Thousands protest county executive's anti-American agenda in Nassau County. More than 5,000 demonstrators from dozens of unions across the state came together on October 17 to fight against the anti-American and anti-union agenda of Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano. Speakers who addressed the crowd included Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) President Danny Donohue, Executive Vice President Mary E. Sullivan, Secretary Denise Berkley (pictured at microphone), Treasurer Joe McMullen, Long Island Region President Nick LaMorte, Capital Region President Kathy Garrison and Nassau County Local 830 President Jerry Laricchiuta.
Thousands protest county executive's anti-American agenda in Nassau County. More than 5,000 demonstrators from dozens of unions across the state came together on October 17 to fight against the anti-American and anti-union agenda of Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano. Speakers who addressed the crowd included Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) President Danny Donohue, Executive Vice President Mary E. Sullivan (pictured at microphone), Secretary Denise Berkley, Treasurer Joe McMullen, Long Island Region President Nick LaMorte, Capital Region President Kathy Garrison and Nassau County Local 830 President Jerry Laricchiuta.
Thousands protest county executive's anti-American agenda in Nassau County. More than 5,000 demonstrators from dozens of unions across the state came together on October 17 to fight against the anti-American and anti-union agenda of Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano. Speakers who addressed the crowd included Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) President Danny Donohue (pictured at microphone), Executive Vice President Mary E. Sullivan, Secretary Denise Berkley, Treasurer Joe McMullen, Long Island Region President Nick LaMorte, Capital Region President Kathy Garrison and Nassau County Local 830 President Jerry Laricchiuta.
Thousands protest county executive's anti-American agenda in Nassau County. More than 5,000 demonstrators from dozens of unions across the state came together on October 17 to fight against the anti-American and anti-union agenda of Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano. Speakers who addressed the crowd included Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) President Danny Donohue, Executive Vice President Mary E. Sullivan, Secretary Denise Berkley, Treasurer Joe McMullen, Long Island Region President Nick LaMorte, Capital Region President Kathy Garrison and Nassau County Local 830 President Jerry Laricchiuta.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) welcomes Lester Crockett as the Metropolitan Region president following Metropolitan Region President George Boncoraglio's retirement in October. Crockett was the region's former executive vice president.
The Photo of the Month in the November 2011 Work Force. Caption reads: Thousands of demonstrators, including Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members, occupy Foley Square and Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan during the Occupy Wall Street movement to bring attention to the growing economic disparity in the United States.
The cover of the November 2011 Work Force. Standing for America in Nassau County: Thousands protest county executive's anti-American agenda in Nassau County. More than 5,000 demonstrators from dozens of unions across the state, including the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) came together on October 17 to fight against the anti-American and anti-union agenda of Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members honored workers on Labor Day through parades, picnics and other events across the state. In New York City, CSEA also paid a special tribute to all of those lost on September 11, 2001, as the city's Labor Parade coincided with the eve of the 10th anniversary of the attacks. In this photo St. Lawrence County Local members march in Massena.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members honored workers on Labor Day through parades, picnics and other events across the state. In New York City, CSEA also paid a special tribute to all of those lost on September 11, 2001, as the city's Labor Parade coincided with the eve of the 10th anniversary of the attacks. CSEA President Danny Donohue and Western Region President Flo Tripi attend a news conference before the Rochester Labor Day Parade.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members honored workers on Labor Day through parades, picnics and other events across the state. In New York City, CSEA also paid a special tribute to all of those lost on September 11, 2001, as the city's Labor Parade coincided with the eve of the 10th anniversary of the attacks. CSEA members prepare to march along the parade route in New York City.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members honored workers on Labor Day through parades, picnics and other events across the state. In New York City, CSEA also paid a special tribute to all of those lost on September 11, 2001, as the city's Labor Parade coincided with the eve of the 10th anniversary of the attacks. Dutchess County Local members make themselves heard at the New York City Labor Parade.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members honored workers on Labor Day through parades, picnics and other events across the state. In New York City, CSEA also paid a special tribute to all of those lost on September 11, 2001, as the city's Labor Parade coincided with the eve of the 10th anniversary of the attacks. Capital Region President Kath Garrison, far right, leads the CSEA delegation in the Capital District Labor Parade.