Official Publication of The Civil Service Employees Association Local 1000, Vol. 8, Ni By =
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employe Ze
= y ipal, Employees 7AFL CIO, Ree, Friday, June 28, 1985
Will public employees be able
_ to keep their heads above water?
Edge 9-12)
Inside - = oe ss
moss §& © working
Ea i o£ — D childebuse.
Walking the
line. Page 3.
eee
CSEA members
honored. Page 15.
Contracts. Page 2.
: ce paid as soon a July 18 (i
erational bargaining units. : 24 (Administrative payro
: *CSEA must ratify contracts. Done. _ due July 3 (Insitutional us and July 10 (Adminis-
Q tative payroll). : g
niraer News
e
¥ Persistence pays off in new pact
CHOHARIE—“‘Because of strong, vocal membership support, we end-
ed up with a better contract,’”’ says Kathy Saddlemire, president of Schoharie
County Local 848.
Saddlemire credits the unity of county members for helping the union’s
bargaining team to get the attention of the County Board of Supervisors.
“First the members were very supportive of the bargaining team in its
yearlong quest for a contract,” she explained. ‘‘And when the members over-
whelmingly rejected the county’s offer by a 126-9 vote, our people directed
their anger not at the union but at the county board. That was the key.”
The county workers told the board members in private conversations as
j well as through newspaper articles that they wanted more than a fact finder’s
recommended two-year salary offer of $625 plus increment in 1985 and $650
plus increment in 1986. The members also told the board that they wanted
agency shop and a dental insurance plan, not just a promise to look into the
matter.
___ “Because of their unity a new three-year contract providing 16.5 percent
increments was negotiated by the very team that previously was only offer-
ing flat dollar increases,” Field Representative Donald McCarthy said.
“The new pact has agency shop and a dental plan for the workers,” he
said.
“Our members now know that when they stick together and work together
they can make their point and win,” Saddlemire said.
School workers
step up to
wage increase
ELMSFORD—A three-year contract for clerical and custodi-
al employees of the Elmsford School District in Westchester County
was recently signed and goes into effect July 1. The pact provides:
© $100 step increase and a 10 percent salary increase in the
first year;
¢ 7 percent increases in the second and the third years;
¢ and a 20-year retirement program.
In addition, the contract includes a new step worth 4 percent
in the first year.
AT CONTRACT SIGNING—Seated, from left, are Unit President
Dominick Nacerino, School District Business Manager Judith Ross
and Board of Education Trustee Anthony Iadarola. Standing are
Region III CBS Don Patrick, School Superintendent Dr. Robert
Paulding, Unit Vice President Rhoda Siwek and Region III Presi-
] dent Pat Mascioli.
Pay, benefits upped
in Ontario Co. pact
CANANDAIGUA—The 500-member Ontario County Employees Unit
of Local 835 has reached agreement and signed a two-year contract that
boosts wages and benefits.
Wages will be increased in both years of the pact by 5 percent of
1984 wages or $600, whichever is greater, plus increments where applica-
ble. Employees at step 6 of the salary schedule will receive a 6 percent
increase, with hourly-paid employees receiving an increase of 40 cents
per hour in both contract years.
Any employees receiving a promotion will gain a minimum of $300,
up from $200 in the previous contract.
Vacation leave has been improved by combining personal and va-
cation accruals. Maternity and adoption leaves also have been improved,
and grandchildren have been added to the funeral leave-of-absence pro-
vision.
A panel of five permanent arbitrators will be put in place to expe-
dite grievance and disciplinary procedures, and unit members have
gained parity with management for tuition reimbursement.
Overtime pay will be paid at time-and-one-half for all hours worked
beyond the regular workday, and employees may use up to five days
accumulated sick leave for each disability, instead of five days total.
Travel pay for use of personal vehicle will be paid at the rate of 21
cents per hour.
CSEA Field Representative Jack Miller was joined in negotiations
by a committee that included Unit President Jim Linder, Linda Syd-
ney, Bob Russo, Steve Ernhout and Bud Allen.
i
i
|
2
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
_/ Westchester contract
OK'd by 12-1 margin
WHITEPLAINS — CSEA members in Westchester County have voted
overwhelmingly to ratify a three-year contract that will affect 6,000 em-
ployees.
According to county Unit President Richard Saluga, members voted
2,672-231 to accept the agreement which provides a 5 percent wage increase
retroactive to Jan. 1 and 6 percent increases in each of the next two years.
In addition, the agreement contains improvements in longevity and
differential pay.
In a letter to members prior to the vote, Saluga had urged approval of
the package following 8 months of negotiations.
of Orchard Park pact
harvests new gains
ORCHARD PARK—CSEA has won a three-year pact containing wage and
benefits improvements for the 28-member Town of Orchard Park Blue Col-
lar Unit of Local 815.
Wages will increase by 40, 45 and 57 cents per hour in the first,
second and third years, respectively for all members of the unit.
Upgradings of heavy equipment operators and mechanics will mean an
additional 10 cents per hour in the first two years of the agreement.
A clothing allowance covering all members was also gained. The
provision calls for a $50 allowance in year one, $55 in year two, and $65 in
year three.
Health benefits include a fully-paid dental plan and continuation of health
insurance for surviving spouse of deceased employees.
Unit President Tony Delmonte praised Field Representative Vince
Sicardi’s ‘truly professional handling”’ of negotiations for the unit. Sicardi
was joined by Delmonte, Edwin Hauser and Robert Eberlin in the contract
talks.
sr:
eR
June 28, 1985
-» Tom Hannigan
By Ron Wofford
CSEA Communications Associate
LOCKPORT—When Tom Hannigan walks to
work, it’s only the beginning.
Why? Because, once he gets there, he keeps
right on walking. And walking. And walking.
For thirty years, the banks of the Erie Barge
Canal have been the workplace and ‘“‘walk-place”’
for Hannigan, a the DOT employee and member
of Local 514.
“Back in 1955, when I first started,” recalled
Hannigan, ‘‘I used to walk one way from Lockport
to Gasport, which is about seven miles, then I’d
catch the bus back. After a while, I was asked to
walk both ways,” a 14-mile roundtrip walk.
That change is only one of many Hannigan has
seen over the years he has worked as a watchman
for the barge canal. He has even seen his job title
change name, from “bank walker to walkman or
walker, that guy that walks along the canal.”
But his main job function has remained the
same over the years: keeping an eye out for struc-
tural damage to the canal banks and bridges,
checking for leaks that might cause damage to ad-
joining property, looking for signs of potential
cave-ins.
“T once found leaks in seven places on one piece
of property,’’ Hannigan remembered, “and we
called in the state barge, the Lockport, which
picked up the clay and stone needed for repairs
from our quarry in Pendleton. Luckily, we got to
it before it ruined a farmer’s planted field by
flooding.”
Large tugboats no longer ply the canal on a
regular basis, but when they did, the crew would
wave and toot the tug whistle at Hannigan, who
is now greeted by steadily-growing recreational
boat traffic in the waterway. And residents whose
property is near the canal have come to view him
as a fixture, and extension of the canal, accord-
ing to Frank Langdon, Local 514 President.
‘‘He’s even more popular now, since he’s be-
June 28, 1985
rr
Barge Canal Walker —
One of a
je anishing bree
come a TV star,’’laughed Langdon, referring to
Hannnigan’s recent appearance on a local news
feature that highlighted unusual jobs.
