The Work Force, 2009 December

Sit 1910 ra he
ne New York‘

PA

Local budget
pressures mount

LO ) CAL 1000, ,
Si, LAWRENCE @

See story, Page 3.

Photo by Mark Kotzin
MT if) of the Month

Former Gov. George Pataki recently recorded a video interview
for the CSEA 100 History Project. Pataki shared his perspective on
his relationship with CSEA throughout his time in office. For the
past decade, CSEA has been conducting interviews with key
individuals who played a role in CSEA’s history. Nearly 100
interviews have been conducted and will be used as part of a
book and video documentary being prepared for the union’s 100th
anniversary in 2010. The interviews are also archived at the
University at Albany’s Grenander Special Collections. Material
including nearly 2,000 photographs can be accessed via the CSEA
website at www.csealocal1000.org.

2010 CSEA calendars now availab

SEA’s 2010 calendar

promoting the union’s
100th anniversary is
available. You can request
your free calendar at
www.csealocal1000.org.*

*You will need to log into the
members’ only area of the web
site to fill your order.

Clarification: A photograph of CSEA Executive Vice President
Mary Sullivan in the November Work Force did not give credit to
the photographer, Joan Heffler.

2 | THe Work FORCE

Congressional
watchdog questions
work safety reports

ongress’ General Accounting

Office has issued a report showing
employer policies and practices that
discourage the reporting of
workplace injuries and illnesses are
widespread and undermining the
safety and health of America’s
workers.

The results of a GAO survey of
more than 1,000 occupational health
practitioners are alarming: more than
two-thirds reported that workers
were afraid of discipline or
termination for reporting injuries; 53
percent reported that they were
pressured by company officials to
downplay injuries; and more than a
third were asked by company officials
to withhold necessary medical
treatment to injured workers so the
injury wouldn’t be recorded on the
federal Occupational Safety and
Health Act (OSHA) log.

CSEA members working in the
public sector are covered by the state
Department of Labor’s Public
Employee Safety and Health act,
which offers similar protections to
OSHA. CSEA members are encouraged

to contact their local or unit
president if they suspect there is a
hazard in their workplace that needs
to be addressed. CSEA members
should not hesitate to contact either
their local leadership or the CSEA
Occupational Safety and Health
Department if they suspect there are
safety violations in their work place.
They should also report any injuries
that occur on the job.

The GAO results are consistent
with the results of a recent local
union survey conducted by the AFL-
CIO and national unions. More than
half of local union leaders surveyed
reported there were safety incentive
programs, injury discipline programs,
absenteeism policies with demerits
for injuries and/or post-injury drug
testing policies in their workplaces
and that these policies discouraged
the reporting of workplace injuries by
workers.

For the first time in two decades
OSHA is focusing on employer injury
recordkeeping practices with the
National Emphasis Program.

Almost time
to retire?

Your local may pay the
first year of CSEA
retiree dues, which is
only $24!

CSEA retiree members
enjoy many of the benefits and
discounts of belonging to a union. In
return, you get access to a wide
variety of money-saving benefits such
as:

* Access to insurance plans at
CSEA's low group rates

* Travel discounts

«A discounted consumer items
buying service

¢ Discounted dental and vision care
programs

¢ A personal legal services referral
network
¢ The Retiree News quarterly

Being a CSEA retiree member also
makes you part of a growing
statewide body that can effectively
advocate on your behalf:

¢ Legislative and political action
programs designed to enhance and
protect retiree pension and health
benefits

¢ Participation in a CSEA retiree local
* Effective lobbying against Social
Security reform

¢ Three informative publications

For more information, visit
www.csealocal1000.org and select
“retirees” from

the “Member Benefits” menu item.

CSER

December 2009
Pressure mounts in localities

cross the state, CSEA members are being
squeezed in budget fights in counties, towns
ind villages. In many instances, employers
have failed to take into consideration cost-saving
measures offered by CSEA, and instead are trying

to cut costs on the backs of workers. Here are some
of the fights CSEA is engaged in:

Town of Harrison

CSEA members in the Town of Harrison in
Westchester County are standing strong even as
town Supervisor Joan Walsh has been trying to
float the idea of a 20 percent pay cut for
employees to offset a projected 30 percent
property tax increase.

Despite reminders from CSEA that it will not
reopen contracts and that imposing a pay cut
would violate the Taylor Law, Walsh has
continued to press the idea in local media outlets.

CSEA has informed members in Harrison,
which operates as a consolidated town/village
government, that immediate legal action will be
taken on their behalf if Walsh was to impose a pay
cut.

“Our contract with the Town of Harrison is
legally binding,” said Southern Region President
Billy Riccaldo. “We expect Supervisor Walsh to
honor our contract just as she would any other.”

City of Kingston
City of Kingston Unit members aren’t taking
Kingston Mayor James Sottile’s proposed job cuts
lightly.
With 19 CSEA-represented jobs in the city’s

Schuyler County CSEA members demonstrate
outside a county office building.

December 2009

Department of Public Works, Recreation
Department and City Hall slated for elimination,
members have been packing city budget hearings,
explaining to Common Council members that
cutting these jobs will ultimately hurt the city.

CSEA members have received overwhelming
support from city residents, many of whom
recognize that cutting back on services such as
sanitation pickup and after school programs for
teens could negatively affect quality of life in the
city and possibly even lead to an increase in
crime. The budget also includes cuts in the police
department ranks.

CSEA Kingston Unit leaders recently authorized
advertisements in local print publications that
demonstrate the positive effects of the services
union members provide in Kingston.

City of Newburgh

CSEA members working for the City of
Newburgh showed their strong opposition to city
job cuts recently by jamming the city’s public
hearing on the proposed 2010 budget. CSEA
members made up a large portion of the standing-
room-only crowd.

Southern Region 3d Vice President Joyce
Howard, a City of Newburgh resident, was among
the speakers pressing the City Council to restore
the job cuts in the budget.