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members honored workers on Labor Day through parades, picnics and other events across the state. In New York City, CSEA also paid a special tribute to all of those lost on September 11, 2001, as the city's Labor Parade coincided with the eve of the 10th anniversary of the attacks. In this photo CSEA members get fired up at the New York City Labor Parade.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members honored workers on Labor Day through parades, picnics and other events across the state. In New York City, CSEA also paid a special tribute to all of those lost on September 11, 2001, as the city's Labor Parade coincided with the eve of the 10th anniversary of the attacks. Central Region President Colleen Wheaton, second from right, leads the CSEA delegation in the Syracuse Labor March on the state fairgrounds in Geddes.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members honored workers on Labor Day through parades, picnics and other events across the state. In New York City, CSEA also paid a special tribute to all of those lost on September 11, 2001, as the city's Labor Parade coincided with the eve of the 10th anniversary of the attacks. Erie County Local activists, including Local President Joan Bender, second from left, front row, march in the Buffalo Labor Parade.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members honored workers on Labor Day through parades, picnics and other events across the state. In New York City, CSEA also paid a special tribute to all of those lost on September 11, 2001, as the city's Labor Parade coincided with the eve of the 10th anniversary of the attacks. CSEA Executive Vice President Mary Sullivan, right, who is also president of the Capital District Area Labor Federation, marches in the Capital District Labor Parade.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members honored workers on Labor Day through parades, picnics and other events across the state. In New York City, CSEA also paid a special tribute to all of those lost on September 11, 2001, as the city's Labor Parade coincided with the eve of the 10th anniversary of the attacks. From left, Long Island Region President Nick LaMorte, Southern Region President Billy Riccaldo, Statewide Secretary Denise Berkley, Metropolitan Region President George Boncoraglio and Metropolitan Region Executive Vice President Lester Crockett lead the CSEA delegation in the New York City Labor Parade in honor of those lost on 9/11.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members honored workers on Labor Day through parades, picnics and other events across the state. In New York City, CSEA also paid a special tribute to all of those lost on September 11, 2001, as the city's Labor Parade coincided with the eve of the 10th anniversary of the attacks. Southern Region activist Reuben Simmons honors those lost in the 9/11 attacks while marching in the New York City Labor Parade.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members honored workers on Labor Day through parades, picnics and other events across the state. In New York City, CSEA also paid a special tribute to all of those lost on September 11, 2001, as the city's Labor Parade coincided with the eve of the 10th anniversary of the attacks. CSEA activists, including Western Region President Flo Tripi, Monroe County Local President Bess Watts, CSEA President Danny Donohue, Western Region activists Debi Sherk and Sally MacDougal lead CSEA's delegation during the Rochester Labor Day Parade.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Statewide Treasurer Joe McMullen, New York State United Teachers Vice President Maria Neira and CSEA Executive Vice President Mary E. Sullivan, took part in a ceremony at NYSUT (New York State United Teachers) to honor those lost on September 11, 2011. Sullivan spoke at the event in her capacity as Capital District Area Labor Federation president, and reflected on the tragedy and loss of five CSEA members.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members across the state were involved in the immediate response to Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. Town of Hempstead workers remove debris from streets after Hurricane Irene. CSEA members in the Long Island Region responded swiftly before, during and after the storm to limit damage from the hurricane's surge, and repair erosion and damage afterward.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members across the state were involved in the immediate response to Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. State Department of Transportation worker Thomas Mims, of the Hamburg Shop Local, hoses mud and debris from Vestal Parkway in Binghamton following Tropical Storm Lee's flooding.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members across the state were involved in the immediate response to Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. Saratoga County Local member Matt Farnsworth, working in the Clifton Park Highway Department, clears downed tree limbs in a bucket truck.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members across the state were involved in the immediate response to Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. CSEA members working for the New York State Canal Authority represented by CSEA Black River Valley State Employees, Clinton County State Transportation, Franklin County State Transportation, and St. Lawrence County State Transportation Locals, work to fix a collapsed roadway in Elizabethtown, in Essex County.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members across the state were involved in the immediate response to Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. State Department of Transportation workers, represented by CSEA Black River Valley State Employees, Clinton County State Transportation, Franklin County State Transportation, and St. Lawrence County State Transportation Locals, work to fix a collapsed roadway in Elizabethtown, in Essex County.
