Photo used for the cover of the July 2011 Work Force: Fighting back in Local Government: Nassau, Erie County workers fight for jobs. Across the state, Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members working in local government are facing job losses and difficult contract negotiations as communities struggle with loss of revenue from a weak economy. At the June 28 special meeting of the Nassau County Legislature, legislators voted 10-9 to lay off CSEA members working for Nassau County. Hundreds of CSEA members, friends and families packed the chamber to dispute the layoff proposal brought forward by County Executive Ed Mangano.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Statewide Secretary Denise Berkley, center, joined Erie County Local and Unit President Joan Bender, far right, Erie County Department of Social Services Section President Kevin Kumor and members of the Erie County Local Next Wave Committee for an anniversary party celebrating the committee's accomplishments during its first year. The section's Next Wave members participated in numerous union and community events, including the CSEA Annual Delegates Meeting, regional conferences and meetings, campaigning for State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, marching in the Buffalo Labor Day parade, appearing in the AFSCME "A Better New York For All" video, hosting a "Union 101" seminar for new members and creating a Next Wave Facebook page and cleaning up of a local park. The Next Wave program is CSEA's initiative to recruit younger activists and respond to the needs of younger members.
Things tend to run smoothly at Monroe Community College thanks to people who often work behind the scenes, including those who work in shipping and receiving. Tom Pollizi, president of Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA)'s Monroe Community College Unit and a driver/mover in the college's shipping and receiving department, has been recognized for the seamlessness of his work by the State University of New York. He is recipient of the SUNY Chancellors Award in Classified Service, a statewide award that recognizes employees who demonstrate excellence in activities beyond the scope of their job description.
Mike Lagoda, a Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) member and mechanic with the West Seneca Central School District, recently won a bus mechanic regional "road-eo.'' He moves on to the state competition this summer in the Albany area. It's a chance to highlight the skills he uses to keep children safe.
Flowers are in bloom outside the Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society in Menands, thanks to a group of Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) 100th Annual Delegates Meeting attendees who spruced up the animal shelter's grounds and facility and helped recycle bottles as part of the Annual Delegates Meeting's Day of Service last October. Delegates also participated in several other community service projects that day, including volunteering at the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and the Louise Corning Senior Services Center.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) is donating copies of A Century of Service: The Story of CSEA's First 100 Years to libraries across the state. CSEA Central Region President Colleen Wheaton, front center, presents a copy to Jenica Rogers, director of libraries at SUNY Potsdam, as a gift from CSEA to recognize National Library week. To Wheaton's left is SUNY Potsdam Local President Diane Billings. Standing behind them from left to right are CSEA members working in the college's libraries: Kay Newman, Glen Bogardus, Frank Cayward, Jill Murray, Rita Bridgen, Sheila Muller and Angie Donah.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) is donating copies of A Century of Service: The Story of CSEA's First 100 Years to libraries across the state. CSEA's Rochester City Library Unit President Ove Overmyer and Western Region President Flo Tripi present a copy to Rochester Public Library Board President Sharon Orienter. Overall the Rochester City Library System received a dozen copies.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members participated in 2011 Workers Memorial Day remembrance ceremonies across the state to remember those who have passed away or sustained serious injuries while doing their jobs, including the members who have passed away during the past year. CSEA Central Region Executive Vice President Jeffrey Colburn speaks at a Workers Memorial Day ceremony at the state Department of Transportation Jefferson Residency as region Occupational Safety and Health Committee members James Jackson, Anthony DeCaro, Andy Roche and Committee Chair Joe Miceli look on.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members participated in 2011 Workers Memorial Day remembrance ceremonies across the state to remember those who have passed away or sustained serious injuries while doing their jobs, including the members who have passed away during the past year. CSEA Western Region President Flo Tripi, center, speaks during the annual ceremony at Western New York DDSO in West Seneca.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members participated in 2011 Workers Memorial Day remembrance ceremonies across the state to remember those who have passed away or sustained serious injuries while doing their jobs, including the members who have passed away during the past year. These empty chairs represent fallen workers at a Workers Memorial Day ceremony at the state Department of Transportation's Jefferson Residency in Watertown.