More than 80 educational support workers for the Potsdam School District recently turned out to protest a stalemate in their contract negotiations. The high cost of health care forced the workers to reject a district proposal that would have raised workers' out of pocket expenses. At the same time, Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members are upset that they earn the lowest wages, but pay 13 percent higher premiums than district teachers.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Oswego County Local President Ken Greenleaf and Central Region Executive Vice President and St. Lawrence County Local President Betty Thomas react to the 44-degree water of Oneida Lake as they take the plunge at the Polar Plunge at Oneida Shores. The event benefited the Special Olympics.
Mark Brantley, a senior management analyst and administrator for the New York County Clerk's Office and member of the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA), stands on the steps of the state Supreme Court Building in Manhattan.
Ruby Mims, center, of the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Erie County Local in the Western Region is PEOPLE recruiter for the month of December, 2009.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members Robbie Ellis, who also serves as Livingston County Local President (left), and Alise Rounsville brave icy Lake Ontario during the Rochester Polar Plunge February 14, 2011.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Metropolitan Region President George Boncoraglio demands respect for CFS (Child and Family Service) workers at a rally, surrounded by CFS workers and other supporters.
Gloria Smith of the Upstate Medical Center Local in the Central Region was PEOPLE Recruiter for the month of January, 2010. Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) PEOPLE (Public Employees Organized for Political and Legislative Equality) program protects and improves jobs, benefits and pensions in Washington, D.C., Albany and local communities.
Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson Unit member Larry Lawless uses a backhoe to clear snow from village fire hydrants. While village residents suffered widespread power outages and downed trees, the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) work force did an excellent job keeping the roads clear, enabling utility crews to restore power.
?Nearly 100 Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members in the Long Island Region demonstrate outside the district offices of New York State Senator Brian Foley. Foley and Senator Craig Johnson joined with the New York State Senate's Democratic leadership in calling for thousands of state workers to be laid off. They were among several Democratic senators CSEA targeted across the state for proposing the layoff scheme.
Wendy Nashid-Jackson, a licensed family child care provider and VOICE member from Mount Vernon in Westchester County, cares for two young children in this 2009 file photo. During the past year, more than 1,000 public employees formed a union with Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA). This is in addition to the 7,500 licensed family child care providers (VOICE) and the 17,000 license exempt child care providers who now have a first contract with the state Office of Children and Family Services.
Illustration by graphic artist Ralph Distin depicts the beginning a year-long celebration of the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) centennial.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) member and Clinton County Correctional Facility Local President Roger Willingham, left, believes the governor is unfairly targeting upstate communities. North Country residents rely heavily on public employment because of the lack of industry. The governor is proposing to close Lyon Mountain Correctional Facility in Clinton County in January 2011, and Moriah Shock Incarceration Facility in Essex County in April 2011.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) member Theresa Yackel, shown here on her job at the Minisink Valley Central School District, helped give her friend Barbara a second chance at a healthy life by donating a kidney.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Monroe County Part-Time Unit members Jaime Kennedy-Peer, front and Linda Holzapple demonstrate for a fair contract.
A reprint of a page from the April 17, 1989, edition of The Public Sector, then the Civil Service Employees Association's (CSEA) official newspaper. This page was the first of a four page insert that urged union members to participate in the first Workers' Memorial Day.
?A Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Yonkers School District member gets some help during a demonstration from one of the district's pupils. More than 300 CSEA members, other school workers, administration and Board of Education representatives, PTA representatives, students and concerned community members demonstrated in Yonkers against proposed budget cuts and layoffs in the district.
Photo used as faces of the work force in the 2007 Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) calendar shows New York City Parks worker Ramon Grimotes preparing the field before a baseball game at the Roberto Clemente State Park. It is used here as a promotion for nominations for the New York State Public High School Athletic Association's Excelsior Award.
New York Governor David Patterson and Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) President Danny Donohue engage in a frank discussion on CSEA/AFSCME Lobby Day 2010.
New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver listens as Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) President Danny Donohue makes a point while meeting in Silver's office on CSEA/AFSCME Lobby Day 2010.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) member and Rochester Public Library Security Guard Antoinette Davis patrols the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County.
Town of Oyster Bay Highway Foreman Electrician John Schuerlein was one of the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members who had a critical role in helping get Long Island back in order after a fierce storm. Schuerlein helped highway crews identify downed power lines during cleanup operations.
