Support Striking OAPSE Members

On January 7, the newly organized local union at the Eastland-Fairfield Career Center, outside Columbus, went on strike.  

This OAPSE/AFSCME local was forced into this situation by an unreasonable and intransigent school board that has refused to implement a neutral fact finder’s report which supports the bargaining unit’s position. That report found that the school support workers are seriously underpaid, and that the employer is financially fit to pay a fair wage.

Confronted with a severe anti-worker position that the School Board and the Superintendent have taken, OAPSE/AFSCME members are standing strong for fair wages and respect. After six-months of negotiations and the school administration rejecting a neutral fact-finder recommendation, OAPSE/AFSCME members have had enough, and we must stand in solidarity with them.

“I was proud to stand with the workers on the picket line, and while the bargaining unit is not large, their spirit and support from the community has been tremendous. But they need our help,” said Ohio AFL-CIO President Tim Burga.

You can take action by calling Superintendent Shelly Groves at 614-836-4530 ext. 1332 and let her know that the striking workers have broad support in the community and that Local 686 members deserve respect and fair wages.

Like any strike, we need to be prepared for a long fight, and a financial contribution will go a long way to ensuring our Sisters and Brothers can hold the line. Checks can be made out to OAPSE Local 686 and dropped off at their Strike Headquarters located at 4575 Madison Lane, Groveport, OH or mailed to OAPSE/AFSCME, 6805 Oak Creek Dr #1, Columbus, OH 43229.

If you would like to visit the picket line, please stop by the Strike Headquarters first as parking near the line is limited. The picket is Monday-Friday from 7:30am-3:30pm.