The Public Sector, 1986 January 13

Official Publication of The Civil Service Employees Association Local 1000,
American Federation of State, County and Muntetpal Employees

4 Vol. 9, No. 1
49949, Monday, January 13, 1986

AFL-CIO.

State ene and most other public employees will en-
joy along weekend with the observance of Dr. Martin Luther King
Jr. Day as an official state holiday on Monday, Jan. 20. Dr. King’s
birthday is officially observed on the third Monday each January

by state law.

In Dutchess County, it took an improper practice change filed
by CSEA before the county agreed to pay county workers for
the day off, even though county offices will be closed Jan. 20.
CSEA filed the charge after county officials notified employees
they would have to charge the day off to their personal leave
accruals or take the day off without pay.

According to CSEA Region Ill Field Representative John
Deyo, County Executive Lucille Pattison urged county lawmak-
ers to pass a resolution granting the day off with pay after the
union charged the county with unilaterally changing terms and
conditions of employment. Lawmakers complied, and Dutchess
County workers will be paid for the holiday. Deyo noted the rul-
ing applies only to. 1986 and the holiday will be subject to negoti-
ations after this year.

A monument will be dedicated as a memorial to Dr. Mar-
tin Luther King Jr. in a ceremony. sponsored by Creedmoor
Psychiatric Center CSEA Local 406 and CSEA Metropolitan
Region II at noon on Monday, Jan. 20 at Building 51, Creed-
moor. Civil Rights Attorney C. Vernon Mason will be special
guest speaker for the program, which is open to everyone.
CSEA is encouraging members to participate in the ceremo-
ny being held on the first national holiday honoring the late

Dr. King.

Trying to ease

ALBANY — CSEA has asked the city
of Albany to delay implementing a proposed,
and highly contoversial, residential park-
ing permit program in the downtown area
until at least March 31 while representatives
of the two labor unions and the Governor’s
Office of Employee Relations (GOER) continue
efforts to find other solutions to Albany’s
infamous parking problems.

A proposed ordinance which would establish
a parking permit program preferential to
downtown residents and detrimental to the tens
of thousands of public employees who work
downtown but live elsewhere was introduced
at the Jan. 6 meeting of the Albany Common
Council. No action was taken on the proposal
and it was referred to committee. A public
hearing may be held on the proposal before
the Council takes. action, said Alderwoman
Nancy Burton, who introduced the proposal
and suggested a Feb. 18 effective date.

CSEA representatives at the Council
session asked for a delay until at least
March 31 to allow the unions and GOER to
come up with alternative proposals. It was
noted that additional peripheral parking lots with
bus service is among plans being considered
to ease the parking problems and make a
permit plan unnecessary.

Under the controversial permit plan,
residents of streets surrounding the Empire
State Plaza complex would be allowed to
purchase permits allowing them to park all day
on the streets. Non-residents would be limited

to 90-minutes parking, which would effectively
eliminate from parking on those streets many
of the thousands of state workers who drive
into the downtown area daily to work in and
near the gigantic Empire State Plaza.

THESE. STREET SCENES are
typical of parking conditions
associated with residential streets
surrounding the Empire State
Plaza in downtown Albany. State
workers daily arrive up to two
hours before the beginning of the
workday to get one of a minimal
number of parking spaces
available. Downtown residents,
meanwhile, complain that finding
a parking space near their home
is often impossible.

ON WAY TO DOT

Thousands of state Department of
Transportation employees whose normal
working hours were changed to winter
maintenance shifts will be receiving $200
payments along with their regular paychecks
on Jan. 22.

The extra payments were negotiated by
CSEA into the current Operational Services
Unit contract. The payment will be made to
all employees assigned to winter
maintenance shifts which require them to
change their normal working hours to a shift,
any part of which falls between 6 p.m. and
6 a.m. on a regularly scheduled basis. The
extra payment will increase to $250 for the
1986-87 winter season, and to $300 for the
1987-88 winter maintenance season.
The payment, originally scheduled to be
made during December, was delayed due to
administrative difficulties and the fact that late
assignments were made to winter
maintenance shifts. Future payments will be
made during December of the next two win-
ter maintenance seasons.

parking squeeze

The following is an update on important
information concerning The Empire Plan health
insurance program which became effective
Jan. 1.

Copies of the Empire Plan Participating
Provider Directory for your geographical area
are available through your agency’s personnel
office. If you need to identify a participating
provider located outside your area, this
information can also be obtained through your
personnel officer, where a statewide master
directory of participating providers is on file.
You may also call Metropolitan's toll free
participating provider information line at 1-800-
537-0010 for further assistance.

State agency personnel offices are also
responsible for the distribution of Empire Plant
Identification Cards. Your personnel office
should contact the Employee Insurance
Section of the NYS Department of Civil Service
at (618) 457-5784/5754 to report Empire
Plan enrollees who have not yet received their
ID card. You should work with your agency’s
personnel office in order to obtain both your
participating provider directory as well as your
Empire Plan identification card.

For our Spanish speaking brothers and
sisters, the NYS Department of Civil Service
has provided us with the following translation
of pertinent information appearing on both the
front and back of the Empire Plan identification
card. Copies of this Spanish translation are
being furnished to state agencies for
distribution to such employees.

The front of the card:
ESTADO DE NUEVA YORK
EMPLEADOS DE GOBIERNO
PROGRAMA de SEGUROS de SALUD

Health insurance update
(Informacion para los
hispdnicos también)

Ofrecido por los planes de Blue Cross del
Estado de Nueva York y

Metropolitan Life y companias afiliadas.
Nombre de cliente: John Q. Public
Contrato — NY 123456789

Codigo de Proteccion Family Plan Codigo 300

Se requiere un analisis previo de todas las
admisiones planeadas por causa medica, de
cirugia y de psychiatria que no sean por
razones de maternidad, emergencia y admision
de urgencia. Un deductivo de $250 délares
ser aplicado si no se notifica al Programa de
estas admisiones planeades. (Lea el otro lado
de la targeta.)

The back of the card: Instrucciones para el
miembro:

Usted debe comunicarse con el Empire Plan
Benefits Management Program cuando
ocurren las siguientes circumstancias llamanda
a los nimeros de teléfono inclufdos debajo:

* Antes de ser admitido en el hospital por
cualquier, causa médica, de cirugia or de
psychiatria que no sea maternidad, emergencia
0 urgencia Ineédica. Un deductivo de $250
ddlares sera aplicado si no se ha notificado al
Programa.

*Antes de someterse a las siguientes
operaciones, sga como paciente interno or
externo: cirugia de callos, de préstata, de
rodillas, para reparar septos desviados,
histerotomia y removimiento de cataratas. Se
le procurarA una cita para obtener una segunda
-opinion médica. El no obtener is segunda
opinion médica resultaré en una multa de 50/
de la cuenta del médico hasta un maximo de
$250 dolares.
Usted debe llamar despues de haber sido
admitido al hospital por razon de maternidad,
emergencia or urgencia médica. La notification
de su ingreso en el hospjtal debera hacerse
antes de las 11 de la mafvana del dia laborable
siguiente a su admisiOn

Su medico, un miembro de su familia, or las
oficina de admisi6n del hospital pueden llamar
por usted. Sin embargo, la responsibilidad de

asegurarse de que llamadas se hagan es suya.

Programa de Administracion de
Beneficios
Area of Albany 465-6387

1-800-992-1213
1-800-628-6677

Estos ndmeros de teléfono son
exclusivamente para obtener informaci6n sobre
la administraci6n del Programa y no para
obtener informacién sobre sus beneficios o
reclamaciones de pago.

Esta tarjeta sera invalida cuando usted deje
de pertenecer al grupo que se la ha otorgado
0 cuando por cualquier raz6n usted cesa de
ser eligible.

Estado de Nueva York
Fuera de Nueva York

Civil Service Law requires that health
insurance premiums be collected in advance
of the effective date of coverage inasmuch as
health insurance coverage is provided for 28
days after an employee leaves the payroll. The
Governor's Office of Employee Relations
advises that those employees who are
presently experiencing a higher deduction for
their premium rate due to an extension in the
transfer option period will be refunded the
appropriate monies within six to eight weeks.
Likewise, those employees who are presently
contributing a lower premium deduction than
that which is required under their opted
insurance coverage will be responsible for the
difference in the monies that are presently
being deducted and that amount which should
have been contributed from the effective date
of coverage.

The Empire Plan Health Care Help Line has
been established to provide you with
information and assistance concerning your
Empire Plan health insurance coverage. All
inquiries concerning the benefits and
provisions of the Empire Plan should be
directed to this toll free number:

Within New York State: 1-800-336-3696
Outside New York State: 1-800-722-7789

Please do not call the Pre-Admission Review
number for general information inquiries relating
to the Empire Plan.

Board of
Directors

Meeting highlights

EDITOR’s NOTE: The Public Sector regularly
publishes a summary of actions taken by
CSEA’s statewide Board of Directors at the
Board’s official meetings. The summary is pre-
pared by Statewide Secretary Irene Carr for the
information of union members.

By Irene Carr
CSEA Statewide Secretary

ALBANY—CSEA's statewide Board of Directors
met in Albany on Dec. 5 and discussed a wide
range of topics. In official actions, the Board:

* Authorized staff employees to participate in
a tax deferred plan offered by AFSCME

“Designated Agency Shop for local
government as the number one legislative priority
in 1986.

*Approved appointment of Robert Watkins,
president of CSEA Letchworth Village Local 412,
to the Charter Committee.

*Amended language ih Financial Standards
Code so that Agency Shop fee payers are eligible
to participate in scholarship programs funded by
local rebates.

“Expressed displeasure with Travellers
Insurance Co. over its dismissal of an employee
who reported a suspected child abuse case to
authorities.