Langdon said fellow 514 members estimate Han-
nigan has walked more than 75,000 miles in his
30-year career of state service, which in a straight
line, would take him around the world a few times,
or across America more than 20 times.
A steady companion for Hannigan in his daily
walking duties is his dog, Princess, who also helps
keep unfriendly dogs—or people—away. ‘‘I was
robbed once, before I started bringing Princess
along. The Lockport police caught them within an
hour, though. Princess helps prevent any prob-
lems like that,”’said Hannigan.
Another unpleasant memory was his discovery
of a suicide victim’s body floating in the canal
several years ago, Hannigan said. ‘“‘But most of
my memories have been pleasant ones.”
“Walking is good for everyone, and it keeps you
healthy,’’observed Hannigan. ‘‘And you’re very
close to nature out here. You see deer, foxes,
woodchucks, rabbits, pheasants and all kinds of
birds.”
In winter, when the canal is closed to boat traf-
fic, Hannigan works in the canal garage, perform-
ing custodial or equipment duties. He has als
worked as a bridge operator for the canal
authority.
He loves being out along the canal, and
isn’t sure when he’ll be ready to retire,
even after 30 years on the job. “I’ve got 44
two more years to go before I’m
even old enough to request retire-
ment,” he observed. “I could
work to 70, but I don’t think I’ll
a Three
decade
want to work that long. Right now I feel good do-
ing what I’m doing.”
HANNIGAN
AND PRINCESS
y é
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
3
geublic
SECTOR
Official publication of
The Civil Service Employees Association
Local 1000, AFSCME, AFL-CIO
33 Elk Street, Albany, New York 12224
The Public Sector (445010) is published every other
Friday by The Civil Service Employees Association,
33 Elk Street, Albany, New York 12224
Publication Office: 1 Columbia Place, Albany, New
York 12207. Second Class Postage paid at Post
Office, Albany, New York
ROGER A. COLE — Editor
TINA ' K. BAKER — Associate Editor
Address changes should be sent to: Civil Service Em-
ployees Association, The Public Sector, 33 Elk Street,
Albany, New York 12224.
CSEA auto insurance
I ASSURE
YOU, THEY'RE
THOROUGHLY SHUFFLED
— YoU DON'T HAVE To
CUT THEM!
VOTING RESULTS
AVAILABLE
ALBANY — A local-by-local listing of voting
results in the recent CSEA 1985 statewide officers is
available for reviewing.
Overall results were announced on June 13 with the
plan rolling along well
ALBANY — CSEA’s experimental service to as-
sist members in obtaining free quotations on union-
sponsored auto insurance has generated such
response, that CSEA has decided to expand the
program.
As of Monday, June 18, CSEA members can now
dial 1-800-462- 2636 or 1-800-342-6272 (be-
tween 5 and 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday) and
receive free quotations on both homeowners and
renters insurance. This service will be conducted in
4
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
the same manner as the Masterplan auto insurance
service: members need only call either toll-free num-
ber and provide information requested by Master-
plan insurance counselors and, within 48 hours, a
free quotation will be in the mail to those members.
This experimental program, in operation since
May 6, has serviced more than 500 calls, The suc-
cess of this program is attributed to the coverage
provided by this union-sponsored program and to
incumbents — President William L. McGowan, Ex-
ecutive Vice President Joseph E. McDermott, Treas-
urer Barbara M. Fauser and Secretary Irene Carr
— winning re-election.
Election results are being printed in a format list-
ing the total votes members of each CSEA local cast
for each of the candidates. A copy of the list will be
mailed to each CSEA local president, who will make
it available for reviewing by any member who wishes
to do so, Members who wish may contact their local
president to arrange a time and date to review the
results.
the sheer convenience of comparison shopping—
for insurance—by phone.
Deadline for annual
meeting resolutions
ALBANY — Aug. 21 is the deadline for delegates to submit resolutions
to put on the agenda of CSEA’s annual meeting.
Union by-laws require that such proposals be submitted “at least 60 days
prior to the beginning of the annual meeting.” The convention starts on Oct.
21 this year.
Resolutions should be sent to:
Irene Carr
CSEA Statewide Secretary
P.O. Box 7125
Capitol Station
Albany, N.Y. 12224
Carr will forward all proposals to the Resolutions Committee for review
and recommendations.
The 12-member committee includes two convention delegates from each
CSEA region—one appointed by the CSEA president and the other by the
CSEA regional president. By-laws require that the committee must be in place
each year by July 15.
OOPS...
In the last issue of The Public Sector, Ray O’Connor, a candidate for CS9EA
statewide president, was incorrectly identified as Southern Region president,
a position he formerly held. Pat Mascioli now serves a Southern Region III
president,
June 28, 1985
portant.
More on H.H.
(hemochromotosis)
CSEA member diagnosed
with disorder since
Sector story
STRESSFUL — Marcy Can-
nizzaro, left, and Joan New-
man investigate reports of
child abuse in Putnam County.
Both say they love their jobs,
but point out that the stress of
their hectic workdays make
keeping a sense of humor im-
By Anita Manley
CSEA Communications Associate
MAHOPAC — The bad news is that up un-
til a few years ago, it was swept under the
rug.
The good news is that local agencies are
now prepared to deal with reports of child
abuse. Best of all, dedicated and caring em-
ployees like Joan Newman and Marcy Can-
nizzaro are there to investigate the reports
and make the referrals for the services that
will heal the wounds of a broken family.
Their co-workers call them the ‘‘SWAT
team,’’ but Cannizzaro and Newman,
caseworkers with the Putnam County Child
Protective Services Unit, say it’s all in a
day’s work.
We're about as welcome as the devil,” said
Cannizzaro, who along with her co-worker
has had to place children in foster homes, in-
terview abusive parents and their abused
children, and testify in family court.
One of the toughest situations to deal with
for these employees is the area of child sex-
ual abuse.
“You always believe the children in these
cases,” said Cannizzaro. ‘“‘They couldn’t
make up these stories.”’
Once the investigation is completed, an en-
tire network of services is provided to the fa-
mily. This includes foster care, homemaker
and transportation services, and parent
aides. In some cases, local law enforcement
agencies must also become involved to en-
sure the safety of the victims.
Both caseworkers agree that Putnam
County residents are lucky that there are
numerous agencies and volunteer organiza-
tions available to provide help. For instance,
for troubled and underprivileged children
there are a variety of alternatives from
which to choose. Some have been sent to
camps, given music lessons, had dental
braces paid for, and received gifts for Christ-
mas and birthdays through the generosity of
residents in the county.
While there may seem to be more child
abuse today than ever before, that is not
necessarily the case.
“Tt may not be that it’s more prevalent,
‘Abusers come from all walks of life.
I’ve been in hovels and in mansions.’
ALBANY — Dr. Margret Krikker, president and
founder of the Hemochromatosis Research Foun-
dation, will be a guest on Nancy Norman's channel
17 “Live Line,” July Ist, at 5:30 p.m..