The October 2011 Work Force contained the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA)'s 2011 candidate endorsements for the Western Region, which includes the county executive race in Erie County. The photo shows CSEA members at a We Are Erie County rally in Buffalo in June 2011. County Executive Chris Collins announced plans in June to cut 300 jobs from the county budget in 2012.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) activists Shana Davis, center, and Abraham Benjamin, right, were recently honored by the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU). Benjamin received an award for his work with the CBTU's Men's Committee, and Davis received the CBTU Woman of Hope Award. At left is CBTU Region 1 Director Terry Melvin, who is also the secretary-treasurer of the New York State AFL-CIO.
Lisa Vanderburg, a senior accounting clerk in the Health, Physical Education and Athletics Department at the Levittown district's Career and Technical Center and a Long Island Region Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) activist, was named this year's recipient of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association's Excelsior Award. The Excelsior Award honors CSEA members who show commitment in any role as a parent, coach, booster or staff member and results from individual volunteerism or the performance of one's daily job in a school district. With the CSEA banner behind her, Vanderburg throws the ceremonial first pitch at a Long Island Ducks game.
Lisa Vanderburg, a senior accounting clerk in the Health, Physical Education and Athletics Department at the Levittown district's Career and Technical Center and a Long Island Region Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) activist, was named this year's recipient of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association's Excelsior Award. The Excelsior Award honors CSEA members who show commitment in any role as a parent, coach, booster or staff member and results from individual volunteerism or the performance of one's daily job in a school district.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA)'s LEAD Class of 2011 gathered recently for their graduation in Albany. CSEA's Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) program is an intensive multi-faceted program aimed at enhancing the leadership skills of CSEA leaders and activists. Taught by both union staff and outside experts, this program begins with a general background of the labor movement and labor history, the negotiating process, governmental processes, and other important information about CSEA.
An illustration by graphic artist Ralph Distin in the October 2011 Work Force published by the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA). Opinions of the rich and powerful (before and after) shows how the rich and powerful blame public employees for the economic mess of New York state but after major storms swept the state the public employees were viewed as heroes.
Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee left their marks on New York, and Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members are out in force aiding in the storm recovery, showing the value of public workers across the state. Statewide Treasurer Joe McMullen volunteers with Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irene relief efforts in the Greene County town of Prattsville, one of the communities hardest hit by the storm. CSEA members across the state are aiding the recovery with their work and by volunteering.
Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee left their marks on New York, and Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members were out in force aiding in the storm recovery, showing the value of public workers across the state. Montgomery County Augo Mechanic Technician Rick Dingman, left, speaks with CSEA President Danny Donohue about the cleanup efforts of county Department of Public Works employees following the damage caused by Hurricane Irene.
Photo of the Month in the October 2011 Work Force. Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Statewide Secretary Denise Berkley lights a candle in honor of the CSEA members and other workers lost from the state Department of Taxation and Finance on September 11, 2001, at a September 8, 2011, ceremony at the department's New York City offices. CSEA honored all of those who lost their lives to the attacks, including 2,753 people at the World Trade Center. Among the World Trade Center losses are CSEA members Yvette Anderson, Florence Cohen, Harry Goody, Marian "Marty" Hrycak and Dorothy Temple. All were employed at the state Department of Taxation and Finance.
The cover of the October 2011 Work Force. Front-line workers to the rescue: Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members respond to Irene and Lee's devastation. CSEA members across the state were involved in the immediate response to Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. CSEA member Kris Waite was part of a crew of Town of Newburgh Highway Department workers who had to open up a town roadway to fix clogged pipes that were causing repeat flooding post-Hurricane Irene.
A photo of Omayra Camacho, a crime victims specialist for the state Office of Victim Services, used in a special section of the September 2011 Work Force: Always Remember: A commemorative 10th anniversary retrospective published by the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA). Camacho was among the first responders assisting the families and victims of the September 11 attacks. She now assists people who were involved in the cleanup, many of whom have developed cancer, were exposed to asbestos and have other illnesses.