*Authorized funding position of Employee
Benefits Specialist

*Reclassified position of Supervisor of
Membership Insurance to Level VI

*Selected Niagara Falls as site of the next
Delegates Convention

* Adopted a $32.7 million budget for the fiscal
year which ends Sept. 30, 1986

THE PUBLIC SECTOR

January 13, 1986

}

Food service worker
wins year back pay

By Anita Manley
CSEA Communications Associate

POUGHKEEPSIE — Perseverance paid off for Hudson River Psy-
chiatric Center employee Marylou Crine who was terminated after she
injured her hand in a work-related accident here. Crine recently
received a year’s back pay, accrued time and her medical bills paid
as a result of a grievance filed on her behalf by her shop steward.

Crine, a food service worker who had transferred from Wassaic
Developmental Center to Hudson River Psychiatric Center, had
received two excellent probationary evaluations.

On Sept. 6, 1984, Crine slipped and fell and injured her hand.
She was advised by her physician to remain out of work. But instead
of get well wishes from her employer, Crine received an unsatisfac-
tory evaluation report, a counseling memo stating that she was care-
less and a denial of Workers’ Compensation benefits. A few days later,
she was terminated.

“We then applied for leave with half pay,” said Grievance
Representative Marge Harrison, “but that was denied.”

Harrison filed two grievances—one requesting Workers’ Compen-

- sation benefits and the other requesting the removal of the coun-
seling memo. Both were denied on the first step.

Harrison was more successful on the second step when it was
decided that Crine’s injuries did, in fact, constitute a Workers’ Com-
pensation case. In addition, it was ruled that Crine’s termination was
a violation of the Workers’ Compensation Law. As a result, Crine’s
employer was fined $500 and Crine received back pay and accruals
for the time she was out of work with no break in seniority.

Harrison noted also that Crine had been ill during her termination
period. “As a result of the firing, Marylou had no health insurance,”
she said. “But all her medical bills had to be paid for that time by the
employer.”

FOOD SERVICE WORKER Marylou Crine, left, with Grievance
Representative Marge Harrison.

Protest puts pressure on
town to break impasse

TOWN OF POUGHKEEPSIE—A week of informational picketing by
determined town employees helped to break an impasse in contract
negotiations between CSEA and town officials

According to Unit President Bob Geslain, a recently ratified two-year
contract, which is retroactive to Jan 1, 1985, provides for 9 percent sala-
ry increases in the first year and 5.25 percent in the second year

Geslain emphasized that although a major stumbling block in
negotiations was the town officials insistence that employees share the
cost of medical insurance, there are no givebacks in the new agreement,
which took a year to negotiate

The contract also includes increases in longevity and uniform allowance
and provides for bereavement leave

The 60 employees, members of Dutchess County Local 814, include
clerical workers, police assistants and recreation and sewer employees.

January 13, 1986

DO YOU THINK CSEA POLITICAL ACTION

IS HELPING PUBLIC EMPLOYEES? IN

WHAT WAY?

Where asked: Utica-Rome area

LINDA LUMASCLO,
ACCOUNT CLERK, ONEIDA
COUNTY LOCAL 833

“Yes. It is important for
(political) candidates to become
aware of the problems and
needs of public employees.
Through legislation they can
help improve our working
conditions and we can provide
them with manpower and
votes at election time. We can
help each other to better serve
the public.”

DWIGHT EVANS, SOCIAL

WELFARE EXAMINER,
ONEIDA COUNTY LOCAL 833
“Yes, | think county

legislators and other politicians
do realize that CSEA members
can offer a powerful block of
votes. Based upon our
strength, when contract time
comes around those politicians
will have open ears to our
needs and, in turn, we can of-
fer support to them.”

FRANK WOZNICKI, CITY
PRINTER, ROME CITY UNIT,
ONEIDA COUNTY LOCAL 833

“Definitely, yes. | think
political action committees are
productive. They carefully
evaluate the voting records and
campaign platforms of
candidates before endorse-
ment. Election results have
shown that our endorsed can-
didates have a high percen-
tage of success. If we can
help them reach their goals it
will help make them more sen-
sitive to the important needs of
our CSEA members.”

SANDRA LOCKWOOD,
CLERK, JERVIS LIBRARY
UNIT, ROME, ONEIDA COUN-
TY LOCAL 833

“Yes. | am convinced that
political action has helped
CSEA members. It is a fine way
to establish public relations
with politicians. We need
each other and should be
aware of each other's views
To sum it up in one word, it’s

THE PUBLIC SECTOR

‘positive."”

aaneee
SECTOR

Official publication of The Civil Service
Employees Association Local 1000, AFSCME,
AFL-CIO 143 Washington Avenue, Albany,
New York 12210

The Public Sector (445010) is published every other
Monday by The Civil Service Employees Association,
143 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12210.

Publication Office: 143 Washington Avenue, Albany,
New York, 12210. Second Class Postage paid at
Post Office, Albany, New York

AARON SHEPARD — Publisher
ROGER A. COLE — Editor
BRIAN K. BAKER — Associate Editor

Address changes should be sent to: Civil Service Em-
ployees Association, The Public Sector, P.O. Box
7125. Capitol Station, Albany, New York 12224.

IF THE USE OF GENERIC
DRUGS BECOMES MORE UNIVERSAL,
WE MIGHT BE ABLE TO KEEP DOWN THE
ASTRONOMICAL CosT OF HEALTH
CARE IN AMERICA |

dai,
Al

7 z en
=e Qa

Greco appointed Region Ill treasurer °

THIELLS—Sal Greco has been appointed Region Ill treasurer by
Southern Region President Pat Mascioli. He replaces Eleanor McDonald,
who recently resigned her position.

Elected treasurer of Letchworth Developmental Center Local 412 in
1983, Greco also serves as chairman of the local's political action
committee, social committee, labor/management committee and the
Employee Assistance Program at the facility. He is also on the statewide
Standing Election Committee.

A Letchworth employee for the past 13 years, he now holds the position
of supervisor of general maintenance.

Greco added that he is excited about his new position, noting that “The
work CSEA is doing is very helpful to members.”

Greco's appointment comes on the heels of McDonald's resignation
as Southern Region treasurer. Currently comptroller for the town of
Greenburgh, Westchester County, McDonald said she no longer could
devote the time she would like to the demanding union job

A union activist who has served under three regional presidents,
McDonald has held union positions as secretary of the Westchester County
Unit, secretary and then president of the Town of Greenburgh Unit, and
local treasurer

She also served on the local, regional and statewide political action
committees, was the PEOPLE coordinator for the region, served on the
regional Constitution and By-Laws Committee, was a member of the local’s
newspaper and was a liaison to the regional education and program
committees.

Region Ill President Pat Mascioli called McDonald's resignation a ‘great
loss to this region and to me.”

LONG ISLAND APPOINTMENTS
— Carol Craig has been ap-
pointed to serve as third vice
president for the Long Island
Region. A longtime CSEA ac-
tivist, Craig is also currently first
vice president of Suffolk Coun-
ty Educational Employees Local
870, chairwoman of the region’s
TIE (Training, Information and
Education Committee), and
chairwoman of the statewide
Special School Employees Com-
mittee. Craig’s former position
as treasurer for the region will
be filled by Tony Bentivegna,
president of Kings Park Psy-
chiatric Center Local 411.

4

THE PUBLIC SECTOR

CHANGING OF THE GUARD—Eleanor McDonald turns over Region IIl’s

financial records to newly appointed Treasurer Sal Greco as President
Pat Mascioli looks on.

Member’s grandson missing

BUFFALO — The 11-year-old
grandson of a CSEA member in the
Buffalo area has been reported missing
Oct. 7 and the grandfather has asked,
The Public Sector to publish a
description of the youth and asks that
anyone with information contact the
Buffalo Police Department.

College at Buffalo, where he is a
janitor.

Wolf said that when last seen Oct. 7,
Chad was 11 years old, 4 feet, 7
inches tall with light brown hair and
brown eyes. At the time of his
disappearance, he was wearing cub
scout pants, a blue checkered shirt, a
white hooded jacket and red and white

Chad (Wolf) Thompson was last .
sneakers.

reported seen on Oct. 7, 1985 in the
Kenfield housing project area in
Buffalo, where he lived with his mother
and stepfather. Chad is the grandson
of Raymond J. Wolf Jr., a member of
CSEA Local 640 at State University

Anyone with information concerning
Chad, the grandfather said, should
contact the Buffalo Police Department
by calling 911 or (716) 855-4416

January 13, 1986

400 Broome:

Employees still stuck
in middle of the mess

By Steve Madarasz
CSEA Communications Associate

here have been some improvements at 400
Broome Street since CSEA complaints about
working conditions were documented in The
Public Sector last September. But problems in
the lease arrangement between the state and
the politically-connected landlord are issues
that won't die

NEW YORK ClTY—The facility that houses the Public Service
Commission and other state agencies at 400 Broome Street sparked
astorm of controversy last year when it was disclosed that “favors” may
have influenced the awarding of the ten-year, $28.5 million rental
contract.

“Somebody must have been embarrased by the pictures of garbage
piling up in our hallways, because that has now been taken care of,”
says CSEA Local 450 President Kin Eng. “The bathrooms have also
been cleaned up—not as well as expected, but at least it’s an
improvement.”

But other problems continue: only two of four elevators work;
members still have to walk through scaffolding to get to work as refacing
of the building progresses; and there are sections of the building where
the heating system doesn’t work.

“The bottom line is that, considering the price that’s being paid for
this place, it should have been completely ready for occupancy before
we were moved in,” says Eng.

The move to 400 Broome Street was one of the first in the massive
relocation of thousands of state employees from the World Trade Cen-
ter. Some other state office moves have been postponed over the past
year because of construction delays.