Krikker, a one-time CSEA member, will talk about
Hereditary Hemochromatosis (H.H.), a disorder that
can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated. She will
also give details of a free screening test for 2,000
residents in the northeastern New York area,
The March 8 issue of The Public Sector carried
a story about H.H. and Dr. Krikker, who in 1970
left her job as a physican at Suny’s Student Health
Service in Albany to devote more time to her pri-
vate practice and the cause of H.H. Since the arti-
Two women working
to save children
from abuse
but just that it’s brought out more. People
are more apt to report it today,” says
Newman.
She added that anyone who regularly deals
with children, such as teachers and nurses,
are now mandated by law to report suspect-
ed cases where children have been abused.
However, she noted that there is a com-
mon denominator among abusive parents:
many have been abused themselves. On the
other hand, no segment of society is
immune.
“Abusers come from all walks of life. I’ve
been in hovels and in mansions,” Newman
said.
Because their line of work has the capaci-
ty to wreak havoc on the emotions, they point
out that there are certain qualifications that
workers in child protective services need to
have.
“It’s most important to have a sense of hu-
mor,” says Newman.
“And the patience of a saint,” adds Can-
nizzaro.
‘And you can’t be judgmental.”
Both women are CSEA members and, like
their jobs, take their role in the union seri-
ously. Newman is secretary of Putnam
County Local and of her unit, as well as act-
ing as chairwoman of the local Political Ac-
tion Committee and serving on the regional
and statewide PACs. Cannizzao is a mem-
ber of the local PAC and has served as a del-
egate and as a member of the local executive
board.
Both are also members of the National
Child Protective Workers Association.
A 12-year employee of Putnam County,
Cannizzaro started her career as a recep-
tionist.
“My goal was to work in Child Protective
Services from day one,”’ she remarked. ‘I
love my stress. I can go home at the end of
the day and say I did a good day’s work.”
Newman started with Putnam County five
years ago in Child Support Enforcement, but
said she felt that working in Child Protective
Services would be ‘‘more meaningful.
“T like the confrontation,”’ she said.
cle’s appearance, at least one CSEA member has
been diagnosed as having the disease.
Persons afflicted with H.H., also known as heredi-
tary iron- overload, absorb too much dietary iron in
their body from infancy on. Slowly, the iron accumu-
lates and eventually damages vital organs. The dis-
order is estimated to affect between 9,000 and
17,000 residents in the area, and 186,000 to
300,000 persons are believed to be carriers.
Screening is the best preventative medicine.
Interested blood donors may obtain applications
by sending a self-addressed and stamped envelope
to: “H.H.” Screening, P.O. Box 8569, Albany, New
York 12208.
June 28, 1985
THE PUBLIC SECTOR 5
ast June, workers repre- Underlying the strike was the work” Virginia, these would have
sented by UFCW Local 400 insistence by Marval’s management opened up union members to
unanimously voted to strike on new contract provisions that harassment and intimidation.
the Marval Poultry Company of would have made it impossible for In response to the situation at
Dayton, Virginia. As the strike the union to adequately represent Marval, the AFL-CIO called for a
nears its first anniversary, the workers at the firm. These included nationwide boycott of Marval
employees at Marval, which oper- an end to the grievance and arbitra- turkey:
ates the world’s largest turkey pro- tion procedure, abolishment of the The strike and boycott have won
cessing plant, are still awaiting a steward position and changes in the support of a wide range of com-
Just resolution to their struggle. membership rights. In “right-to- munity, civic and religious organi-
zations, including members of the
nearby Washington Redskins Foot-
ball team. Workers and supporters
6 THE PUBLIC SECTOR
OE £E__
A year of gobbling up workers’ ri
from around the country have also
sent money, food and clothing to
support the struggle of the men and
women at Marval and have actively
promoted the boycott of Marval tur-
key products in their communities.
Marval is marketed under many
brand names. But you can boycott
the turkeys by looking for the
USDA plant stamp label —“P-18"—
which always appears on the
wrapper or on the metal band
around the package.
June 28, 1985
Region V
warms
up at
summer
meeting
e @ ®@
Play on
safety at work
draws applause
LEGAL TALK — Tony Campione, left CSEA statewide Legal Program Administrator, discusses departmental
service with participants in the Region V Resource Fair. Pictured with him, from left, are: Fair Coordinator
Mark Smacher, Regional Program Chairwoman Maureen Malone, and Region V President Jim Moore.
BINGHAMTON—A warm gathering of more than
250 CSEA members turned out for the recent Region
V Summer Conference here. Named in honor of late
CSEA Executive Vice-President Thomas H.
McDonough, the three-day meeting focused on
educating members about safety issues and the ar-
ray of union services available to them.
The hit of the event was an improvised skit on safe-
ty and asbestos, presented by the region’s safety
committee, under the direction of Regional Occupa-
tional Safety and Health (OSH) Representative Chris
Jamison.
The cast, which dubbed themselves the “Big Safety
Players,”’depicted a scenario involving a ‘‘typical
employee” confronted by an ‘‘aggressive boss” who
wants asbestos removed from a worksite. In this
CSEA saga, the employee (played by Regional Safe-
ty Committee Chairman ‘‘Stubby’’ Stevens) is afraid
to begin work without safety gear and an inspection
by safety experts. The employee voices his concerns
to his ‘‘union steward”’ (Don Sheils) and the ““PESH
safety inspector” (Mike Piscotti). The moral of the
story: never handle asbestos without proper instruc-
tion and safety equipment.
After the skit, committee members outlined sever-
al points for workers to remember about asbestos
hazards, and discussed the Public Employees As-
bestos Act, a proposed state law concerning asbestos
in the workplace. Questions and answers on related
problems rounded out the opening session.
Another popular feature of the conference was a
resource fair set up with more than 20 exhibits with
a wide range of literature and information on CSEA
and unionism. Included were booths on education,
scholarships, insurance, safety and health, political
action, field services, communications, school dis-
trict affairs, research and legal assistance.
In addition, the conference included meetings for
retirees and school district employees, and a busi-
ness session for executive board members.
Region V President Jim Moore called the three-day
gathering very successful in terms of attendance as
well as educational value.
“If our Region V members wanted straight facts
on some safety issues and what CSEA is doing about
them, they got them Friday night,” said Moore.
He noted also that many members got answers to
questions about CSEA services at the resource fair.
CSEA SCHOLARSHIPS—Brian Ruff, above left,
chairman of the CSEA statewide Scholarship Com-
mittee hands out literature on the union’s scholar-
ship programs. On the opposite side of the table are,
from left: Jim Murphy, Joyce Niederer and Robin
McDonald, all from Oxford Veterans Home Local 305.
305.
PLAYING AROUND—The Region V “Big Safety
Players” presented an original one-act skit portray-
ing asbestos hazards on the job. CSEA thespians,
from left, are: Mike Pisciotti, “Stubby” Stevens, and
Chris Jamison.
June 28, 1985
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
me SIGNING IN—Harlem Valley Psychiatric Center Local 409 President Henry Arvisais signs in at the
WARM WELCOME—Region III Program Chair- _ esistration table. Seated are Aloisi and Region III President Pat Mascioli.
nn Aloisi welcomed the more
ants in the recent Education
e Grove Resort Ranch.
woman Grace
than 100 par
Weekend at
essons for
abor
eaders
Editor's note: CSEA activists in Region III recently got a chance
to sample a Major Education Weekend packed with information aimed
at helping them before more effective as unionists.