Howard cited the trickle-down impact that
cuts in city services, from public workers to
recreation, would have on the city’s efforts to
fight crime and improve the quality of life. At
press time, the budget included 32 layoffs.

CSEA has undertaken a campaign to lobby City
Council members to restore the jobs slated for
elimination.

— Jessica Ladlee

Above, CSEA members in the City of Newburgh
demonstrate recently outside a City Council
meeting, protesting job cuts. Above left, a St.
Lawrence County CSEA member makes a
demonstration a family affair.

Albany County
ALBANY — CSEA members are fighting a five-day
furlough plan, as well as 100 layoffs, 23 from
CSEA’s bargaining unit, and a proposal for no
money to fill vacant positions in the 2010 Albany
County budget.

CSEA members have been mailing and calling
legislators as well as attending budget meetings
where county legislators are preparing the final
budget to be passed in December.

Members and supporters are warning of the
devastating impact service cuts will have and
urging legislators to find better ways to balance
the budget.

At a recent budget hearing, CSEA Capital
Region President Kathy Garrison told legislators
that more progressive measures should be taken
to increase revenues and decrease spending.
Garrison also warned of the financial impact of
layoffs on the economy and the county’s bottom
line through increased spending in social services
and decreases in tax revenues.

— Therese Assalian

THe Work FORCE
THE WORK FORGE

ISSN 1522-1091
Official publication of
CSEA Local 1000, AFSCME, AFL-CIO
143 Washington Ave.
Albany, NY 12210-2303
Danny Donohue, President

STEPHEN A. MADARASZ
Communications Director & Publisher

STANLEY HORNAK
Deputy Director of Communications

LOU HMIELESKI A s we approach the start of our 100th anniversary year, we are

Future of meaningful health care reform remains unclear

Executive Editor facing some of the most challenging times in our history. It is
JANICE MARRA essential that all CSEA members recognize the importance of
Associate Editor understanding the issues, getting personally involved and supporting

CATHLEEN FEBRAIO your union as we fight for fairness and respect.
Graphic Production Specialist

JANICE M. KUCSKAR
Graphic Production Specialist
BETH McINTYRE
Communications Assistant

These are not new ideas, but they have never been more relevant.

Perhaps the most significant fight before us is the national
debate over health care reform. If you’re confused about what it all
The Work Force (USPS 0445-010) is means, that’s no surprise. Some of the most outrageous

regret we pene ie propaganda ever produced has been slung from various
Periodical Mail Postage paid at Post Office, directions.

Albany, New York 12288.

P . . The national Republican Party ought to be ashamed to show
ostmaster: Send address changes to: . 7 nce
CSEA, Attn: Membership Department, its face in public for their misrepresentations, lack of meaningful

143 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12210. ideas, and obvious intent to simply block health care reform.
CSEA on-line: The CSEA website
can be accessed at www.csealocal1000.org

But neither the Obama administration nor the Democrats in Congress have yet to craft a clear,
Readers: coherent plan that the public can fully understand and support.

Send any comments, complaints, suggestions or ideas to:
Publisher, The Work Force, 143 Washington Avenue,

‘Albany, NY 12210-2303. There is a crying need for meaningful change. Nearly 50 million Americans do not have health
insurance coverage — and that’s unacceptable. Those who do, including most CSEA members,

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALISTS continue to feel the squeeze of price increases and changes in coverage, including too many
RICHARD IMPAGLIAZZO Long Island Region (631) 462-0030 outrageous loopholes. Employers who provide coverage have even greater pressure from rising
DAVID GALARZA. Metropolitan Region (212) 406-2156 costs and the trend will only get far worse with a lack of action. CSEA members have long seen
JESSICA LADLEE Southern Region (845) 831-1000 this issue rear its ugly head at the bargaining table when we negotiate our contracts.
‘THERESE ASSALIAN Capital Region (618) 785-4400
MARK M. KOTZIN Central Region (B15) 433-0050 CSEA and AFSCME support the health care reform legislation recently approved by the U.S.
LYNN MILLER Western Region (716) 691-6555 House of Representatives. It’s not perfect, but it moves us in the right direction, including a
ED MOLITOR Headquarters (618) 257-1272 public option as an alternative to being at the mercy of the private insurance companies. It is far
JILL ASENCIO Headquarters (18) 257-1276 better than the proposals pending in the U.S. Senate. CSEA opposes the Senate legislation, which

could make a bad situation even worse by taxing existing benefits and undercutting competition.
The Publications Committee ene . BCOme

Brenda Chartrand CSEA and AFSCME will be in the thick of the fight and do all that we can do, but the outcome

Mary D’Antonio .
Wayne Dorler is very unclear.
Ramon Lucas
Ronald Revers I urge you to pay close attention and let your members of Congress and U.S. senators hear
from you. Tell them you do not want to see the opportunity for real improvements squandered.
3908 COMMUNIC
BILAL
ee: Yaa

| 4 | THe Work FORCE December 2009
state & LOCAL
GOVERNMENT

CSEA members pass out
information to the public
attending the parade at
the Otsego County Fair in
2008 to gain public
support during their
contract struggle.

“He’s always
happy, he’s
always here,
and should he
decide to retire,
we will really
miss him.”

December 2009

Otsego County workers gain contract

COOPERSTOWN — After
working nearly three years
without a contract and an
extensive contract
campaign, Otsego County
Unit members finally — and
unanimously — ratified a
new, five-year agreement
with the county.

The contract includes
raises, including retroactive
raises, and no changes to
health insurance. The
county also agreed to
investigate alternative health
plans and prescription drug
options.

Reaching a new contract
was difficult for unit
members, but they stood
strong for a fair agreement.
Their solidarity paid off and
for many members, the
contract was worth the wait.

“We needed to wait for
something better, because
the county believed their
employees were not worth
their pay. | believe we finally
got something that we
deserved,” said Keyboard
Specialist Pamela Correale,
who works in the E-911
Department.

Rejecting a bad deal
In October 2007, Otsego

County Unit members voted

down management's initial
contract offer by a more

than a 10-1 ratio. That deal
included no wage increases

for that year and changes to

their health insurance plan,
including increased co-
payments.

