OPEA

91 comments (Add your own)

1. J. Switzer wrote:

I believe that a flyer campaign showing the differences in the rising costs of everyday materials / services would be beneficial. Gas, Milk, Water, Electricity... You name it.

Send these flyers to state agencies, and include a number of signature lines on each flyer. Have them mailed back to OPEA, and then tally the number of state employees who have agreed with what the flyer stated.

Send copies of these flyers, as well as a full tally of those state employees looking for change to the Legislature. Possibly to most if not all of the news publications in the state.

The legislators will not be able to ignore us when our plight is put fully into the awareness of Jon Q Public.

Just my 1 cent. I'd give 2, but I can't afford it.

April 25, 2008 @ 12:43 PM

2. TC wrote:

Lets go back to the capitol and this time kick some legislative A#$! Not only there but back in their district too! This is crazy! I really appreciate OPEA but it is time to get mean!

April 25, 2008 @ 3:01 PM

3. ENOUGH wrote:

Federal Says we can strike. That is what happened several years back. The planned walk out was stopped by a fair pay raise. My entire bld appears to be ready.

April 25, 2008 @ 3:07 PM

4. craig phipps wrote:

Have you heard of the concept of the "Blue Flu" - -might be an option, but need very substantial unity among the workforce, or it will not work and some retaliation might happen.

April 25, 2008 @ 3:43 PM

5. Ted wrote:

Meet at the Capitol, all of us or at least 5,000 of us, call out the legislators that will stand with us, we'll vote out those who don't. Begin registering your family, your neigbors, your friends, everyone you know, then on election day make sure they vote. Don't just talk about it, do it, stay mad.

April 25, 2008 @ 7:31 PM

6. MAX wrote:

Sometimes you do what you have to do.....remember when the teachers did a strike or walkout???? They said it was for the kids.....bull......lets do it for our kids......

April 25, 2008 @ 9:57 PM

7. MAX wrote:

remember what got us in this mess...the tax cuts...they messed up and they know it......we need to help them remember what the revenue picture was like before the tax cuts.....

April 25, 2008 @ 10:00 PM

8. wrote:

Unfortunately, the pay raises were pretty thin before the tax cuts...

April 26, 2008 @ 7:27 PM

9. RH wrote:

I say STRIKE!!! As it stands the state can not hire enought people to fill the vacant slots. If every Child Welfare worker walked out, DHS would be up a creek with out a paddle! Same coes for all moest every acency in the state.

April 27, 2008 @ 11:07 PM

10. WAKE UP!! wrote:

Some sort of work stopage is the only way to get the attention we need. The teachers couldn't "legally" strike when they forced HB 1017 down the our throughts. We can call it whatever we like. The bottom line is the work must stop before we will ever see the respect we deserve. OPEA is the only association available to organize this. WHERE ARE OUR LEADERS?? Come on OPEA set a date and get the word out.

April 28, 2008 @ 7:46 AM

11. Concerned wrote:

I think we should start taking Gov. Henry's salary and distribute among the state worker's and let him see how it feels to be short of a paycheck!!!See how long he survive's on it. The teacher's has met their quota on a pay raise. Now it is the State Employees turn to get 5 years of pay raises. Sooner or later all state employees will be on FS too. Something better be done fast.
We have been lied to long enough!!! Pay up legislature and stand up for the State Employees. I will not be voting for Gov. Henry in the next election we have. He is out.

April 28, 2008 @ 10:19 AM

12. On the way to the poor house wrote:

OPEA, set a "Blue Flu" date in stone and I will partake. Also, not everyone knows about this website. Are you legally able to send an email to all Oklahoma State employees? I think that's why there was such a small turnout on Lobby Day too. There are a lot of people frustrated and wanting to do something, but it seems that nobody is organized.

April 28, 2008 @ 11:58 AM

13. brian wrote:

Publish a list of all state elected officials who are against the pay raise, from both sides of the aisle. Then everyone will have a "voters guide" to use to start voting every politician out of office who does not support the raise. This is the sort of thing that gets the attention of any politician!