The program included workshops on a variety of topics, such as
stress management, assertiveness training, improper practices,
health and safety, and CSEA’s internal structure.
Pictures here capture some highlights of the weekend.
ROLL CALL—Among CSEA local officers in attendance was Ulster County Lo-
cal 856 President Sean Egan, right, shown here with Region III Director Diane
Campion and Mascioli.
PRACTICAL MATTER—Region III Field Representa- ,
tive Larry Natoli led a workshop on improper prac- AN EDUCATION — Art Wilcox, a city of Newburgh Fireman, led a workshop on health and
tice and duty of fair representation. safety legislation, current and pending.
8 THE PUBLIC SECTOR June 28, 1985
If you
believe
his tax plan,
he’s a better
~ actor than
//, you think.
In the coming months, President
Reagan will be peddling his tax
‘reform’ proposal across America.
He'll need all his acting skills, because
the plan will not just sell itself.
” Tt calls fore new fede taxes on such items as health insurance,
unemployment insurance and even workers’ compensation. It
—————S—SaSXSa—oeee "| ~—s would eliminate the deductability of state and local taxes...in
{ effect, a double tax. But it would preserve loopholes that make
Send for a free packet! the President a special friend of the very rich. In fact, the plan
Yes, I would like to know more favors people making $200,000 and more over a family making
about the President's so-called tax $20,000 and $40,000.
reform proposal.
Send me the packet entitled: The Meat san
President's Plan and the Survival Instead of dealing with fundamental tax fairness, the President
of the Working Class. gives us a new collection of loopholes. (and gives the average
working American a kick in the pants.)
Even state and federal legislators don't like it-Democrat and
Republican.
Name
Address
When the President comes asking for your support, tell him
instead to clean up his act.
Send to:
CSEA Communications Dept.
33 Elk Street
Albany, New York 12224
Ree cee acct wats ene ens ee A ad Wek Kd a a KA Ha nH A Me ks a ce ae
Local 1000, AFSCME, AFL-CIO
William L.. McGowan, President
=
June 28, 1985 4 ‘THE ‘PUBLIC |\SECTOR ' &
Se
FAIRESS IN TAXES-AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland proposes an alternative to the Rea-
gan Administration tax plan that would make the system fairer without shifting new burdens
on workers and their families. With him at House Ways and Means Committee hearings are
Assistant Research Director Arnold Cantor, right, and Legislative Director Ray Denison.
a ‘
pall
=e
‘tax reform -plan
B24 unfair
and will lead
to layotts’
favo rich
WASHINGTON — The president of the nation’s largest public
employee union recently charged that the administration’s proposed
tax reform plan favors corporations and the wealthy, and that the
states that would be hurt most are the very states that have the most
progressive tax systems and provide the best services to the needy.
Gerald W. McEntee, president of the 1.1 million-member Ameri-
can Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, said that
inadequate revenues will be used as an excuse to cut back on vital
government services.
“The elimination of deductibility of state and local taxes in this
proposal would export that revenue inadequacy to all 50 states,”
McEntee said. “Eliminating deductibility will first hurt states that
have managed to maintain a decent ‘safety net’ for their poorest
citizens — despite federal aid cuts — and states that have more
progressive tax systems — systems in which low-income workers
do not have to carry the majority of the tax burden.
“State and local governments are the front-line problem solv-
ers in this country, but they must have resources,” McEntee con-
plan doe
go far enough.?
tinued. “The elimination of deductibilty will force immediate service
cuts, will limit the ability to provide service and meet needs in the
future, will make state and local taxes more regressive, and will set
off an incredibly divisive urban/suburban competition.”
As well as forcing more sweeping cuts in domestic spending,
the president's tax reform proposal would make individual taxes more
regressive. New regressive features include a health insurance tax
that takes five times the percentage of income from a near poverty
level family than it does from a person earning $100,000, a child
care deduction instead of credit, and taxation of unemployment and
workers’ compensation.
For a single-parent family of four at the poverty level, the pro-
posal would leave the tax burden three times as high as it was in
1979. For a family of four with an income of $100,000 in 1979,
whose income grew at the same rate as the poverty-level family, the
tax burden would be cut by one-fifth.
“The corporate tax reform contained in the plan does not go far
enough,” McEntee went on to say. “It ignores the Treasury Depart-
ment’s excellent economic depreciation scheme, and instead pro-
poses a system that differs very little from the excesses of the current
Automatic Cost Recovery System (ACRS). In fact, some analysts
believe that it will be more generous than ACRS by the mid-1990s.”"
McEntee said that AFSCME members strongly favor federal tax
reform, noting that AFSCME is a major sponsor of the corporate tax
reform campaign (CORECT). (See page 12.) He pledged the union's
support to tax reform that would:
© Be fair. Every corporation and individual must pay a fair share;
* Raise enough revenue to make the federal government pay for
itself;
Enhance, not destroy, the integrity of our federal system of
government.
McEntee’s remarks came in testimony before the House Ways
and Means Committee.
Gerald ,MpEgtee comments
On the elimffation of state and local tax
deductions:
“As one of thefination’s largest public sector un-
ions, we see the Hllesident’s plan as a clear warning
signal to state and Meal taxpayers that higher taxes—or
dramatically reduce™§ public services—could result from
the Administration ’@ proposal to eliminate the deducti-
bility of state and I@fal taxes. It’s double taxation and
AFSCME plees ‘0 Wage a nationwide education
campaign to preserff the present tax laws in this area.”
On the overallfblan:
“President Redfyan’s new tax plan is a rejection of
fundamental tax fafiness. Major tax breaks for the oil
companies and fd large corporations have been
preserved. While 4% of all working Americans with
health insurance wil have to pay new federal income
taxes and Soc@/ Sdurie taxes on up to $300 a year,
capital gains taxes{hre preserved for 5% of all Ameri-
cans receiving this findfall. The President’s plan would
also protect tax shifter partnerships, another scheme
to avoid paying taxis. The present federal tax codes
are more loopholefhan law. Its time we had fair tax
reform and not jug another collection of unfair loo-
pholes.
@ e@
ih
Wl aN
Ka ack!
ie Y\ \ i .
i, at
KING RON
REGRETS THAT
YOU EACH HAVE
BUT ONE JOB
TO LOSE
FOR HIS
THE TORIES
ARE GONNA WIN
THIS
A)
ep
Ji
\' it
VANS: ae
Ail
sip rated
ot
WW ( (t
( Ts
AFSCME
es. f orm tha
Local taxes would have a disproportionate plyees inna other state
it would in New
believe,
Mr. Gerald W. McEntee
International President
1625 L Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036
Dear Brother McEntee:
Having just concluded negotiations for 100,
believe that the impact of tax reform in
AFSCME members wl
hundreds of thousand:
i adequate r
which ov iy understand the immediacy on
Reagan budget and understand the necessi
, that the p
iy of State and Local taxes will have @ mucl
ibility of y
Cee att f AFSCME members. We, in Local 1000, SU anstie pailtaee
vast majority 0
House and Senate mem}
the deductibility of St
iew of the potential [
thet ask that you direct our Internationa
the defeat of any such measure.