The cover of the May 2010 Work Force. More than 300 Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members, other school workers, administration and Board of Education representatives, PTA representatives, students and concerned community members demonstrate in Yonkers against proposed budget cuts and layoffs in the district.(12 x 13 photograph)
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) member and ??Herkimer County Unit President JoAnne LeClair shows the Public Employee Safety and Health violation notice the county received for failing to institute a proper Workplace Violence Prevention program and failing to include the union in the development of such a plan.
Photo of the Month, January, 2010. Nurse Assistant Certified Sarah Kennedy, left, and Nurse Assistant Martina Donnelly lift a New York State Veterans Home at Oxford resident into his bed using one of the facility's new ceiling lifts. Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members worked with CSEA's Occupational Safety and Health Department to urge the state to install the lifts in the new home. The lifts greatly reduce patient and worker injuries, reducing insurance costs for home operators.
Photo of the Month, February, 2010. Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Town of Manlius Highway Unit activist David Hale shows off a town snowplow to the Lion and Bear Dens of Cub Scout Pack 369 in Fayetteville/Manlius. Hale regularly makes presentations to elementary school children and community groups like the Cub Scouts.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Central Region President Colleen Wheaton speaks at a community meeting to oppose the closure of Ogdensburg Correctional Facility. State legislators Addie Russell and Darrel Aubertine are among those listening.
John Glena, husband of Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) member and Orleans County Nursing Home employee Kelley Glena, and Dave Pollock, husband of Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) member and Orleans County Clerk's Office employee Sharon Pollock, don their finest for the Rochester Polar Plunge February 14, 2011.
Kevin Kumor of the Erie County Unit, left, John Stading of the Erie Educational Local and Assemblyman Mark Schroeder meet outside the New York Assembly's chambers during the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA)/AFSCME Lobby Day 2010.
Quadalupe (Lupe) Johnson, posing at her job at the Nassau County Local office, is helping lead Next Wave programs for younger Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members on Long Island rally against New York Governor David Paterson's proposal to close dozens of state parks and historic sites across the state.
Niagara County VOICE/Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) child educator Cathey Sandman (left) stands with U.S. Senator from New York Kirsten Gillibrand (center) after Sandman testified in Washington, D.C., on the need for increased child care funding.
?Suzanne Case and Robert Hale, Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members from the Canastota Central School District, drive athletic teams to sporting events several times a week on average, promoting and encouraging school and team spirit. As part of CSEA's 100th anniversary celebration, the New York State Public High School Athletic Association and CSEA will honor a CSEA member who displays an extraordinary dedication to and support for high school athletics.
Certified Nurse Aides Carina Shultis, left, and Jeanette Utter help lift a resident into his bed at the New York State Veterans Home at Oxford using a portable lift. The Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) strongly advocated the new safe patient handling lifts be installed in the new building at the home.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Freeport Unit President Pete Reinke, right, stands with Diane and George Mulholland, a married couple who have worked for the village for a combined 63 years and whose job titles are not funded in the proposed budget.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) member and Kingsboro Psychiatric Center Unit Coordinator Rosalind B. Douglas wears a protective face mask. Douglas returned to work after recovering from the flu unaware that her building had been quarantined because of H1N1.
Brooklyn DDSO Local President Adriane Hudson studies the union's positions on important issues at the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA)/AFSCME Lobby Day 2010.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) statewide Treasurer Joe McMullen, Executive Vice President Mary Sullivan and Secretary Denise Berkley joined CSEA members at the union's booth during the 2010 Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Conference in Albany. Members participated in several workshops and panel discussions on topics ranging from public education to economic development. AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer William "Bill" Lucy also delivered the keynote address during the event's labor luncheon.
Genesee County Nursing Home Certified Nursing Assistant Yvette Bundy cares for resident Everette A. Johnson. Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members like Bundy provide quality care in public nursing homes across the state.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) and State Department of Taxation and Finance Local activist Douglas Murphy, left, with his son, Douglas Murphy Jr.
City of Beacon Unit President Reuben Simmons sees the importance of building the Civil Service Employees Association's (CSEA) reputation in the Beacon community. Simmons is pictured here working on cleanup efforts after a major storm passed through the area.
Rick Martinez, a Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) member working for the state Department of Transportation, received recognition for an idea he submitted that has improved snow plow safety. Martinez recommended an additional mirror on the state's trucks, designed to assist drivers with blind spots.
