Updates for September 2025

We’re coming to you with updates on the bargaining process, a neat article about Central Ohio library unions (spoiler alert: we’re winning), and a PoliEd update.

Bargaining Updates

Things are moving right along with our contract bargaining process!  Our intent-to-bargain was accepted and we were able to use our most recent LMC meeting to schedule our bargaining sessions.

• September 30th, 1-5pm
• October 9th, 2:30-6pm
• October 15th, 1-5pm
• October 23rd, 1-5pm

As these sessions happen, we will continue to update you as we begin to make Tentative Agreements, so be sure to keep us on your radar.

PoliEd Update

Resisting Gerrymandering

Ohio will be taking on a redistricting process for its 15 state congressional districts.  Our current maps have been deemed unconstitutional by the Ohio Supreme Court and give Republicans a 10-5 advantage in representation, where the state’s voting trends suggest only an 8-7 advantage is warranted.

The Head of the Ohio Democratic Party, Kathleen Clyde, has stated that her party will push “for an open process with public input that results in fair maps for all Ohioans.”  We will keep you posted as opportunities to resist unfair redistricting arise.

OFT taking on Politicization of Teachers’ Retirement Board

OFT, along with other Ohio union organizations have filed a lawsuit in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas to block the political takeover of the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS).  The takeover, a last-minute addition to the state biennium budget,  would eliminate four elected board seats while packing the board with political appointees.

While this lawsuit is in play, OFT is still working to push the legislature to reverse the politicization of the board, and you can speak out on the issue here.

Advocacy

Short on time, but want to support libraries and have a voice in the policies that impact them?  Check out  ALA’s Show Up for Our Libraries page, which curates action items for libraries based on whether you have 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or more. 

5 Calls is another quick way to use your voice.  Get summaries of pressing issues, contact info for your reps who are making decisions on those issues, and scripts for what to tell reps.  We know phone calls are no fun, but they are a meaningful way for officials to gauge public participation.

Unions in the News

It’s us!  We’re in the news!  The Columbus Dispatch ran an article on Central Ohio library unions and their gains since coming onto the stage about 4 years ago.  It goes into detail on the five local library unions that have formed: Pickerington, Upper Arlington, Delaware, Grandview, and Worthington.  In a nutshell, while there may be growing pains with unionizing, WPLU has established a good working relationship with our administration, which has led us to solid gains with our first contract.  We are eager to build on this foundation when bargaining officially kicks off soon.

_{Posted on September 17th, 2025}