The Public Sector, 1983 April 22

WHY IS THIS CAMERAMAN )

FILMING THIS EQUIPMENT?
BECAUSE LAYOFFS
THREATEN TO SHUT IT

| DOWN, ALONG WITH THE
STATE BARGE CANAL
SYSTEM ITSELF. SEE

PAGES 18 and 19.

stupid “a : dumb’

ALBANY — After weeks of lengthy delays the
State of New York is about to send “reprieves”’
to some 4,000 state employees targeted for
layoffs. But for other state employees, a new
layoff date will be the unpleasant message.

The state’s 1983-84 fiscal budget has been law
now for three weeks, but it wasn’t until April 19
that the state finally announced its revised layoff
estimate of 3,385 filled positions, a major
decrease from the 9,400 layoffs originally
threatened, but still considerably higher than
CSEA is willing to accept.

Yet to be considered in the layoff number is the
final impact of the state’s early retirement
incentive program, a proposal by the Cuomo

to temporarily enrich state
employee pension benefits for some 23,000
eligible workers in an effort to encourage them
to voluntarily retire ea: 4 and es the i

the May 2 deadlin ippericgate n the
‘The difference between’ th
retirement
number will
announced j 19, but no one at this point can
a with any rtainty what the reduction ao

"CSEA. and Cuomo Admin’ tr
meanwhile were battling over precisely how the
“surplus” retirements would be sounted ward
reducing the wale

Official Publication of The Civil

Service Employees Association

Local 1000, American

Federation of State, County and

Municipal Employees AFL-CIO
Vol. 5, No. 14

Friday, April 22, 1983

ea,

{ISSN 0164 9949)

Next paycheck br

ngs 5%

raise for state workers

ALBANY — State workers belonging to the ad-
ministrative, institutional and operational
bargaining units will be getting something extra
in their next paychecks — a 5 percent raise.

The increases, negotiated by CSEA, will be in
paychecks Thursday, April 28, for those on the
institutional payroll and in the Wednesday, May

sorted out the implications of the
agreements, State employees were eft in the
dark with layoff notices that may or may hot still.

"be valid and the very real fear of joining the _
ranks of the millions of Americans who have

~ been thrown onto the streets, the results of a

4, salaries of those on the administrative payroll.

2
dames Featherstonhaugh

CSEA Chief Lobbyist James Feath-
erstonhaugh told capitol reporters this

_ week that the Cuomo Administration's release of

revised layoff notices now was, “‘ill-timed, ill-
thought-out, and generally stupid. It’s going to
re-terrify people who have been terrified before,
and it is just plain dumb.”

But while sparks may he flying between union
and state officials over the details of the
continuing work force controversy, for most
state workers — particularly those originally
targeted for layoff —the continuing uncertainty
was only worsening already ravaged morale.

It has now been nearly six weeks since the
original layoff notices were sent out over the
objections of CSEA and giany state legislators
who argued that the notices were meaningless

_ without a state budget in place.

After lawmakers and the governor reached

agreement on the details of the new state budget,

it became clear that there would be far fewer

layoffs than threatened. But that is about the

only thing that has been clear over the past
veral weeks :

t off cials and a makers

budget

continuing national recession.
@ officials said April 20 that employees
seted for layofts would be receiv'
the very near ae

The raises went into effect the payroll period
nearest April 1, but employees are reminded that
the state now lags, or defers, payrolls by two
weeks. CSEA members, nevertheless, are better
off than 1,200 top-level state government officials
who recently had their raises scrapped by Gov.
Mario Cuomo.

Union members can expect another 5 percent
hike next September.

IMPORTANT
REMINDER
FOR ANYONE
CONSIDERING
THE EARLY
RETIREMENT
INCENTIVE
PROGRAM

e To Scip te. you MUST
file a notarized “application
for service retirement,”
form RS-6037, which MUST
be received by the retire-
ment system no later than
May 2, 1983.

e Your retirement must
take effect prior to May 31,
1983.

8861 ‘2 (dy ‘Aopisy 'YO19IS DITENd 3HL

7 e60g

A MEMORIAL to the memory and ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is
unveiled by, from left, Pilgrim Psychiatric Center CSEA Local 418 Presi-
dent Joe Noya, Pilgrim Director Peggy O’Neill, and CSEA Region I Presi-
dent Danny Donohue. In photo at right, Rev. William McKenzie of the First
Baptist Church of Brentwood, left, and Clyde Jennings, chairman of the
Martin Luther King Committee at Pilgrim Psychiatric Center, inspect the
monument.

ore

Popularity of Info Day keeps growing

WILTON — The CSEA Information Day concept in the Capital Region
originated at the Wilton Developmental Center, and the latest one again pro-
ved to be a big success. And, in a major additicn to this year’s program,
nearly 160 Wilton employees participated in a mini-physical examination
provided by the state Employee Health Service (EHS).

Virginia Horan, R.N., director of nurses for the EHS, praised the inclu-
sion of the mini-physical in the CSEA Information Day concept. ‘‘We
discovered significant facts about the employees’ health situation, and we
have forwarded this information on to the workers and their doctors so that

steps to address their physical health needs can be taken on a timely basis,”
Horan said. ‘‘The combination of the two programs certainly addresses all
the concerns of the worker from a to z.””

“We want to help our members in every way possible,” Francis Wilusz,
Local president, said. ‘‘This new addition to the 20 information tables
generated additional interest and support for the program.”

CSEA FIELD REPRESENTATIVE Mike While, above left, Employee
Benefit Fund Assistant Director Tom Linden, center, and Wilton CSEA
Local President Francis Wilusz discuss success of recent CSEA Information
Day program at Wilton,

BLOOD PRESSURE AND PULSE are checked for a Wilton employee dur-
ing recent Information Day. ,

a

TRUSTEES of the new Westchester County Unit Legal Service Plan
review the points of the program, which went into effect April 1. They are,
seated from left, James Marino, Jack Whalen and Mary Naylor-Boyd.
Standing from left, Mary Williams, Jerry Barbour, Carmine DiBattista,
and Ernest K. Hempel.

New legal plan for
Westchester Co. Unit

WHITE PLAINS — Do you have a legal problem? If you are a
member of CSEA’s Westchester County Unit, you can now take advan-
tage of a new program designed to insure your legal protection — the
Legal Service Plan, which is part of the union’s Employee Benefit Fund.

JOBS WITH PEACE WEEK
April 10-16 , 1983

a national week to consider wey tocreate jobsand
restore services by reducing military spending

Endorsed by more than 70 Congressional Representatives, the Nuclear Weapons
Freere Campaign and hundreds of national and local Pedce, Labor, Community
Social Justice and Religious organizations

Protest and information programs were held across the na- di N
tion last week as a coalition of groups, including labor organiza
tions, observed “Jobs With Peace Week” to urge Congress to
eet money marked for defense spending to services and

obs. °

The executive board of AFSCME, CSEA’s international union affiliate,
endorsed a policy statement of a “Jobs with Peace” resolution that had
more than 70 co-sponsors in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The resolution reads, in part: ‘We call upon the U.S. Congress to make
more money available for jobs and programs — in education, trans-
portation, housing, health care, human services and other socially produc-
tive industries — by significantly reducing the amount of our tax dollars
spent on nuclear weapons, foreign military intervention and wasteful
military programs, These policies willl promote a healthy economy, true na-
tional security and jobs with peace.”’

Region IV endorses
school board candidates

TROY — The Political Action Committee of

“We are all aware of the importance of medical, dental and vision
care protection, but few of us have taken full advantage of our legal
rights,” said Unit President Jack Whalen. “Now, by virture of this Legal
Service Plan, our members can protect themselves and their families in
today’s increasingly complex society, and we can all stick up for our
rights.”

The new legal program went into effect April 1. Among its benefits N y
are:

¢ unlimited advice and consultation;

¢ legal letters and phone calls from staff attorneys on behalf of
members;

« simple document review by staff;

« referrals to experienced, nearby attorneys with guaranteed reduc-
ed legal fees (when members are faced with more complex legal
problems);

« a dollar ceiling on total fees charged for specific legal matters;
e probate fee discounts; and
* personal injury fee discounts.

Counsel Administrator William M. Kirschner says “the plan speaks
for itself. It’s one of the best plans for the money in the country.”
Kirschner noted the plan also has an added benefit whereby the
Employee Benefit Fund will pay directly to the participating attorneys
designated by the Fund the first $100 of benefits per year for most legal
services incurred by members and their covered family members.

The Legal Service Plan is being administered by seven trustees.
More information is available from the Legal Service Plan office at (914)
723-3510.

Legislature approves ‘aidable’ school bus funds

ALBANY — There has been another giant step
forward in gaining parity for school districts
which provide their own bus transportation.

The State Legislature has approved a new aid
formula which includes insurance premiums and
uniforms as new items which are “‘aidable,” that
is reimburseable with state funds.

CSEA has been lobbying for changes in the law
and each year has taken another step forward in
ending the system which, in effect, encourages

subcontracting.

Larry Scanlon, CSEA’s director of school
district affairs, says the changes will, “help us
fight efforts to contract-out transportation
services, particularly in current battles with the
Vestal and Corinth school districts,” and he
advises CSEA members who hear of any rumors
that their employers are contemplating

contracting-out to contract the union
“immediately.” ..’ ey

the Capital Region has endorsed seven can-
didates in school board elections in the cities of
Troy and Schenectady.

In the Troy City School Board races the union
is endorsing Guy Enfanto, Robert Delaney, Gary
Sorensen and William Martin.

In the Schenectady elections John Hamilton,
Henry Bozzi and Susan Fifield have won CSEA
backin;

ig.
Both elections will be held Tuesday, May 3,

from noon to 9 p.m.

THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Friday, April 22, 1983

® Public
SSECTOR

The Civil Service Employees Association
Local 1000, AFSCME, AFL-

Region I treasurer’s seminar

CSEA STATEWIDE TREASURER Bar-
bara Fauser, below, conducted a
seminar for Region I local and unit js

treasurers recently. oe,

Pemeaamene Te
eset, |

10
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.

GARY G. FRYER — Publisher
ROGER A. COLE — Editor
TINA LINCER FIRST — Associate Editor
GWENN M. BELLCOURT — Assistant Editor

Address changes should be sent to Civil Ser-
vice Employees Association, The Public Sector,
33 Elk Street, Albany, New York 12224.

The following New York State
Employees’ Retirement System
units are best equipped to handle
telephone inquiries regarding the
Early Retirement Incentive
Program:

INFORMATION SERVICES: (518)
474-7736.

SERVICE RETIREMENTS: (518)
474-4449; (518) 474-4932; (518)
474-3621.

GENERAL ESTIMATES: (518)
474-7699; (518) 474-4467.

RETIREMENT
INFO

Where fo find out about
STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM

: ‘s ome
CATHY BRUNO, above, supervisor of
general accounts in CSEA’s Finance Of-
fice, helped conduct the recent seminars in

Region I.

SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS

REMEMBER — the state retire-
ment process is separate and
distinct from any potential
benefits an individual may be en-
titled to from the Social Security
Administration. Therefore, in-
dividuals seeking information on
the early retirement incentive pro-
gram should also obtain informa-
tion separately on options for
Social Security benefits. There
are dozens of district Social
Security offices throughout New
York State. Check your telephone
directory for the office nearest to
you to obtain necessary
information.