A photo of Michael "Rocky" Rockdashil, a Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) unit president who serves as a lieutenant in the Baldwinsville Volunteer Fire Company, was used in the special section of the September 2011, edition of the Work Force, Always Remember: A commemorative 10th anniversary retrospective. Rockdashil forged a friendship in 1999 with fellow firefighter Michael Healey of Squad 41 in the South Bronx/Harlem area, who died in the World Trade Center collapse. In the photo he holds Healey's helmet shield. The Baldwinsville firefighters were not activated to respond but they held a fund-raiser and raised $20,000 for the families of the fallen firefighters.
A photo of Michael Browne, a Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Nassau County Local member, used in the special section of the September 2011 edition of The Work Force. Always Remember: A commemorative 10th anniversary retrospective. Browne, who works for the Department of Public Works as a sewer maintenance worker and is also a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician for the Rockville Centre Volunteer Fire Department, was sent to lower Manhattan with other members of the fire department to support the search and rescue operations being undertaken by city firefighters at the station closest to Ground Zero.
A photo of John Damato, a Nassau County Local member, used in the special section of the September 2011 edition of The Work Force, Always Remember: A commemorative 10th anniversary retrospective published by the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA). Damato, who works for the Department of Public Works as a sewer maintenance worker and is also a volunteer firefighter and member of the National Guard, was deployed in the days following the September 11, 2001, attacks on a six-month Guard tour during which he alternately sifted through piles of rubble at Ground Zero searching for human remains and guarded security check points at the World Trade Center site.
A photo of Jennifer Graley, a social worker and Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Chautauqua County Unit member, used in the special section of the September 2011 edition of The Work Force, Always Remember: A commemorative 10th anniversary retrospective. Graley traveled to New York City following the attacks, acting on a strong feeling that she needed to be in that place, at that time, doing whatever she could for those most in need.
A photo of Frank Cosentino, a senior mail and supply clerk for state Liquor Authority, used in the special section of the September 2011 Work Force, Always Remember: A commemorative 10th anniversary retrospective. The horror of witnessing victims leaping from windows brought Consentino into the forefront of safety and health issues affecting working people. He is currently the statewide chair of the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Occupational Safety and Health Committee, serves as the Metropolitan Region health and safety chair and also chairs the State Labor/Management Safety and Health Committee.
A photo used in the special section of the September 2011 Work Force, Always Remember: A commemorative 10th anniversary retrospective. Deborah Hanna, Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Health Research, Inc. Local president, stands in front of the nation's largest construction project, the World Trade Center. Following the attack, it was the nation's largest toxic waste site, which led Hanna and other union activists to create the 90 Church Street Coalition in order to protect the safety and health of workers and local residents being relocated. The 90 Church St. building is the smaller one on the right. On the left is the Liberty Tower under construction and next to it is World Trade Center 7, which is already occupied.
A photo used in the special section of the September 2011 Work Force, Always Remember: A commemorative 10th anniversary retrospective published by the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA). Co-workers at the state Department of Taxation and Finance and survivors who worked on the 86th floor of Tower 2 of the World Trade Center, from left, Margaret Ramsay, Terrel Silver and Marcia Smart, pay their respects to 39 co-workers who perished on September 11, 2001 at a memorial in their Brooklyn office.
A photo of Ken Bergmann, part of the State Emergency Management Office (SEMO) planning section who worked with a team of 10 people out of the state operations center to coordinate the response of several state agencies to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, used in the special section of the September 2011 edition of the Work Force, Always Remember: A commemorative 10th anniversary retrospective published by the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA). Bergmann is now retired.
A photo of Bill Howard, a front line coordinator of the state's response to the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001, used in the Special Section of the September 2011 edition of the Work Force, Always Remember: A commemorative 10th anniversary retrospective. In 2001, Howard worked as a deputy director of state operations for then-Governor George Pataki. Today, Howards is the director of the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA)'s Employee Benefit Fund.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA -represented state Executive Branch employees ratified a contract with New York state that keeps people working and protects rights and benefits. From left, CSEA Statewide Treasurer Joe McMullen, Statewide Secretary Denise Berkley, Executive Vice President Mary E. Sullivan, President Danny Donohue and Director of Contract Administration Ross Hanna take part in a news conference announcing CSEA's state contract ratification.