WILLIAM L. McGOWAN
International Vice-President
ee iw
he
00 member of Local 1000 os well as tl
bs wanted fo turn our attention fo what we
of the Reagan budget and tax
e deductibility of State and
ees in no other state like
Armaan
ous for the pallies
i those
ho reside and work in New Yor! isasterous for
Is of other AFSCME members w'
if ions vigorous oppositi
ty of the vaio mr measure which eliminates the
ir the
h greater, longer-term impact on fh
wil be working hard on New York's
bers to defeat any tax reform propose:
id Local taxes,
ieee of such reform by our Research Department.
I's legislative staff to a:
Fraternally,
DAN DONOHUE
RMOTT 4
OE viee International Vice-President
International Vice-President
Tax plan + budget cuts = layoffs
ALBANY — Federal budget cuts could very well
spell l-a- y-o-f-f-s for CSEA members who work in the
local government sector.
CSEA Budget Examiner Kathy Albowicz urged
members during the Local Government Workshop held
in Albany to get involved by lobbying elected officials
and learning how to prevent layoffs and what the alter-
natives are.
President Reagan’s proposed budget would delete
federal revenue sharing—a loss of $461 million for New
York state municipalities. ‘‘A lot of that money is used
for police and fire protection,” she said. “If that mon-
ey goes, it’s going to affect jobs. Cutback of that mag-
nitude can’t be absorbed by local government.”
Albowicz says the state controller has already
warned local and municipal government budget officials
not to include federal revenue sharing funds when they
tabulate their tentative budgets. “The problems are go-
ing to be serious and soon,” she warned.
SRE aS RS A SE RRS A A SE ET IRONS Lh OO
Layoffs are not a cost effective measure, said Al- |
bowicz who suggested that union activists andmembers |
obtain a copy of the report entitled “Layoff Informa- |
tion for Local Government Employees,” published re- |
cently by CSEA’s Research Department. j
The booklet, which discusses layoff prevention and i
alternatives, points out that unemployment insurance |
and welfaré aid cost taxpayers precious dollars that |
should be paying for services instead of unemployed |
workers. 1
Preventive measures suggested include workforce
planning, budget analysis, cost benefit analysis, com- |
munications and public relations, political action and |
negotations.
What are the alternatives? Albowicz noted that the
report lists early retirement incentives, attrition and
relocation, job search assistance and the formation of
labor-management committees to develop alternatives.
avec. —
me ca a cr a te ms EN DSS SAS MA I NN AIR ER NR RS
June 28, 1985 June 28, 1985
THE PUBLIC SECTOR 1 1
oh 4A
We are not going to pay their taxes anymore!”
2
CORECT
Citizens Organized to Restore an Effective Corporate Tax
CITIZENS PETITION
To Restore the Corporate Tax
our largest and most profitable corporations to pay their fair share too.
corporate tax avoiders to pay little or nothing in taxes.
actually cut taxes for middle- and low-income taxpayers.
We, the undersigned taxpayers, pay our fair share of taxes and more. It’s time for
As people who pay our taxes, we are outraged by the $90 billion in corporate
tax loopholes which allow General Electric, W.R. Grace & Co., and hundreds of other
When federal deficits are a problem, handouts to corporations are NOT the answer.
By putting corporations back on the tax rolls, we can reduce the federal deficit and
In the interest of fairness to all taxpayers, we hereby petition the Congress of the
United States to repeal these special interest loopholes and restore the corporate tax.
Street address
State/Zip code
Circulated by:
Name (please print) Street address
City State Zip code Telephone «Affiliation
Please return to: CSEA Legislative & Political Action Office, 150 State Street, Albany, N.Y. 12207
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
Help circulate this petition and return it to address below
June 28, 1985
€CSEA should use
networking as a
way to get broad-
¢ based support for
its legislation.
e@
e
Reppenhagen, mayor of Gloversville; James Tedis
tive bargaining specialist. Union leaders, from left, are: Wil
and C. Allen Mead, Region IV president.
e
June 28, 1985
LAKE LUZERNE — “‘Once, I even filed a grievance
against myself,”’ one politician said explaining how he
used the system to correct a management philosophy which
he didn't like.
“T’m constantly checking back with my constituents
about their problems, But they never check back with me
10 see if I need their help,’ a second elected official com-
plained.
“If you really don't think the system is working
properly— sue. That will get management's attention,”
a third speaker observed.
Comments like these, revealing a seldom seen side
of elected and appointed officials, spiced up a recent
Region IV Joint Local Government/School District
Workshop. The second in a series, the workshop
provided a forum for officials to express their ideas
about how CSEA might improve its effectiveness as
a union. Like the workshop last year, this one was
well attended by CSEA leaders as well as invited
speakers.
State Civil Service Commissioner Karen Burstein
started the morning session off with a fiesty discus-
sion on how local government civil service commis-
sions are suppose to operate. The talk generated a
few small squabbles, but a royal battle started when
the commissioner started to defend the concept of
zone scoring on civil service tests.
“AllT can honestly say is that so far this year I have-
n’t been sued,” Burstein said. “I think that means
that the people out there who are taking the tests be-
lieve that the tests are fair. And the zone scoring con-
cept is part of that process.” (Shortly after her
apperance CSEA filed a suit against the zone scor-
ing concept.)
Republican Assemblyman James Tedisco (R.-
Schenectady) took the opportunity to explain net-
working, his method of achieving success as a
minority member in the Democratic- dominated As-
sembly.
“T believe in networking, working with numerous
so-called special interest groups—senior citizens,
parent associations, unions—to get statewide broad-
based support for issues such as laws concerning
missing children, and so on,” Tedisco explained.
He suggested that CSEA use this concept by ex-
WORKSHOP COMMITTEE AND GUESTS — Standing behind CSEA representatives are speakers at the
recent Region [V Local Government / School District Workshop. Speakers, pictured from left are: Eugene
0, assemblyman, 107th District; Paul Lilac, town of
Stillwater supervisor; Mario Scalzi, Troy School District superintendent; and Harm Swits, CSEA collec-
jam Sohl, Fulton County local president;
Joseph E. McDermott, CSEA executive vice president; Lou Altieri, Region IV third vice president; Lester
Cole, County Committee chairman; Betty Nichols, Region IV School Employees Committee chairwoman;
Politicians speak out
to local-level labor
tending its support to such groups on issues which
do not directly involve the union. In return, CSEA
could expect to receive the support of such groups
on issues which do not directly impact on their in-
dividual legislative programs.
“Too often legislators will look at a bill and label
it a union bill or a senior citizens bill because of its
sponsors. And that’s wrong if the bill is a good bill in
its own right. So CSEA should try networking and see
if it can help lawmakers see CSEA legislation as hav-
ing a broad base of support with various groups
throughout the state.”
Gloversville Mayor Eugene Reppenhagen noted in
later remarks that the presence of a union makes
management operate better.
“When management knows that somebody is
watching how they operate, how they manage, they
are apt to be a little bit more professional,” he said.
Living up to his reputation as a maverick politi-
cian who got involved in politics to find out who was
ripping the citizens off, Reppenhagen next zapped the
audience.
“Of course, management rightly expects the un-
ions to do their job—represent their members and
keep them living up to the contract requirements—
a little bit better, too. After all, it’s a two-way street
and both sides have to live up to the agreement.”
Paul Lilac, parttime Stillwater supervisor and a
Saratoga County Board member with a strong un-
ion background, reminded the audi=nce that all elect-
ed officials are human.