Retirement information
service schedule listed

Due primarily to the recently announced early retirement
incentive program for state employees, there been a
tremendous increase in the number of employees eat] In-
formation on thelr potential benefits under the New York
State Employees’ Retirement System. System information
Tepresentaitnes jal pilcbiva ile iscuss the retirement incen-

program al ement specifics on the follow-
Ing schedule.

The schedule shows the locations and visiting days for Retirement
System Information representatives.

Note that this is an expanded schedule compared to the one listed
in the previous edition of The Public Sector. Thi inded schedule af-
fects the Albany area, In that the Albany offi if the State Employees
Retirement System in the Gov. Smith State Office Building will be open
on Saturdays during Ge ail Additionally, Information representatives
will be available each Friday during April in the Roosevelt-Cleveland
Room of Building 1 at the State Campus.

While services at each location are offered on a ‘‘tirst come, first
served” basis, appointments are urged for the Saturday sessions by
calling (518) 474-7736. Basic information by telephone may be obtained
by calling the same number from any location.

£861 ‘zz 1d ‘AOpg “YOLD3S DBNd JHE

City or
Village Address Monthly Visiting Days
Albany Gov. Smith State Office Every Business Day and
Bidg. all Saturdays in April
Albany Bldg. 1, State Campus Every Friday in April
Binghamton Broome County Center _First and Third Wednesday
Buffalo Buffalo State Office Bldg. First, Second, Third & Fourth
(65 Court Street) Wednesday and Friday
Canton County Courthouse First Thursday
Goshen County Center Third Thursday
Hauppauge —_ State Office Building First and Fourth
Wednesday
Horseheads _ Village Hall Second and Fourth Tuesday
Little Valley | County Office Building Second and Fourth Monday
Lockport Municipal Building First and Third Monday
Mayville Chautauqua County
Health and First Tuesday
Social Service Building
Mineola 222 Willis Ave. First and Fourth Monday
New York City State Office Building First and Third Tuesday

270 Broadway (23rd

Floor)
it World Trade Center
(44th Floor)

Second and Fourth Tuesday

Plattsburgh County Center Third Thursday

Pomona County Health Complex First and Third Friday
(Bldg. A)

Poughkeepsie DOT Headquarters First Thursday

Riverhead County Center Third Wednesday

Rochester Rochester City Hall Second and Fourth
(Room 102-A) Thursday

Syracuse County Courthouse Second and Fourth Friday

Utica State Office Building First, Second, Third and

Fourth Tuesday

Watertown State Office Bullding _—First Friday

White Plains Westchester County Second and Third Monday
Center (except July)

» e604

Arbitrator rules
school district
shortchanged

_ stenographer;
back pay
awarded

BEDFORD — Margaret Scanlon was appointed a
stenographer on a permanent basis by the Bedford
Central School District in June 1971. Then why
wasn’t she treated like one on pay day?

Scanlon was being paid on an hourly basis, as are
teacher aides, although her duties bear no relation-
ship to that title. Now an arbitrator has ruled, “the
Board (of Education) has historically mistreated
Ms. Scanlon as regards her level of compensation.”

Arbitrator Stanley L. Aiges has ordered the
school district to recompute Scanlon’s pay on the
basis of an annual salary, and give the Bedford
CSEA unit member the difference between that
amount and the amount she had been paid, retroac-
tive to July 1982.

“This decision will positively affect all our
employees who have taken Civil Service tests, been
appointed to those Civil Service positions by the
Board of Education, but have been denied their

send it to:

reproduced here for convenience.

Please allow 3-4 weeks for change to take effect.

Change of Address
for 'The Public Sector’

In the event that you change your mailing address, please fill out the form and

This form is also avaliable from local presidents for CSEA members, but is

BEDFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT Unit President
Dolores Solazzo reviews the favorable decision of
Arbitrator Stanley L. Aiges which awards

~ stenographer Margaret Scanlon pay based on a

titles when they receive their pay,”’ says Unit Presi-
dent Dolores Solazzo.

As past practice, the school board had grouped a
number of job titles into the category of “teacher
aides,” and paid those employees on an hourly
basis. Aiges ruled in his 11-page decision, “Once
Ms. Scanlon was granted permanent status as a
«stenographer in the district, it seems to me she
should have been treated as such. The plain fact is
that she was not . . . as regards her compensation.
There is no contractual justification whatsoever for
treating a stenographer as a teacher aide for any
purposes.””

Solazzo says, “I’m very pleased with this deci-
sion. We’ve been working on this since last June,

My present label reads exactly as shown here (or affix mailing label).

oe

yearly salary instead of an hourly rate. Looking on
are, from left, Westchester Local 860 President Pat
Mascioli, Regional Attorney Arthur Grae, and
Field Rep. Joe O’Connor.

and it tells the school board that our workers should
receive the rights and privileges they are entitled to

under state law and regulations,-not just what the
board members think is right.”

Arbitrator Aiges educated the school board on the
math involved in figuring out Scanlon’s pay. He
wrote, ‘‘Ms. Scanlon’s salary could have been pro-
rated to reflect the fact that she does not work a full
seven-hour day or a 12-month year. The arithmetic
is simple enough to compute.” Aiges provided the
formula for the district to use in recomputing
Scanlon’s pay.

Scanlon has worked in the Bedford Central School
District since 1963. The unit is part of Westchester
Local 860.

CSEA, Inc., P.O. Box 125, Capitol Station, Albany, New York 12224,

{
Name. Local Number. '
Street. i
City. zs State. Zip. :
My New Address Is: !
Street }
City Jai States Set ajpicei ats {
Agency where employed, as |
My social security no.. Agency No. 1

REGION Ii!
S20 AFSCME
LOCAL 1000 _

CSEA REGION III President Raymond J. O’Connor,
right, hosted some 30 regional members, photo left, at
a recent training session on internal organizing, held
at the Tappan Zee Towne House in Nyack. The two-

and units throughout the 7-county region. Sean Turley
of CSEA’s Education Department conducted the train-
ing program. O’Connor announced that a training
workshop for officers will be held April 27-28 at the

union’s Fishkill Regional Office.

\day seminar drew representatives from CSEA locals

THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Friday, April 22, 1983

Page 5

£861 22 dw “AOPINS 'NOIDIS D118Nd IHL

9 26pg

The question of how many layoffs, if any, and who will actually
be affected under the next state budget Is still unresolved at press
time.

What Is known Is that thousands of state workers recently
recelved layoff notices, but the final number of layoffs, if any, will
not be as large as the number of notices actually sent out.

Too, due to the bumping process Involved In a layoff situation,

COPING with LAYOFFS

Some facts you should know if you are facing job uncertainty

the person receiving a notice may not in fact be the person
eventually laid off.
For

yone facing the prospect of going off the payroll, there
reat many things to consider. Insurance and benefits are
certainly among those concerns.

The following information should be beneficial to everyone
facing Job uncertainty during the budget crisis.

Answers to some common questions about health insurance

ALBANY — What happens to my health insurance if I go off the payroll?

Although the number of state layoffs is expected to be less than once
feared, many employees are still asking that question. To set the record
straight, the Employee Insurance Section of the Civil Service Department has
provided answers to the following questions:

(1 Am I eligible to continue coverage in the New York State Health In-
surance Program if my job is abolished?

If you have been separated from service with the state and your name has
been placed on a Civil Service Preferred List, you are eligible to continue your
enrollment in the Health Insurance Program. If you are a state employee not
eligible for preferred list status, but you were employed on a permanent full-
time basis and are separated from service as a result of the abolition of your
position, you are also eligible to continue your health insurance coverage.

(2) What if I don’t meet the requirements described in Answer No. 1?

Your coverage in the State Health Insurance Program will end 28 days
following the last day of the last payroll period in which you worked. You will
automatically receive a written notice to convert your health insurance
coverage to direct-payment contracts with the health insurance companies.

(3) If I continue coverage in the State Health Insurance Plan, what type of
coverage will I be offered? .

Your benefits will remain the same as when you were in active service with
the exception of coverage for prescription drugs. Your coverage under the
CSEA Employee Benefit Fund will cease 28 days following the last day of the
last payroll period in which you worked. Coverage for prescription drugs under
the State Program will begin the day following the date coverage under the
CSEA Employee Benefit Fund program ceased.

(4) What is the cost to continue my State Health Insurance coverage?

If you are eligible to continue your health insurance coverage, you may do
so by paying the employee’s required contribution, if any. The State of New
York will continue to contribute 90 percent of the cost of your coverage and 75
percent of the cost of any dependent’s coverage. The Employee Insurance
Section will bill you on a quarterly basis any premium charge you may owe.

(5) How long am I eligible to continue my State Health Insurance
coverage?

How to make direct payments

ALBANY — If you are a CSEA member who is
separated from employment, then you can still
continue to participate in CSEA-sponsored
insurance by arranging to pay premiums
directly to the insurance carrier.

CSEA, through Jardine Ter Bush & Powell,
provides Basic Group Life Insurance (Code 305),
Supplemental Life Insurance (Code 306) and an
Accident and Sickness Plan (Code 307). :

The first step for any laid-off employee who
wishes to continue the supplemental insurance is _
to apply to the union for dues-free membership.
(See accompanying article.)

Once the dues-free membership is approved by

You may be
eligible for

dues-free
membership

How fo continue EBFm |
coverage if you are

You may continue coverage for a maximum period of one year or until you
are re-employed on a full-time basis by a private or public employer,
whichever comes first.

(6) What must I de to have my state coverage continued?

Your agency will notify the Employee Insurance Section that you are
eligible to continue your coverage. You will then receive a letter informing you
how long you are eligible to continue coverage, what benefits you will receive
and procedures to follow when filing claims. You must also complete an
eligibility certificate concerning your current employment status and return it
to the Employee Insurance Section with your quarterly premium.

(7) Prior to my position being abolished, I met the service requirements
for retirement. May I continue my health insurance as a retiree?

If your most recent date of employment in state service is prior to April 1,
1975, you may retire and continue coverage as a retiree, or may defer any
retirement allowance due and continue coverage on a direct-pay basis until
such time as your retirement is effective. At that time, you may then continue
as a retiree on a deduction basis. In either case, you are only required to
contribute the employee’s share of health insurance premium.

(8) Prior to my position being abolished, I had 10 years of state service
credited with the Retirement System, but I am under retirement age. Am I
eligible to continue health insurance as a vested employee?

You would be eligible to continue coverage for a maximum of one year or
until re-employed by a public or private employer by contributing only the
employee’s share of premium charge. If you reach retirement age on or before
that date, you may continue coverage as a retiree. If you do not qualify for
retirement by that date, you may continue in vested status until attainment of
retirement age and then continue coverage as a retiree. Vested enrollees must
pay both the employee’s and employer’s share of premium until they are
eligible to retire.

Other questions concerning continuation of health insurance coverage
should be directed to your Personnel Office or the Employée Insurance
Section, Department of Civil Service, State Office Building Campus, Albany,
N.Y. 12239.

ALBANY — A year’s dues-free membership is available to any CSEA
member who is laid off and placed on a Civil Service Preferred List.

Applications, available at CCEA Headquarters or any of the six regional
offices, require the signature of the employee’s personnel officer to verify
layoff status.

Once completed, the forms should be returned promptly to: CSEA, 33
Elk St., Albany, N.Y. 12224.