Unit leaders mobilized
members to get a fair
contract, reaching out to
CSEA staff and other
activists.

Showing solidarity

Unit members showed
their solidarity in numerous
ways, including posting
signs in windows,
demonstrating outside
county buildings, speaking
out at county legislative
meetings, marching in
parades and educating the
community.

Central Region President
Colleen Wheaton wrote
newspaper editorials in
support of workers and
mailed board
representatives information

Otsego County workers demonstrate outside the county

office building in 2008.

showing that county
workers were paid less than
workers in surrounding
counties.

A better deal

This fall, CSEA and county
officials used a state fact
finder’s recommendations to
eventually come to a
tentative agreement that
satisfied everyone.

“We told them we were
going to hold out for a better
contract, and that’s exactly

what our members did,”
CSEA Otsego County Unit
President John Imperato Sr.
said. “Our leaders and our
negotiating team were very
proud of the support we had
throughout these difficult
negotiations and that’s what
made the difference. We did
not lose anything due to our
solidarity.”

— Mark M. Kotzin

Retirement not a thought for 85- year-old member

ALBANY — CSEA member Car! Shank, a
longtime maintenance employee at
Capital District Psychiatric Center was
honored recently for his dedication,
hard work and longevity.

He is 85 years old and still working.

The World War II Navy veteran has
been taking care of the buildings and
grounds at the psychiatric center since
1982. He worked for 25 years at Tobin
Manufacturing before that and served
with the Navy from 1943 to 1946,
receiving an honorable discharge.

“T like the work,” said Shank. “If | was
home, I'd be sitting around and that’s
not good.”

Workers and Shank’s family members
recently gathered for a ceremony and
plaque dedication that included
speeches from psychiatric center
administrators and a proclamation from

Capital District Psychiatric Center
Local Vice President Dwayne Parsons,
left, congratulates Carl Shank
following the ceremony.

the Albany County Executive naming
Shank “an outstanding public servant.”
Shank spoke briefly, thanking his co-
workers for making his workplace so
enjoyable. “I like the work I do and the

people I work with every day,” he said.

CSEA and other unions at the
psychiatric center helped buy the
plaque placed prominently near the
psychiatric center entrance under a
pine tree.

Capital District Psychiatric Center
Local officers and members also
attended the event. “We should have
more employees like Carl,” said Capital
District Psychiatric Center Local
President Jim Reedy, “He’s always
happy, he’s always here, and should he
decide to retire, we will really miss
him.”

As for the topic of retirement, “I
never give it a thought,” Shank said.

— Therese Assalian

THe Work FORCE

Union pride? You

MOREAU — South Glens Falls School District Unit
President Don Ostrander is more than willing to
extend a hand to management — especially now that
his right hand features a “CSEA” tattoo.

Ostrander, who has been working at the district
for 20 years, said he got the idea, and the tattoo, this
past summer.

“I wanted to send a message
to management,” he said. “They
think we are weak. CSEA has
300,000 members across the
state. We’re not weak, we’re

ScHoo Districts AND
Locat GOVERNMENT

“1 wanted to send a
message to
management. They
think we are weak.
CSEA has 300,000
members across the
state. We’re not
weak, we’re
strong!”

strong!”

South Glens Falls School District Unit President
Don Ostrander, right, and his new tattoo (inset).

The longtime unit president,
who drives buses and does maintenance work at the
garage, describes himself as a lifelong union
supporter whose father was a union member.
Ostrander likes the tattoo and the impression it
makes. “It’s better than a business card,” he said.

— Therese Assalian

can shake on it

RIVERHEAD — CSEA had a recent major
victory, getting a referendum passed to
keep the town's public safety dispatchers
working for the town.

The situation drew media attention after
the union mounted a radio and print
advertising campaign, issued fliers around
town and conducted an information
mailing.

CSEA also backed a candidate for
supervisor in the recent town election
whose key issue was to keep the Riverhead
dispatchers working locally for the town.

The previous administration often
showed an extremely anti-worker, anti-
union attitude, resulting in CSEA bringing
numerous grievances and lawsuits.

"This campaign was a classic example of
CSEA marshalling its resources on a unit,

Grassroots effort brings win for dispatchers

local and state level, as well as the political
action process, to influence the tide of a
critical election,” said Long Island Region
President Nick LaMorte. “It should serve as
an example of how grassroots CSEA
members, working in concert with the
organization, rose to the occasion and
showed themselves to be a force for
positive change.”

At right, a flier CSEA
members used in their fight
to keep Riverhead
dispatchers’ jobs.

When seconds count, we
know who we can count on

y

-:

Don’t Get Left Hanging!
Vote “NO” on Proposal FOUR on Nov. 3.
Keep Riverhead 911 local!

December 2009

| 6 | Te Work Force

WORKPLACE VIOLENCE

“The
implementation,
the training
continues. This
was just a
starting point.”

ontact your unit
( or local

president, labor
relations specialist or
the CSEA
Occupational Safety
and Health Department
at
800-342-4146 for help
with a workplace
violence program.

You can also visit the
Occupational Safety
and Health page on
CSEA's website at
www.csealocal1000.
org/osh.php for more
information and tools.

Liverpool Library setting “shining”
example for workplace violence law

LIVERPOOL — Yvonne
Fuller was at an evening
program at the Liverpool
Library with her young
children 15 years ago when
aman lurking outside the
library windows frightened
her.

Later that evening, the
man shot and killed
another woman, later
revealed to be the man’s
wife, as she was leaving the
library. Fuller, other library
patrons and staff watched
from inside.

Memories of that night
are never far from Fuller,
who now works for the
library as a librarian
assistant in Community
Relations and Reference. At
the time of the murder,
library workers feared for
their safety, but weren't
sure how to best respond
to protect themselves and
their patrons, she said.