April 28, 2008 @ 3:14 PM

14. Ted wrote:

I say go on a Strike, we need to get tuff and show them enough is enough. They know they can do what ever they want because we can't do nothing. So let us show them we can do something and we want us a pay raise.

April 29, 2008 @ 11:03 AM

15. Bill wrote:

Anything will sound good to me, because we haven't had a pay raise in a long time and the teachers have.

April 29, 2008 @ 11:17 AM

16. dj wrote:

Police Departments aren't aloud to strike either. That's where the term "the Blue Flu" came from, when NYPD walked out in the seventies. We could call it the "red flu" here since we are the red headed step children of the state. At the worst they would make us get doctor's notes and an office call vs. a raise isn't too much to pay.
I know from experience one disgruntled food stamp recipient gets immediate response from an elected official, what would happen if they all got thousands of calls complaining services had come to a halt
I SAY WE WALK.

April 29, 2008 @ 12:37 PM

17. ********** wrote:

as long as they continue to view us as replaceable peons we will never get anywhere. Letters, phone calls, flyers, even "lobby days" are not going to get us anywhere. How many elected elite do you think even see their messages, mail, or email? haven't you gotten enough of those form letter responses? you could write them any kind of nonsense and get the same old "thank you for you letter...."response.
Everyone knows how long it takes to replace a worker, let them see what we are really worth by either walking out or having a work stoppage. pick the time and date and we all get up and walk out or turn off our computers and get out a book and wait.

April 29, 2008 @ 12:46 PM

18. Let's Walk Out wrote:

May 16 lets walk-out or just plain get "Blue Flu" while Congress is still in session…and it is an election year and it will kick the where it hurts...votes!
Most important we must get DHS on board, they are the largest agency and will have the most impact on the public.

My fellow State employees we are at a point of hemorrhaging, we must act now! If we don’t it will be at least 3 to 5 years that any changes might come about.

Yes the time to act is now we must unite…
ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL!!!

Blue Flu May 16

;(

April 29, 2008 @ 1:39 PM

19. Red-headed step-child wrote:

What does OPEA have in mind?

April 29, 2008 @ 2:35 PM

20. Shereata wrote:

May 16th
All of us who are members of OPEA should take that day as annual and show up on the STATE CAPITOL. I know there are more than 500 people who have joined. Let's stand UNITED together in this year's goal and step our FEET DOWN!If you want OPEA to help, we need to do something about and be there on MAY 16th wearing BLUE FLU T-
Shirts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

April 29, 2008 @ 2:36 PM

21. Red-headed step-child wrote:

I like idea No. 20.
Not sure about "blue flu."
We aren't cops, but we ARE all red-headed step-children.
We could all get some red yarn and fashion a wig out of it and wear that.

April 29, 2008 @ 3:25 PM

22. wrote:

Same ol' crap, different day. Maybe about four hundred OPEA members would use annual for four hours a day per person with picket signs ... including legislators names, etc. Keep one hundred members a day with picket signs on the Capitol steps going around and around; maybe the news channels would pick it up for one or two nights. Blue flu would be nice but new employees would be afraid because of retaliation. Believe me, it happens!!!

April 29, 2008 @ 3:27 PM

23. Mary wrote:

Don't know if everyone has seen but Governor Henry has Proclaimed May 7th "State Employee Recongniton Day"
here's the link. http://www.ok.gov/opm/

Might be a really good day to organize something!!

April 29, 2008 @ 3:53 PM

24. On the way to the poor house wrote:

Let them retaliate. It would be a BLESSING to get fired. I could go on unemployment until I can secure a descent job that will appreciate what I can do and one that will pay me what I'm worth. Our congressmen better get on the ball and take care of OUR business for a change before it's too late. Sheesh.

April 29, 2008 @ 3:54 PM

25. Ted wrote:

What would Jesus do?

April 29, 2008 @ 7:28 PM

26. ???? wrote:

I don't know. I think state employees are worried striking is illegal. On the website, OPEA has said this & I think that needs to be addressed.