According to Eng, CSEA has been informed that correcting a number

_—

“When you're paying . . .$3 million a year
... you expect the garbage to be gc up”

PSC Broome Street facility at center
of SIC probe into “sweetheart deals

‘round to relacing the
ng lv th tac reson
plaints of mor 4

Problems with the Broome Street facility were first
disclosed in the September 20, 1988 issue of The Public

\_ _ Sector.

of the outstanding complaints require renegotiating the lease. Other
technical complications in the contract have both sides already locked
in a legal dispute.

The state Office of General Services, which handles all leasing
arrangements, recently appointed a troubleshooter to try to resolve the
problems plaguing 400 Broome Street. However, it does not appear
an immediate settlement is likely

“| just have a gut feeling that this will still take a while to work out,”
says Eng. “If it goes to court, who knows how long that will take. And
while there’s a dispute, it seems the landlord isn’t going to be as
responsive as he should be.”

Meanwhile, as the bickering between the state and landlord drags
on, CSEA members assigned to the building are where they have been
since transferring to the Broome Street building—stuck right in the middle
of the mess.

Region | members contribute in big way to Toys for Tots Campaign

HAUPPAUGE—When Marine Corps Reserve representative Virgilio
Torres came to pick up CSEA Region I's contribution to the Marine Corps
Toys for Tots Campaign last month, he came in an empty van and left in
a full one

Torres, who was an active CSEA member at Pilgrim Psychiatric Center
for many years and is now a New York City policeman, has picked up
CSEA's contributions for the past five years. ‘This year he left with a full
van, and that means a lot of happy children,” noted CSEA Region | President

Danny Donohue. The toys are distributed to needy children at Christmas
by members of the Marine Corps Reserve.

Suffolk Educational Local 870 officers Marilyn Mahler and Marge Marsch
were among CSEA members helping load the van with the donated gifts.
“The Toys for Tots Campaign is excellent and we collect toys from the
members in our units and from people in the community as well,” explained
Mahler.

REGION | PRESIDENT Danny Donohue, left, accepts certificate of appreciation from
Victor Torres, son of Marine Reservist Virgilio Torres, third from right. Standing next
to Donohue is Region | Director Ross Hanna. Islip School District Unit President Marge
Marsch and Brentwood School District Unit President Marilyn Mahler also hold
certificates of appreciation awarded by the Marine Corps Reserve.

MARINE CORPS RESERVE representative Virgilio Torres,
left, looks over some of the toys contributed by Region
| members with Region | President Danny Donohue,
CSEA statewide Secretary Irene Carr and regional socia!

committee chairman Lou Mannellino.

5

January 13, 1986 THE PUBLIC SECTOR

By Dan Campbell
CSEA Communications Associate

AMSTERDAM—Neither rain, nor snow, nor the gloom of a bitter cold
winter's dawn keeps Mary Jaro from her workday bus commute from
Amsterdam to Albany.

Jaro, a career public employee and secretary of CSEA’s Tax and
Finance Local 690, has been making the commute for the past 23 years.
The daily trip stretches her workday routine to about 12 hours a day.

But Jaro is not alone in her daily trek. The Amsterdam Bus
Transportation Department takes about 140 people from Amsterdam to
work in Albany and Schenectady each workday. Many of the bus riders
come from Fulton and Schoharie counties as well as other locations in
Montgomery County.

“I've always worked for the state,” Jaro said. And she has tried different
ways of getting to work during her public service career.

“I've tried everything else, driving myself, car pools. But the bus system
is the least costly and the most relaxing way to make the trip,” Jaro said.

Jaro actually takes two buses to get to work. She gets up at about
5:30 a.m. in order to catch a city bus to a connection with the Albany
commuter bus at 6:15 a.m. The 45-minute ride to Albany provides her

She’s just along for the ride

driver.”

MARY JARO at work

with a chance to read, catch up on union business or sleep.

At night, Jaro retraces her steps back home to Amsterdam.

“The bus costs me about $750 a year,” she explains. “But then | don’t
have to worry about parking space or driving conditions. All | have to do
is catch the bus and leave the driving to another public employee—the bus.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN—Mary Jaro, left, is about to board the
bus in her weekday routine ride from her home in Amsterdam
to work in Albany. With her are Mary Ann Nichols, a fellow state
employee and rider, and Eric Wessell, Amsterdam Bus
Transportation Department driver.

Sick leave bank lauded as healthy policy

POUGHKEEPSIE — A “sick leave bank” for
employees with long term illness is just what the
doctor ordered for Dutchess County employees

According to Unit President Mary Rich, the
newly negotiated policy replaces sick leave at
half pay which was granted at the discretion of
the county legislature and the Department of
Personnel

Rich explained that in order to qualify, the
employee must exhaust all sick leave and vaca-

Union opposes

STATEN ISLAND—Concerned about the
improper use of inmate labor, CSEA has filed a
grievance at Arthur Kill Correctional Facility
objecting to the placement of a prisoner in the
facility's business office.

Although only one prisoner currently is involved,
CSEA has heard of plans to expand the program
and wants it stopped before it goes any further.

According to Local 010 Grievance
Representative Robert Richards, the situation

6

THE PUBLIC SECTOR

tion leave with the exception of five days. The
worker then can apply to draw sick leave from
the bank at full pay for the remainder of the time
needed for a minimum of five days up to a year
Medical documentation must be submitted

The “bank” is union-run by a 12-member com-
mittee and two management people who review
the requests.

The employee must have at least one year of
service with the county, and is required to con-

tribute two sick days to the bank. He or she may
be provisional, permanent, full-time or part-time.

The sick leave bank will be implemented
beginning Jan. 20.

Rich said she is pleased with the program. “It's
a tremendous benefit to receive full pay when
you're unable to work due to an illness,” she
said. “It’s certainly a better benefit than the
previous half-pay policy.”

inmate labor at Arthur Kill

raises several problems: ‘'First of all there's a
matter of security. There are no guards in the
office to keep an eye on this individual who has
access to personnel files and business
documents.”

Added Richards: ‘We're also talking about a
male prisoner —who may be in here for murder
or rape—working in an all female office.”

Beyond the practical considerations, Richards
notes that there is also a broader issue involved

“If there is so much work to be done in the office,
then another clerical staffer should be brought in
What's going on is just a blatant attempt to ignore
the civil service system.”

CSEA's complaint has been joined by PEF and
Council 82. The Arthur Kill administration has
turned down the grievance claiming nothing out
of the ordinary is taking place. An appeal is
pending in Albany

January 13, 1986

mr

January 13, 1986

Pay, benefit
improvements
in Rome pact

ROME—A new three-year contract calling for
substantial salary increases plus other
improvements has been approved by a vote of
two to one by members of the City of Rome
Unit of Oneida County Local 833

Approval of the pact affecting 85 city
employees was announced by Frank A
Woznicki, president of the Rome Unit. The
Rome Board of Estimate has also accepted the
agreement

Terms of the contract, effective Jan. 1,
include

* Salary increases and benefits totalling 17.5

percent over three years

* An improved retirement plan

* An additional holiday (Martin Luther King’s

birthday).

* Retirees health insurance to be paid by the

city

* Improved language in grievance procedure.

* An increase in the number of days available

for buy back upon retirement.

In a brief comment following the
announcement, Woznicki praised the
dedication and efforts of his negotiating
committee which included Martin Izzo, Betty
Lauri, and Unit Vice President Joseph DeFina.

“He also expressed gratitude to Ercole
(Butch) Ventura, CSEA field representative and
chief negotiator who worked with the team,

“We began contract talks in September and
have now wrapped up what we believe is a fair
and equitable contract with some good
improvements in salary and other employee
benefits over the next three years,” Woznicki
said.

OFFICIAL SIGNING—Mayor Carl Eilenberg adds his signature to the new three-year pact
with the CSEA City of Rome Unit. On hand for the ceremony were Unit President Frank
A. Woznicki, left, and CSEA Field Representative Ercole (Butch) Ventura, chief negotiator
for the unit.

Impasse declared in Jefferson Co. Unit talks

By Chuck McGeary
CSEA Communications Associate

WATERTOWN—After more than three
months of negotiations, the Jefferson County
Unit of CSEA Local 823 has declared an
impasse in contract talks over the issues of
wages, health insurance and proposed
reductions in other benefits

Patricia Wilder, president of the unit
representing 500 county employees, said the
negotiating committee requested that a
mediator be assigned by PERB to settle the
dispute which has persisted since talks began
last September.

The existing contract, which expired Dec
31, will remain in effect until anew agreement
is reached and ratified by CSEA members and
the Jefferson County Board of Supervisors.

Major points of controversy involve the
county's proposed self-funded health
insurance plan. Also unresolved, according to
Wilder, are the issues of pay increases tied to
possible insurance costs, work hours, mileage
reimbursements, seniority rights and sick leave

accumulation.

“We still have a number of very important
things on the bargaining table,” Wilder said.

“Jefferson County representatives delayed
until December to bring up the self-funding
insurance package, which was too late to start
the long-term negotiations needed to reach
agreement on such an important issue.”

While awaiting the appointment of a PERB
mediators, Tom Pomidoro, CSEA Collective
Bargaining Specialist, and the unit negotiating
committee held a general membership meeting.

“We wanted to present the unit members
with the factual information that brought on the
impasse and explain to them our position and
next team move. We hope the mediator will be
able to get both sides back on track toward
resolving the issues for an equitable
settlement,” said Pomidoro.

He added that the union will continue talks
“for as long as it takes to hammer out a good
agreement” with improved wages and other
benefits.

PERB has not released the name of the
mediator or the date negotiations will resume

4We still have
a number of
very important
things on the
bargaining table?

7

THE PUBLIC SECTOR

THERAPY AIDE Dot Rosco
demonstrates use of a'specia}
hook-up which allows the
deaf to communicate over the
telephone.

REHABILITATION COUNSELOR Olga Roc uses sign lan-
guage to discuss a patient with other staff members in
the Deaf Unit at Rockland Psychiatric Center.