Working together
Thanks to the state’s
passage of workplace

Liverpool Library workers listen to the presentations
about the library’s new workplace violence prevention

program.

violence prevention
legislation in 2006, which
CSEA led the way to
passing, library workers
and the public are more
secure. Liverpool Library
has proved to be an
example of how public
employers can help reduce
the risk of violence for
workers and the public.
Part of the law requires
employers to work with
labor to ensure an effective

December 2009

CSEA Occupational Safety and Health Specialist Lynnet
Witherell, left, writes down the violence concerns of
library worker Yvonne Fuller, right, during workplace
violence prevention training.

workplace violence
prevention program is in
place. At Liverpool Library,
such a program is in place
after months of labor and
management working
together.

The program includes a
new policy, an ongoing
program of risk
assessment, identifying and
implementing control
measures to minimize
risks, and ongoing
employee training.

The process began in
July, after Dorothy Morgan,
the library’s administrator
of personnel and business,
reached out to CSEA to
help develop a workplace
violence prevention
program.

Ongoing training

Library workers recently
completed a day-long
training on preventing
violence.

“We needed to be made
aware of the dangers (of
potential violence), and
this training really brought

it into focus,” Fuller said.
“We do think that libraries
are safe places, but we
have unusual people who
frequent the library and
their behavior can get riled
up. You don’t know if it’s
going to escalate or not, so
you need to make our
workplace as safe as
possible without
compromising our level of
service to our patrons.”

“The implementation,
the training continues. This
was just a starting point,”
Morgan said.

CSEA Liverpool Library
Unit President Pam
Sprague said the
cooperation between the
library and CSEA set a
great example. “This
current management has
been really open and
willing to work with the
union on this issue, and
they really did it
enthusiastically,” she said.
“| thought the program was
excellent. The staff got to
see that there were CSEA
representatives and
management and
supervisors working
together. I thought that was
a really good example to
set.”

“The union bent over
backward to make sure we
had all the information we
needed to come into
compliance with the law
and going beyond that to
embrace the mindset of
workplace violence
prevention,” Liverpool
Library Executive Director
Jean Armour Polly said.

— Mark M. Kotzin

THe Work FORCE 7 |
Community
OUTREACH

Freez For A Reacon
POLAR

The Polar Cap will
be presented to the
CSEA region that
achieves the best
combination of
Participation and
fund-raising results
for this season's
Polar Plunge
events.

HAVE YOU MOVED?

Have you notified Pearl Carroll of your new
address? If not, this could result in a delay of
benefits when you need them the most! Pearl
Carroll is the endorsed insurance broker for your
CSEA sponsored insurance benefits.

Please update your address by visiting

www.pearicarroll.com or calling 1-877-VIP-CSEA
(1-877-847-2732),

Gean

Carroll

ll.com
77 -847-2732)

Polar
Plunge
time is
here

t’s time once again for “freezin'
for a reason.”

As a reflection of the growing
enthusiasm CSEA has seen over
the past two years for regional
participation in the Special
Olympics’
Polar Plunge
events, CSEA
President
Danny
Donohue has
established the President’s Polar
Cap award.

The Polar Cap will be
presented to the CSEA regions
that achieve the best
combination of participation and
fund-raising results for this
season's Polar Plunge events.

The President’s Polar Cap will
be awarded at the 2010 Spring
Workshop. “The Polar Cap will be
a fitting recognition of one
aspect of CSEA’s community
service record in our centennial
year. Thank you for all of your
efforts in this project and for
your past involvement. CSEA
can be very proud of the support
that has been demonstrated for
Special Olympics,” Donohue said.

Special Olympics
New York

New events

There are some new events
this year including Rockaway,
Syracuse, St. Lawrence and a
western New York event in
Buffalo to complement
Rochester, Verona, Lake George,
Staten Island, Fishkill, Rye and
Long Island. Teams can set up
their own lists on the Special

i

Livingston County Local President Robbie Ellis and Wyoming
County Local President Delia Bertrand emerge from Lake

Ontario. Team CSEA Region 6 raised more than $3,000 for the
Special Olympics on their Feb. 8, 2009, plunge.

all F
CSEA members Mary Brownell,
Brenda Facin and Heidi
Holcomb, all of the Greenwich
School District Unit, before
jumping into a frigid Lake
George last winter.

Olympic website at:
www.specialolympicsny.org to
make it easier for CS9EA members
to find CSEA teams.

Upcoming Plunges

Dec. 5: NYC Polar Plunge,
Great Kills Beach

Dec. 5: Rye Playland Polar
Plunge, Rye Playland

Dec. 5: Oneida Shores Polar
Plunge, Oneida Shores
County Park

Dec. 6: Verona Beach Polar
Plunge, Verona Beach State
Park

Dec. 6: Western Region Polar
Plunge, Hamburg

Feb. 14: Rochester Polar
Plunge, Rochester, Lake
Ontario, Charlotte Beach
Feb. 27: Queens Polar Plunge,
Rockaway Beach, Queens
March 13: Long Island Polar
Plunge, North Hempstead
Beach Park, Port Washington

December 2009

8 | Te Work Force
CONTRACT ISSUES

“We need a
contract that will
pay a living
wage, So we can
continue to
provide quality
care to our
consumers while
also providing
our own families
with the basic
needs.”

Lifespire workers fight for
fair contract

MANHATTAN — CSEA
members employed at
Lifespire, Inc., who
provide quality services
to adults with special
needs throughout New
York City, recently held a
demonstration for better
wages and a new
contract outside
Lifespire corporate
offices in the Empire
State Building.

“With rising costs, we
are asking for a new
contract with realistic
living wages,” said Pam
Marshall, CSEA Lifespire
Local president. “We

contract fight.

solidarity within CSEA.

Van Winkle bridges.