Dues free membersip expires if an employee is returned to the payroll.

|

As an employee currently covered by the CSEA |
Employee Benefit Fund, | hereby request an |
application for direct-pay coverage while off the |

CSEA, Jardine Ter Bush & ee P fe ed Li payroll.
notified. Insurance premiums wi i

directly and once payment is made, you will be on @ Prererr ist

put on a direct billing system and receive ALBANY — State employees who currently | 4.

quarterly statements for up fo one year.
Meanwhile, anyone who is laid off and who
participates in the CSEA MasterPlan
(Homeowners and Automobile Insurance) .
should contact Jardine Ter Bush & Powell at this _
special toll-free number — 1-800-462-2636 -~ and —
arrange te make direct payments to the
Travelers Insurance Co. The direct number is
1-518-381-1590, Participants in the Family —
Protection Plan, as well as supplemental life
insurance and accident and health/disability
rograms, may contact Jardine Ter Bush &
Powell toll-free at 1-806-342-6272. The direct
number is 1-518-381-1567, ee ©
Questions regarding the Basic Group Life
Insurance Plan should be directed to CSEA’s
Insurance Department in Albany. oe

receive benefits under the CCEA Employee Benefit
Fund may continue coverage if they are laid off and
placed on a Civil Service Preferred List.

It should be noted that dues free membership
does not entitle a person to EBF benefits. Instead,
you have the option of making direct payments to
the CSEA Employee Benefit Fund to maintain (for
up to one year) participation in dental, optical and
prescription drug plans.

Anyone interested in the option should fill uut the
following form and return it to: CSEA Employee
Benefit Fund, 14 Corporate Woods Blvd., Albany,
N.Y. 12211.

The EBF will notify you of the cost of coverage,
which must include all three plans.

ADDRESS.

CITY.

STATE. ZIP.

!

!

!

|

1

'

!

!

'

|

SOC. SEC. NO. :
|

'

!

Mail to: CSEA Employee Benefit Fund i
14 Corporate Woods Blvd. 1
Albany, NY 12211 i}

!

!

(Do not send payment at this time)
ae

eer ae ee ero ee

CSEA retiree membership
tremendous bargain;
protect your future
through retiree power

‘| ONLY
-|$4.50

ALBANY — Retired public employees can pro-
tect their futures for just $4.50 — the cost for a
limited time 6-month membership in a CSEA

retiree's department by calling (518) 434-0191. To
sign up, fill out the following form and with a
$4.50 check send it to: CSEA, 33 Elk St., Albany,

retiree’s local. N.Y. 12207.

e The union’s legislative accomplishments for
retirees have included pension increases for peo-
ple who retired after April 1, 1970 and before

Dec. 31, 1979, drug prescription cards for those Print Last Name Above FirstName Tnitial ‘SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
with health insurances in the state program, and ocaree
survivor's death benefits for state employees. Steal ond Nursoer City State Zip Goce
But these benefits could not have been ac- OFFICIAL DATE OF RETIREMENT:
complished without the political clout of the (aor empcoves 3 county & VILAGE.
ee cae Ma : Belong : ie irate fork one and © TOWN 5 Stare. TepuGIW alive NATGN Gl bora TET Oil GhaGROOT

C ) i who have not yet joined their ranks to do so.
Membership gives them a voice in the state's

DEPARTMENT, DIVISION, or
INSTITUTION OF ABOVE
GOVERNMENTAL UNIT:

capitol to lobby for their needs. In addition, there
is an official retiree’s newsletter issued
periodically, special mailings go out on selected

OC RETIRED MEMBERSHIP DUES: $4.50

issues, locals meet regularly to share ideas and
exchange information, social gatherings are

Signature of Applicant:

held, and there is access to a retiree’s depart-
ment, staffed by professionals, in CSEA
Headquarters.

e For additional information, contact the

APPLICATION FOR RETIREE MEMBERSHIP

THE CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION, INC
Local 1000, American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees. AFL-CIO
33 Elk Street, Afbany, New York 12207

For employees taking early retirement,

maintaining insurance programs is easy

layoff victims

rom 6:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. dally.

ALBANY — Only two simple steps will have to be taken for early Saat aps Sapte
retirees to continue their participation in CSEA-sponsored insurance t EARLY RETIREMENT INSURANCE FORM 1
programs. { ' Please Print 1
First, you must join a CSEA retirees local. See accompanying arti- 1 re : : {
cle above, for more information and an application form. I 1 want information and forms necessary to continue my CSEA: i
Then, you must arrange to pay insurance premiums directly 4 (_) Basic Group Life (_) Supplemental Lite {
because once you retire payroll deductions stop. I ( ) Auto and Homeowners (_) Family Protection Plan 1
If you have any questions, call one of the following telephone | (_ ) Accident and Sickness H
numbers: ene | tam retiring on. |
©) Basic Group Life Insurance... (518) 434-0191 ; Social Security No. H
JARDINE TER BUSH & POWELL | Home Address {
Supplemental Life Insurance. . 1-800-342-6272 Ext. 537 { (street zis a |
Family Protection Plan....... 1-800-342-6272 Ext. 447 |
Accident and Sickness Plan... 1-800-342-6272 ! ———— H
MasterPlan (Home and Auto). . 1-800-462-2636 | Ue en SHO RER
Jardine Ter Bush & Powell can also be reached by calling ' tam employed by__ a !
(518) 381-1600. bee ae |
To obtain more information, fill out the following coupon {Wore Address 1
and mail It to: CSEA, 33 Elk St., Albany, N.Y, 12207. ee t
ALBANY — The Department of Civil Ser-
Info Center on vice has set up a Preferred List Information
e Center for state employees facing layoffs.
preferred lists Counselors will be available 8 a.m. to 6
p.m. to answer telephone questions.
The phone number Is (518) 457-2973.
opened to help The Center, in Room 119 In Bullding 1 of 2
Building Campus In Albany,
0 provide Information on a wi iT

THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Friday, April 22, 1983

Page ?

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4

IRENE CARR

NEW YORK CITY — Speaking as the statewide
CSEA secretary, as a former secretary at SUNY
Oneonta, and on behalf of thousands of clerical
employees represented by the union, Irene Carr has
asked that legislation be passed governing the operation
of video display terminals, better known as VDTs.

VDTs are increasingly common in offices, with
nearly 10 million now in use and the number growing all
the time.

Carr, testifying at a public hearing sponsored by the

State Assembly Labor Committee and the Legislative
Commission on Science and Technology, said: ‘Are
there problems involved with the sustained use of VDTs?

Unquestionably yes. Are those problems serious?
Certainly to those who operate VDTs.””

Citing possible health hazards to pregnant women
operating the terminals as well as reports from union
members of such side effects as neck and back pains, eye
strain, headaches, dizziness and nausea, Carr said they
raised ‘‘troublesome questions.”

She declared: ‘Concern about the safety of
continuous use of VDTs is not expressed only by whining

Carr testifies on video display terminals

women who want.to avoid work or by boisterous unions
looking for a cause between contract negotiations,
Professional and technical employees, and even
executives, are concerned about the problem. The
difference, of course, is that professionals and executives
usually have more control over their own work habits
and work environment than clericals.””

Carr cited an ‘‘executive policy bulletin” issued by
Chautauqua County as an example of what can be done.
The policy, developed cooperatively with the CSEA
Chautauqua County unit, did the following:

¢ Checked all terminals for radiation.

« Provided for operators to take a break of at least 15
minutes after two hours of operation.

+ Required reasonable accommodation to minimize
the possibility of physical fatigue, eye strain, and other
ailments.

* Provided accommodation for pregnant operators
based upon the advice of personal physicians.

Carr concluded: ‘‘Chautauqua County’s approach is
a fine example. Should legislation be passed governing
the-operation of VDTs? In my opinion, yes.”

Last

chance
for ASU

members to

sign up
for career

improvement

classes

A last call is being put out by the Clerical and
Secretarial Employee Advancement Program
(CSEAP) to help state Administrative Service
Unit employees in CSEA’s Western Region VI
further their careers.

CSEAP is offering, at no charge, the following
courses: goal setting and career planning,
resume preparation, and preparing for the job
interview. They are available are on first-come
first-served basis.

Here is the schedule:

SUNY/BROCKPORT
Goal Setting and Career Planning — The
Cénter Room 125
Course begins Monday, May 16, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Continues Thursday, May 19, Monday, May 23,
Thursday, May 26 and Thursday, June 2,

6:30-9:30 p.m.
ROCHESTER PSYCHIATRIC CENTER
Resume Preparation — Medical Surgical

Building, Lecture Room No. 2, Elmwood Ave.
(near South Ave.)

Course begins Tuesday, May 24, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Continues Thursday, May 26, 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Preparing for the Job Interview Medical
Surgical Building, Lecture Room No. 2,
Elmwood Ave. (near South Ave.)

Class begins Tuesday, May 31, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Continues Thursday, June 2, Tuesday, June 7
and Thursday, June 9, 6:00-9:00 p.m.

CENTER FOR WOMEN IN GOVERNMENT

Goal Setting and Career Planning — Erie Com-
munity College, City Campus, 121 Ellicot St.,
Buffalo.

Course begins Tuesday, May 10, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Continues Tuesdays, May 17, 24 and 31 and June
7, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

GREENACRES SCHOOL
Resume Preparation — School located in Ken-
more, N.Y.
Course begins Monday, May 16, 6:00-8:20 p.m.
Continues Mondays, May 23 and June 6, 6:00-8:20
p.m.

Preparing for the Job Interview — School
located in Kenmore, N.Y.

Course begins Wednesday, May 18, 6:00-8:50
p.m. Continues Wednesdays, May 25, and June 1,
8 and 15, 6:00-8:50 p.m.

rey

To register, fill out the following form and mail
it to: Betty Kurtik, CSEAP Coordinator, Suite
2008, Twin Towers, 99 Washington Ave., Albany,
N.Y. 12210. Telephone No. is (518) 473-0667.

CSEAP
Clerical and Secretarial Employee
Advancement Program
Administrative Services Unit

My: first; choice ist? 2) yee
My ‘second choiceisi-0- = st

N
Home Address:

Home Phone: Business Phone:

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cial Security No. Local No.

ig

CETA workers may ‘buy back’ retirement time,
thanks to successful union class action suit

HOLTSVILLE — Because of a successful legal action by CSEA, CETA
workers in Suffolk County, and perhaps throughout the state, now have the
right to ‘buy back” retirement time for the years they were employed under
the federal program.

The case was brought by Suffolk Local 852 after Suffolk County refused to
pay its share of the “buy-back” sought by a former CETA worker. The case,
argued by CSEA Albany Attorney Marjorie Karowe because of its statewide
implications, was handled as a class action to cover any other employees that
may be affected.

“The union’s business is to represent members, to see that all their rights
are protected. We are proud that we were able to help former CETA

members,” said Charles Novo, president of Local 852.

Civil Service law specifies that CETA workers may “buy back” the time
they spent as CETA employees and apply it to their retirement accumulations.
However, CETA workers can only apply for the ‘‘buy-back”’ after they have
been regular civil servants for five years. Another stipulation requires that
CETA workers apply for the benefit within one year after their fifth year of
regular civil service. The employee and county pay shares of the cost of the
“buy-back” of time.

: Kevin Mastridge, county grievance representative for Local 852, said the
union would assist other employees affected if they contact him at the local’s
Holtsville offices.

INSURANCE UPDAT:

e
ak

'E — Delegates at the State Delegates Workshop held at Grossinger’s Hotel in Liber-

ty last week attended more than a dozen workshops. Pictured at one on the New York State Health In-
surance Program are, above from left, Dave Eggersdorf and Charles Coohey of Finger Lakes State Parks
Commission Local 112; and Ed Avery and Roger Townsend of Finger Lakes State Transportation Local
519. At left, Pat Fraco of Buffalo Psychiatric Center Local 403 discusses problems with time and atten-
dance at another workshop.