Task of workers in unique unit at Rockland PC

Communicating
with the deaf
& mentally ill

By Anita Manley
CSEA Communications Associate

ORANGEBURG — Imagine, if you will, the
silent world of the deaf.

Now imagine the world of the mentally ill

Now combine them and you have a very
unique group of human beings who need
unique care givers to teach them to communi-
cate with the rest of the world.

Those special care givers are the therapy
aides who work in the deafness unit of the
Rockland Psychiatric Center, the only unit for
the deaf mentally ill in the state.

“Deafness is more a handicap to others than
it is to the patients themselves,” said Therapy
Aide Dorothy Roscoe, who says it sometimes
is easier to communicate with deaf patients
than with people who can hear

“Once you get rid of your own fears, it’s
much easier than you think. The patients real-
ly teach us. They're an enormous help because
they want to communicate with you.”

According to Social Worker Amy Schwartz-
berg, many of the most recent patients are the
result of the Rubella epidemic of the 1960s
At that time, doctors first realized that women
who contracted Rubella (German measles) dur-
ing pregnancy, would give birth to deformed
infants. “These are the Rubella babies who
have come of age,” she said.

Unfortunately, there is a long waiting list of
clients who want to live in group homes be-
cause they are not equipped to handle the deaf
mentally ill patient

Numerous activities are available for the resi-

THE PUBLIC SECTOR

dents. Schwartzberg said some attend a
sheltered workshop during the day. Other ac-
tivities include classes in daily living skills, cook-
ing, exercise, games, a library group, captioned
movies, bowling and even dancing.

There is very little turnover of staff here
Schwatzberg feels this is due to the unique-
ness of the unit. Applicants for jobs are asked
if they are willing to learn sign language. Some
of the workers are deaf themselves

Roscoe, a five-year veteran of the Deafness
Unit, says she’s never had the desire for a
change. “This job opened up a whole new
world for me. | had no understanding of the
deaf and | was surprised at how the residents
communicate with each other.”

Psychiatric Social Worker Alexandra Fried-
man pointed out that the deaf not only have
their own language, but their own culture as
well.

“The language and culture of the deaf are
unique,” she says. “They have their own stan-
dards of behavior. It’s very different.”

Friedman noted that the patients and wor-
kers are like an extended family. “We're an in-
timate group. Patients who have been released
come back for visits.”

The wards are also specially equipped for the
deaf population. There is a telephone that
hooks up to a screen that enables a deaf per-
son to write his conversation to the person he
is ‘talking’ to. There is a fire alarm system with
flashing lights. There are vibrating alarm clocks.

Most important, says Friedman, there is a
caring skilled staff. Here at the Rockland Psy-
chiatric Center's Deaf Unit, there is no short-
age of that commodity

THERAPY AIDE David Traber participates in
a staff meeting. He and his co-workers use
sign language among themselves for the
benefit of staff members who are deaf.

‘“*TALKING’’ IN SIGN language is
demonstrated by Therapy Aide Geraldine
Millhouse.

January 13, 1986

of exploring
new frontiers

on behalf of
New York State

public workers

THE YEAR IN REVIEW
PAGES 10-11

“Comparable woah S rOpAnGHIE, led By the
wenn American Federation of State, County and
President Wiliam L- McGowan, CSEA Municipal Employees, one of the largest public

Treasurer Barbara Fauser, AFSCME Presi-

i oT sector unions, have concentrated their efforts in
ecutive Vice President Joseph E. McDer- Bureau of National Affairs,

Mole: the public sector" September, 1984

AFSCME President McEntee praises CSEA
as a ‘pioneer on the public 55 or ercseall

NEW YORK CITY — Paying tribute to CSEAM™ McEn "fe recalled that aL baa s first annual q

a“‘pioneer on the public sector frontier," AFS' % bn roots
eee er pay, i ee, Slam nimum wages

Mhinnings? | QO QNot $1-
2 a

THE PUBLIC SECTOR

January 13, 1986

*CSEA blasts as unacceptable a plan by Wor-
kers’ Compensation Board to conduct night hear-
ings. Grievance filed.

*CSEA files complaints leading to orders for El-
mira City Hall and Utica Public Safety Building to
prorige adequate exits for employees on upper

joors.

*Unique Employee Involvement pilot projects be-
gun to improve laborimanagement problem solv-
ing relationships.

“Union wins $13,000 back pay for village of Ar-
cade employee.

*CSEA gains restored leave time for Orange
County workers sent home during snowstorm.

*CSEA members and officers march at Albany
Federal Building to protest South Africa apartheid

aN

*CSEA and state start coalition bargaining on
contacts affecting 100,000 state workers.

*Union announces that food buying co-ops will
be established as pilot projects for members at
selected work sites.

*CSEA and Monroe County conduct mandatory
seminars for employees in effort to prevent as-
saults on employees by the public.

*CSEA activists lobby state legislators to reject
Proposed major overhaul of state mental health
system.

*CSEA joins in promoting special children iden-
eee program at Broome Developmental
enter.

*Public employees work 20-hour shifts to battle

aia wy

*Union says state is stalling completion of com-
parable worth study which will show bias in state
pay.

*CSEA protests learning of plans to close Stat-
en Island Developmental Center through newspa-
per story.

*CSEA sets series of events to mark National
Women’s History Week. More than half of union’s
members are women.

*CSEA launches concerted effort to prevent un-
fair changes in federal tax and budget proposals.

*Two CSEA members from Middletown Psy-
chiatric Center, Ricki Henderson and Roy Brown,
credited with actions that saved lives in separate
incidents.

“New pass day plan at Hudson River Psychiatric

ie winter storm in western New York, oy

Nee blasted by CSEA. 9

*Ratification process begins after CSEA and
state reach agreement on new 3-year contracts
covering 100,000 state workers.

*Twenty-three private sector members of CSEA’s
Faculty Student Association engage in 6-day strike
a@iinst Hudson Valley Commumity College.

*CSEA successfully negotiates end to problems
associated with plans to conduct Worker Comp
night hearings.

*CSEA judiciary bargaining team breaks off
negotiations with Office of Court Administration.

*More than year after contract expired, Oran-
getown members march in force to protest bargain-
ing delays.

*CSEA/state study shows VDT operators can be
both safe and comfortable, but many specifics
ngst be adhered to.

ee se es ees Ss ee |

*CSEA-backed early retirement incentive pro-
grams spreading throughout local governments
and school districts.

*CSEA-represented state employees approve
new 3-year contracts by 3-1 margin.

*CSEA convinces arbitrator to order Olympic
Regional Development Authority to raise salaries
of employees.

*CSEA unveils package of nearly 50 proposed
bills for union’s 1985 legislative program.

work to unlock mysteries of mental retardation and
gover omental disabilities at Institute for Basic Re-
search,

*Employees do work themselves, save SUNY
$250,000 in material and labor costs at Oswego to

build computer room.

*CSEA members playing major role in research |

8 ee ee ee |

“U.S. District Court judge clears way for hearing
on CSEA/AFSCME charges that Nassau County
maintains sex-based wage discrimination.

*CSEA members re-elect Bill McGowan, Joe
McDermott, Irene Carr and Barbara Fauser to
Statewide union leadership positions.

*Union launches new ad campaign focusing on
care of mentally ill.

“CSEA wins right to review methane gas tests
conducted at Smithtown facilities.

*Colonie police dispatchers calmly direct caller
to help save a choking child.

*Union files health and safety violation charges
against Brookhaven landfill facility.

*School district employees invade Albany to lob-

i! for bills before state legislators. ,

July 1985

* Onondaga Local members ratify retroactive con-
tract.

*CSEA charges state Department of Labor is un-
fair with layoff recall practice, allowing higher-paid
employees to take jobs of some CSEA members.

*CSEA, which helped obtain funds to revitalize
State Barge Canal, participates in canal’s 160th an-
niversary. Many CSEA activists honored for work
in helping restore the waterway.

*Children of members receive $9,000 in college
scholarship grants under union program.

*Region Il President George Boncoraglio named
Bronx labor leader of the year by Bronx Democrats.
*Union charges Bronx Psychiatric Center

plagued by understaffing, overcrowding, inade-
Kae security and many other problems.

October 1985

- BEE Eee eee ee

*Metropolitan Life Insurance Company awarded
new employee health benefits plan, ‘‘The Empire
Plan.”

*Niagara Parks Local 104 members spruce up
Niagara Falls area to celebrate centennial of park’s
dedication.

“CSEA helps oust billing service to create new
jobs at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse.

*Members at State Division of Substance Abuse
Services Laboratory help detect, 50,000 times a
month, evidence of drug and alcoho! abuse.

*CSEA activists join in massive New York City
parade and rally against South Africa apartheid
practices.

*CSEA charges overcrowding, fire hazards are

*CSEA President William L. McGowan, in tradi-
tional Labor Day speech, calls for united labor ef-
fort to protect working class.

“Union rips into newly appointed DOT commis-
sioner for suggesting use of private contractors in
his first speech since taking office.

*CSEA pushes for a policy that would protect
public employees who care for AIDS patients in
State institutions.

“CSEA relocates statewide headquarters to larg-
er facilities at 143 Washington Avenue in Albany.

*Union hammers out contract for court em-
ployees that rejects management attempt to apply
discretionary wage cap on some workers.

*CSEA members turn out in record numbers for

loultcbl employees at Steuben County a)

gia Day parades in Albany and New York ey)

e’

*Bowing to CSEA pressure, state Board of Re-
gents eliminates mandatory age 65 retirement rule
for school bus drivers.

*CSEA presses strong opposition to planned re-
opening of state office building in Binghamton;
State officials agree to delay reopening at least an-
other year.

*CSEA officially celebrates the union’s 75th an-
niversary during annual delegates meeting in New
Y@& City.