Bridge Authority Local
reaches pact

embers of the New York State Bridge
Authority Local have ratified a four-year
agreement after a particularly tough

The contract, retroactive to April 1, 2008,
includes wage increases in each year. Three
sessions of mediation took place before an
agreement was reached. During negotiations,
members undertook an organized contract
campaign, appearing as a group at Bridge Authority
Board of Directors meetings to demonstrate the

CSEA represents about 185 Bridge Authority
workers, who staff the Bear Mountain, Newburgh-
Beacon, Mid-Hudson, Kingston-Rhinecliff and Rip

— Jessica Ladlee

December 2009

need a contract that will
pay a living wage, so we
can continue to provide
quality care to our
consumers while also
providing our own
families with the basic
needs.”

More than 1,000
Lifespire workers
provide specialized care
for aging adults with
developmental
disabilities at residences
and day programs
throughout the city.
Lifespire receives 95
percent of its funding
from New York state.

with bullhorn, leads CSEA members in demonstrating
for a fair contract outside the Empire State Building
in Manhattan.

State Assemblyman
Peter Rivera joined the
demonstration in

support of the workers.

— David Galarza

HERKIMER — CSEA
recently filed an Improper
Practice charge with the
state Public Employment
Relations Board against
Herkimer County
administrators for their
failure to respond to the
union’s repeated requests
to begin contract
negotiations.

The union contends the
county violated the state
Taylor Law’s obligation to
bargain in good faith by
refusing to meet and
negotiate with CSEA for a
successor agreement to its
current four-year contract
which expires Dec. 31.

“At best, this represents
the county’s purposeful

foot-dragging in an attempt
to demoralize the workers
and delay the negotiations
process,” said Central
Region President Colleen
Wheaton. “At worst, this
shows a shameful lack of
respect for their own
workers, and an attempt to
willfully violate state labor
law, one which we are not
going to let go
unchallenged.”

CSEA notified county
officials in two certified
letters dated Sept. 8, 2009,
and Oct. 8, 2009, of the
union’s desire to establish
meeting dates to begin
contract negotiations. No
county officials responded
to the union’s request.

CSEA files improper practice
charge against Herkimer County

“The county has
historically been slow to
begin negotiations, but
outright ignoring our
requests is not only
offensive, but it sets a new
low in labor relations for
Herkimer County’s
administration,” said CSEA
Herkimer County Unit
President JoAnne LeClair.

CSEA will ask PERB to
rule that Herkimer County
violated the Taylor Law by
ignoring their duty to
bargain, and for the board
to order the county to
immediately begin
negotiations with the
union.

— Mark M. Kotzin

THe Work FORCE
ae Ince

New York State Public High School Athletic Association has new award for CSEA members

Supporting high school athletes rewarding experience

SEA members across the state show
their dedication in supporting high
school athletics in many ways.

Now, in honor of CSEA’s 100th
Anniversary, the New York State Public
High School Athletic Association will
recognize CSEA members who help
promote and foster athletic spirit with a
new award for those who show
extraordinary dedication and support of
high school athletics.

CSEA members’ support may come from
their job or from volunteering.

“There are so many ways our members
contribute to high school athletics,” CSEA.
President Danny Donohue said.

“It could be a bus driver who wears
team colors taking teams to their games. It
could be someone who doesn’t even work
for a school district but volunteers as a
booster. It could be a clerical person who
volunteers their time as a scorekeeper.
Wherever our members are involved, and

whatever they may do to help young
athletes, those actions should be
recognized and our communities should
know that there are outstanding CSEA
members who are helping young athletes
reach their goals,” Donohue said.

In the coming months, CSEA will
promote and encourage nominations of
members. The New York State Public High
School Athletic Association will select the
award recipient.

The award’s presentation is to be made
at CSEA’s 100th Annual Delegates Meeting
in Albany in October 2010, and at the State
Football Championship in Syracuse in
November 2010.

Online forms will be available soon at
www.csealocal1000.org and will be
accepted through June.

CSEA has long been a sponsor of the
Athletic Association’s 30 state high school
championships.

Pride in their work and pride in their teams

CANASTOTA — Canastota School District
Bus Drivers Suzanne Case and Robert Hale
choose to drive athletic teams to sporting
events several times a week on average.

They wear their school colors of
maroon and white, and Case often will
play school fight songs over the bus’
sound system to get the athletes pumped
up for competition.

“We try to encourage the kids and get
their team spirit going. We do it because
we enjoy it,” Case said. Hale said that
sometimes they travel several hours, and
are the only ones to cheer their teams.

“We try to watch all the games. At
times, when games are far away, we're
their only local fans,” he said.

For Groundsmen Richard Mitchell and

10 | Tue Work Force

Since 1910

DecemBer 2009 CSE December 2009

Nick Campbell, helping the athletes do
their best means keeping their playing
fields in the best shape possible, and
making sure they look good and perform
well. They take extra care to spruce up the
fields for homecoming, putting
checkerboards in the end zone and
painting the school logo at the 50-yard
line.

“We try to do the best job we can do for
the kids, so they have safe conditions and
nice playing fields,” said Mitchell.

“I feel if they see a good field in good
condition, it helps them mentally to play
at 100 percent and give it their all,”
Campbell said. “We’re very proud of our
fields. Every time we touch those fields,
we give it 100 percent.”

Mitchell said victories for their teams
feel like victories for them. “We feel that
we helped them out.”

— Mark M. Kotzin

Top left, Canastota Schools Bus Driver
Suzanne Case, sitting in her bus that she
uses to transport high school sports
teams to their games. Far left, Canastota
Schools Groundsworkers Nick Campbell
and Richard Mitchell rake some new
topsoil on top of the dirt at home plate to
prepare the playing field for next spring’s
baseball season. At left, Campbell and
Mitchell carry bleacher seating to the
inside of the track to set up for an
athletic event.

Photo by Therese Assalian

Shenendehowa Central School District Unit Vice
President Gary Lanahan drives buses for the
district but also is a passionate booster of the
school’s hockey and baseball teams. Lanahan
spearheaded the CSEA unit’s efforts three years
ago to provide fund-raising support to the teams.
He and other co-workers also appear in a video
promotion about CSEA’s support of high school
athletic championships.

Tue Work Force | 11
OCCUPATIONAL: SAFETY
& HEALTH

“This should
serve as a
reminder to
everyone to be
more careful
around our
roadways.”