April 29, 2008 @ 7:55 PM

27. om wrote:

Could the State possibly be wanting to contract our job to private employers? It sure would be a lot easier on the powers that be, to have employees quit or retire early then it would be for them to go thru all the paper work,pay severence pay etc. It would seem from what the frontline worker hear is that all problems in DHS are the worker fault, since our so called leaders keep getting award for "doing no wrong"

April 29, 2008 @ 8:41 PM

28. Let's Walk Out wrote:

Ted,

I sense a little sarcasm there. lol

But if, anyone thinks I am going to just let these bast***’* crucify me they are so wrong; I’m not going down without a fight baby!

State employee’s need to learn from the teacher’s. They know the rules; they have taken time to study and do their homework and got raises for the last five years. They participate and are involved with OEA.

OEA is 95% members strong; they are a power to recon with. State employees must learn this lesson from the teacher’s it’s the only way we will ever get anything.

We are in the big middle of the political arena folks, we have to play their game by their rules and the teacher’s have shown us this game can be won.

I have been sending my Representative and Senator and believe or not one of them took the time to call me. She was responding to my e-mails and phone calls before I could really make my voice heard she made me feel like an idiot. I had know idea if what she was telling me was the truth the actions and laws and tax payers…OMG it made me feel guilty that I was thinking of the well being of my family when I hung up the phone.

That’s why we need OPEA they are in the know, they will know when our Legislators are full of crap and can call them on it, OPEA is our watchdog and we are the owners. However; here’s the thing, that dog can bark all night long but if, the owner does not get up off his butt to see what is going on he is going to get robbed blind…as we are now. State employee’s must get up and support OPEA…and here’s the kicker you really do not have to be a member of OPEA to help make a difference just show up to a rally or two get involved and if you don’t want get involved then I think it’s worth $15.00 a month to help keep our Legislators in line.

Join OPEA today!
We can win this political game!

State Employee’s Unite!
ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL!!!

;(

April 29, 2008 @ 9:57 PM

29. In need wrote:

If the lower pay band state employees do not see a pay increase soon - with the rising gas prices - they will not be able to afford to make it to work and will be force to go on welfare - since they will have to choose between buying food for their families or gas for the car to get to work -because they are not being paid enough to live.

If we were to get a pay raise at least an across the board amount instead of percentage - this will benefit the lower pay band employees more than the people who are on the highest paybands.

The 5% raise we got last time did more for the people who are on the highest paybands - whose making est. $10,000.00 monthly got a $500.00 raise monthly and did not need it - While the employees who are on the lowest pay band - who is making est. $2,000.00 monthly got a $100.00 raise. This is not right. We should at least get an across the board raise that is being requested of $2,700.00. That would put an extra est. $200.00 monthly in our pockets and would help the lower pay band employees greatly.

We need your help!!! Our income cannot keep up with the rising costs. It will soon cause panick among State Employees if we do not get a raise soon.

April 30, 2008 @ 4:33 PM

30. Sharon May wrote:

When are the legislators going to wake up and smell the roses. I work for ODOT and the average age of our employees is in the 40's. If we don't do something about the pay it won't be that long until we have no state employees.

I would also like to know how much of a raise they have voted for themselves. If they deserve a raise so do we.

With the cost of gas increasing the way it is and this also raises the cost of everything else, how can they expect us to go witout a raise.

May 1, 2008 @ 11:41 AM

31. FattCatt wrote:

May 16, Blue Flu!

>*x*<

May 1, 2008 @ 11:58 AM

32. FattCatt wrote:

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma City is the most recession-proof city in the nation, according to a national magazine.

Forbes said Oklahoma City has falling unemployment, one of the strongest housing markets in the country and solid growth in energy, agriculture and manufacturing.
(and yet we are told there is no money)

It said the city "might not have received the recession memo" and looks to be in the best position to ride out the current economic crisis.

Forbes said the city's key growth areas are in the leisure and hospitality industry and construction.

San Antonio ranks second on the list. Also in the top ten are Austin, Houston and Dallas, Texas; Raleigh and Charlotte, N.C.; San Jose, Calif.; Salt Lake City and Seattle.