*Union sends election information to 125,000
members about candidates in their election district
in preparation for November general election.

“Public employees work around the clock to re-
store services after Hurricane Gloria rips across
Long Island and damages other parts of the state.

*Two members die in separate on-the-job mis-

haps, pointing up dangers of public employment.

|
|
|
|
I
ee ee ee |

*CSEA releases report highly critical of Public
Work Program, Union labels report, ‘A Public Dis-
service.’”

*CSEA and state jointly release two major
reports which would create sweeping changes in
the state’s classification and compensation sys-
tem, and pave the way for pay equity for thousands.
of state workers in jobs held predominately by fe-
males and minorities.

*CSEA wins ruling from Suffolk County Civil
Service Department that custodians should not be
required to conduct bomb searches of school build-
ings.

EUinion charges Hempstead deliberately tried to
place CSEA members in another union’s dental

lan.

*CSEA staff employees agree to new 3-year
pacts, ending two- week old strike.

*CSEA retirees hold first convention; to become

Ne event. ay

December 1985

“Fifteen CSEA activists journey to Ohio to assist
AFSCME in successfully organizing tens of thou-
sands of Ohio state employees.

* Unique labor-management demonstration pro-
ject in Ulster County could ultimately end adver-
sarial problem solving. State official says program
could become a national model for local govern-
ments and public employee unions.

“CSEA-funded pay equity study becomes basis
for settlement in Three Village School District cler-
ical unit.

*CSEA says problems of downtown parking
reach explosive level in Albany. Special union com-
mittee named to address issue.

*Union warns that guards not yet properly
trained to staff Erie County's new penitentiary.

*CSEA and state meet again in effort to agree
on a formal policy for safe operation of video dis-

\ play terminals. ay,

1 0 THE PUBLIC SECTOR

January 1§, 1986

THE PUBLIC SECTOR 1 1
WESTERN

REGIONAL OFFICE

4245 Union Rd. g

Cambridge Square METROPOLITAN evo Wo

Cheektowaga, N.Y. 14225 REGIONAL OFFICE 7 gm P

(716) 634-3840 11 Broadway/Suite 1500 pe LONG ISLAND
New York, N.Y. 10004 BEQONGE OFFICE:
auppauge Atrium Bulldin
(212) 514-9200 300 Vanderbilt Motor Pkwy.
Hauppauge, N.Y. 11788

Professional union help
is just phone call away

We're just:a phone call away.
The best professional help, or the ariswers to

any questions you might have about civil service STATEWI DE
employment, are as close as the nearest tele- E QUARTERS
phone.

Your initial contact should be with your shop 143 WASHINGTON AVEN U E
steward and/or your Local president, of course.
But help is also right there in your CSEA Region-
al Headquarters, or in one of our satellite offices. ALBANY N y | oe: | 0
And all types of professional staff assistance is , oe

there to serve you in CSEA’s statewide headquar-
ters in Albany. 5 | 8) 434.0 | 9 |
Save this page, you never know when you'll

need to contact a union official or representative.
They're just a phone call away.

CENTRAL
REGIONAL OFFICE
Suite 308

290 Elwood Davis Rd.
Liverpool, N.Y. 13088

(315) 451-6330

CAPITAL
REGIONAL OFFICE
1215 Western Ave.
Albany, N.Y. 12203

(518) 489-5424

SOUTHERN
REGIONAL OFFICE

on Rural Route 1

Box 34, Old Route 9
Fishkill, N.Y. 12524
4 eS ee (914) 896-8180 ©

(516) 273-2280
(516) 435-0962

CSEA SATELLITE OFFICES

BINGHAMTON SATELLITE OFFIC
om 218, Executive Office Bldg. ; @ PLATISBURGH SATELLITE OFFICE

Broad Street Professional Bldg.

neers @CANTON SATELLITE OFFICE Per cucran liv tae04
607-772-1750 P.O. Box 488 518-563-0761
Canton, NY 13617 @ROCHESTER SATELLITE OFFICE
C.M.C. Bi 9

315-386-8131 or 8132

@WESTCHESTER SATELLITE OFFICE

222 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains, NY 10601

IA RA9 S905. 8 ORNS @UTICA SATELLITE OFFICE @MAYVILLE SATELLITE OFFICE

P.O. Box 225
289 Genesee Street Mayville, NY 14757

Utica, NY 13501
315-735-9272 ZAS:TER-8390

e
1 2 THE PUBLIC SECTOR January 13, 1986

A number of increases affecting retireees in
general went into effect Jan. 1, and most of
the increases are nothing to cheer about.

On the positive side, CSEA and AFSCME
retirees were among those who conducted
organized campaigns which helped result in the
granting of a 3.1 percent annual cost-of-living
adjustment (COLA) increase for retirees in
general who receive Social Security checks.
There was serious doubt that a COLA would
be provided at all, and experts now say it was
primarily efforts by retirees themselves, such
as the CSEA and AFSCME campaigns, along
with scores of other efforts nationwide, that
resulted in the increase. On the down side,
however, the 3.1 percent COLA increase in
Social Security benefits is the smallest since
Social Security benefits were linked to the
consumer Price Index in 1975.

The increase translates to an average
increase of $14 a month for retired workers,
boosting the national average payment to
$478. For retired couples, the average joint
benefit will climb to $812 a month, a $24
increase.

Unfortunately, other 1986 increases for
retirees are not good news. Under Medicare,
the daily hospital co-payment for the 61st
through the 91st day increased on Jan. 1 from
$100 to $123. The cost of Medicare-covered
nursing home stays rose for $50 to $61.50
for the 21st through 100th day.

The largest increase, however, is in the
Medicare hospital insurance (part A)
deductible, which went up a record 23 percent
-— from an already high $400 to $492. The
increase is caused by a sudden decrease in
the average length of stay in a hospital by
Medicare beneficiaries, which critics says is

A dozen or more CSEA retiree activists have
indicated interest in participating in a “Senior
Citizen Intern Program’’conducted by
Congress and their names will be forwarded
for consideration to their respective
congressional representative.

The week-long intern program is conducted
by members of Congress in Washington. It is
designed to provide senior citizen leaders from
organizations across the country an opportunity
to learn the federal legislative process and how
government operates on programs of
importance to retired and elderly citizens

This year’s Senior Citizen Intern Program will
be held May 18-23. Members of the House
of Representatives and Senate who participate
in the program may sponsor two interns each
Interns are selected from lists of nominees
submitted by participating organizations

The deadline for applying for consideration

January 13, 1986

caused by hospitals discharging elderly
patients before they are well enough while the
hospital’s income from Medicare stays con-
stant. The government pays hospitals in
advance for treating 467 different illness cat-
egories under Medicare.

Social Security advocates say that while
Medicare has a genuine need to hold down
costs, Social Security's Old Age and Survivors
Insurance Trust Funds have a healthy surplus
that should continue to grow well into the next
century. Therefore, advocates say, Social
Security must be removed from the unified
Federal budget to avoid efforts such as this
past year to cut Social Security benefits as part
of efforts to reduce the Federal budget deficit
as a whole. A bill—H.R. 3470—is currently
being considered by the House Ways and
Means Committee that would restore the
system to its original status outside the general
budget process. AFSCME and CSEA retiree
leaders have gone on the record with
committee members and the Speaker of the
House in favor of the proposal.

H.R. 3470, stalled in committee, may be
eclipsed by the Gramm-Rudman amendment,
which contains language that would remove
Social Security from the unified budget in
1987, just as H.R. 3470 would (under current
law, Social Security would come out of the
budget in 1993). However, the exemption of
Social Security under Gramm-Rudman’s
budget-balancing formula is, AFSCME experts
say, the only bright spot in a thoroughly bad
piece of legislation. Medicare, in particular,
fares poorly under the amendment.

Because proponents of Gramm-Rudman
have refused to pass a debt-ceiling extension
without their deficit-reducing amendment

is expected to close soon, and additional
information may be obtained by contacting
CSEA Director of Retirees Leo Hope at CSEA
statewide headquarters in Albany, (618) 434-
0191. CSEA is working in conjunction with
AFSCME's Director of Retiree Programs Steve
Regenstreif in Washington in attempting to gain
favorable consideration for as many CSEA and
AFSCME retirees as possible

Too many jokers
are in the deck

, SS increase not
a winning hand for
retired American

GC

A

attached, the government was unable to meet
its obligations in early November. On Nov. 2,
Treasury Secretary James Baker cancelled
$14 billion in government securities held by the
Social Security Trusts funds in order to cover
Federal debts. A coalition, Save Our Security
(SOS), which represents AFSCME and more
than 100 other organizations, has filed suit
charging the action violated the law by
disinvesting the Social Security Trust Funds for
purposes other than benefit payments.

Meanwhile, the new year also brought a
Social Security tax increase for all workers. The
average worker now pays an extra dime from
every $100 earned to support Social Security.
The payroll tax climbed from 7.05 percent to
7.15 percent.

13

THE PUBLIC SECTOR

Extracurricular activities

CSEA at work for school district workers across the state

‘Stories by CSEA Communications Associates Sheryl Carlin, Anita Manley, Chuck McGeary, and Ron Wofford.

They want
a fair wage

MALONE — By unanimous vote, CSEA
members of the Malone Central School Unit of
Franklin County Local 817 have rejected
recommendations of a PERB factfinder and
called for fair wages.

According to Mary Hanna, unit president, the
members’ main complaints with the report are
wages much below other area school districts
and poor vacation benefits for 12-month em-
ployees.

“CSEA research figures clearly indicate that
non- instructional school employees in Malone
are among the lowest paid in the entire north
country,” said Hanna. “Many employees in the
bargaining unit are raising families on as little
as $5 per hour and that’s a disgrace.”

She added that although unit employees live
in the school district, send their children to dis-
trict schools, pay taxes and help support local
business with their wages, they continue to be
treated as ‘second-class citizens.””