Learn more
about the
HIN1 virus

season is here
and the HIN1 flu virus
is widespread.

The Occupational
and Health

on CSEA’s

has all the

ssources and links
you need to help
yourself stay healthy
at work.

isit the website
locall10

00/
h.php

Pa tie Work FORCE

State transportation
dies while doing job

FORESTPORT — CSEA members in
the Central Region are mourning the
death of Gary Farrell, 48, a state
Department of Transportation
highway maintenance worker who
died Nov. 2 after being struck by a
vehicle while he was working as a
flagger.

That day, Farrell was directing
traffic through a work zone on Route
28 while other crew members were
doing routine trench maintenance
along the busy highway. The
roadwork had closed one lane of the
road and Farrell was alternating
traffic flow.

At 11 a.m., a 63-year-old woman
driving a pickup truck northbound
suddenly barreled through the work
zone, ignored the three signs she
passed warning drivers to slow down,
drove over the orange road cones
and struck Farrell. He was
pronounced dead on the scene.

State Police are still investigating
the driver of the truck to determine
the cause of the fatal incident, but no
charges have been filed as this issue
went to press.

A “great guy”

Farrell had worked for the past
three years as a highway
maintenance worker I for the
Department of Transportation and

was based in the department’s Alder
Creek sub-residency

“He was a great guy, everybody
liked working with him and he was
easy to get along with,” Dan
Goodhines, a highway maintenance
supervisor II and Farrell's supervisor,
said. “He was a jack of all trades, and
he was always willing to help people
out with mechanical problems on
their trucks, and he was real good
with electrical work; always had a
smile on his face.”

Farrell was married and had three
young children and was active in his
community.

Work zone properly set up

CSEA Department of
Transportation — Utica Local
President Peter Niznik said Farrell’s
death came as a shock to workers.

“It devastated our whole
department. He got up in the morning
to go to work like we all do, and he
didn’t go home at night,” Niznik said.
“Our people did everything safety-
wise that they were supposed to. The
only thing in DOT that we can’t
compensate for is that wildcard of a
driver coming into the work zone
being inattentive to what’s going on
around him or her.”

CSEA and PESH investigated the
scene, determining the work zone

Gary Farrell (photo provided by
Peter Niznik)

had been set up correctly and that all
proper safety protocols were
followed.

“This is a terrible loss that has
shaken our CSEA family,” CSEA
Central Region President Colleen
Wheaton said. “We mourn our
brother Gary Farrell’s passing and we
extend our sympathies to his wife,
children, family and co-workers. This
should serve as a reminder to
everyone to be more careful around
our roadways. No family should have
to face what his family is now facing.”

— Mark M. Kotzin

CSEA investigating work site deaths of Long

Island, Southern Region members

( ton members in the
Long Island and
Southern regions are

also mourning the recent

losses of members in their
regions.
On Nov. 5, Nancy Lou

Dell’Olio, a school monitor
at the Amityville School
District in Suffolk County,
died from injuries she
sustained falling down
stairs at work. She was
transporting a group of

students at the time. CSEA

is investigating the incident.

SUNY Purchase Local
member Anna May Harting,
a cleaning supervisor, was
found dead Nov. 10 in her
office at the Westchester

County college’s Performing
Arts Center. She leaves two
children. CSEA is continuing
to investigate her death.

December 2009

Protect yourself and your family

Did you know that last year, over $15 million in disability claims

MEMBER BENEFITS

were paid out fo CSEA members just like you?

nd according to
the Health
Insurance

Association of America,

nearly 30 percent of
Americans age 35 to 65
will suffer a disability
lasting 90 days or

DEFENSIVE
DRIVING

SIX-HOUR CLASSROOM

NYSP

NEW YORK SAFETY PROGRAM

NO TESTS — NO DRIVING =

SA ON

YOUR SIX-HOUR CLASS FEE!

REDUCE POINTS

UP TO A FOUR (4) POINT REDUCTION
ON YOUR DMV DRIVING RECORD

If you have incurred violations during the
18-month period prior to completing the
course, you are eligible for a reduction up to
four points on your driving record.

The point reduction could help you avoid a
license suspension. It will not cancel,
however, a mandatory suspension or
revocation, e.g. three speeding convictions
within 18 months; nor will it cancel any
action already taken against a motorist's
driving privileges.

SAVE ON
AUTO INSURANCE

10 PERCENT REDUCTION
ON INSURANCE PREMIUMS
POSSIBLE $150 — $1,500
SAVINGS

OVER THREE YEARS*
*DEPENDING ON INSURANCE PREMIUM

*Classes must be taken at an offical CSEA-
sponsored site.

Once you complete the New York Safety
Program Point/Insurance Reduction course,
you are eligible for a least a 10 percent
discount on your automobile collision,
automobile liability insurance and no-fault
premiums, which applies for three full years.

Your liability premium includes property
damage, bodily injury and personal injury
protection. Your discount will apply to all
vehicles for which you are the principal
operator.

1-800-942-6874

NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES APPROVED

December 2009

more

eliminating

their ability

to earn

their

normal paycheck.

To most people their
ability to earn income is
of vital importance, and
those who suffer a
disability are faced with
the challenge to paying
everyday bills once
their sick time runs out.
Are you prepared if
such a disability
happened to you?

There are ways to
supplement your
income in the event
that such a disability
did occur. Short term
disability insurance can
cover up to 26 weeks of
benefit time, and long
term disability
insurance can cover
longer periods of time.
By choosing one of our
two types of disability

on
f k
and earl

Carroll 2°"

insurance
you are
giving
yourself and

financial

peace of
mind should an injury
or illness keep you from
working.

Don’t risk the chance
of losing your income
due to a prolonged
injury or illness.
Contact the people of
Pearl Carroll for more
information on
disability insurance
coverage by calling 1-
877-VIP-CSEA (1-877-847-
2732), going to our
website,
www.pearlcarroll.com
or contacting your local
CSEA insurance
representative.

