Ohio union members in good standing facing a layoff?

Filing for unemployment in Ohio just got a little easier.

 For Ohio members, the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services (ODJFS) implemented a new procedure on January 1, 2025.

 If you are laid off and applying for unemployment compensation benefits, you should check the box that says you are a member of a union that operates a hiring hall.

 ODJFS will verify that your union, BAC Local 23, is on their approved list – we are – and will confirm with us that you are a member in good standing. The old procedure that required you to take these extra steps yourself has been eliminated.

 Until ODJFS “flips” or approves your application in their electronic system as a member in good standing of a union with a hiring hall, you must engage in two work-seeking activities in order to qualify for benefits that include, for example, (1) contacting your union and (2) updating your resume.

 Yes, these two steps count as two. Click here and scroll down to see “Other activities that will meet your Weekly Work Search Requirements.”

 Once ODJFS approves your application, and this is expected to take a week or two, you do not need to do anything else to “seek work.”

If you return to work, and are laid off again, you will need to follow the same procedure to apply for unemployment benefits.

ODJFS believes this new process will move quickly and make it easier for a union member in good standing to meet their requirement to seek work in order to qualify for benefits.

Here is a link to get started.

We want to hear from you and your experience with this new system by sending us your ideas to info@bac23.org.

BAC Local 23 members in other states, stay tuned. We will send current information for your state soon.

The Nomination Meeting for the upcoming elections will be held this Saturday, Jan. 11 beginning at 11 a.m. at the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local, 1260 Kinnear Road, Columbus, OH 43212.

At that time, nominations will be accepted for President, Secretary/Treasurer and five Vice Chair positions for BAC Local 23.

An Election Committee, appointed by President Danny Musacchio in accordance with the Model Constitution, is responsible for the upcoming nominations and election.

The Election Committee members are Mike Collins, Donald Mays and Russell Cerisano.

Among other duties, the Election Committee is responsible for ensuring candidates nominated at the Jan. 11 nominations meeting in Columbus meet the eligibility requirements for serving as an elected officer for BAC Local 23.

Brrrrr. Due to the snow emergency in central Ohio, the Central Ohio Chapter meeting that was scheduled for tonight, Monday, January 6 has been cancelled and rescheduled for January 20 at 6 p.m. at 2005 Lamb Road, Columbus, OH, 43319.

The Northwest Ohio Chapter will hold a nomination meeting on Tuesday, January 7 at 6 p.m. at 1310 Siler St., Fremont, OH, 43420.

The Southwest Ohio Chapter will hold a nomination meeting on Thursday, January 9 at 6 p.m. at 1550 Chase Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223.

At these meetings, officers and negotiating committee members for each chapter will be nominated.

• We have an opening for a local Field Representative in the former Local 18 jurisdiction representing Kentucky and Ohio, and for a Field Representative in the former Local 7 jurisdiction in Ohio. If you are interested in being a Field Rep, and want to learn more about the positions, please send an email to info@bac23.org or call 440.986.3000.
• Mike Coates Construction, Inc. is seeking to hire union bricklayers to work on a project in Cleveland, Ohio beginning in February, 2025. The project includes detailed brickwork on a three-story structure at a private high school. The project is expected to last three months, but Coates will have other opportunities available throughout Northeast Ohio after the completion of the high school project. If you are interested, call Mike Coates Construction at 330.652.0190 or email the company at mail@mikecoatescontruction.com.