“They're trying to maintain families with earn-
ings that border on the survival level,” said
Hanna.

Tom Pomidoro, CSEA collective bargaining
specialist and chief negotiator for the unit, in-
dicates that the next step by PERB will proba-
bly be to assign a super-conciliator to the
negotiations that began last April.

In the meantime, the CSEA Regional Com-
munications Department has stepped up its
contact with Malone area media in an effort to
inform taxpayers there of details of the situa-
tion.

14

THE PUBLIC SECTOR

CORNING — The Corning Schools Unit has
reached agreement on a two-year contract for
its 225 members.

Wage increases of 7 percent in the first year
and 7.9 percent in the second year were
gained through negotiations for the members
of Steuben County Local 851.

Secretary wages were brought more into line
with the rest of the schools’ workforce in
recognition of the push for comparable worth,
according to Unit President Dan Ginnan.

“We also negotiated binding arbitration for
disciplinary matters” into the pact, said Ginnan

Comp worth push
ups secretary pay

He added his members felt “pretty good” ees
completion of the bargaining agreement

Contract language improvements regarding
sick leave and union leave were also negotiat-
ed for the unit

Ray Ducharme, field representative, was
chief negotiator for a committee that included
Ginnan, Linda Kellogg, Joann DiLaura, Jim
Tubbs, Joe Lobdell, Lloyd Cobb, Marge Mat-

LOCUST VALLEY — Members in the Lo-
cust Valley Central School District recently
ratified a three-year pact which includes pay
raises of 9, 8, and 8 percent over the term
of the contract.

Other gains, which are retroactive to July
1, 1985, include: anew step 14 at $400
per year, additional provisions for uniforms,
an evening shift differential of $450 per
year, a night differential of $750 per year,
and Martin Luther King Day as a paid holiday.

In the second year of the contract, anew
step 17 will be added at $400 and life in-
surance benefits will be increased to
$20,000 for employees who are beginning
their third year of employment with the dis-
trict

9, 8 and 8 percent raises won

toon, Dennis Stewart and Ron Gillespie.

A new step 20, at $400, will be added
in the third year.

“It's really an excellent package. The mon-
ey is good and we're all pleased,” said Joe
Curtis, president of the cutodial and trans-
portation units of the district

“Mike Aiello and the rest of the negotiat-
ing committee worked hard and we have a P
good relationship with management,” he ad-
ded. ‘Although the negotiations were long
and drawn out at times, they ended in a good
settlement.”

In addition to Curtis and Aiello, members
of the negotiating team were Arthur Sand-
strom, Vincent Costintino and Ray Ciesla.

“In a couple of months we'll be ready to
start negotiations for the transportation unit,”
said Curtis P

Cornwall Schoo! Dirstrict

employees

\| New paid holiday and no
givebacks in Cornwall pact

CORNWALL — Pay increases totalling 21 percent over three years
and medical insurance for part-timers who work five hours or more per day
come with the recent ratification of a pact for non-teaching workers in the

The three-year agreement will cover 30 maintenance and custodial

According to Region Ill Field Representative Larry Natoli, an addition-
al paid holiday for Martin Luther King Day and positively no givebacks were
also highlights of the new contract which is retroactive to July 1.

Employees will receive 7 percent per year in wage hikes

CORNWALL SCHOOL DISTRICT Unit President Ken Woodruff (seated,
left) signs a new three-year contract gaining substantial pay hikes for *
grounds and maintenance workers there. Looking on are School Dis-
trict Business Manager Richard Morgan, seated, and Unit Secretary
Joseph F. Bradley who served on the negotiating team.

e
January 13, 1986

?
Their first time in bargaining unit

Tuckahoe teacher aides get pay hikes too

TUCKAHOE — A two-year contract in the Tuckahoe School ff i q
District will increase salaries by 14 percent over the life of the :
agreement

According to Region Ill Field Representative Larry Sparber,
a highlight of the contract negotiations this year was the inclu-
sion of teacher aides, doubling the number of members in the
bargaining unit

The contract, retroactive to July 1, hikes salaries by 7 per-
cent per year.

In addition to teacher aides, the unit also includes clerical
and maintenance employees

The unit is affiliated with Westchester Local 860

TUCKAHOE SCHOOL DISTRICT members go over a newly rati-
fied contract with Region Ill Field Representative Larry Sparb-
er. Pictured are: (seated) Sparber and Unit President Virginia
Rescigno; (standing, from left) Cathy Motylinski, teacher aide;
Vic Pavone, custodian; Mary Jane Murphy and Ginny Kold-
en, committee members.

"Wa ges an d Bus drivers and custodians

benefits boosted get increases in new contract

tract for 88 maintenance and custodial vides for increases in the dental/optical

= [Ty Ld a employees and bus drivers who work in plan, improved language on overtime, call-
the Mamaroneck School District was re- in and job procedures, improved snow

cently ratified. day and personal day provisions for part-

The new agreement will increase wages time workers, increases in sick leave ac-

by 7 percent, retroactive to July 1, 1985; cruals and a reduction in years needed

WILLIAMSVILLE — The Williamsville Schools Unit 6.75 percent in July 1986, and 6.5 per- for eligibility for longevity payments. The
of Local 868 has reached agreement on a three-year cent effective July, 1987 agreement also establishes an in-service
contract that boosts wages and benefits for its mem- According to Region Ill Field Represen- training program committee.
bers.

“It's a good contract that our members deserved
and can live with,” said Unit President Jim Burgoyne.
“We worked hard to reach this point and it was well
worth the long wait.””

@ Wages for custodial and maintenance employees
will increase by 4.8 percent the first year, 5 percent
in the second year, and 5.5 percent in the third year
of the agreement, plus increments where due. The
raises are retroactive to July 1.

Cafeteria employees with cook manager and
elementary satellite manager titles will receive hourly
wage increases of 37 cents, 39 cents and 41 cents
over the three years. Cooks will gain 33, 35 and 37
cents per hour raises. Food service helpers will gain
31, 33 and 35 cents per hour increases.

@ = Shift differential pay will increase in the second
contract year, and out-of-title work will be paid at the
difference between the higher position rate and the
pay rate of the employee working out of title. Minimum
out-of-title pay will be 25 cents per hour.

The school district will pay 95 percent of Blue
Cross Law Option Basic Dental Plan beginning in July
of 1986, provided that 75 percent of the employees
enroll in the plan.

A full holiday for Martin Luther King’s birthday and
a half holiday for New Year's Eve has been added for

@all employees. Also, hourly and part-time employees
will gain Columbus Day as paid holiday.

Other gains include improvements in longevity pay, MAMARONECK SCHOOL DISTRICT Unit President Paul Fortuna signs a newly rati-
job posting, emergency school closing pay, and atten- fied contract for his 88-members unit. Others seated, from left, are: Region Ill Field
dance bonuses. Representative Larry Sparber, School District Assistant Superintendent of Personnel

CBS Danny Jinks was chief negotiator for the unit Dr. Ronda Gersten and Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services Paul
along wilth Burgoyne, Floy Schmidt, Dianne Leasing McDevitt. Standing, from left, are members of the negotiating team: Unit Vice Presi-
and Donald Baumgartner dent Bill Troetti, Izzy Belowich, Bob Gray and Paul Abrahamsen. Another member

of the team not present for this photo was Tess Gainey.

January 13, 1986 THE PUBLIC SECTOR 1 5

BSE aha Unseen ell Aree a Sis ERR ee a a!

Prep booklets

help you achieve
career advancement
through promotions

Local Government
prep booklets

CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES ASSN.
ATIN: EDGCATION DEPARTMENT
P.O. BOX 7125

CAPITOL STATION

ALBANY, NEW YORK 12224

Please send me the booklet(s) indicated. |
understand the price is $ 1.50 (which includes
postage) for EACH booklet ordered. | have
enclosed a check or money order, payable to
CSEA, for § to cover the cost
of this order.

Secretarial and Typing Series for
Counties, Municipalities and Non-
Teaching School District Personnel

Custodial Series for Counties,
Municipalities and Non-Teaching
School District Personnel

Social Welfare Examiner Series
Exam

Caseworker Promotional

Series
Please send booklet(s) to:
NAME
ADDRESS
CITY STATE/ZIP 2S
SOCIAL SECURITY #____
CSEA LOCAL
Bi

MPLOYER

Video tapes and associated printed booklets
on preparing for exams are also available for
use from CSEA's regional offices. Local
presidents may request the videos and
materials for use in helping members prepare
for exams by contacting the communications
associate in the respective regional headquar-
ters

16

THE PUBLIC SECTOR

ame pen coeesensessen

Career advancement and civil service promotional exams are never far from.
the minds of public employees. And for public workers in either the state or lo-
cal government arena, CSEA is offering self-study booklets that should help in-
dividuals improve their test scores in a wide range of civil service exam areas.

A dozen booklets are available to help individuals prepare for state exams.
And CSEA has available four exam preparation booklets for employees in local
political subdivisions,

And the union is also offering something that should prove beneficial to
everyone—cassette tapes designed to help people combat the effects of stress
through relaxation.

All of the items are available from CSEA’s Education Department for csE#
members. As indicated, non-CSEA members can obtain the exam prep book-
lets directly from Cornell University at the same price. Each booklet costs $1.50,
while the cassette relaxation tape, available only through CSEA’s Education
Department, cost $2.50 each.

Interested individuals should use the proper order form below,

can

State Examinations
prep booklets

Relaxation Tape
cassette offer

t CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES ASSN.
ATTN: EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
P.O. BOX 7125

CAPITOL STATION

ALBANY, NEW YORK 12224

1 Please send me the booklet(s) indicated.
understand the price is $ 1.50 (which include:
postage) for EACH booklet ordered. I havi
enclosed a check or money order, payable t
CSEA, for § __ to cover the cost o
this order.

