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OPEA Members Become "Digital Lobbyists"

The electronic age has hit OPEA..and how..

 

As a response to the “Action Alert” generated by the “CapWiz” section of the OPEA website, some 1,000 state employees have emailed their representatives and senators, demanding that they put state employee issues high on the priority list.

 

“This is the first real test of the power that we will be able to generate through ‘CapWiz’,” said OPEA Executive Director Sterling Zearley.  “And while our members have responded in a fantastic manner, there can never be enough pressure put upon our lawmakers.

 

Zearley said that the association’s goal is to have 1,500 emails by Wednesday, January 9.

 

“The House and Senate leaders are meeting right now,” he said.  “We want to strike while the iron is hot – if you have already sent an email, pass this message along to a coworker and/or other state employee,” he said

 

Zearley said that emails from state employees have gone to every member of the Oklahoma legislature.

 

“Currently the bulk of the emails have gone to Senator John Sparks (D-Norman) and Senator Owen Laughlin (R-Woodward) as well as Represenative Wel Hilliard, (D-Sulpher) and Gary Banz, (R-Midwest City),” Zearley said.  “But we want our members to truly spread the wealth and take advantage of this wonderful electronic tool to get their message across.”

 

"If you have already sent your message to your local legislator," said Zearley, "then use the TELL A FRIEND feature and email your coworkers to join your efforts in making sure your local legislator gets the message.  State employees are the buzz at the Capitol right now, lets keep the pressure on!"

 

Emails can be generated through the “CapWiz” website with a link located on the bottom right of the www.opea.org homepage or by clicking here.

 

 

 

 

Posted on Monday, January 7, 2008 by Bud Elder

4 comments (Add your own)

1. Shereata Ellis wrote:
If the State Teachers can get the gaming lottery to help them out with their pay raises, why can't the lottery help _ALL STATE WORKERS with pay raises!!!!!!!!!!! That only seems fair enough.We work extra hard for our pay. The system is not set up right with the way we are paid. It should be raited on how many years you have worked that we should get raises. When new workers start out they get the same amount as those that have been there for several years. That is not right.Although the longivity does help out, the system needs to be re-arranged or the pay system needs focused on for those who have been there longer than new workers.

Shereata Ellis
Seminole 67c

January 8, 2008 @ 10:41 AM

2. Anita Tockey wrote:
I feel as if I am a very important part of the team here in my county office. I have a list of responsibilities as long as anyone else's and in addition to that I am constantly assisting others in performing their jobs. But, as clerical, I feel at the bottom of the list to receive recognition or compensation for the job I do. In fact, we are at the bottom of the list and have been overlooked several times. Please take into consideration all the clerical support staff working just as hard as everyone else.

January 8, 2008 @ 1:50 PM

3. John Christman wrote:
I feel the same as Ms Tockey, I as head of of a Housekeeping Dept, have always felt as if we are REALLY at the very bottom of the totem pole, but we have just as much of an important job as anyone else in the center in which we work, we work hard to do what we have to do, so many people dont know how hard this job really is and not to get a back on the back, not everyday or every week, but once a year would be great. To take the time to scrub and wax floors and admire them and then have people take it for granted its going to look good, the office is going to look good, all areas are clean and at high standards and then be overlooked is disheartening.

January 8, 2008 @ 3:07 PM

4. Joseph L. Raines wrote:
I feel like Ms.Ellis.I have been with the state (OTRD) for over 22 years and never have i received an over the board payraise.But, why should the teachers get all the raises and none of the other state employees.
Another question I have is why everytime I read or hear something about state wages it always starts at 30,000 dollars a year?I wish I made that much a year

January 23, 2008 @ 5:54 PM

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