“Somehow, when we're elected to our office we’re
expected to become experts on everything over-
night,” Lilac said. The school teacher listed 20 topics
from agriculture to tourism as areas where officials
are assumed to be knowledgeable.
“We’re human beings. We have to be educated by
the constituents about their problems and the possi-
ble solutions to the problems,” the supervisor said.
He reviewed the “‘open negotiations” controversy
that developed in Saratoga County during the last
contract negotiations noting that CSEA took the time
to educate the county board of supervisors about the
reasons for the union’s objections to the concept.
“Eventually CSEA won its point and the super-
visors learned different lessons from the union’s
determined effort,’’ Lilac noted.
Troy City Superintendent Mario Scalzi, the only ap-
pointed official on the program, wrapped up the
morning session with a thought-provoking speech on
leadership.
Using football great Vince Lombardi as a role mod-
el, Scalzi noted that the principles Lombardi used on
the football field can be used with equal success in
management boardrooms and the union hall.
“Everybody here is a leader,”’ Scalzi noted. ‘We
all should be able to instill loyalty, provide discipline,
generate productivity and maintain a good working
relationship while achieving difficult, if not impos-
sible goals.
“We have to be willing to work hard to achieve our
objectives and treat every difficulty as a threat to
ourselves, our families and homes. Yet we must
never become over confident of success or compla-
cent with failure. We must all play the game, labor,
management, political leader, to the fullest extent
and never be afraid to make a second effort, a third
try to succeed,”’ Scalzi added. “‘If we provide that
type of leadership in our own specific situation we
will never really fail in our efforts to lead.”
The workshop was organized by members of the
Region IV School Employees Committee (Betty
Nichols, chairwoman) and the County Committee
(Lester Cole, chairman).
THE PUBLIC SECTOR 1 3
OMRDD labor/management con
Cooperstown
meeting
covers gamut
of issues
COOPERSTOWN — More than 200 union and
management representatives from around the state
gathered here June 12-14 for the second annual
Labor/Management Conference sponsored jointly
i» —' a
sii
by CSEA and the Office of Mental Retardation and
Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD).
The agenda of the two-day meeting included ses-
sions on a wide range of issues from labor/manage-
ment communications to health and safety and
Employee Assistance Programs.
Speakers at the opening night dinner set the tone
TABLE TALK — Reviewing issues after a session on communications are, from left: Bonnie Beck, re-
search associate, NYSUUP Joint L/M Committee; Jim Cooney, CSEA collective bargaining specialist;
Jon Premo, Rome Developmental Center Local 422 president; Tom Hines, assistant director, Gover-
nor’s Office of Employee Relations; Jaime LaBoy, Sunmount Developmental Center Local 431 presi- e
dent; Joe Iwanicki, Syracuse Developmental Center Local 424 president.
for the series of workshops on labor/management
relations.
CSEA President William McGowan stressed the
importance of ‘‘no job freezes” in maintaining qual-
ity client care.
“Our members at MR facilities do the jobs no one
wants. And they stand tall and proud in the jobs they
do,”’ he said.
McGowan also pointed out the need for labor and
management to listen to each other. ‘‘There is noth-
ing more frustrating than seeing a problem continue
for months or years with little or no attempt by
management to resolve it.”
In part of his address to participants in the con-
ference, OMRDD Commisioner Arthur Webb paid
tribute to the 28,000 employees throughout the state
who serve the needs of OMRDD clients.
“Day in and day out, those employees do a good
job, in spite of a federa! system that constantly
threatens to make additional budget cuts that ham-
per the quality of client care,” said Webb.
Other speakers at the conference emphasized
mutual interests and good communication as bridges
to better labor/management relations.
Rosemarie Rosen, deputy commissioner of
OMRDD, suggested the need for more la-
bor/management subcommittees as a means of
resolving many of the “smaller” problems before
they escalate.
Jon Premo, president of Rome Developmental
Center Local 422, discussed the success of la-
bor/management meetings at his facility.
“We have expanded our labor/management efforts
to include mini-committees to handle problems that
arise at the building or departmental level,”” Premo
explained. ‘‘We found they work very well with the
addition of stewards and labor/management com-
mittee representatives. And by carefully following
a format that calls for the exchange of agenda items
before a meeting.”
A highlight of the conference was an address by
Bonnie Beck, a research associate with the NYSUUP
Joint Labor/Management Committee. She used an
analogy of “bridges” to demonstrate how la-
bor/management committees might best work to-
gether.
Among CSEA officials who attended the confer-
ence were: McGowan; Executive Vice President
Joseph E. McDermott; statewide Secretary Irene
Carr; statewide Treasurer Barbara Fauser; Region
I President Danny Donohue; Region II President
George Boncoraglio; and Region V President Jim
Moore.
Joseph LaValle, Long Island Developmental Cen-
ter Local 430, and Sharon Vidler, Newark Develop-
mental Center Local 417, served as co-chairpersons
for the conference.
Safety at work: labor,
management both win
Cooperstown — Describing safety in the workplace as a ‘“‘win-win”’ situ-
ation for labor and management, representatives from CSEA and the gover-
nor’s Office of Employee Relations (GOER) stressed the importance of
occupational safety and health laws and the need to maintain strong en-
forcement.
James Corcoran, CSEA director of Occupational Safety and Health, cit-
ed the record of fatalities and accidents to public employees before the enact-
ment of ‘New York state safety legislation.
“Before OSHA went into effect, New York state public employees stood
a 30 percent greater chance of being injured or killed on the job than wor-
kers in the private sector,” said Corcoran.
He said experience has proven that safety laws also are responsible for
dramatically reducing workers’ compensation claims, absenteeism, employee
disciplinaries, as well as costly turnover of employees.
“The bottom line is a safer working environment and increased produe-
tivity — and that is a ‘win-win’ situation for employees and management,”
said Corcoran.
Al DeMarco, associate director of GOER, also on hand for the workshop,
noted that labor and management have a joint responsibilty to continue
promoting a strong emphasis on safety in the workplace.
14
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
EAP: benefits
COOPERSTOWN — CSEA and OMRDD both agree: Employee Assistance @
Programs (EAPs) have been a big benefit for the state as well as its public em-
ployees.
Statewide EAP Director Tom Going and OMRDD EAP Director Al Viscon-
ti cited the dramatic growth of statewide programs at a presentation on EAP
at the recent labor/management workshop here. They noted that there are now
204 EAP committees in place, with new committees and coordinators being ad-
ded every month.
Kathy Bailey, EAP copordinator at Broome Developmental Center, and Jim
Murphy, CSEA statewide EAP director, discussed how EAPs have aided CSEA
members.
“Labor and management representatives agree that the success of EAP @
in New York state can be directly attributed to the credibility of the EAP com-
mittees and coordinators. Employees seeking help in any area, for whatever
reason, know that strict confidentiality will be maintained,”’ Murphy said.
And EAP pays for itself in the long run. Going offered some impressive
figures, noting that an estimated $12,000,000 is lost every year in New York as
a result of alcohol, drug, marital or other problems. The cost of Employee As-
sistance Programs in the state is $600,000.
“We think it is possible to save $8,000,000 with an outlay of $600,000. There’s
no doubt that EAP really works and the figures prove it,” said Going.