Basic Math

_ Arithmetic Reasoning

ad

CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES ASSN.
ATTN: EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
P.O. BOX 7125

CAPITOL STATION

ALBANY, NEW YORK 12224

Please send me relaxation
program(s) on cassette tape at the price of
$2.50 EACH. I have enclosed a check or mon-
y order, payable to CSEA, for $______—_—itto
‘over the cost of this order.

Please send tape(s) to:

Understanding and
Tabular Material

Interpretin

_STATE/ZIP Understanding and

Written Material

Interpretin

#
Sele BEC ORUN ________ Preparing Written Material

SEA LOCAL

_ Supervision

_— Purchasing and Payroll Practices

MPLOYER

¢

Basic Algebra

Concepts and Principles o
Normalization for the Mentall
Retarded/Developmentally Disabled:
Therapeutic Approaches

Principles and Practices
Treatment of the
Ill/Emotionally Disturbed

in th
Mentall

How to take an Oral Exam

Evaluating Conclusions in the Light:
of Known Facts

1
H Please send booklet(s) to:
'

1 NAME

1

| ADDRESS

1
+ CITY STATE/ZIP
1

t Social Security #
PLEASE NOTE: Non-CSEA members can }
obtain the exam preparation booklets directly
from Cornell Gniversity at the same price by
contacting: Cornell ILR, 112 State Street,
Suite 1200, Albany, N. Y. 12207. The
relaxation tapes are available ONLY through
CSEA's Education Department.

'
1 CSEA Local

Employer

January 13, 1986

OPEN COMPETITIVE EXAMINATIONS SCHEDULE

BEGINNING
EXAM NO. SALARY

JOB TITLE

APPLICATIONS DEADLINE JANUARY 20, 1986

Computer Programmer/Analyst 26-476 20,066
Assistant Director of Public Employment Conciliation 28-562 48,183
Principal Stenographer (Law) 26-465 18,818
Senior Offset Printing Machine Operator 26-425 15,670
Conservation Biologist (Aquatic) 26-467 20,066
Conservation Biologist (Aquatic) Trainee 26-467 18,951
Conservation Biologist (Ecology) 26-468 20,066
Conservation Biologist (Ecology) Trainee 26-468 18,951
Conservation Biologist (Extension) 26-469 20,066
Conservation Biologist (Extension) Trainee 26-469 18,951
Conservation Biologist (Wildlife) 26-470 20,066
Conservation Biologist (Wildlife) Trainee 26-470 18,951
Senior Valuation Enginer 26-466 34,391
Workers’ Compensation Social Worker | 26-473 22,842

APPLICATIONS DEADLINE FEBRUARY 10, 1986

Assistant Sanitary Engineer (Design) 26-463 27,862
Assistant Plumbing Engineer 26-460 27,862
Energy Technical Specialist | 28-794 25,099
Energy Technical Specialist II 28-795 32,628
Vocational Specialist | 26-491 25,088
Housing Management Assistant 26-480 25,099
Housing Management Representative 26-481 32,628

APPLICATIONS CONTINUOUSLY ACCEPTED
Occupational Therapy Assistant | 20-127,
Occupational Therapy Assistant II 20-128

APPLICATIONS DEADLINE MARCH 17, 1986
Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic 28-796
Emergency Medical Technician 28-809

16,909
20,066

20,466
15,487

APPLICATION FORMS—You may obtain Application forms by mail or in person at
the following offices of the State Department of Civil Services

ALBANY—W. Averell Harriman NYS Office Building Campus 12239.

BUFFALO—Room 303, 65 Court Street 14202

NEW YORK—55th Floor, 2 World Trade Center 10047, or 6th Floor, Adam
Clayton Powell State Office Building, 163 West 125th Street, 10027

LOCAL OFFICES, NYS Employment Service (no mail requests). When you
request an application, specify the examination number and title. Mail completed
application to: NYS Department of Civil Service, W. Averell Harriman NYS Office
Building Campus, Albany, N.Y. 12239

COMPETITIVE PROMOTION EXAMINATIONS
(State Employees Only)

COMPETITIVE PROMOTIONAL
APPLICATIONS DEADLINE FEBRUARY 3, 1986
EXAM NO. DEPARTMENT _

Library Clerk Il G-7

Assistant Heating and Ventilating Engineer G-20
Assistant Sanitary Engineer (Design) G-20
Assistant Plumbing Engineer G-20

Assistant Mechanical Construction Engineer G-20
Assistant Building Electrical Engineer G-20

38-864 Correctional
38-838 OGS

38-852 OGS

38-840 OGS

38-839 OGS

38-837 — Interdepartmental

APPLICATIONS DEADLINE FEBRUARY 10, 1986
Building Services Administrator || G-23 39-932 OGS

APPLICATIONS DEADLINE MARCH 10, 1986

Senior employment Counselor G-19 39-944 Labor

APPLICATION FORMS: Application forms for promotion candidates are available
though your Personnel or Business Office. You may also obtain them by mail or
in person at the following offices of the New York State Department of Civil Service
NYS Office Building Campus, Albany, N.Y. 12239; 55thFloor, Two World Trade
Center, New York, N.Y. 10047; 6th Floor, Adam Clayton Powell State Office
Building, 163 West 125th Street, New York, N.Y. 10027; or Room 303, 65
Court Street, Buffalo, N.Y. 14202. Specify the examination by its number and
title. Mail your completed application form to: NYS Department of Civil Service
The W. Averell Harriman NYS Office Building Campus, Albany, N.Y. 12

January 13, 1986

Dozens of
exams to be
held in May

for titles

in local
governments

Civil service examinations covering nearly
three dozen job title series for local
government positions are scheduled to be
conducted during May. Local government
employees should contact their local civil
service agency to determine if exams will be
offered in their particular area.

The examinations, both open competitive
and competitive promotional, are compared
and rated by the State Department of Civil
Service but administered by the local civil
service agency, of which there are about
100 in the state. Local civil service agencies
may offer some, all or none of the exams
depending upon local requirements, which
is why a check with the local agency is
advised. In addition, depending upon local
needs, exams may be either open
competitive or promotional, or both, in many
instances.

THE FOLLOWING EXAMS ARE

SCHEDULED FOR MAY 10, 1986:

Caseworker

Highway Maintenance Supervisor (Non-

Engineers)

Public Works (Non-Engineers)

Real Property Tax Service

Road Maintenance and Construction

(Lead Level)

Road Maintenance and Construction

(Supervisor Level)

School Lunch Director

School Lunch Manager

Stationary Engineer

Supervisors)

THE FOLLOWING EXAMS ARE

SCHEDULED FOR MAY 17, 1986

Community Services Worker

Custodian, Head

Custodian, Senior

Custodian, Supervisory

Human Services Paraprofessionals

Investigator (General—except Police)

Janitor, Head

Janitor, Senior

Mental Health Aide

Probation Assistant

Probation Officer

Probation Officer Trainee

Secretaries (Lower Level)

Stenographer, Senior

Support Collector

Support Investigator

Tenant Relations Assistant

Typist, Senior

Welfare Resources and Assets Analyst

Positions

THE FOLLOWING EXAMS ARE

SCHEDULED FOR MAY 31, 1986

Audio Visual Production Series

Data Entry (Clerical)

Data Entry (Supervisory)

Data Processing Positions (Entry)

Sanitary Design and Construction

Engineer and Inspector

Staff Development and Training (All Titles)

Stationary Engineer (Low Level)

Telecommunications Analyst

Telecommunications Coordinator

(High Level

(Berrsraessnnan et ecm a a ES ADS PSN

THE PUBLIC SECTOR 1 7

A HOME STUDY COURSE IS
B OFFERED TO EMPLOYEES
WHO CAN'T ATTEND CLASS-
ROOM PROGRAMS. AN 800

TELEPHONE NUMBER ENA-
BLES STUDENTS TO USE THE
PROGRAM'S TELE-TUTORING
SERVICE.

Preparing to get
ahead good IDEA

INSTITUTE FOR DEVELOPMENT, EDUCATION AND ADVANCEMENT (IDEA) — A program for state em-
ployees in the Administrative, Institutional and Operational Services Units represented by CSEA

IF YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS INCLUDED: Preparing for college- level courses; preparing for Civil
Service tests; or preparing for the GED, then here’s one IDEA that can help your resolution come true.

IDEA teaches reading for:

* College success, which requires reading comprehension skills
at grade level 12 (The New York Times is written at 8th grade
level)
*Civil Service tests, including understanding and interpreting
written material

*GED success, which requires reading at grade level 10.5

IDEA teaches English for:

*College preparation—what you need to know before tak-
ing college-level courses in English composition

*Civil Service tests—grammar and usage, capitalization
and punctuation, spelling, preparation of written material

*GED success, which requires skills in diction and style,
logic and organization, and sentence structure

*The Long Island Developmental Center and Pilgrim Psy-
chiatric Center in Region |;

*Two- World Trade Center, New York State Psychiatric
Institute, State Insurance Fund, Manhattan Psychiatrie Cen-

Center in Region Il;

Name

FOR MORE INFORMATION, call

Bob Knower at 1-800-253-IDEA. In

Work Address:

the Albany area, call (518) 434-O191,
Ext. 228. Or send the adjacent cou-

pon to CSEA/IDEA, 143 Washington

IDEA teaches mathematics for:

"College preparation—fractions, decimals, percents, algebra
and geometry

*Civil Service tests — arithmetic computation, arithmetic
reasoning, understanding and interpreting tabular material,

algebra
*GED success, which requires concepts and problem solv-

ing skills at grade level 10.5

IDEA CLASSROOM PROGRAMS ARE BEING OFFERED AT:

“Middletown Psychiatric Center in Region Ill;
“Empire State Plaza, Tower Building, in Region IV;

* Willard Psychiatrie Center in Region V;

“Rochester Psychiatric Center, Monroe Developmental

ter, Kingsboro Psychiatric Center, and Creedmoor Psychiatric Center and Roswell Park Memorial Institute in Region VI

Shift to

Home Address:

Avenue, Albany, New York 12210

Work Phone (
Home Phone (
Check Interest

Promotional Exam
College Preparation

High School Equivalency

_______ General Refresher

>.