Photo of the Month for September 2011, edition of The Work Force. Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members and activists including Health Research Inc. Local President Deb Hanna, Jacqueline Stanford, Mary Harmon, Angelina Black and Damaris Rodriguez join Communication Workers of America (CWA) members on the Verizon picket line in lower Manhattan. Harmon's son is a Verizon worker. CWA members and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) struck at Verizon for two weeks in August over the bargaining terms for a new contract. The unions and Verizon have returned to the bargaining table.
Persistent and efficient efforts of a dozen Oyster Bay Local members working in the Sign Bureau Division help to prevent pandemonium on the streets by developing, producing, installing signs and maintaining the signs and lines on town roads and parking lots with limited personnel. Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Oyster Bay sign shop worker Mike Kremler replaces a street sign.
Persistent and efficient efforts of a dozen Oyster Bay Local members working in the Sign Bureau Division help to prevent pandemonium on the streets by developing, producing, installing signs and maintaining the signs and lines on town roads and parking lots with limited personnel. Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Oyster Bay Local member Wayne Rice creates a sign in the town's sign shop.
Photo of the Month in the August 2011 Work Force. Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) member Elizabeth Borden, a licensed practical nurse at the Rockland County Summit Park Hospital and Nursing Care Center, takes part in an advertising production for CSEA's new advertising campaign, debuting in August. Borden is one of four members photographed and filmed during a shoot at the Hilton Garden Inn in Newburgh. CSEA members in other parts of the state also participated in the campaign. Also pictured is Syracuse based commercial photographer Ron Trinca. Members were also filmed at their work sites.
Being in the right place at the right time was the difference between life and death for a Wallkill teen who was ejected from her car after it flipped in front of the home of Kim and frank Kosteczkos. The Kosteczkos, both members of the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) saved her life. After noticing the girl was pinned beneath the car, Frank and another motorist who stopped lifted the car while Kim was able to drag the teen out and used Frank's shirt as a tourniquet to stop a wound from bleeding. In this photo Kim Kosteczko, right, holds her award from the Ulster County Police Chief's Association. Next to her is her husband, Frank Kosteczko.
Assemblyman Rory Lancman and state Senator George Maziarz listen as Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Director of Occupational Safety and Health Janet Foley speaks to reporters at a press conference in the state Capitol about the benefits of safe patient handling programs. The Assembly Subcommittee on Workplace Safety recently released a report detailing the success of safe patient handling programs in health care facilities in New York and recommended passage of the Safe Patient Handling Act, sponsored by Lancman and Maziarz in their respective houses.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Statewide Secretary Denise Berkley recently told state lawmakers the majority of employees who care for people with developmental disabilities have been inaccurately portrayed in a series of New York Times articles alleging systemic abuse in the state developmental disabilities system. Berkley, who has more than 30 years of experience in the state Office for People with Developmental Disabilities system as a direct care worker, said CSEA represents 18,000 workers who care for nearly 40,000 individuals with developmental disabilities. She said only a tiny fraction of those employees have ever been brought up on disciplinary charges of any nature, let alone client abuse.
Governor Andrew Cuomo's plan to close Hudson River Psychiatric Center means vulnerable mid-Hudson Valley residents in need of mental health treatment will slip through the cracks, Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) President Danny Donohue told CSEA, PEF and community members at a demonstration. In this photo Hudson River Psychiatric Center Local President Mary Casale, local Treasurer Jim Schultz and Southern Region 1st Vice President Deb Downey demonstrate along Route 9 in Poughkeepsie.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Southern Region President Billy Riccaldo and CSEA President Danny Donohue lead a demonstration for mental health services in the Hudson Valley. Governor Andrew Cuomo's plan to close Hudson River Psychiatric Center means vulnerable mid-Hudson Valley residents in need of mental health treatment will slip through the cracks, Donohue told CSEA, PEF and community members at a demonstration.