*source
cnnmoney.com

Want to learn more about these and other CSEA
member benefits? Visit CSEA’s website at
www.csealocall1000.org. Click on “Inside CSEA”
and then “Save Money.”

* You must be a registered user of CSEA’s
website to view this members-only page.

THE Work ForCcE

“

Vv)
v)
Lid
o&
©
O
co
(2.
ke
O
Vv)
o&
<
Lid
>

1 4 fie Work Force

SEs

New York’s LEADING Union
<<.

1910 - 2009
99 years

(

THE BIRTH AND GROWTH OF A UNION

1910 | A group of state employees form Association

99 years ago...

On Oct. 24, 1910, a small group of New
York state employees came together at the
state Capitol to form the Association of State
Civil Service Employees. Their purpose was
simple: Advance the concept of merit and
fitness in the state civil service system to
improve the working lives of New York state
employees.

These well-meaning workers, seeking
reform from corruption, founded an
association that was likely the first of its kind
in representing state employees.

The association’s first president, William Thomas, a hearing stenographer
for the state attorney general, set the standard for dedicated service and
driven focus as president of the association until 1918 when he was
appointed a member of the New York State Pension Commission.

As the decades progressed, the association went through much growth
and many changes, as we have chronicled on these pages and for the
CSEA 100 History Project.

As CSEA turns 100 in 2010, The Work Force will take you back to earlier
eras on this page by republishing pages from our past and present
publications to show how our union has changed — and stayed the same —
throughout our first century.

Thomas

Also in 1910...

* Former President Theodore Roosevelt, disappointed
with President William Howard Taft's conservative
policies, launches “The New Nationalism” ideology
during a speech in Kansas. This Progressive ideology,
which urged protecting workers over protecting
corporate interests, would become the basis for
Roosevelt's 1912 presidential campaign.

* Boy Scouts of America is incorporated.

President William
* Thomas Edison introduces his kinetophone, which toward Taft becomes

makes talkies a reality. the first U.S. president

to throw out the first
* Halley’s comet is observed photographically for ceremonial baseball

the first time. game pitch in 1910.

* San Francisco Bay’s Angel Island becomes an immigration center for Asians
entering the United States.

* Taft begins the presidential tradition of throwing out the first baseball on
baseball season's opening day.

* The first U.S. patent for traffic lights is issued to Ernest Sirrine.

December 2009

REMINDER TO PRIVATE SECTOR
LOCAL PRESIDENTS:
ELECTION NOTICE

The term of office for current Private Sector Local officers will
expire on June 30, 2010. Elections for office must be
conducted and completed before the new term begins on July
1, 2010.

A letter was sent by the Statewide Election Committee (SEC)
on September 21, 2009 to each Private Sector Local President
requiring each Local Executive Board to select an election
committee and chairperson prior to October 15, 2009.

If you have not selected an election committee, please do so
immediately. Please refer to the SEC’s September 21st letter
for procedural requirements.

If you did not receive a copy of the September 21st letter, or
have questions pertaining to it, please contact the SEC
at 800-342-4146, ext. 1447.

Break in membership affects eligibility for union
office, voting privileges

A break in union membership status can have long-term future implications. Your
membership status affects your eligibility with respect to:

* seeking or holding union office;

* signing nominating petitions for potential candidates;

* voting in union elections, and;

* voting on collective bargaining contracts.

Only members “in good standing” can participate in these activities. To be in
“good standing,” your dues cannot be delinquent.

If you go on unpaid leave or for any other reason have a break in your
employment status, your dues will not continue to be paid through payroll
deductions. You must make arrangements to pay your dues directly to CSEA to
continue your membership status. If you are either laid off or placed on leave
without pay status due to becoming disabled by accident, illness, maternity or
paternity, you may be eligible for dues-free membership status for a period not to
exceed one year. If you are called up for active military duty you may also apply
for dues-free status.

Note, however, you must continue to pay dues to run for office. Dues-free or
gratuitous membership allows members to continue their insurance coverage
while out of work. It does not protect your right to run for or hold office. This
does not apply to members who are on leave due to being called up for military
duty. Members on active military duty, upon return, are considered to have had
continuous membership status for all CSEA election purposes.

Please notify the CSEA Membership Department at 1-800-342-4146, Ext. 1327, of
any change in your status and what arrangements you are making to continue
your membership in CSEA.

* $1,000 Famergency Travel

* $75 Fimengency Transportation Asastance

* S10 Gas Voucher with paid annual membership upon sigs-up, ot if pai
mwmthly receive $4014 - $1( eboeks - pad quarterts

* S50 Tani Fare Ri

Special
DRIVE AMERICA

Auto Club Program

COVERAGE FOR YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY AT NO EXTRA COST

2-Hour Toll-Free Dis ich of Emergency Randsich
tio Towing up to $125 per incadent (Max 4 tows per vens/pet
ttery hamnp Starts, Lockout Service. Fuel Delivery (2 gals), Plat Tire Change

cy “Just in Case” Benefits*

w Kembursement®

Cost Saving Emer

Service Renmbursement
ard Benetit®

Re
spert Opinion Hotline Fee Emp Plarmng - Chcount Car Rentals ~ and More

Kestreina \ppl

Enroll Today and Receive the Following Bonuses:

0% Discount on Auto Manitenanee and Repatts (seraces provided by Natonal

Enroll Today at:

www.enrollanddrivetoday.com/home/partners/esg
Must Enter Promo Code: CSEA

Visit your Company Store at

http://cseastore.sm-pm.com
or www.csealocal1000.org

CStOPE | an Products are Union-Made in the USA

In-Stock Items - Order in quantities as small as 1 item

Special-Order Items - Imprint with local information - Minimum quantities apply
Quarterly Specials
White Oxford Black Windshirt
Long Sleeve Shirt stestures an eStore
Se'iraeon embroered loge
Srnibjoldeigciegs COLOR: black powered by
COLOR: white
COST/SIZE: a:
COSI/SIZE: . 941.28 ~~
$28.2 © Secon) VELOCITY
$30.85 (M-XL) F $43.60
eae 20 PRINT SOLUTIONS
$3280 (2X) $45.25
$30.75 Sass (3X) 888.372.3487x212
$3058 (2X) $46.75
Sa (4X)

While Supplies Last

December 2009

THe Work FORCE
Save money with CSEA EBF’s Prescription Co-Pay

Reimbursement Benefit

id you know the CSEA Employee
Benefit Fund offers a Prescription CSE,
Co-Pay Reimbursement Benefit? AFSCME Local 1000, AFL-CIO

Read on to learn more about this money- EMPLOYEE
saving benefit. BENEFIT FUND

What is the Prescription Co-Pay Reimbursement Benefit?