LIBERTY — Some 600 state delegates and of-
ficers from CSEA’s six regions gathered in this
Catskills town last week to exchange information
on everything from job classifications and union
finances to the quality of working life.

The three-day State Delegates Workshop, held
at Grossinger’s Hotel, featured a potpourri of
workshops, caucuses and other meetings led by a
number of union staffers, members and manage-
ment representatives.

The first day's agenda included workshops on
affirmative action, job classifications and the
use of regional labor-management programs.

In discussing affirmative action, Joseph
Tortelli, director of the Westchester County Of-
fice of Affirmative Action, said, ‘Everybody has
to have the same shot at a job.” He said affir-
mative action “doesn’t push people aside to
guarantee you a job, it just makes sure you
aren’t penalized for being a woman, black or a
member of other minority groups.

LEADERS CONFER — CSEA Chief Lobbyist James Featherstonhaugh, left, talks with Capital Region

“Affirmative action applies to every single
aspect of employment — hiring, firing, promo-
tions, transfers, dress codes, pay differentials
and anything related to job performance,”
Tortelli said.

He recommended public employees keep an
eye on where vacancies exist and how agencies
fill them. “Very often,” he said, “you'll find
recruitment took a very casual turn. Someone
from the department brings in a friend. That’s
not recruitment — that’s cronyism. And that’s
what keeps the system going, keeps the status
quo.”"

Barry Lorch, New York State director of
Classification and Compensation, led the
workshop on how job classifications are
established, shedding light on the 15,000 in-
dividual judgments made each year by his divi-
sion — judgments which affect some
45,000-50,000 employees across the state.

In the workshop entitled ‘Utilizing Regional

&

President C. Allen Mead, center, and Southern Region President Raymond O’Connor.

Labor-Management Facilitators,” delegates
were presented with a broad overview of two
joint programs, the Committee on the Work En-
vironment and Productivity (CWEP) and the
Quality of Work Life (QWL).

{Continued on Pages 10 & 11)

LISTENING INTENTLY — Laurel Nelson of
0.D. Heck Developmental Center Local 445
listens and takes notes during the workshop on
health insurance.

THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Friday, April 22, 1983

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JOSEPH E. McDERMOTT, CSEA executive vice pre:

ing the State Workshop at Grossinger’s Hotel.

because you have too many “‘points?"’
liability portion of your car insurance?

out on the road?
CSEA can help you.

«Delegates Workshop.

agency would charge.

JAMES J. MOORE, CSEA Region V president, talks with Nellie
Des Groseilliers of Troop B, State Police, Malone Local 262.

State Delegates Workshop .. .

(Continued from Page 9)

The second day of workshops focused on local
union finances, time and attendance problems, new
innovations at the Employee Benefit Fund (EBF),
legal assistance, health insurance, defensive driv-
ing (see accompanying story), communications
and labor’s political clout (see accompanying
story).

Permanent CSEA/State Umpire Jeffrey Selchick
discussed the new time and attendance problem
procedures set up in Article 33.5 of the Ad-
ministrative, Institutional and Operational state
bargaining units’ contracts. He said he deals
primarily with three basic problems — habitual
lateness, abuse of sick leave and no-shows — and
tries to address the underlying causes of these
problems.

“Almost always the person with time and atten-
dance problems has other problems — alcohol,
drugs, family problems,” he said. ‘Instead of
punishment, we try to get to the heart of the prob-
lem and deal with it in a real sense.

“The hearings are informal, and I want to hear
everything. If you think something’s important,
bring it up. We’re able to resolve many problems on
the spot. What I often find is that no one has ever
asked the employee why he or she is late.”

Most of the employees Selchick sees are in grades
4, 5, 7 and 9, and are ‘‘struggling just to get by. I

mercenaria

don’t want to take money out of their pockets if we
can solve the problem another way.’ The
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is one
avenue for problem-solving, he noted.

“We know that a lot of these cases are often settl-
ed the day before the hearing, usually with a
member agreeing to accept a lower fine. But in
many cases you're not doing the employee a favor,
because you're not dealing with the employee's real
needs. That person might be better off coming to
the hearing and see if we can’t work something out
that will address the real problem.”

At the session on the Employee Benefit Fund,
Director Thomas Collins outlined how EBF innova-
tions will mean better service for CSEA members.
Anew shift of employees working from 11 p.m. to 6
a.m, at Ter Bush & Powell, for example, will help
handle more claims. In addition, a new computer
will be able to handle twice as many claims as the
Current system, and a new data processing system
is being installed.

As for existing services, Collins warned members
to beware of “‘ball-point dentistry” — when more
dental work than is necessary is done. A consultant
at EBF is available to render an opinion on
prescribed work and to look over x-rays if that in-
formation is sent to Albany.

“Tf the consultant thinks an alternative is better,

Could you use a 10 percent reduction in the

Would you like to feel more at ease when you’re

Each region has an occupational health and
safety specialist who is now certified by the
Department of Motor Vehicles to offer a defensive
driving course. The specifics. of this course were
explained at a meeting at the recent State

Jim May, Safety Specialist for Region I on Long
Island, noted this safe driving course is open to all
public employees and members of their families.
The fee is $12 for CSEA members and $22 for others.
Both costs are less expensive than what a private

i ou ; :
sident, greets a delegate dur- MANHATTANITES — Charles Perry, left, second vice president of CSEA
Manhattan Psychiatric Center Local 413, talks with Edward Wooten, a mom
delegate from the center.

Defensive driving course offers many benefits

Are you in danger of losing your driver’s license Each class can have between
participants for the eight hours of Mstr

Those who take the course can enjoy a ni
benefits.

her license.
Those who complete the sessions are

to receive a deduction of at least 10 percen|
the liability portion of their auto insurancq

minimum of three years.

regional office.

A certain number of points is assigned to
traffic violations. If you accumulate nine pq
any 18 month period, you'll lose your lice!
three speeding tickets in 18 months
forfeiting your license. Each person wh
through this course gets three points taken o!

This is all in addition to the benefits of b
safer driver, and “‘watching out for the othe
Forms for the course are available fro

sie

RESIDENT WILLIAM L. McGOWAN spends a few
s with member John Weidman.

WORKSHOP WRAP-UP — Local 010’s
Francois Frazier ponders a speaker’s
message during the close of the State
Delegates Workshop.

he’ll recommend it,” said Collins. ‘‘We’re not look-
ing for the cheapest way out. ‘‘We’re looking for the
best way.”

He suggested members shop around for dentists
and ‘‘always get a second opinion when you feel a
little wary about work a dentist wants to do.”

In a session of health insurance, delegates were
briefed on the mandatory second surgical opinion
program, which went into effect April 1. Joseph
Rogerson, an insurance representative from the
Department of Civil Service, explained the re-
quirements for seeking a second opinion on elective
surgery and receiving maximum benefits under the
new plan.

In “Dealing with Communications and the
Media,” CSEA Director of Communications Ga@
Fryer traced the history of CSEA from a
predominantly fraternal organization to a political-
ly powerful labor union. Both internal and external
communications played an important part in this
transition, he said, adding that “‘CSEA is now a
household word where it once was not.””

Assistant Director of Communications Melinda
Carr followed with a 15-minute sample videotape of
the television series on how to take a Civil Service
exam, and outlined how CSEA’s communicati
staff worked to get the series on television statio:

- Feinstein addressed a crowd of about 60 at the State

By Tina Lincer First
Associate Editor

LIBERTY — It got
Mario Cuomo elected
and kept state workers
who were slated for
layoffs on the payroll.
And in the eyes of one
labor leader, it will lead
és to the elimination of the
<= controversial Tier III

BARRY FEINSTEIN _ pension plan.
Labor’s political clout is alive and well in the ’80s.
“The art of the possible is what this is all about,”
says Barry Feinstein, chairman of the Public
Employee Conference (PEC), a coalition of public
employee unions representing 900,000 members
across the state for the purpose of securing

legislation favorable to public workers.
A robust, bespectacled man with bushy
eyebrows, graying hair and an incisive wit,

Delegate’s Workshop here recently on the topic of
labor’s political clout in the 1980s.

Unanimity of opinion on important concerns and
the ability to set aside parochial interests are
important in generating political clout, he stressed.

“Whenever we talk about clout, power, the ability
to exercise the will of the unions today, we really
have to talk about unity — about togetherness,
coalitions, organizations that can work together for
the good of all the people we represent,”’ he said. He
cited CSEA President William L. McGowan as
instrumental in the formation of the eight-year-old
PEC, and said without CSEA, the coalition could
not work.

On Tier III, which requires public employees
hired after 1976 to contribute 3 percent of their
gross income toward their retirement, and which
CSEA has been strenously lobbying against,
Feinstein had this to say: ‘Tier III is probably the
most important piece of legislative work we will
talk about this year. It’s a pension plan we consider

Labor's political ——_§_

CLOUT

to be the worst in the U.S., one that provides the
least benefits for the most cost.

“The benefit structure is so unfair that even if it
were a free plan it wouldn’t be worth a tinker’s
damn. It is a plan that will be defeated by its own
impossibility. I believe we will no longer have that
outrage on 300,000 people we represent throughout
the state when this (legislative) session ends.

“Your political involvement, the campaign
contributions by CSEA, the lobbying days, the
discussions with senators and assemblymen, the
closed-door meetings with the Stanley Finks and
the Warren Andersons, the meetings with the
governor and the governor’s aides are what in the
final analysis will eliminate Tier III and bring us a
fairer pension system, and until that happens, the
political pressures (brought by unions) will
continue to grow.”

Feinstein also pointed to political clout in
detailing Mario Cuomo’s rise from underdog to
victor in the gubernatorial race.

“Mario Cuomo was not even a viable candidate
anyone was concerned about until CSEA said, ‘He’s
the guy we want.’ He received by that very
statement credibility,” Feinstein said. ‘Up until
that moment, the opposition, the people in the Koch
campaign, was taking the view he had no support.
(CSEA’s) endorsement was one of the most
important events that took place in the whole
scheme of the recent gubernatorial election.”

Feinstein said the recent reductions in the
number of state workers slated to be laid off are
another example of the political power labor can
wield.

“CSEA carried the fight against layoffs very
effectively,” he said. ‘Never forget that any and
every budget is a political document. It is at its best
a guess about income and outgo.””

The reduced layoffs, he stressed, were ‘‘no
accident.”” They happened, he told the delegates,
“because you gave money and manpower and
printing, and you threatened. Thousands of your
brothers and sisters are working today because of
political clout.”

cross the state and to spread the word about the
booklets.

She said the staff is now considering other ways
0 get the TV series to the members, such as mak-
ing the tapes available through regional offices and
bublic libraries.

Cafr also stressed the importance of others in the

mnion in promoting communications. “The com-

munications staff can do a tremendous job, but we
an’t always close the communications gap com-
letely,”” she said. “We can put a story in The
Public Sector, but we can’t make the member read
. We can put shows like these on television, but we
an’t make sure the member’s will watch it. We can
rint up brochures and fliers and posters, but we
an’t put them in each member's hand or on every
ull@in board.

“Local officers and shop stewards are important

ks in the communications chain, and your efforts
an be invaluable in closing the communications
ap,” she told the delegates.

