing on the importance of solidarity as we face this year’s union and political challenges, and how crucial women leadership is in the fight.

On Friday night, attendees participated in a GOTV (Get Out The Vote) Training, which helped educate and inform union members on the ways public employees can get engaged in the crucial fight to protect Ohio's public service jobs and the union rights given to them under the law. A networking event later that evening celebrated the Kentucky Derby.

On Saturday, the main session kicked off with welcomes from OCSEA leaders President Chris Mabe, Vice President Cynthia Watiker, and WAC Chair Natalie Qualls. “We have to have somebody at the [bargaining] table who cares about Ohioans, who cares about labor. Give us one term with a labor-friendly governor, and you’ll see what a union can do,” said Mabe. “We have an important election coming up, it’s a big year. And if you want to see a change, you need to be that change,” said Qualls.

Kathleen Clyde, the Chair of the Ohio Democratic Party, spoke to attendees. “We’re working to get the word out to people however we can. We’re connecting with Ohioans every day–– with families who are worried, public workers who are worried. Ohioans are struggling, and we have a real opportunity to change the direction our state is going,” she said. “The strength of women is going to carry us in this critical election,” she added.

The day’s guest speakers also included several candidates for statewide office. Annette Blackwell, Mayor of Maple Heights and the Democratic candidate for Ohio Auditor, said, “The voters that put us in these offices want a return on their investment. They want integrity, they want ethics, they want you to come out of your office and do what you need to do to make sure you’re successful.” Justice Jennifer Brunner of the Ohio Supreme Court spoke of the value of public service, saying, “Public service is measured in goodwill. It’s what you do for the people that you serve. I want you to know that you’re appreciated even when no one tells you you’re appreciated.” Dr. Amy Acton, candidate for Governor who is crossing the state on the campaign trail, sent in a message via video thanking OCSEA members and looking at the road ahead. “What we’re seeing on the ground is so moving. Ohioans are ready for public servants who actually solve problems instead of make them,” she said. “Together, we are going to tell Mr. Ramaswamy, in no uncertain terms, ‘you cannot buy this state!’” she added. 

Finally, the day closed out with a rousing speech by Dr. Julius Bailey,...

Join AFSCME Retirees Chapter 61

Ohio’s public service workers delivered a strong show of unity as OCSEA, OAPSE, AFSCME Ohio Council 8, and AFSCME Retirees Chapter 1184 came together to endorse Dr. Amy Acton for Governor. The announcement took place at the OCSEA headquarters in Westerville on December 4, 2025, and featured remarks from OCSEA President Chris Mabe and AFSCME International President Lee Saunders. 

 “Ohio deserves a Governor who truly understands the everyday struggles that working people face and that’s why we are supporting Amy Acton,” said Pres. Mabe. “She is a proven leader who has always stood with labor. Amy is deeply committed to the people of Ohio, and with her compassion and determination, she is the right person to lead our state into the future.”

 "Dr. Amy Acton’s story is an Ohio story, full of grit and guts. She is part of a union family. Her grandfather worked in the Youngstown steel mills. She understands the challenges facing working families because she has lived them,” said Pres. Saunders. “Now, Dr. Acton is ready to meet the moment—to lift up, empower, and show solidarity with working people across Ohio. That’s why all our AFSCME affiliates in the state are proud to endorse her today. For the next 11 months, she will have the full force of AFSCME’s political power behind her," he said.  

These unions collectively represent more than 100,000 working people who keep Ohio public schools, cities, counties, and state services strong. Their coordinated endorsement signals a growing statewide effort to back a candidate who believes in the freedom of working people to stand together and who respects the work that strengthens our communities. 

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