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press.

hmmmmm So, Congress if time are so bad why are we considered the most recession-proof city in the nation? I say we have big fat liars in office. The money is there but Congress needs it for their raise!

>*x*<

May 1, 2008 @ 12:35 PM

33. FattCatt wrote:

Sorry here is the link to that story so some do not think I'm making this up.

http://www.koco.com/news/16108967/detail.html

>*x*<

May 1, 2008 @ 12:39 PM

34. Hank wrote:

Scott there have been threats of action taken against those who partake in a blue flue day but I will take some of my leave to come and shake up the house and senate. We cannot go another year being told to wait, what if next year is worse? we have so many employees that cant make ends meet now much less next year. We took furlough days to help the state when can we get help. Lets make it known to everyone just how our legislators vote so we can vote them out if they dont vote for us. Hank, Lawton

May 2, 2008 @ 1:31 PM

35. RC wrote:

I work for an agency that does not have much participation in OPEA. Most of my coworkers feel the dues are too high, yet they want to gripe about their pay. If a "blu day" is decided on I for one will take part. My welfare is my responsibility. I certainly wouldn't depend on my coworkers. Teachers certainly haven't gotten their pay raises for a job well done. If that was the case this country would not rank as low as it does in the education of it's youth. The squeaky wheel gets the grease...and the teachers are very squeaky! Believe me, I work in the capitol complex and have seen and heard them!

May 2, 2008 @ 2:53 PM

36. low man on the totem pole wrote:

well, let's see : first i heard the 13th was the day to "take a long break",after reading some emails here it's going to be the 16th? and someone said the 7th. wear red if you can't make it to the capitol. so far it seems not too organized yet. get it organized before the legislators turn yellow and avoid us, then get the word out

May 6, 2008 @ 4:31 PM

37. TC wrote:

we are getting our office to wear red even if they are not going, but to show support. We are also going to be calling legislators and the governor on our breaks. What are the other offices doing?

May 6, 2008 @ 6:44 PM

38. Ken wrote:

Low Man,

OPEA has set a date of May 13th.

Other dates on this blog are people sounding off and making sugestions to OPEA.

May 7, 2008 @ 6:30 AM

39. JPS wrote:

It's amazing, I'm a DHS employee and I'm eligible for all the benefits I assist others with. Something wrong with this picture?

May 7, 2008 @ 8:46 AM

40. Tim wrote:

I think we need to be more positive in the way we talk about our state leaders, after all they can log on read our comments to. I agree with everyone that state employees need and deserve a pay raise, but we don't need to insult or threaten to get one. I also think that everyone who receives a pay raise at any given time should contact the legislators and thank them. I have been a state employee for almost 21 years and could have left at any time to work somewhere else. I chose to stay because I like what I do, the hours I work, the benefits, and the stability. I think we need to take a look at the good side of being a state employee more.

May 7, 2008 @ 3:22 PM

41. Ken wrote:

Tim,

Are you a Senator or Representative?

Give me a break!

May 7, 2008 @ 11:43 PM

42. J. Switzer wrote:

Tim,

I agree that along with voicing our opinions on the negative side of our situation, we should also give voice to the positive side.

Here's the truth, as I see it. We are still here because of the little bit of "Good" we still have.

As our purchasing power erodes, so does the other "Good" things we have. What does it help me to have good insurance, if I'm afraid that it will cost me too much to drive to a decent doctor.

I live in Beaver, OK. And right now, a gallon of gas will cost me $3.55. That might not be so bad, except that to get to the next decent sized town, with a doctor's office that accepts Healthchoice, much less an optometrist that will accept VSP, (I have been told that VSP is too tough to work with by 3 different optometrists), is 90 miles away.

The "Good" part about being a state employee is what is keeping most of us here. Tempered with the fact that we love serving the people of Oklahoma.

When it reaches a point that I cannot keep myself afloat in order to render that service, I will move on. Regardless of how much I love my job, and what I do for the people of this state.