June 28, 1985
CDPC picks
‘employee of year’
ALBANY — The CDPC ‘employee of the year’’
wins something everybody in the city of Albany
wants—a reserved parking space right in front of the
worksite entrance for one full year.
This year, the perk goes to Patricia Rothaupt, a
CSEA member and principal account clerk for the Cap-
ital District Psychiatric Center. Twenty-one other
@ workers—seven of whom are represented by CDPC Lo-
cal 692—also received honors as ‘‘outstanding em-
ployees”’ in the center’s latest poll of management and
labor personnel.
In letters to the honored CSEA members, Region
IV President C. Allen Mead took the opportunity to un-
derline the significance of their accomplishments.
“CSEA is grateful for your continuing efforts to ad-
vance the recognition of all public employees as in-
dividuals who consistently demonstrate a sincere
interest in, and commitment to, enhancing the quality
@ of life in our communities,” said Mead. ‘Dedication to
those members of our communities who may require
some additional patience and persistence is indeed a
quality that is special.”
Along with a bright blue and gold reserved park-
ing space sign, Rothaupt also received a bouquet of
flowers, a plaque, and tickets for a special weekend trip
to Atlantic City. In expressing her thanks for the hon-
or, Rothaupt noted that the contributions of all the em-
ployees at the center deserve similar recognition.
“T’m proud of my union, my fellow employees and
proud of the job we all do at CDPC,”’ she said.
The CSEA-represented ‘‘outstanding employees”
for 1984 include: David Barbour, MHTA, Unit J; Kevin
Crayon, food service worker I; Glenda Joseph, MHTA,
Schenectady Workshop; Claire LaF leche, secretary,
Unit K; Dorothy LeBlanc, MHTA, Unit J; Linda Liuz-
zi, MHTA, Unit L; and Steven Trimm, recreational
therapy assistant, Transitional Unit.
tiOm
PASSING ON THE PARKING PLACE — Last year’s CDPC “employee of the year,” Patricia Priest,
presents a new winner, Patricia Rothaupt, with the most prized award of all—a one-year reserved
parking place right in front of the facility.
1 i ad ya ie
GIVING CONGRATS — Pictured above, from left, are: C. Allen Mead, CSEA Region IV president;
John Loveday, CSEA CDPC Local president; Irene Carr, CSEA statewide secretary; [lene Margolin,
deputy secretary to the governor for Human Services; Rothaupt; Dr. Steven E. Katz, Commissioner
of OMH; and Joseph E. McDermott, CSEA executive vice president.
BESSIE REID receives her award from Bronx Developmental Services Director
Levester Cannon, left, and Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabili-
ties Commissioner Arthur Webb.
June 28, 1985
MHTAs honored
IT’S NICE TO BE APPRECIATED — Several members
of Local 401 were guests of honor recently at a MHTA Ap-
preciation Day program at Bronx Developmental Center.
Four employees were cited for outstanding service of over
20 years. Pictured below, from left, they include: Bessie
Reid, Edna Pettiford, and Mary Perry. Marie Jackson,
was not present.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR 1 5
Breakfasts where politicians,
mingle,
Region VI
PAC °
Committee
hosts two
legislative
get-togethers
ON HAND FOR THE PAC BREAKFAST in Buffalo were, from left, Region VI President Robert L. Lattimer and
PAC Co-chairman Tom Warzel, shown here with Deputy Assembly Speaker Arthur Eve (D-Erie). BUFFALO — The Region VI Political
z Action Committee recently held get-
acquainted breakfasts in Buffalo and
Rochester where area legislators met in- e
formally with PAC members.
Lawmakers saluted the maturing po-
litical awareness of CSEA, and ac-°
tivists urged one another to continue
carrying the message to other members
that “we have only just begun” involve-
‘ment in the political arena.
Politicians — including state sena-
tors, assemblymen and county legisla-
tors — who attended the two breakfast
meetings responded to invitations from
Region VI President Robert L. Lattimer,
-and PAC co-chairpersons Florence ae
pi and ‘Thomas Warzel. _ =
MARIE PRINCE of Erie County Local 815 gets into
a discussion with Assemblyman John Sheffer
(R-Erie).
QUAIN WEBER, president of the Niagara Em-
ployees Unit, right, listens to John Conolly, an
aide to Sen. John Daly (R-Niagara).
1 6 THE PUBLIC SECTOR June 28, 1985
SEN. ANTHONY MASIELLO (D-Erie) is flanked by
Cathy Nailor of Division for Youth Local 562 and
Region VI CWEP Representative Pat Pfleger.
REGION VI PAC MEMBER Millie Lo Grasso, left, spends some
time talking with Audrey Murdoch, an aide to Assemblyman L.
William Paxon (R-Erie).
eee pee
ERIE SPENCE, left, of Rochester
Psychiatric Center has a word with
Assemblyman David Gantt (D-
Monroe).
ASSEMBLYMAN DANIEL WALSH
(D-Cattaraugus), right, gets togeth-
er with Region VI Treasurer Jim
Kurtz and PAC Co-chairwoman Flor-
ence Tripi.
|
June 28, 1985 THE PUBLIC SECTOR 1 7
Saray athves Seer eee fee |
Pins {Sa CES
Check out
this list
represented state empl Bt
Aus caeeoan ployees in the Operational Services.
strative Services and Institutional Services Units bar. The
S ye e
courses are funded
nisi under Article 14 of the OSU, ASU and ISU
LOCAL 1000, AFSCME, AFL-CIO
Labor Education Action Program
LEAP is the Labor Educati
lucation Action Pi i
aa rE rogram of the Civi
a 4 ni eae ak tuition-free hers plies
baa private colleges, BOCES i
facilities across New York state. LEAP is mente to CSA.
If you’re planning to take a tuition-free course from
LEAP’s 1985 Fall line-up, here’s some information you
need to know:
v READ THE COURSE ANNOUN'
course information needed.
CONTACT THE SCHOOL OR BOCES BEFORE APPLYING for any additional
prerequisite and assessment tests.
$10 to $50. Costs of $35 to $50 usually apply to science and ac-
the LEAP program and
(CEMENT CAREFULLY to obtain all
v7 If necessary,
information needed, such as
v TEXTBOOK COSTS range from
counting courses.
TO DROP A
immediately after the first cl
or BOCES. All drops after this time
course prior to or
COURSE WITHOUT PENALTY you must drop the
LEAP and the school
lass and submit a copy of the drop form directly to
period must be verifiable.
ree class sessions IN ORDER TO CONTINUE IN
v Students must attend two out of the first th
THE COURSE.
ire CERTIFICATES OF RESIDENCE from students to prove county
y Community colleges requ
Jill not be allowed to enroll by the school without such a certificate.
and State residence. Students w
ed course hours in
v COURSE REQUIREMENTS may include lab hours in addition to the stat
such courses as science, computer science and languages.
t complete EVALUATION FORMS at the end of the course.
school or BOCES for future planning.
They are then
vy Students mus!
submitted to the LEAP office by the
vy Due to the magnitude of scheduling across the state, STUDENTS WHOSE CLASS IS e
CANCELLED by the college/BOCES may not be scheduled into another class.
vy SCHEDULED CHANGES may only be authorized and made by the LEAP office. No such
changes can be made by the student or college/BOCES. Students enrolling on their own will be
responsible for payment.