The workshop concluded with the State Delegate
leeting, with reports by Pat Crandall, chair-
oman of the State Executive Meeting; James
Roemer, chief counsel; Thomas Quimby, director
f Training and Development; and James Murphy,
nip advisor to the statewide Employee
AssiStance Program.

INFORMAL CHAT — Bob Wilson of Barge Canal Local 504 talks with Region VI Treasurer Joan Posella,

center, and Linda Cote, Buffalo Psychiatric Center Local 403 treasurer.

THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Friday, April 22, 1983

Poge 11

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Judge notes alleged misspellings ‘trivial’ in°
firing of steno; job, back pay awarded

MEDFORD — CSEA has vindicated a
stenographer who was fired for alleged bad spelling
but was, instead, according to a ruling of the Ap-
pellate Division of Supreme Court, the victim of
retaliation by her boss because she had complained
of abusive treatment.

The court ordered the employee reinstated with
full back pay.

The alleged bad spelling, furthermore, involved
errors that the appeals court judges found to be
“essentially trivial.”’

Not only that, but the judges observed that there
were two misspellings in the report of a hearing of-
ficer who had originally upheld the employer's ef-
fort to fire the stenographer, and two more misspell-
ings in the brief submitted by the employer’s
lawyer.

Charitably, the court assumed these errors to be
merely “typographical” errors.

According to CSEA, the employee had been sub-
jected to abuse ever since she had been assigned ac-
cording to seniority rules to serve as secretary to an
official of the Suffolk County Board of Cooperative
Educational Services District III. From the start,
the court ruling recited, the supervisor’s ‘‘attitude
toward her was so difficult and abusive that she
complained about it to higher officials.” Im-
mediately thereafter, the court said, the supervisor
started writing memos to the employee complain-
ing about every spelling error that she made.

The supervisor subsequently instigated charges
against the employee of incompetence, and secured
her dismissal.

Altieri elected to 3rd vp post

LATHAM — Lou Altieri, a 26-year Schenectady
County employee and a long time union activist,
has been elected to the position of third vice presi-
dent of the Capital Region of the Civil Service
Employees Assn.

Altieri fills a vacancy created when C. Allen
Mead moved from first vice president of Region IV
to the region presidency upon the election of Joseph
E. McDermott as statewide CSEA Executive Vice
President. Joan Tobin and Barbara Skelly, both
state employees, moved up from second and third

region vice presidents to first and second,
respectively.

Altieri is a member of the Local negotiating
team, a member of the CSEA statewide board of
directors, and serves as a member of the region
Political Action Committee.

He is president of the Department of Engineering
and Public Works Unit of the Schenectady County
CSEA Local; chairman of the Local's Occupational
Safety and Health Act Committee and chairman of
the local’s membership committee.

His term will expire in 1984.

The CSA legal defense program battled the fir-
ing all the way to the Appellate Division. The case
was handled by Stuart Lipkind of the law firm of
CSEA Regional Attorney Lester B. Lipkind.

The appeals judges said the employee’s demerits
for spelling were ‘essentially trivial.” Many, the
judges said, were only typographical or shorthand
transcription mistakes and fell far short of justify-
ing the charge of incompetence.

The judges were not fooled. ‘‘What emerges from
the record as a whole,” they ruled, ‘‘is a retaliatory
effort by (the supervisor) to have petitioner
dismissed after she complained about him."

The firing, they ruled, was invalid, and the”
employee must be reinstated will full back pay.

CSEA seeking applicants for
Communications Director

ALBANY — CSEA is seeking applicants to
fill the position of Director of Communica-
tions. The Director is responsible for opera-
tion of the Communications Department and
supervision of its 14-member staff; facilitates
communication between the union and its
members; promotes the policies of the union
through the media; and has overall respon-
sibility for The Public Sector.

Qualifications include 10 years experience
in public relations or with a ni , in-
volved in the above areas of responsibility. A

Vision program

court employees

Zi 964g

ALBANY — A new benefit — vision care — went into effect

April 1 for Unified Court System employees represented by
CSEA.

now available to A brochure describing how the optical plan operates is

available by contacting the CSEA Employee Benefit Fund at
the toll free No. 1-800-342-4274.

bachelor's degree in communications may be
Substituted for some experience.

Resumes and salary histories should be sub-
mitted no later than May 9 to the CSEA Per-
eae Director, 33 Elk Street, Albany, NY

Layoffs battled on severa

YOFFS under the new state budget in
several ways, among them large-scale public protest demonstrations and
concentrated lobbying efforts with state legislators. In photo, CSEA Re-

gion VI President Robert L. Lattimer addresses a large group of angry

ot tiem

public workers who demonstrated recently in Buffalo against state layoffs.

In photo, Doris Mikus, a member of the statewide CSEA Political
tion Committee, meets with Sen. Joseph Pisani (R-Westchester) recently
in Albany. “Senator Pisani was most responsive to our lobbying efforts to
avert proposed layoffs,” she noted.

Ac-

CSEA VOLUNTEERS
— Members of Syracuse
City School District
Clerical Unit 9 and
Custodial Unit 6 of Onon-
daga County Local 834
volunteered a Sunday
afternoon for a recent
public television station
fund-raising campaign.
Shown taking WCNY-
TV telephone pledges in
the top row are: Millie
Behling, team captain;
Mary Troch, Joe Moran,
Dave Kennedy, Joe
Krzykowski, Dave
Russell. Bottom row:
Georgiana Pinkard, Peg
Young, Doris Cronin,
Robie Maser.
-Photo by
Steve Meltzer/WCNY-TV

Union motto ‘We Serve’ takes on new meaning

as Region V members join public TV fund drive

SYRACUSE — When WCNY-TV, the Public
Broadcasting Station in Central New York, sent out
a call for volunteers to help with its annual fund
drive, CSEA Region V was quick to respond.

The CSEA Communications Department saw it
as an excellent opportunity to become involved ina
worthwhile community activity, and to recipocate
for a valuable broadcast service the station offered
CSEA members and other public employees in-
terested in improving civil service exam skills.
Through the efforts of CSEA communications in

Albany and Syracuse, WCNY-TV agreed to par-
ticipate in the state television network broadcast of
the four-part civil service exam series developed by
CSEA in cooperation with the Cornell University
School of Industrial and Labor Relations and the
State of New York. The station carried the initial
series April 5-8.

To arrange help for the stations recent fund-
drive, Region V Communications Associate Chuck
McGeary contacted two Syracuse City School units
of CSEA Local 834 Onondaga County. In less than
one hour he had the 10 volunteers requested by the

station, with additional standbys eager to work.

McGeary reported that the Sunday afternoon
pledge session went like clockwork. The CSEA team
arrived early, received instructions, then began
taking telephone calls from area viewers.

Apparently, most of the volunteers enjoyed the
work because they offered to return. There was also
talk of perhaps taking on a bigger challenge such as
a county-wide blood drive.

All in all, it was a good day for CSEA, the union
that prides itself on the ‘WE SERVE” motto.

Board of
Directors

Meeting highlights

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

By Irene Carr
CSEA Statewide Secretary

ALBANY — CSEA’s statewide Board of Direc-
tors, which conducts the official business of the
union and is vested with the responsibility for
approving expenditures, met twice during March.

A one-item agenda meeting was held March 16 in
response to a need to clarify language in the Model
Constitutions. During that special meeting, the
Board:

¢ Approved the Charter Committee report as
amended. The report outlines procedures for elec-
tion of CSEA Delegates and enables Local officers
to be deemed automatic delegates.

« Rescinded Article 9, Section 20 of the Model
Constitutions dealing with regions being placed in
trusteeship.

At the regular Board meeting March 17, discus-
sions covered a broad range of topics. Here are the
highlights of official business transacted:

« The Board approved allowances for the State
Executive Committee attending the State
Workshop April 13-15 and the County Executive
Committee attending the County Workshop June
8-10.

« The Board dealt with three Personnel Commit-
tee recommendations. Expansion of the Data

Processing Department and creation of three posi-
tions was approved and referred to the Budget
Committee, as was upgrading of the Meeting Coor-
dinator position to Grade 15. The Board defeated a
proposal to combine the departments of Safety and
Education and directed the Personnel Committee
to report back at the next meeting with appropriate
job specifications for the Safety Department.
In other action, the Board:

¢ Approved the recommendation of the Charter
Committee that employees of the Long Island Cor-
rection Facility be granted their own local.

« Approved a three-year lease extension for the
Plattsburgh Satellite Office and authorized Erie
County Local 815 to purchase a building to be used
as their headquarters.

« Approved the Election Procedures Commit-
tee’s recommendation to allow nominating commit-

tee members to resign from their positions in order

to run for Delegate.

* Approved Lake Placid as the site for the Oct.
21-26, 1984 Annual Convention.

¢ Approved a motion calling on CSEA to conduct
an analysis, including cost savings and ramifica-
tions to members, of combining the Commissions of
OMRDD and OMH and Alcohol and Substance
Abuse back under one Commission for the purpose
of saving money to keep members working.

« Approved a motion supporting Gov. Mario
Cuomo’s proposal to allow a portion of funds ac-
crued in the NYS Pension System to be utilized in
investment capital for establishing new businesses
in New York State.

fi aN

Employee wins
longevity
grievance

LOCKPORT — Niagara County needed an
arbitrator to define Mary Gephart’s length of
service. And, Mary Gephart had to jfile a
grievance and get help from CSEA’s legal
assistance program to get the arbitrator.

It all started when the county decided it in-
correctly gave Gephart credit for past ser-
vice, and reduced her pay from the eight
longevity step to the fifth step. The excuse was
that it incorrectly included the time she was
employed as a houseparent by the county
Department of Social Services.

Since there was a four-month break in
service prior to her next job as a principal
audit clerk with Niagara County Community
College, the county argued her service was
not ‘‘continuous.””

CSEA noted that she received service
credit in the State Retirement System for the
time she spent as a houseparent, and produc-
ed evidence of a past practice that longevity
was based on “‘completed,’’ not ‘‘continuous,”’
years on the job.

Arbitrator Samuel Cugalj concurred with
CSEA, finding that longevity is based on
“completed” years of service, and ordered
Gephart restored to the eighth longevity step
with back pay. |

he

= J

THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Friday. April 22, 1983

Poge 13

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ps

CSEA charges commission ;
09 r a e |
report on Tier Ill ‘ludicrous;
based on faulty assumptions —_

EDITOR’S NOTE: On April 12, 1983, CSEA presented
testimony before a public hearing of the New York State Per-
manent Commission on Public Employee Pension and
Retirement Systems. The Commission had previously releas-

ed a report favoring the permanent enactment of the con-
troversial Tier II retirement system, which is due to expire
June 30, 1983. Following is the testimony of CSEA Legislative
and Political Action Director Bernard Ryan.

Members of the Commission, guests and other witnesses. My name is
Bernard J. Ryan and I am the Director of CSEA's Legislative and Political
Action Department. I am here on behalf of William McGowan, President of
CSEA. I would like to thank you for the opportunity to present testimony about
your most recent report on Tier III Reform.

I would like to be able to continue the amenities by complimenting the
Commission on this well conceived and carefully developed report on Tier IIT
reform. Unfortunately, I cannot do so. The Commission report draws
conclusions which are based on faulty and contradictory assumptions. The
comparisons that are made are totally inconsistent, and its conclusions and
proposals are, therefore, of great disappointment to CSEA and to the 240,000
state and county employees whom we represent.