May 8, 2008 @ 12:22 AM

43. Tim wrote:

I am a Transportation employee and have been for 21 years. I agree we need and deserve a pay raise, what I am saying is let's not insult the people we are asking to give us one. When our kids talk back to us do we reward them or punish them? There is nothing wrong with contacting our legislators, but we need to be positive.

May 8, 2008 @ 7:27 AM

44. Tim wrote:

Senator Tom Ivestor has written a letter to the Governor requesting a dip into the Rainy Day fund to give all state employees a one time $2,700.00 bonus. I encourage everyone to contact their legislators to encourage them to support this move. I know it's not a pay raise, but it will help us out.

May 8, 2008 @ 9:35 AM

45. Jerry Nelson wrote:

I would like to see all State Employees get out and get their friends and family to vote out all the Ok State Legislatures as they come up for election. This is the only way that I can see to show the State law makers that the State Employees do have a say so in what happens in our State. They are not going to listen to or try to help the State Employees out. If I could get a e-mail list for all the Oklahoma State employees I would be glad to set up and send out letter asking for their help, I can do this on my own at home.

May 8, 2008 @ 10:41 AM

46. Red-headed step-child wrote:

I vote only for OPEA endorsed legislators.
Check the list on this site prior to each election and vote only for those who are state employee friendly.
Might not sway each and every election, but it certainly can't hurt.

As for being positive when contacting our legislators....I think the issue of asking them for a pay raise was done in a positive manner by OPEA and most state employees.
There is no need to be distasteful toward our elected officials.
However, they were put in office by the voting public and as such they are are working for us.
There's no need for us to cowtow to them.

May 8, 2008 @ 4:27 PM

47. ???? wrote:

Yes, OPEA was so positive & polite, they couldn't get state employees a pay raise! So now OPEA wants the employees to go act MAD? Ooh. Maybe OPEA should have acted professionally & shown an ability to get a pay raise instead of badgering the employees & telling them it is their fault because they are working so hard they don't have time to do OPEA's job for them!

May 10, 2008 @ 8:06 PM

48. Mark L. wrote:

????

You are exactly the type of person that kept us from getting the raise. Quit blaming OPEA for what you are not doing. I’m sure you are not even a member if you were; otherwise you would have suggestions as to what other types of action we could take to get our Legislators attention and get a raise. No your just happy with sitting on your butt, b****ing about what someone else is not doing for you. Yes I bet you are that one percent the media keys in on that gives State Employee a bad name.

I am not going to sit here and let you badmouth my association(OPEA)...jump off!

May 11, 2008 @ 5:17 PM

49. FattCatt wrote:

Amen Mark L.

>*x*<

May 11, 2008 @ 7:36 PM

50. Paul C. wrote:

Amen FATTCATT AND MARK! I'm surprised ????? could lift a finger to type something on this blog. ????, you could have used the time to make a phone call to your legislator!

May 12, 2008 @ 7:55 AM

51. **** wrote:

for various reasons i couldn't take anymore annual this month for the rally but i just checked newsok.com, "about 200 state employees rallied for nearly an hour....."
i hope everyone else that didn't go now regrets it like i do. 200 people standing around for not even an hour isn't going to help much.

May 13, 2008 @ 12:20 PM

52. On the way to the poor house wrote:

Yes, but we still got our point across. But again, a lot of folks don't check this website. There needs to be a better way to disperse info to Oklahoma employees. At the very least, flyers in the State office buildings. We could of had 10 times as many people if only they were made aware of this event.
Thanks for the T-shirt. I hope we made an impression in the galleries.

May 13, 2008 @ 2:48 PM

53. Red-headed step-child wrote:

Comment No. 52 is right on.
People don't know what's going on....they don't check this website or don't know about it.
Our liason does a good job of getting information to those of us in this office, but not sure each office has a liason.
There has to be a solution to this problem....flyers/posters.......something.

May 13, 2008 @ 3:41 PM

54. voted OPEA wrote:

If I'm not mistaken..Henry was OPEA's recommendation. He's been a great asset for teachers, but not other state employees....

May 13, 2008 @ 4:09 PM

55. **** wrote:

#54, exactly. OPEA can endorse someone all they want, during the election t