Lizette Marrero of the Long Island Developmental Center Local in the Long Island Region is the PEOPLE (Public Employees Organized to Promote Legislative Equality) Recruiter of the Month for March 2010. Participation in PEOPLE strengthens Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) clout in the workplace, in the legislature, in the community and in the labor movement.
More than 45 Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Central Region "Polar Peeps" team members were among the first "plungers" to enter Oneida Lake at the Polar Plunge at Oneida Shores to benefit the Special Olympics. The team was the largest team and largest fund-raiser at the event, bringing in more than $17,500.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) member Don Lynskey stands in Oneida County Supreme Court. Lynskey works hard to increase the local's communication with members.
VOICE/Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) activist Valeria Thomas holds up a "yes" ballot during the recent VOICE contract ratification count, during which members overwhelmingly approved its historic, first contract with the state Office of Children and Family Services. The contract includes provider program improvement grants; expanded access to Family Health Plus; guiding principles, or provider rights, to ensure more respect; technology upgrades to allow for more timely, accurate payments from the state and much more.
Lesly Senatus works the phones at the Rockland County Local Office, soliciting donations for earthquake victims in Haiti. The Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Rockland County Local's membership includes a large number of workers born in Haiti.
Photo of the Month in the April 2010 Work Force. Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson Unit member Ed Hembree has a camera's flash reflect off his safety vest while he works to clear a fire hydrant after a late-February blizzard. The efforts of Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members across the lower parts of the New York State made it possible for utility crews to rectify the massive power outages that occurred.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members demonstrate outside Ogdensburg City Hall against the state correctional facility's proposed closure.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members from the Long Island Region "Bathing Beauties" show their union pride amid torrential rains and strong winds at the North Hempstead Beach Park Polar Plunge on March 13.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) member and Humane Education Instructor Gelsy Freese with pomeranians Brandi, left, and Chanel, two of the dogs used in the Pet Therapy Program.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) and Roswell Park Cancer Institute Local Women's Committee member Dale Franklin adds a toy to an Easter basket. Members of the committee received enough donations and supplies for the endeavor that they assembled a dozen baskets for children in the pediatric ward and also donated baskets to Haven House, a shelter for women and children.
?Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) member and Albany County Department of Social Services Unit President Alex Whatley finds the transition to union officer challenging and rewarding. Whatley has elevated occupational safety and health awareness at the Albany County Department of Social Services.
Town of Southampton Unit members Philip Milo, Marie Deuel and Tom Cartino fight for respect for Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA)-represented individuals during a demonstration to speak out against Supervisor Linda Kabot's budget proposal that would lay off 49 town workers, close the town animal shelter and contract out two of the four town waste transfer stations.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) activist Sheri Ambuski is part of CSEA's Next Wave initiative, or "Under 35 initiative," which is designed to extend a hand to younger CSEA members and develop the union's future.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members and other community members, including Central Region President Colleen Wheaton, far left, attend a community meeting to oppose the closure of Ogdensburg Correctional Facility.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) President Danny Donohue meets with New York Senate Conference Leader John Sampson during CSEA/AFSCME Lobby Day 2010.
VOICE/Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) activist Benita Whitlock, along with a child to whom she provides day care, participate in a rally against subsidy cuts in Buffalo. VOICE/CSEA joined with Voice-Buffalo, a coalition of faith-based organizations and the YWCAs of Erie County to rally to protest drastic cuts in child care subsidies for working families. Many child care providers may also be forced to close or to lay off employees.
The cover of the Civil Service Employee's Association (CSEA) April 2010 Work Force depicts members fighting for public services during budget discussions in New York State.
Illustration by graphic artist Ralph Distin addresses the issue of work zone safety and the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) road safety initiative "Don't Zone Out."
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) member and Greene County 911 Dispatcher Jim DePerna works in the Communications Center of the county's Emergency Services Building. The county's dispatchers were key in helping county residents after a winter storm dumped more than four feet of snow on the county.
Cattaraugus County Probation Officer and Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) member Nila McIntyre poses with her 2009 Outstanding Service by a Probation Officer Award. McIntyre received the award in recognition of her service, dedication and professionalism, and her contributions to community corrections.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) and Roswell Park Cancer Institute Local Women's Committee members Nancianne Maynard and Sabrina Mitchell assemble Easter baskets for a dozen children in the pediatric ward. Members of the committee received enough donations and supplies that they also donated baskets to Haven House, a shelter for women and children.