Let me deal with the two most dominant subjects of the report, namely the
employee contribution and the integration of social security. In your report of
April 19, 1982, you state on page 7 that, ‘‘the original Co-ESC plan, as originally
developed by the Permanent Commission, did not include the employee
contribution provision.” The 1982 report then states that the employee
contribution provision of 3% was included in order to have a cost somewhat
lower than Tier II, which was then and still is approximately 14%. Your
recommendation in that 1982 report stated that, “Experience has shown that
the cost of Tier III is somewhat lower than originally estimated. It, therefore,
seems appropriate and desirable to go back to the Commission’s original
concept and not require any employee contributions.” In other words your 1982
report reiterated the original 1976 recommendation not to have employee
contributions.

Conflicting reports

Now in this years’ 1983 report you stated on page 15 that the elimination of
the 3% contribution, would bring about conformity with most employers in
private industry. You then cite the Banker’s Trust study which showed that
81% of conventional plans in private industry had no mandatory nor voluntary
employee contribution and that 96% of all plans in the study had no mandatory
contributions. Then on the following page, you state, “However, the
elimination of the employee contribution was criticized by certain business
groups because eliminating the contributory feature of Co-ESC would put New
York State out of step with the majority of other states in the nation which have

Bulletin ... Bulletin... Bulletin

CSEA will join the ranks of a full-scate Tier Ill lobbying effort spon-
sored by the Public Employees Conference (PEC) slated to get under-

way early next month.

The PEC, a conglomerate of more than thirty public employee
unions, has placed the elimination of Tier III as it’s number one priority,
according to Bernard Ryan, CSEA’s director of legislative and political
action.

“The effort that we will put forth the week of May 2 will far surpass
the efforts we went to to pass the OSHA and Agency Shop bills,"’
Ryan noted. ~

More details will follow in the next edition of the Public Sector.

Enrolled in wrong tier?

ALBANY — Public employees who through no fault of their own were
enrolled in the wrong tier of the state retirement system, would get a
chance to correct the error if the Legislature approves identical bills in-
troduced by State Sen. Richard Schermerhorn and Assemblyman Joseph
Lentol.

Currently in cases where enrollment in the Retirement System is
mandatory and it is later discovered an employee was placed in the wrong
tier, a correction is automatically made. But in situations where enrol:
ment is non-mandatory, no such change is possible, even if the employee
was never made aware of the retirement option.

The proposed legislation would correct the inequity.

CSEA members are, therefore, urged to send letters in support of
Senate Bill S3509 and Assembly Bill A5107 to their legislators urging the
bills be reported out of committee and approved by both houses of the
Legislature.

contributory features for their public employees. . . . They apparently thought
a more valid comparison was with other public employee plans rather than
with the private ihdustry plans.”

Gentlemen, you then imply you are drawing a comparison based on 50 @
states rather than the private industry plans which have been far more
beneficial to our case. You then state that the same business groups thought
that ‘... a more valid comparison was with other public employee plans
rather than private industry plans.”’ And that it was advisable to make a
comparison on both employee contributions and social security integration
with similar provisions, but under public employee plans in nearby states,
namely Conn., New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts.

Abandoning the private sector comparison

It is worth noting at this point, that you have abandoned the comparison
with private sector plans and have chosen instead, to try to maintain some
consistency in your comparisons by using, not the comparison of New York
with all other states in the nation, as you did previously, but rather with just
some of the contiguous states. It may be because the only other state to have an
integration with social security is the state of Connecticut. The other 48 states
simply do not have an integration formula.

It seems as if you have reached your conclusions and then attempted to
find arguments that would justify the conclusions. By using the same type of
logic, we can say that 4% of the plans studied by the 1980 Banker’s Trust study
have mandatory contributions and that there is only one other state out of the @
50 that has social security integration, therefore, neither contributions nor a
social security integration policy would be advisable to the New York
Retirement Systems.

Regardless, let us continue with the examination of the Report. You then
go on to discuss the comparison of benefit plans with the 4 contiguous states
and your chart on page 19 clearly shows that New York retirement benefits
returned a lesser replacement ratio than any of the other 4 states. When you
then include social security, it is 4th out of the 5 states with Massachusetts only
being 2 points lower and that being because Massachusetts does not participate
in the social security program. In discussing the alternate approach to the e
social security integration, you then delve into the area of offering alternative
proposals, namely proposal A and B. ~

Proposals ‘offensive’ to CSEA members

Proposal A, deals with what you refer to as social security bend points.
What this basically does is require you to reduce the percentage that a person
uses when multiplying his final average salary times his years of service in
order to determine his pension. Instead of using 2% a year for each year of
service, your alternative says that he would use 1.45% up to what you refer to @
as the second social security bend point. Your report clearly states that there is
only 10% of all the employees in New York State who earn more than the
amount of the second social security bend point. Gentlemen, I can tell you that
less than 1% of the 240,000 employees that CSEA represents would be able to
take advantage of the factor at the second bend point; therefore, we do not
embrace your Alternative A.

Your proposal which you label Proposal B, is nothing more than a simple
reduction from 2% for each year of service to 1.5% for each year of service up
to a maximum of 35 years. The comparison that you then do on page 23 with
contiguous states shows that this would produce by far the lowest pension
benefit of any of the 5 states when looked at alone and when you then add inthe @
social security integration it then again manages to be the 4th out of the 5 only
because Massachusetts does not participate in the social security program.

The other portions of your plan are equally as offensive to our members.
You state that if an individual retired before age 62, not only would he be forced
to take a reduction in his benefit because of age, but he would never receive an
increase in his retirement benefit regardless of the increase in the cost of
living. Your supplementation proposal mandates a maximum increase of 3%
per year for those who retired at age 65 or later and a lower percentage
increase for those retiring before age 62. This is inadequate. In addition, you
mentioned on page 23 of your Report under the general subject of Disability
Benefits, that your objective would be ‘‘the elimination of the distinction

La ean otc A i GT 2 GAS SN a SN BOR RRR MS I PS a PS

@ ‘A MATTER OF CONSCIENCE’ — CSEA’s Bernard Ryan charges that any
projected increases in the cost of reverting back to the Tier II system should be.
weighed against the future: the Tier III retiree will be living at or below the
poverty level if the present system stays intact.

between ordinary and accidental disability.” What you are doing is simply
lowering the benefit provisions to the lesser of the two.

Wors? public employee benefits in Eastern U.S.

This report amounts to nothing more than an administrative reform. It is
@ not a true study in analysis. It does not present a range of options and
associated costs from which the Legislative and Executive Branches, the
policy making bodies in this state, can make reasonable and intelligent
choices.

Your report shows that employees in New York State will have the worst
benefits of all public employees in the Eastern United States. Those are your
recommendations and we think they are ludicrous. You manage to confuse the
Legislature and the public as well. You have clearly stated in your report for
this year, that you were sensitive to the criticism of ‘‘certain business groups”
and have managed to make the current recommendation one, which if enacted
into law, would produce the worst retirement plan for public employees in the
Eastern United States.

Let’s just step back a bit from your most recent recommendation and look
at the basis for Tier III. When this plan was first suggested it had a basic
premise that social security integration was a necessary part of any overall
retirement plan and it was stated, in 1976, by your Commission, that the social
security benefits would be the foundation of the Tier III Retirement Plan.
Gentlemen, I submit to you that in the past seven years it has been found that
the social security program does not have the strength necessary to support
this retirement program. In addition, the most recent changes made by
Congress will not stabilize the social security trust fund nor, more importantly,
@ insure that there will be funds available for the payment of benefits in the far

distant future. Given these recent developments, will there be any realistic
benefit level when our present employees retire under Tier III?

Social Security system: a weak foundation

If your foundation is weak, everything that is built upon it is equally as
weak. The program that was originally proposed to he built upon the strong
social security foundation was one which was guaranteed to produce a
retirement benefit that would be equal to what the employee earned during his
active working life. By your own admission in the most recent report, the

@ integration formula which was proposed by your Commission and eventually
passed by the Legislature has not worked and is impossible to administer. We
find it extremely difficult to look at the assumptions that you made in 1976 and
which have since been prove to be ill-conceived and faulty and now look upon
your present recommendations with any degree of trust. I am sure that your
Consultants are competent and that your goals are consistent with the
legislative mandate that you have received. However, you are tackling an
immense problem and your viewpoint has been subjectively singular; that.is
you have looked at it only from the employer’s point of view. That viewpoint
has overshadowed the one aspect that is necessary in developing a Retirement
Plan. And that is EQUITY. The employees have been shortchanged.

Let me remind you of a few facts. All of the members that we represent are

members of the New York State Employees Retirement System. This System
has assets of over $16 billion. It is extremely well funded. The return on
investments is very good. The average salary of the members we represent is
approximately $12,000. If that employee is a member of Tier I and works 35
years in public employment, he can retire on the grandiose sum of $700 per
month. That is if he chooses option 0 and decides not to provide benefits for a
spouse or survivors. If so, then his retirement benefit is much less. This is the
best that our members can hope for. Under Tier II, that same employee would
take a reduction if he retired before age 65 and he would be receiving a lower
benefit under this formula. Under your proposals, this same employee working
under Tier III would receive approximately $300 per month. In addition, he
would have been paying 3% of his gross salary into the Retirement Plan

We are talking about the future when people will be living to an older age
based on modern advances in medicine and technology.

‘A matier of conscience’

Statistics show you will have an increased older population and what you
are proposing is that most of this older population will be living at or below the
poverty level. This now becomes a matter of conscience; not just fiscal
responsibility. Gentlemen, as you have clearly stated in your Report, you
listened very well to the recommendations of business groups. They have
talked in terms of millions of dollars of increased ¢osts on retirement plans.
Back in 1976 when we argued this same subject, we were told that the cost for
Tier III had to stay at about 13%. This was an arbitrary number that was
chosen or, possibly agreed upon, by the same groups that you are still dealing
with and which caused a ceiling on benefits as well as costs. At present, Tier IIT
is.costing about 9.5% of payroll. This is based on the Report issued by the New
York State Coraptroller Edward Regan, the sole trustee of the New York State
Employee Retirement System. We have since been told that the substitution of
Tier II for Tier III would increase the employer contribution rate to 13.5% of
covered payroll. This is a mere one-half-of-one-percent above what the goal
you set seven years ago was. We believe that this is what your
recommendation should be. Eliminate Tier ITI and revert back to Tier II at an
increased cost of one-half-of-one-percent, and end the inequitable program that
has been hoisted on the employees for the last seven years.

Revert back fo Tier li

We are advocating Tier II as an alternative to the extremely inequitable
Tier III plan that does exist, or the proposals that are being considered for this
year.

Thank you for your time and the opportunity to speak before your group.

THE CAMPAIGN to retire
Tier IM is gearing up
before the June 30, 1983
deadline. Here, an——
advertisement which ran
in the last issue of the
Public Sector urges
lawmakers to eliminate
the inequitable system
before it’s too late.

THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Friday. April 22. 1983

Page 15

we

91 850g

bab “ee dy “Apis 'YO1D3S DI18Nd 3HL

Trial date set in state of Washington

Landmark pay equity case unfolds

WASHINGTON — The million-member
American Federation of State, County and
Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and its affiliate,
the 23,000-member Washington Federation of State
Employees (WFSE), have revealed that a U.S.
District Court has fixed August 29 as the trial date
for a landmark multi-million-dollar comparable
worth wage discrimination suit brought against
Washington state.