CSEA’s Institute for Development, Education and Advancement (IDEA)

1-800-253-IDEA or (518) 434-019

18

THE PUBLIC SECTOR

January 13, 1986

Programs helping people
cope with their problems

SULLIVAN CORRECTIONAL—Employees of the newly opened
Sullivan Correctional Facility wasted no time in adopting an EAP.
“It?s the most progressive labor/management initiative to take
place in the public or private sector in 40 years,’’ said EAP
Regional Field Representative Bob Reilly. Above, Prison
Superintendent Robert Kulmann signs on for the program. Seated
next to him are EAP Committee co-chairwomen Judy Gerow and
Toni Bossert, who represents CSEA. Standing, from left, are Jack
Coleman of Council 82; Scott Carlson of PEF, co-chairman of the
committee; Region Ill President Pat Mascioli and Director Diane
Campion.

L at —
CLARKSTOWN FIRST—The town of Clarkstown is the first
municipality in Rockland County—and one of the few in the
state—to adopt an EAP. Town Supervisor Theodore Dusanenko
said the program is ‘‘long overdue.’’ Town employees are
represented by two unions, CSEA and PBA, both of which are
involved in EAP. Pictured here are Clarkstown Unit President Lee
Pound, Dusanenko, and EAP Coordinator Marie Molinare.

MENS available to them.” 2)

New program to cover |
several agencies of
Rochester state local

By Ron Wofford
CSEA Communications Associate

ROCHESTER—After a three-year struggle, an agreement has
been reached to establish a multi-agency Employee Assistance
Program for members of Rochester State Employees Local 012 and
other state employees here

The new program will have the potential of serving more than
1,000 employees and their families, according to Dawn Lyman, Local
012 president. Lyman was instrumenal in the effort to reach agreement
among the many agencies on the confidential counseling and referral
program.

“| think the cooperation we established in the planning of the
program will be immensely helpful to the success of our EAP set-up
We'll be using something of a barter system with various agencies
providing needed personnel on a part-time or as-needed basis,” she
explained.

Employees of the following state agencies will be covered by the
agreement which will be formally signed on Jan 21: Division of Human
Rights, Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Social Services,
Insurance Fund, Department of Taxation and Finance, Department of
OVR, Banking Department, Races and Wagering Board, Bureau of
Agriculture and Markets, Rochester Correctional Facility, and Workers
Compensation Board.

Also: Department of Substance Abuse Services, Attorney
General's Office of Medicaid Fraud Control, Traffic Violations Bureau,
ang Department of Labor employment and unemployment insurance
offices.

About 300 Department of Environmental Conservation employees,
members of a separate local, will also be covered by the agreement
at their request, Lyman said.

Two coordinators, Gail Calderon of the Department of Labor and
Norman Tipton of the Division of Occupational and Vocational
Rehabilitation, have already begun training and are taking calls at the
new EAP office.

The office telephone number is (716) 442-8835. Lyman pointed
out that the office is at a neutral agency that is not associated with
the 15 or more state agencies that comprise Local 012 worksites.

CSEA will be represented on the EAP Committee by Lyman;
Rebecca Council, Corrections; Sue Vallee, Workers Compensation;
Mike Boruncurso, State Insurance Fund; and Sam Bickel, DMV.

“Posters and fliers are going out now to the various agencies,”
said Lyman. “By the time of our formal signing, we hope all our
members will be aware of the tremendous amount of help they will

x

SECOND AT LETCHWORTH—A former therapy aide and
rehabilitation specialist, Ann Shannon was recently appointed to
serve as a second coordinator for the EAP at Letchworth Village
Developmental Center. She will assist Coordinator Patricia Putnam
in developing workshops for the center’s 3,500 employees. On
hand recently to congratulate Shannon, front row, left, were: (first
row) Al Robidoux, director of Letchworth; Patricia Putnam, EAP
coordinator; Jim Rielly, regional rep for EAP; and Sal Greco, EAP
Committee chairman; (second row) Anita Festa, Food Services
director; Dorothy Butler, EAP Committee secretary; PEF Council
Leader Gail Soro; EAP Committee member Jean Stein of PEF; (third
row) Letchworth Personnel Director Joseph Angenoli; Lawrence
Buckley, EAP Committee member; PEF Vice President Ron
Roberts; Local 412 President Bob Watkins; and Letchworth chap-

January 13, 1986

lain, Rev. Thomas Gallagher. oO,
THE PUBLIC SECTOR 1 9

Ohio, big AFSCME win...

The final round of union organizing elections for Ohio state
government employees ended just before the holidays as 14,000
administrative professionals and clerical support staff voted to be
represented by ASFCME.

More than 42,000 employees voted overall in the elections, the first
of their kind under legislation signed into law in April 1984 which gave
Ohio’s 250,000 public employees collective bargaining rights.

AFSCME, with 1.1 million members nationwide, walked away from
the expensive and lengthy Ohio contests with 35,000 new members
in state service, and in doing so pushed back attempts by a number
of private sector unions to take advantage of the growth in public sector
union strength at a time when their membership rolls are sagging.

The recent elections, which made AFSCME the largest AFL-CIO
union in Ohio, were heavily impacted by CSEA activists who helped
organize the state workers into the ranks of the federation. Among those
who worked to organize clerical and administrative employees were

Here are the election results in units won by AFSCME:

UNIT NO. OF
DESCRIPTION EMPLOYEES
3,464
5,732
1,768
5,386
3,119
10,785
3,271

Corrections Officers

Human Services-Paraprofessionals
Food Service, Custodial and Laundry
Maintenance and Trades

Enforcement, Regulatory and Technical
Administrative Support

Administrative Professionals

William Burdick, Delores Farrell, Doris Bourdon, Bruce Larson, and Sarah
Jackson. (See story below.)

The Ohio state employee elections have been closely watched in
labor circles because they highlight several things about where
successful unions are headed today: which groups they will target for
organizing; how they have adapted old techniques of organizing to mod-
ern times and adopted new communications techniques that rival the
most sophisticated corporate communications; how they have taken all
the tools of modern political campaigning—from polling and paid electronic
advertising to phone banks and targeted direct mail—and applied them
to the task of organizing union members when union membership in
general is in decline.

AFSCME's recent win in Ohio gained nearly 11,000 members in
a state administrative support unit and 3,300 administrative professionals.
More than 25,000 new members were gained in other new state units.
(See box.)

Two unions contested with AFSCME for these units. The
Communications Workers of America, which originally was on the ballot
in six elections, emerged with no new members. In addition, a widely
publicized Teamsters effort defaulted when that group withdrew from
most contests just prior to elections.

AFSCME International President Gerald W. McEntee attributed much
of the union's success to innovative organizing techniques combined
with a state-of-the-art communications program.

Along with traditional organizing methods like worksite distribution
of literature, employee meetings, and mailings, ASCFME used union
organizing devices in its $6 million campaign, he said.

McEntee added that “the use of emerging workplace issues like pay
equity for working women, career development for professionals, a
program to combat stress and burnout among mental health workers,
and understaffing in the state’s prisons were important factors in the

union’s campaign.”

By Anita Manley
CSEA Communications Associate

THIELLS—When AFSCME put out the call
for union activists to help organize 14,000
Ohio state employees, CSEA’s President
William McGowan called on Sarah Jackson
to be among 15 activists who flew out to
meet with public employees in the Buckeye
State

“I've taken a number of different labor
courses, but in my wildest dreams | never
thought | would be asked to be an
organizer,” said Jackson. | never thought
anyone would value my contribution that
much.”

The only member from Region Ill to be
asked to go to Ohio, Jackson, secretary of
Letchworth Developmental Center Local
412, was flown out there in November
Following an orientation session with other
activists, she was assigned to attend
meetings, luncheons and dinners with the
prospective members

“| felt like | was out to sell the goods of
the union,” she remarked. “They had a
valuable tool they were trying to push and
| was the one who was there to deliver it for
them.”

Jackson says that one of the best selling
points of unionization was the salary and
benefit package enjoyed by New York state
employees who are AFSCME/CSEA
members. “They were fascinated by our
benefits and salary structure,” she said. ‘']
told them that if they joined the union, they

...that got a little CSEA help

would eventually have a pay grade system
and benefits like ours.”

The Ohio workers were also impressed
with the job security clauses and disciplinary
procedures spelled out in the contract

As a result of her experience in Ohio,
Jackson says she definitely wants to
“become more involved with people, selling
ideas and thoughts.

“If | have such a gift, then dealing with
people is what | want to do,” said Jackson
“So often, people don’t have the ability to
stand up for what they believe in. Those of
us who can should be out there doing just
that.”

In Ohio, says Jackson, “'l knew what | was
faced with, | knew | had to gain the people's
confidence.”

Jackson's role as.an organizer and a union
activist in Ohio is just an example of anoth-
er facet of this multi-talented lady. ACSEA
member for the past five years, Jackson
served on the statewide negotiating
committee in 1985, is chairwoman of the
Human Relations Committee at Letchworth
and holds the position of the facility’s affirm-
ative action assistant.

She is also chairwoman of the Black
Democratic Committee of Ramapo (in
Rockland County) and serves on the NAACP
State Conference. Last spring, when she
stepped down as chairwoman of the Board
of Directors of the Rockland County
Community Action Council, Jackson was
honored by county and state officials at a
dinner where she received no less than 20
awards for her work.

é Selling the
goods of the
union.9

Sarah Jackson, CSEA activist

20

THE PUBLIC SECTOR

January 13, 1986