REMEMBER — Registration opens JUNE 21 for the Fall s
1985 courses, and the filing deadline is JULY 23.
e
1 8 THE PUBLIC SECTOR
June 28, 1985
Centennial
Celebration
KINGS PARK — A parade that wound itself over the grounds of Kings
Park Psychiatric Center recently was the kickoff of a 100-day celebration
planned to commemorate the facility's centennial.
“The festivities are going to last for 100 days—one day for each year,”
says KPPC Local 411 President Tony Bentivegna.
He said CSEA members are busy organizing an array of events ranging
from softball games to and old-fashioned country fair.
The parade, which lasted about an hour, included staff, family, friends
and local community officials. In a show of union spirit, Bentivegna and Ad- " C
ministrative’ Vice President Tanya Ann Lowe carried a CSEA banner. ON THE AVEN(IE — KPPC nurses marched in the parade in traditional caps |
“It's the 75th anniversary of CSEA, too,” said Bentivegna, “‘sothere are and cloaks }
a lot of reasons to celebrate.”
=e ebsites
Hauppauge
Hempstead
Manhattan
New Jersey
BOOTHS — One of the booths set up at the parade offered free
blood pressure tests. Catherine Smith, account clerk, left, has her
pressure taken here by a representative of Multiphasic.
i
| HAVING FUND — Huddling near a display of the Employee Benefit Fund are,
from left, Region I President Danny Donohue, Region I Director William
| Griffin, EBF Director of Marketing and Communications Jase McGraw, and Stan
Sokol of Multiphasic Medical Centers,
5 . a - a
Kings Park cafeteria workers // , ae
dent Marge Higgins leads
_ cafeteria workers in a picket
2 contest contracting-out ! ft i 4 ge against the district’s plans to
contract out the school lunch
KINGS PARK — Cafeteria workers from the Kings Park school district pick- q é eae, Program,
eted for the second time this month protesting the school’s decision to contract i secre peste:
out the School Lunch Program.
“We've already gone door-to-door putting fliers in people’s mailboxes. We’re
really trying to make our neighbors aware of the situation. And trying very hard
to save our jobs,”’said Rose Fleming, a cafeteria cashier.
According to Unit President Marge Higgins, the school superintendent and
the board of education have decided that if the program is running at a deficit
e by June 30, they will bring in a private contractor.
“Tt’s an absolute outrage,” said Higgins.
In the spring of 1984, when the board of education warned that the lunch
program would be terminated “‘if steps weren’t taken to pull the program out
of deficit,” CSEA’s Coordinator of School District Affairs Larry Scanlon, was
called in.
After reviewing the situation, a 12-page ‘“‘Analysis With Recommendations” @
was sent to the school superintendent, the school lunch manager, and members & be ae
of the school board. 4 + WASH Our
The report stated that a massive operational loss more than $54,000 was in- |
curred by EFM, an outside contractor that had been chosen to run the program
@ inthe past. : Ce : Cir 4
‘What makes them so sure that contracting-out is the answer? Private con- +, 25 <= Dislen', Responsi pl iy
tractors are the reason for most of the deficit the program is carrying now,” 2 sl mace
said Field Representative John Cuneo. they expect an inexperienced lunch manager to pull the program out of deficit
Although the lunch program is self-sustaining, the school lunch manager _ if they tied her hands? This supposed oversight was a clear indication that the
is chosen by the district and her salary is pulled from the kitchen fund. administration wanted the program to fail.”
“One lunch manager resigned and the district rehired, after wasting a lot The superintendent claimed that if the district contracts out, the school lunch
of money paying private contractors per diem, The new lunch manager was manager’s salary would be paid by the contractor. He also claimed that her job
working for five months when we learned that she had never been given the would be to “‘oversee the best interests”’ of the district. ‘
“Analysis With Recommendations” report,” said Cuneo. “We all find it very strange that a contractor would pay someone to police
“We really called the administration on that one,” he went on. “How did them,” said Higgins.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR 1 a
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June 28, 1985
POISON,
Grappling with problems in the beara
a real dump
Union files complaint
of violations so bad
‘you have to see it
to believe it’
By Sheryl Carlin
CSEA Communications Associate
Brookhaven landfill:
Y ds
SCAVENGERS — Gulls circle overhead at
a site where workers bulldoze at the Brook-
haven landfill.
: gt
tae = aed
BROOKHAVEN — “You have to see it to believe it. There is raw gar-
bage and sewage as far as you can see.’
‘That’s Ken Brotherton’s description of the Brookhaven landfill where
he is investigating rumors that partially treated human waste now is
being dumped and left uncovered for months.
Brotherton, Region I’s occupational safety and health specialist, was
called in to inspect the area after Suffolk Local 852 President John Stein
and Executive Vice President William Maccaro heard the members com-
plaining about terrible dust conditions there.
“I went in expecting to see very dusty conditions, ”” said Brotherton,
“but. what I saw was a slew of violations.”
Immediately after the inspection, Brotherton assisted Stein in filing
aCSEA OSHA complaint to the New York State Department of Labor, cit-
ing the following violations:
eInsufficient toilet facilities for employees. Although there is a new
facility, no one seems to know if, or when, it will be open.
No potable water in the entire facility. Employees have been advised
Two down...
not to drink the well water.
eSuspected dumping of partially treated waste.
eRaw garbage left uncovered around the landfill.
No welding screens in the repair garage and fire extinguishers un-
checked since 1983.
According to the workers at the landfill, the sanitation supervisor only
lets the water truck run for two hours.
“That’s definitely not long enough,” said Bill Walsh, unit shop stew-
ard. ‘‘When you come home at night, blow your nose, and blood pours out,
you know something’s wrong. You should see us by the end of the day. Our
hair and clothing are entirely covered with dust. It makes your eyes burn
and your throat sore, too,’’ he said.
‘The members also explained that raw sewage is supposed to be treat-
ed or ‘cooked’ before it’s dumped at the landfill.
“Tf it’s cooked, it comes dry,” said Brotherton. ‘‘But if it’s not treat-
ed, it comes in like wet, black sludge. Take a look around and tell me what
you see? It’s definitely not hard and dry.”
The Department of Labor recently informed
Suffolk Local 852 President John Stein that a no-
tice of violation and order to comply has been is-
sued to the administration at the Brookhaven
landfill.
“The DOL has checked the repair garage and
found that our complaints about the welding
screens and fire extinguishers were correct. It
was raining the day of their inspection so they
couldn’t send a hygienist to check on dust condi-
tions and the garbage. I’m looking forward to see-
ing those violations posted right beside the notice
on the fire extinguishers and lack of welding
screens,” said Stein.
Said OSH Specialist Ken Brotherton: ‘I’m sure
that when the hygienist inspects the landfill, there
will be some heavy violations cited and manage-
ment will finally be forced to respond to our mem-
bers there.”
“Vv” FOR VICTORY — Sporting CSEA/AFSCME
hats, workers celebrate first win in the landfill vio-
lations issue. Pictured without hats, from left, are:
Local 852 Vice President William Maccaro; OSH
Specialist Ken Brotherton; Local 852 President
John Stein; Brookhaven Unit President Pasquale
Deluca; and Field Representative Ron King.
eC ANCA An ARM CN A BED
20 THE PUBLIC SECTOR
June 28, 1985