The Albany Public Library recently celebrated its newest branch in the city's Pine Hills neighborhood. The grand opening on Dec. 5, 2009, drew hundreds of patrons and families. Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members staff the library. Collection Management Librarian Diedre Lisio shows off the large collection of Japanese Manga, or Anime.
In this illustration for the Civil Service Employees Association's (CSEA) monthly publication, graphic artist Ralph Distin addresses the issue of private agency "Temporary" workers employed by New York State.
VOICE/Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) joined with Voice-Buffalo, a coalition of faith-based organizations and the YWCAs of Erie County to protest drastic cuts in child care. More than 150 providers, parents and community members attended the rally.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) member and Newark Schools bus mechanic Nate Amos works on one of the school district's buses, helping ensure the safety of school children.
Massapequa School District Unit Treasurer Paul Lavigne, left, and activist Mike Molter enlist the support of Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members at the Nassau County Educational Employees Local conference. The unit has been working with an expired contract for nearly three years and members have been working with the media and residents to get information out about management's lack of movement in negotiations.
?From left, Pawling School District Unit President Jeff Stevens, Unit Secretary Tammy Fielding and Unit Safety and Health Coordinator Dawn Marino say the Civil Service Employees Association's (CSEA) successful push for improved lighting at the district bus garage is a win for district transportation workers and taxpayers alike.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) volunteer member organizers demonstrate on behalf of Center for Family Support workers looking to join CSEA. On far left is Sheila Conroy, Staten Island DDSO Local president. Fourth from right is Abraham Benjamin, Bronx Psychiatric Center Local president, and to his left are Lester Crockett, Metropolitan Region executive vice president; Rosemary Hampton, Creedmoor Psychiatric Center Local president and Metropolitan Region President George Boncoraglio.
Wantagh Library Unit members and members from the Nassau Municipal Employees Local demonstrated in front of the library to urge library board officials to settle a contract with Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA)-represented library employees, who have been working without a contract for six months.
Long Island Region President Nick LaMorte urges the Southampton Town Council to not balance the town budget on the backs of Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA)-represented workers.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) member Errol Odom stands in front of Newburgh City Court. Odom has experienced a surge in legal filings at the city court.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members attend a meeting to oppose the closure of Moriah Shock Incarceration Facility. The governor is proposing to close Lyon Mountain Correctional Facility in Clinton County in January 2011, and Moriah Shock Incarceration Facility in Essex County in April 2011.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members and Monroe County Local activists Holly Gudonis, Susan Newman and Fran Falzone needed coats and layers after the Rochester Polar Plunge February 14, 2011.
Metropolitan Region office assistant Moses Merisier and office manager Jessie McQueen, who have relatives in Haiti, help organize food, clothing and other supplies that Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members donated to earthquake victims in Haiti. McQueen lost a cousin and his two young children in the collapse of Port-au-Prince's Hotel Montana. Merisier's family was spared fatalities, but they lost their homes and livelihoods. After the devastating earthquake, Merisier and McQueen organized the donation drive. They are also helping coordinate a March 27 fund-raiser to benefit local humanitarian organizations, along with the region's Women's and Education committees, other unions and community groups.
Ruby Mims, the top statewide Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) PEOPLE (Public Employees Organized for Political and Legislative Equality) recruiter for 2009, poses with AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer Bill Lucy at the 2010 Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Conference in Albany.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) member and Dutchess Educational Local 2nd Vice President Guy Bilyou dries off after taking the Polar Plunge in Fishkill, New York.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) and City of Newburgh Unit members Alfred Bevier, left, and Jim Humphrey remove fallen tree branches from a city neighborhood. The Newburgh area was among the hardest hit by a blizzard that affected lower New York in late February. Recent budget cuts in Newburgh resulted in more than a dozen job cuts in the city's Department of Public Works.
Michael Patterson, left, hands Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) PEOPLE (Public Employees Organized for Political and Legislative Equality) Coordinator Cheryl Palmer 16 new PEOPLE membership applications as he arrives for CSEA/AFSCME Lobby Day in February.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Geneva School District Unit members and their supporters pose for a photo after a demonstration. CSEA school units throughout the Western Region are facing layoffs under New York Governor David Paterson's school funding cuts.
Don't Zone Out. The Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) new Occupational Safety and Health campaign is raising safety awareness around the state with a simple message: be careful driving through roadway work zones.