The H.O.U.R. Westchester campaign ? Hourlies Organized and United for Respect ? began because Westchester County Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) leaders saw the need to strengthen the union by organizing these unrepresented employee groups. Nearly 1,000 hourly and seasonal workers work at the county's parks, pools, golf courses and an amusement park and some year-round employees work on an hourly basis with no benefits. In this photo Westchester County Unit President Karen Pecora, third from right, checks in CSEA members at the CSEA Playland Day.
The H.O.U.R. Westchester campaign ? Hourlies Organized and United for Respect ? began because Westchester County Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) leaders saw the need to strengthen the union by organizing these unrepresented employee groups. Nearly 1,000 hourly and seasonal workers work at the county's parks, pools, golf courses and an amusement park and some year-round employees work on an hourly basis with no benefits. In this photo, a Rye Playland seasonal worker talks with a CSEA organizer.
Victoria Kane, a kennel attendant at the Riverhead Animal Shelter, provides quality care to animals in her care despite short staffing and attacks by a local rescue group. Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Suffolk Municipal Employees Local members Lou Coronesi, an animal control officer, and kennel attendant Victoria Kane are the only public employees working at the Riverhead Animal Shelter, as the town increasingly relies on part-time "volunteers" to handle daily functions in an apparent move toward privatization.
Sheri Ambuske, an account clerk typist for the Department of Community Services and Mental Health in Olean, is using social media tools like texting, Twitter and Facebook to recruit new members and post current news for PEOPLE in the mostly rural area. She has already recruited 22 new members. PEOPLE is the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) and AFSCME's political action program which protects and improves jobs, benefits and pensions in Washington, Albany and in your community. Sheri Ambuske, left, discusses PEOPLE with her co-worker, Maureen Krueger, at the Cattaraugus County office building.
Illustration by graphic artist Ralph Distin: Everything under the sun shows how the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) educates its members for summer safety.
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. The situation will get worse as New York's new tax cap takes effect, limiting the ability of counties, cities, towns, villages and schools to manage their budgets. CSEA members Rachel Casey, left, Chris Chimera and Michele Weaver stand in support of libraries and county services during a We Are Erie County rally in downtown Buffalo.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) and the State of New York reach tentative contract: Plan balances shared sacrifice with fairness and respect. CSEA President Danny Donohue, center, is flanked by the CSEA State Executive Branch Negotiating Team and CSEA Director of Contract Administration and chief negotiator Ross Hanna during a news conference announcing CSEA's tentative state contract.
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. This photo is from a We Are Erie County rally in downtown Buffalo to support libraries and county services.
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.
State Department of Transportation workers participate in a Workers Memorial Day ceremony in Watertown's Jefferson Residency. 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.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) President Danny Donohue speaks at the state Department of Transportation's Workers Memorial Day remembrance ceremony in Albany. 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.
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. In this photo Long Island Region President Nick LaMorte and Nassau County Local President Jerry Laricchiuta take part in the Workers Memorial Day service in Hauppauge.
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. Central Region Safety & Health Committee members planted this tree as a living memorial to fallen workers outside the state Department of Transportation's Jefferson Residency.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) President Danny Donohue presents the Local Government Mission Achievement Award to Joanne LeClair, the Herkimer County Unit president at the Spring Workshop. CSEA members from across the state met at the union's annual Spring Workshop to unite, build and mobilize New York's Leading Union. Activists in attendance learned about the fight ahead to protect the Triborough Amendment and to tell the governor no tax breaks for his rich millionaire friends. CSEA awards its annual Mission Achievement Awards at the workshop to activists who exemplify the union's mission.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) President Danny Donohue presents the State Employee Mission Achievement Award to CSEA activist Bob Bostwick, a janitor at the State University of New York at Buffalo, at the Spring Workshop. CSEA members from across the state met at the union's annual Spring Workshop to unite, build and mobilize New York's Leading Union. Activists in attendance learned about the fight ahead to protect the Triborough Amendment and to tell the governor no tax breaks for his rich millionaire friends. CSEA awards its annual Mission Achievement Awards at the workshop to activists who exemplify the union's mission.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Central Region President Colleen Wheaton, Special Olympics New York CEO Neal Johnson and CSEA President Danny Donohue pose with the Polar Cap Award at CSEA's annual Spring Workshop. The Central Region earned the award for the second straight year by raising the most money for the Polar Plunge for the Special Olympics. CSEA members from across the state met at the union's annual Spring Workshop to unite, build and mobilize New York's Leading Union. Activists in attendance learned about the fight ahead to protect the Triborough Amendment and to tell the governor no tax breaks for his rich millionaire friends. In addition to the plenary and mobilization sessions, workshops focused on state government negotiations, on CSEA's "Don't Zone Out" campaign, Working People's History, the CSEA Next Wave movement, and "Uniting for Today, Building for Tomorrow."
