UPPER ARLINGTON, OH — Today, a strong majority of staff at Upper Arlington Public Library (UAPL) voted to form their union, Upper Arlington Public Library United Staff (UAPLUS), in a secret ballot election administered by Ohio’s State Employment Relations Board. The new union, which includes around 90 librarians and library workers, is the fourth group of Central Ohio library workers to successfully organize with the Ohio Federation of Teachers since 2021.

COLUMBUS — Equitas Health Workers United (EHWU), a union representing more than 200 frontline client-facing employees at fifteen Equitas Health locations across Ohio, ratified their first collective bargaining agreement today with a 96.3% majority. The union contract includes a wage increase, a signing bonus, a binding grievance and arbitration process with direct participation from the Board of Trustees, a labor-management committee, and more. 

This Spring, STRS Ohio will hold an election for one contributing member seat on the State Teachers Retirement Board. OFT is proud to announce that we have endorsed Michelle Flanigan. Michelle is a Government, Economics and Financial Literacy teacher with 26 years experience. Read more about Michelle’s experience and her priorities for STRS.

"On behalf of all the workers at Kaleidoscope Youth Center, the organizing committee is expressing our deepest gratitude to the Board of Directors for voting in favor of voluntarily recognizing the Kaleidoscope Workers Union. This decision represents a significant milestone in our collective journey toward fostering a more inclusive and equitable workplace. By recognizing the union, Kaleidoscope Youth Center leadership has demonstrated a commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all workers and a dedication to serving the LGBTQIA+ youth in our community."

UPPER ARLINGTON, OHIO — Today, an overwhelming majority (69.3%) of librarians and library workers at Upper Arlington Public Library (UAPL) called on their Director and Board of Trustees to voluntarily recognize their union. Copies of signed union cards from an overwhelming majority of library employees were delivered to management, while the originals were filed with the State Employee Relations Board (SERB) to request voluntary recognition of the union. 

For workers at Grandview Heights Public Library (GHPL), today is the first workday covered by a union contract. This is the first contract agreement for GHPL and Grandview Heights Public Library United (GHPLU) – the union of librarians and library workers. The contract makes meaningful improvements on paid leave and job security, ensures continued competitive wages, and provides a framework for ongoing collaboration.