Tacoma District Court Judge Jack Tanner also
dismissed a wide range of state-filed motions
designed to dismiss AFSCME’s lawsuit and limit
the size and scope of the union’s suit, which was
originally filed by AFSCME and nine plaintiffs in
July of last year.

The judge also ordered the state to provide ex-
tensive data to support AFSCME’s claim that the
state intentionally segregated and paid its
employees on the basis of sex. The union is seeking
full implementation of comparable worth pay in-
creases for an estimated 15,000 female employees
in Washington state, plus an award of back pay for
four years.

“The eyes of the country and of working women
everywhere will be on the State of Washington,”
declared AFSCME President Gerald W. McEntee.
“This is the first case of its kind, where a state is be-
ing charged for practicing sex-based wage
discrimination, and for violating both federal and
state anti-discrimination laws. The case is expected
to set the precedent for implementation of earlier
Supreme Court decisions.”’

In the case of County of Washington v. Gunther,
the U.S. Supreme Court opened the door for legal
actions by unions and working women by holding
that discrimination in pay on the basis of sex is il-
legal even if male and female employees are
performing different jobs. The court confirmed
that it is illegal to pay “female” jobs less than
“male’’ jobs because they are female, if the dif-
ference in pay is not justified by the difference in
the required composite of skill, effort, responsibili-
ty and working conditions.

Since the Supreme Court ruling, AFSCME has
filed legal actions charging the states of Connec-
ticut, Washington, Hawaii and Wisconsin and the
cities of Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Chicago

ee REGION VI PRESIDENT Robert L. Lattimer, left,
listens intently as Buffalo Assemblyman William Hoyt,
right, talks about his positions on a variety of legislation
affecting public employees. Region VI Political Action
Committee Co-Chair Dominic Savarino, center, listens in i
also. The occasion was a recent Legislative Luncheon
sponsored by CSEA for Western New York state

legislators.

_

with wage discrimination against their women
workers. The Washington state action is the first
trial date to be set as a result of AFSCME’s legal at-
tacks on unequal pay for working women.
“Naturally, we’re very pleased with the rulings
of Judge Tanner in throwing out all motions filed by
the state and in granting all motions filed by
AFSCME,” stated WFSE Executive Director
George Masten. “‘All of the defense motions were
aimed at reducing the scope of this suit and narrow-
ing the ability of our union to prevail in this case.””
Among other state-filed motions denied by

WHITE PLAINS — Members of this city
school district’s non-instructional unit can take
their walking shoes off. After seven weeks of dai-
ly demonstrations in front of the School Board’s
offices at Education House, both the Board and
CSEA members approved a three year contract.

Members had been working without a contract
since July 1, and held daily informational pickets
calling for serious negotiations by the Board.

“It’s a victory for us,” says Unit President
Barbara Peters, “because the Administration
wanted to sub-contract the cafeteria services,
but we held firm and said no!” Forty-four posi-
tions were saved.

The 334 members of the unit will enjoy their
largest pay raises in several years. For 1982-83,
there will be a 7 percent increase, on top of in-
crements, which were already paid. There will
be an additional 7 percent hike July 1, plus in-
crements, while there is a wage reopener provi-
sion for 1984-85.

Cooks will receive an adjustment of 75 cents an
hour retroactive to July 1. Clerk-typists and
stenographers will move up one level on the
salary schedule July 1, 1984.

All present school district unit employees will
continue their non-contributory health insurance

‘Weeks of picketing spur
3-year pact in White Plains

Judge Tanner was a motion which claimed that the
union’s suit improperly included allegations of
state law violations in a case before a federal court.
These allegations contend that the State of
Washington violated its own Civil Service laws and
the state’s Equal Rights Amendment.

Tanner also ruled in favor of the union on their
motion for “class certification.” This ruling allows
the nine individual state employees named as plain-
tiffs to act on behalf of all affected civil service
state employees.

program, while any new employee with at least
20 hours per week will pick up 5 percent of the
cost of dependent health insurance coverage.
CSEA dental and vision plans will be made
available July 1.

Teacher aides and assistants will get two extra
paid holidays per year. All unit members will be
covered by an improved disciplinary procedure.

Members approved the contract 223-29 March
14. Later that night, Board members unanimous-
ly adopted the agreement.

Peters says, “Our negotiating team stuck
together throughout this whole ordeal. Field
Rep. Joe O‘Connor did wonders as our
negotiator. I’d like to thank committee members
Frances Komita, Marie Broady, John Catoe,
Carol Finiani, Ray Orr, Irene Izzo and Ursula
Wright.””

The unit had some salaries frozen and others
increased only slightly in the 1979-80 school year
as the district was facing financial difficulties.
Peters reminded the Board, ‘We helped you go
from the red to the black, that’s enough!”

The 7 percent pay raise will first be seen in the
bi-weekly paychecks distributed April 28. The
retroactive pay will be made in one lump sum on
May 27.

Viewers in the Capital area and
in the North Country will be able to
spend their next few Saturday mor-
nings in front of their TV sets im-
provifig their test-taking skills by
watching re-hroadcasts of the
television series on how to take a
Civil Service promotional exam.

WMHT, Channel 17 in Schenec-
tady, will broadcast the series
11:30 a.m. to noon, April 23 and 30
and May 7 and 14. WCFE in Platt-
sburgh will show Parts I and IL
from 9 to 10 a.m., Saturday, April
30, and Parts III and IV in the same
time slot the following Saturday,
May 7. The four segments will also
be repeated in Plattsburgh from 6

- to 6:30 p.m., May 2, 3, 9 and 10.

. Charles Sandler Scholarship

applications being

BUFFALO — Applications for the Charles R.
Sandler Scholarship are being accepted from

® Atty. Charles R. Sandler the Region VI office 716-634-3540. Ae. Belt BEL Rae cee ete moet bers ey
e °, *, ° Ms. Kratz’ program will include such topics as:
Marilynne Whittam heads Capital istrict of cLuw Goal Setting, Life/Career Assessment, Tools for Deci-
ALBANY — The Coalition of Labor Union women’s participation in unions — past, present | sion Making and Planning, Dealing with Dilemmas,
Women (CLUW) has elected Marilynne Whit- and future — will be discussed at CLUW’s next | Development of a Personal Plan, and others.
tam, who chairs the Region IV Women’s Com- business meeting scheduled 6:30 p.m. on Mon- Ms. Lauzon said, ‘‘This training session, conducted
mittee, as president of its Capital District day, May 16, at the NYSUT/PEF Headquarters, | by an outstanding educator in the field, is another in
Chapter. She succeeds another Region IV ac- 159 Wolf Rd., Albny. our continuing series of programs designed to help our
tivist, Betty Kurtik, who was chosen board Ruth Jandreau, a former factory worker, | regional leaders.”
member-at-large while one more CSEA_ union organizer and officer of the United Elec- Since her appointment by Moore, Lauzon and her
e member, Virginia Kirby, was elected secretary. trical, Radio and Machine Workers Union, will | nine member education committee have already plan-
be guest speaker. ned a series of seminars and workshops to cover the
The coalition seeks to achieve full equality of For more information, contact Ms. Whittam | next nine months.
opportunities and rights for women. And so __ by calling (518) 674-5874.
: BUFFALO — Past practice is a treasured ignored a past practice established at two other
A fi e ‘ ‘4 union right, and once again it has triumphed in ee facilities (the Home and Infirmary, and
PReRRIOTD WHER Eric Count). Litian Noah, a member of CSEA the Jail) which grants employees in similar
Local 815, will be getting time off for jury duty _—_ situations weekend leave. Moreover, the CSEA
. even though her regular work week involves contract stipulates that second or third shift
e over jury duty weekends with Thursdays and Fridays as days | employees who report to jury duty during the.
off. day, are excused (with pay) from work during
t - hh { the evening.
c | riump or A 25-year employee of the Erie County Medical Based or these factors, Arbitrator Fred Den-
. Center, Noah filed the grievance because her son ruled that, ‘‘The County violated the contract
ast ractice supervisor refused to alter her work schedule so _in refusing to give the weekend off to the grie-
Pp p a she would have the weekend off during the week — vant after she had been on jury duty for the five
she reported to jury duty. The refusal, however, days previous” and awarded Noah two days off.
open competitive
e COMPETITIVE
STATE JOB CALENDAR
FILING ENDS MAY 2, 1983
te Pidae ate PROMOTIONAL EXAMS
Bridge Painter Il, Supervising $16,870 25-844
Facilities Management Assistant 17,694 25-241 {State employees only) |
Food Inspector | (Surplus Foods) 16,711 25-943 2
Heating and Ventilating Engineer, Assistant 24,569 25-937
Mechanical Construction Engineer, Assistant 24,569 25-938
Plumbing Engineer, Assistant 24,569 25-939 Se FLING Enns May epoca
e Program Research Specialist It 7
(Medical Assistance) 22,132 25-812
Program Research Specialist It TITLE AND SALARY GRADE DEPARTMENT EXAM. NO.
(Medical Assistance) 28,772 25-814 Administrative Assistant G-18 37-949
Program Research Specialist li](Operations) 28,772 25-815 Senior Laboratory Technician G-12...... - 97-943
Program Research Specialist lt Senior Laboratory Technician (Biochemistry) G-12. . 37-945
(Social Services) 22,132 25-813 Senior Laboratory Technician (Chemistry) G-12. . 37-944
Program Research Specialist lit Senior. Laboratory Technician (Microbiology) G-12. . 37-946
(Social Services) 28,772 25-816 Senior Business Management Assistant G-18....... 37-519
Teachers’ Retirement System Information Commissary Clerk H G-7........... CORRECTIONAI . 37-961
Representative 22,134 25-899 Commissary Clerk Ill G-9. . . - SERVICES. 37-962
Environmental Specialist Commissary Clerk IV G-12......6... 0... eee . 37-963
e (Culturat Resources), Senior 28,772 28-455 Associate Forester G-21. 37-771
Director for Cancer Institute Nursing Senior Forester G-18... ‘ . 37-900
Services, Assistant 38,376 28-490 EMS at eae SSIES ORES St pence cre 128730
Detalled announcements and applications may be obtained from the following locations: impatient Sullcing Electrical Engineer G-20.. Ss
ALBANY: Examinations ies Department of Civil Service, State Office Bullding Assistant Building Structural Engineer G-20 + 37-934
‘Campus, Albany, NY 12239. Head Hearing Reporter G-19.. 97-955
BUFFALO: State Department of Civil Service, Room 303, 65 Court Street, Butfalo, NY Senior Boiler Inspector G-17. . . 37-929
14202. Supervising Boller Inspector G-21. . . 37-930
NEW YORK: State Department of Civil Service, 55th Floor, 2 World Trade Center, New Senior Public Work Wage Investigator G-17. . - 37-927
York, NY 10047 or Harlem State Office Building, 163 West 125th Street, New York, N¥ Supervising Public Work Wage Investigator G-21.. 4 . 37-928
a 10027, Head Hearing Reporter G-19............. -WC Bd...... . 37-820
SORA SRICE NewYork tune Enetarrers Service (no mail hendied or applications Disability Determinations Review Clerk | G- : .37-773
Special Test Arrangements. Wil Be Made For. Saussiay Religious: Oheareere Associate PastMutuel Tox Examiner @:23° 77, TAX & FINANCE, | 37-002

And Handicapped Persons When A Written Test ls Held.

accepted

Region VI members for cash assistance towards
labor related studies.

In making the announcement, Region Presi-
dent Robert L. Lattimer said applicants must be
CSEA members in a Region VI Local or Unit to
be eligible.