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members filled the room to capacity in a workshop focusing on state contract talks with the Cuomo administration. CSEA members from across the state met at the union's annual Spring Workshop to unite, build and mobilize New York's Leading Union. Activists in attendance learned about the fight ahead to protect the Triborough Amendment and to tell the governor no tax breaks for his rich millionaire friends. In addition to the plenary and mobilization sessions, workshops focused on state government negotiations, on CSEA's "Don't Zone Out" campaign, Working People's History, the CSEA Next Wave movement, and "Uniting for Today, Building for Tomorrow."
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Next Wave members Andre Medlock, Sheri Ambuske, Michele Weaver and Justin Lelonek staff their table at the Spring Workshop. CSEA members from across the state met at the union's annual Spring Workshop to unite, build and mobilize New York's leading union. Activists in attendance learned about the fight ahead to protect the Triborough Amendment and to tell the governor no tax breaks for the rich. In addition to the plenary and mobilization sessions, workshops focused on state government negotiations, on CSEA's "Don't Zone Out" campaign, Working People's History, the CSEA Next Wave movement, and "Uniting for Today, Building for Tomorrow."
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) member and South Colonie School District custodian Doug Hutton took quick action that helped save a 72-year-old man who had been playing basketball with an over-50 league at the Roessleville Elementary School when he collapsed on the court. Hutton used a defibrillator that delivered a shock to the man's body. Paramedics arrived and delivered a second shock and the man started talking.
From left, Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) SUNY Stony Brook Local President Carlos Speight, Suffolk County Legislator Sara Anker and SUNY Stony Brook Local Executive Vice President Debbie Nappi-Gonzales fight to keep the Elsie Owens Health Center open. More than 50 SUNY Stony Brook Local members demonstrated in front of the Health Center in Coram to protest the proposed closure of that facility, which treats about 30,000 people each year. The potential loss of this critical facility is directly related to drastic reductions in aid from the state and is likely to place an added burden on hospital emergency rooms in close proximity, putting the health of Suffolk County residents at greater risk.
Some of the more than 50 Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) SUNY Stony Brook Local members demonstrate in front of the Elsie Owens Health Center in Coram to protest the proposed closure of that facility, which treats about 30,000 people each year. The potential loss of this critical facility is directly related to drastic reductions in aid from the state and is likely to place an added burden on hospital emergency rooms in close proximity, putting the health of Suffolk County residents at greater risk.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) High Peaks State Employees Local members fill sandbags at the Saranac Lake Village garage. As devastating floods swept through Clinton, Essex, Warren and parts of Saratoga counties CSEA members put their personal lives on hold as they scrambled to help residents and businesses and went into action on a moment's notice, staffing a pumphouse around the clock, delivering and laying sandbags and leading a relief effort that netted 15,000 sandbags.
CSEA Village of Rouses Point Unit President Jason Juneau stands by a flooded boat ramp in Rouses Point. As devastating floods swept through Clinton, Essex, Warren and parts of Saratoga counties, Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members put their personal lives on hold as they scrambled to help residents and businesses and went into action on a moment's notice, staffing a pumphouse around the clock, delivering and laying sandbags and leading a relief effort that netted 15,000 sandbags.
CSEA members Jesse Fitzgerald, Jon Charland, John Lefebvre and Ross Robert lay sandbags at Swiss Marine in Saranac Lake. As devastating floods swept through Clinton, Essex, Warren and parts of Saratoga counties, Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members put their personal lives on hold as they scrambled to help residents and businesses and went into action on a moment's notice, staffing a pumphouse around the clock, delivering and laying sandbags and leading a relief effort that netted 15,000 sandbags.
