Victory in Ottawa, Ohio

OTTAWA, Ohio — Classified staff at Ottawa-Glandorf Local Schools are no longer represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). The union didn't even stay for the fight.

Earlier this year, maintenance, cafeteria, and other support employees began to raise concerns about the union, from the cost of dues to the lack of value they were receiving. That's when they reached out to the Center for Independent Employees (CIE) for legal guidance.

In April, 70 percent of employees in the bargaining unit signed and filed a petition to remove the AFSCME-affiliated union. Facing a petition with that level of support, AFSCME formally withdrew from the representation election before it happened.

With AFSCME out of the picture, Ohio's State Employment Relations Board (SERB) moved forward with an uncontested vote via mail-in ballots in July. Employees will now represent themselves through a newly formed independent association. The results were tallied on August 5.

"When a union walks away rather than face a vote, that tells you everything about how much support it actually had," said Dan Remmenga, CIE's Executive Director. "We're proud to have worked with Ottawa-Glandorf's classified staff throughout the process and celebrate their independence."

**********

The Center for Independent Employees (CIE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides legal representation and assistance to independent employees who are opposed to union oppression in their workplaces.

To support CIE's mission, you may give online or call (800) 797-4502.