The award was established by former Region
VI Attorney and Mrs. Charles R. Sandler, upon
his retirement after 33 years as Region Attorney.

The Scholarship Recipient will be selected by
the fund trustees, including Region President
Lattimer, Region Director Lee Frank and
Regional Attorney Ronald L. Jaros.

Scholarship application forms, which must be
postmarked no later than May 24, may be obtain-
ed from Local or Unit Presidents or by calling

Training session
in Syracuse for
region officers

SYRACUSE — A special one-day program designed
to strengthen leadership abilities will be offered to all
local and unit officers in CSEA Region V Saturday,
May 14, at the Hotel Syracuse.

According to Mary Lauzon, chairperson for the
region’s education committee, the full day session en-
titled ‘Integration of Your Personal and Professional
Growth” will be conducted by Marilyn Kratz, a profes-
sional consultant who has worked with other CSEA
groups and leaders throughout the state.

Region V President Jim Moore said the workshop
will offer local and unit leaders an excellent opportuni-
ty to make a personal assessment of their union ac-

Senior Pari-Mutuel Examiner G-18............0. 00 cee ee eee ecees 37-901

THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Friday, April 22, 1982

Poge 17

“For want of a nail
the shoe is lost,

For want of a shoe
the horse is lost,
For want of a horse
the rider is lost.”’

—George Herbert
(1593-1633)

Renovation,
- maintenance
Achilles’ heel

of the barge canal

“... THE WORK NEEDED
TO KEEP THIS SYSTEM
OPERATING IS AROUND-
THE-CLOCK, TWELVE
MONTHS A YEAR. ALOT OF
THE EQUIPMENT OUR PEO-
PLE KEEP WORKING
DATES BACK TO 1912
WHEN THE CANAL WAS
LAST RENOVATED...”

When CSEA revealed that planned
layoffs of a targe number of full-time
employees of the New York State Barge
Canal system would tead to serious
deterioration of canal equipment and
could ultimately lead to having to shut
down the canal system itself, the news
media was quick to investigate. In the
greater Albany area, all three network
affiliate tv stations covered the growing
controversy over the layoffs. At upper
left, Canal Structure Operator Frank
Jones right, talks with Channel 6
newsman Dick Beach as Canal Struc-
ture Operator Dave Couture looks on.
At lower left, Channel 10 newscaster
Marci Elliott reports on the situation at
Lock 2 of the system’s Champlain
Canal at Waterford. At upper right,
Jones shows a tv cameraman some of
the intricate, but old, equipment that
must be maintained at all times. At
lower right, Couture talks about
problems on the canal system with a re-
porter from Channel 13.

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‘ LAYOFFS COULD SINK THE SYSTEM

ALBANY — Probably everyone knows that
any layoffs that cost more than they save make
little or no sense, but despite appearances that in
the long run they may actually be losing money,
the State of New York seems intent on laying off
164 full-time employees of the New York State
Barge Canal.

The employees, who work for the Waterways
Maintenance Division of the Department of
Transportation, were targeted for layoff under
Gov. Mario M. Cuomo’s proposed Executive
Budget. The ‘‘logic’”’ behind this plan was that if
the barge canal is only open seasonally, then why
employ year-round workers?

While that sounds like it makes sense, it
makes no sense at all to the men and women who
keep the 158-year-old canal moving every day.
What’s more, they point out that while the ad-
ministration seems ready, willing and able to
dump 164 workers, it has no intention of abolish-
ing any top level jobs despite the fact that such
jobs have been growing over the years while the
numbers of employees have been reduced.

“It seems pretty dumb to be getting rid of the
people who are the ‘nuts and bolts’ of this effi-
cient transportation system while the office peo-
ple just keep right on sailing along,”’ commented
SEA Collective Bargaining ‘Specialist Nels E.
Carlson.

Yet the inequity of the layoff plan isn’t
CSEA’s biggest gripe, Carlson says. The number
one mistake the state is making is in cutting back

drastically on a relatively modest maintenance
cost when the ultimate effect may be the destruc-
tion of an invaluable public asset.

“The barge canal locks and dams may be
closed during part of the year,’’ Carlson says,
“but the work heeded to keep this system operat-
ing is around-the-clock, twelve months a year. A
lot of the equipment our people keep working
dates back to 1912 when the canal was last
renovated. With major mechanical equipment
lasting over 70 years, these people have obvious-
ly been doing their job. Cutting back now will
cause this equipment to deteriorate and the
ultimate effect may be an end to the canal.”

In a position paper opposing the cutbacks
prepared by Carlson and CSEA’s Research
Department, several critical questions are pos-
ed; questions raised by the budget cutbacks and
questions that appear to have no answers.

For example, if the barge cutbacks do cause
increasing delays in transit and breakdown and
replacement of very expensive equipment, will
the loss of efficiency push present freight onto
already deteriorating state bridges and
highways? Will the deterioration jeopardize the
important function of the canal’s dam system as
a flood control mechanism for the Mohawk
Valley? Will the state have the resources to
finance expensive renovations caused by reduc-
ed maintenance or is part of the plan the even-
tual shut down of the entire canal system?

The Waterways Division of DOT presently
employs 666 full-time and 179 seasonal

employees to keep the system’s 57 locks and 17
lift bridges operating. Laying off nearly 27% of
the entire full-time workforce — all on opera-
tional jobs — is expected to save only $1.7
million. CSEA says it could destroy the canal.
And as Carlson points out, it’s not as if the
state feels it’s overstaffed. He notes that before a
canal system employee can take even one week

off in the summer months, the employee must

have 15 years of service on the canal.

Even DOT itself appears to agree with
CSEA’s position. As a department factsheet puts.
it, “if maintenance and rehabilitation funding is

not increased, deterioration will continue to the ~

point where the canals may become inoperative
within ten years.” ‘

The union also urges that by switching to a“

purely seasonal operation, the system will drive
out its best employees who will seek alternate,
stable employment.

aa

“When you take out what the state will pay in’ *

unemployment insurance, health insurance and
other costs that effectively reduce layoff sav-
ings,” Carlson said, ‘‘it really looks like we’re
about to throw away a priceless state resource
for an insignificant savings in a $32 billion state
budget. That’s not management, that’s just
stupid.”

Despite the bleak outlook for barge canal
employees, the union is continuing its efforts to
convince state officials of the false economies in
their plans in an effort to turn the layoff threat
around.

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Page 19

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Unions suing Nassau
fo end decades of
discrimination in
hiring, wages

te :
MARILYN DEPUY, AFSCME assistant coordinator of woman’s ac-
tivities, tells reporters how AFSCME worked with CSEA to gather infor-
mation leading to a suit against Nassau County charging discrimination
in hiring and wage practices. Listening is CSEA Region I President Dan- ©

“Nassau County had better wake up. Women have moved from
the kitchen table to the bargaining table’’—Rita Wallace

By Hugh O’Haire
CSEA Communications Associate

MINEOLA -— CSEA and AFSCME announced
last week that they would take Nassau County to
court to end “‘several decades” of discrimination
by the county in hiring and wages.

The action was the culmination of several
months of preparation by CSEA and AFSCME of
a study of the pay levels of 14,000 county
employees represented by CSEA Local 830 which
showed a pattern of “‘sex-segregated jobs” at the
lower and upper ends of the grade scale and cited

» examples of “wage discrimination’ where

women and men in the same pay grades were
paid at different scales.

“Pay equity is not a woman’s issue; it’s a
worker's issue,” said Danny Donohue, president
of CSEA Region I. “We've already passed the
Civil Rights and Equal Pay Acts and there is no
reason discrimination should still exist
anywhere in New York State in this day and
age.""

The findings of the study were made public at
an April 14 press conference in the Nassau Coun-
ty press room attended by Danny Donohue,
Jerry Donahue, president of Nassau Local 830;
Rita Wallace, executive vice president of Local
630; and Marilyn DePuy, AFSCME assistant
coordinator of woman's activities.

Jerry Donahue told reporters that he had given
Nassau County Executive Francis Purcell the
report several weeks earlier and had requested
that the county join CSEA to conduct its own
survey ‘‘to determine the degree of sex segrega-
tion in the County’s workforce and to correct the
disparate treatment of women.” Donahue said
he had received an unofficial response from the
county that the union could go to court to try and
prove its charges.

“That's exactly what we plan to do,”” Donahue
told reporters from Newsday, Daily News, the
wire services and radios stations. ”

“Nassau County had better wake up. Women
have moved from the kitchen table to the
bargaining table,” warned Rita Wallace.

After the press conference a spokesman for
Nassau County said the unions’ charges were
“totally false.” :

CSEA and AFSCME leaders disagreed with
the county. The study showed, they said, a clear

CSEA OFFICIALS involved in the major law suit
against Nassau County included, from left,
‘Nassau County CSEA Local 830 President Jerry
Donahue, Local 830 Executive Vice Presideut
Rita Wallace, and CSEA Region I President Dan-
ny Donohue.

ny Donohue.

cut pattern of wage discrimination and sex
segregated jobs — those in which one sex
dominates — in the 14,000 employees surveyed.

The study, based on county documents, found:

Women make up about 56 percent of total
employees in salary grades one through 14, but
they are-almost 90 percent of employees in the
three lowest salary grades.

More than 90 percent of the county employees
in grades one through 14 work in sex-segregated
jobs where at least 70 percent of the job holders
are of the same sex. More than two-thirds of the
county’s 681 job classifications are all-male or
all-female jobs.

A sex-segregated ee generally means
low pay for women workers in Nassau County.
‘Women’s jobs’? pay less than “‘men’s jobs,”
even when the jobs require equivalent levels of
skill, effort and thas aut yr aeee Aten

The report compared entry level ema le-
dominated jobs—clerical poe nurse aide 1
and clerk stenographer 1 in pay grades 1, 2 and 4

— with an entry level male-dominated job, labor -

1 in pay grade 5. The clerical assistant, nurse
aide and laborer all have minimal skill and
educational requirements and generally per-
form routine duties under close supervision. Yet,
according to the report, last year a starting
laborer earned from $565 to $1,926 more a year
than a than a worker starting in these jobs; $565
a year more than a clerk stenographer 1 who
passes a qualifying examination in typing and
dictation.

Local 830 has a history of fighting against sex
discrimination. In 1980, Local 830 brought a suc-
cessful class action suit against Nassau County
for paying domestic workers at the Nassau Coun-
ty Medical Center, a woman-dominated job, less
than the employees of the male-dominated
custodial workers even though both jobs are
technically on the same level and pay scale. Now
the local is looking into similar practices at the
A. Holly Paterson Home, according to Wallace.

The study grew out of the refusal of Nassau

County to conduct its own job classification

study which the CSEA requested as part of its
last contract negotiations, according to Jerry
Donahue, Donahue and Rita Wallace, along with
Region I President Danny Donohue, contacted
CSEA statewide President William McGowan
and Executive Vice President Joseph McDer-
mott, both also AFSCME vice presidents, who
arranged for AFSCME’s help in the study.
Marilyn DePuy and the AFSCME Research
Department worked closely with Rita Wallace
gathering data and interviewing scores of
employees before finally submitting their report
to the county.

According to Jerry Donahue, both CSEA and
AFSCME are contacting the federal Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission and will
ask that it direct the Justice Department to join
with them in suing Nassau County. The EEOC
has 180 days to respond to the request. Donahue
said that even if the federal government doesn’t
sue Nassau, the unions will.