An illustration by graphic artist Ralph Distin in the June 2011 Work Force, published by the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA), called Sharing the Pain, depicts Governor Andrew Cuomo's and the state Senate's push for tax cuts for New York's wealthiest residents in order to create jobs, while preaching budget restraint and cuts to public services which puts people out of work.
VOICE/Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) moves into next chapter: More than 200 VOICE/CSEA representatives from across New York State met in Albany where they reminisced and celebrated, retracing Local 100A's roots. They met with public officials and CSEA leaders and ratified an Action Plan moving Local 100A into 2012 with ambitious goals. In this photo, from left, CSEA Secretary Denise Berkley, Treasurer Joe McMullen, Executive Vice President Mary Sullivan, state Sen. Diane Savino and CSEA President Danny Donohue take part in the VOICE in our Capital conference.
VOICE/Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) moves into next chapter: More than 200 VOICE/CSEA representatives from across New York State met in Albany where they reminisced and celebrated, retracing Local 100A's roots. They met with public officials and CSEA leaders and ratified an Action Plan moving Local 100A into 2012 with ambitious goals. In this photo, VOICE providers listen to speakers at the VOICE in our Capital conference.
Photo used as the Photo of the Month in the June 2011 Work Force. Ella Rascoe, 8, of Plattsburgh, warms up with a glove toss before taking the field on the opening day of Little League. Her "CSEA" team is sponsored by Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA)'s Clinton County Local. The local began supporting Little League 10 years ago through sponsorship of the Plattsburgh Little League All Star Tournament.
The cover of the June 2011 Work Force: VOICE in our Capital: Excitement, enthusiasm as child care activists set their agenda. More than 200 VOICE/Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) representatives from across New York State met in Albany where they reminisced and celebrated, retracing Local 100A's roots. They met with public officials and CSEA leaders and ratified an Action Plan moving Local 100A into 2012 with ambitious goals.
A photo of Joseph Gavit at work in the State Library in 1946. A state library worker who began as a junior clerk in 1896, Gavit was integral in documenting what was lost in a fire that tore through the State Capitol on March 29, 1911, destroying vast amounts of New York's history. Gavit's knowledge of the library collection would serve him well in helping to address the fire's aftermath, a task that filled the rest of his career. He was active in the Association of State Civil Service Employees, the original name of the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA), and retired from state service in 1946 after 50 years.
A photo of Joseph Gavit as a young man. A state library worker who began as a junior clerk in 1896, Gavit was integral in documenting what was lost in a fire that tore through the State Capitol on March 29, 1911, destroying vast amounts of New York's history. Gavit's knowledge of the library collection would serve him well in helping to address the fire's aftermath, a task that filled the rest of his career. He was active in the Association of State Civil Service Employees, the original name of the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA), and retired from state service in 1946 after 50 years.
Thanks to a dedicated town street lighting crew, Hempstead is brighter and safer at night. Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) activist Gary Aue, a field supervisor for the town, oversees a crew of 12 workers who are responsible for maintaining nearly 50,000 lights ? enough to stretch from Long Island to Colorado if they were placed in a straight line. In the photo, Town of Hempstead street lighting crew member Nick Acuri repairs a streetlight in North Valley Stream, a hamlet within the town.
Teaching associates in the Niagara Falls School District took to the street to protest job cuts and stalled contract talks with management. At issue is the loss of 33 jobs, as well as health insurance proposals by the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) that would level the playing field and create fair and equitable health insurance costs for unit members. Alida Barreto, a special education associate, leads co-workers during a demonstration against budget cuts.
Long Island Region Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) members rally in Hauppague against Governor Andrew Cuomo's budget. This was part of a day of action to show support for public employees in Wisconsin and elsewhere across the country on April 4, culminating in hundreds of We Are One rallies, emphasizing workers' rights and the growing gulf between the super rich and everyone else.
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Rockland Psychiatric Center Local activist Sheila Dunlop takes part in a Newburgh We Are One rally. This was part of a day of action to show support for public employees in Wisconsin and elsewhere across the country on April 4, culminating in hundreds of We Are One rallies, emphasizing workers' rights and the growing gulf between the super rich and everyone else.