EBF seeks to help members and their dependents defray some of
the costs associated with excessive co-payments for prescription
drugs. Up to $100 is reimbursable if you qualify for this benefit.

Who is eligible for this bene

All CSEA-represented state employees who are enrolled in the New York
State Health Insurance Program (either the Empire Plan or a health
maintenance organization) are entitled to reimbursement once annually
for NYSHIP prescription drug co-payment and prescription drugs less than
the co-payment amount.

Some local government units, such as towns, villages and school
districts, as well as Unified Court System employees, may have also
negotiated this benefit in their collective bargaining agreement. These
benefits may differ slightly from the state benefit. Make sure to check
your contract to see if your unit has negotiated this benefit.

lam eligible. How do I qualify to receive the $100?

Once your co-payments for
prescription drugs for the year
Uanuary — December) reach $300,

Prescription Co-

Barnily, Pay Totals

Benefit

. Not
Reimbursment ofes

Minimum Amount

the next $100 in prescription drug co-
payment is reimbursable.
To get the maximum benefit of

Andersons $278

$300 $0

Do not meet requirements

$100, wait until your co-payment
expenses reach $400 before filing
your claim. If you do not accumulate
$400 before the end of the year,

Smiths $385

Not max benefit, but some

300
$ money is reimbursed

$85

submit your claim after Dec. 31 for
what you did pay over $300. See the
examples on the chart at right:

Williams $478

$300 $100 Max benefit is reimbursed

What do I need to do to properly a claim?

Four easy steps:

* Get a prescription drug co-pay reimbursement claim form from
an EBF representative, your union or personnel office, calling EBF
at 1-800-EBF-CSEA or by visiting EBF online at
www.cseaebf.com. Once you get the form, fill it out completely.
+ Make a copy of YOUR (the member) Empire Plan or HMO
insurance card.

* Get a pharmacy printout clearly indicating the co-payment
amount (preferred) or send your original receipts.

CSEA Employee Benefit Fund
P.O. Box 516

Latham, N.Y. 12110-0516

+ Enclose the completed claim form, the copy of your card, and
the pharmacy printout or receipts in an envelope and mail to the
address above.

An Ever Better Future

1 6 fae Work FORCE

December 2009
Health insurance option
transfer for 2010

embers who are
considering changing
health insurance

options for

we make when choosing a
health insurance plan.
At the time this article went
to press, the

soma Health be
factors before B en ef its rates for 2010
making a were not yet
decision. approved. When the rates are

A good source of specific
health insurance information is
the 2010 “Choices” guide
available from your agency’s
health benefits administrator.
“Choices” contains information
on the Empire Plan and the
health maintenance
organizations, which participate
in the New York State Health
Insurance Program (NYSHIP).

To change your option, see
your agency’s health benefits
administrator as soon as
possible. Ask for a health
insurance transaction form PS-
404. Return the completed
form(s) to your agency’s health
benefits administrator.

You can also change your
option online using MyNYSHIP.
Go to www.cs.state.ny.us. Click
on “Benefit Programs,” then
“NYSHIP online.” Select your
group, if prompted, and then
click on “MyNYSHIP-Employee
Self-Service.” Note: You must
register and receive an
activation code by mail to use
MyNYSHIP.

If you do not wish to make a
change in your health insurance
option, there is no action
required.

Check the rates
Rates influence the choices

December 2009

approved, a rates and deadline
publication will be printed and
mailed to enrollees’ homes.

Members who are thinking of
changing health insurance
options should review the
Choices brochure (which
provides a summary of plan
benefits) as well as the rates
and deadlines publication,
when available.

You can also change
your option online using
MyNYSHIP. Go to
www.cs.state.ny.us.
Click on Benefit
Programs, then
NYSHIP online. Select
your group, if prompted,
and then click on
MyNYSHIP-
Employee Self-
Service. Note: You
must register and
receive an
activation code by
mail to use
MyNYSHIP.

MEMBERS ONLY INFORMATION

LOCAL 1000 CSEiz AFSCME, AFL-ClO

;
Legal Services
Program
Workers’ Compensation | Personal Personal | Taking Care
and Social Security Legal Injury of Business

Matters

Know
Your
=
Social Security Rights!
Disability, Personal

Injury and Personal Legal matters including
Taking Care of Business for members and their
dependents. Quality legal representation at little
or no out-of-pocket cost for injury/illness related
matters; quality legal representation at
pre-negotiated/discounted fees for other personal
matters.

Disability Matters & Elder Law

This members only
benefit program
provides attorney
representation for
Workers’
Compensation,

Finding a CSEA Legal Services Program attorney is as simple as
calling the CSEA toll-free number: 1-800-342-4146 and following.
the prompts for the Legal Services Program. Listen to the
directions for accessing the Injury-Related Plans, or the Non-

Injury Related Plans,which includes the Taking Care of Business
Plan. Information is also available on the CSEA website at
www.csealocal1000.org.

CSEs

LOCAL 1000, AFSCME, AFL-CIO

1-800-342-4146

THe Work FORCE

Flaumenbaum a strong leader in CSEA era of change

Editor’s Note: CSEA will celebrate its 100th
anniversary in 2010. Throughout this year,
The Work Force is devoting Leading Edge
to a look back at some of the key
individuals who have helped shape our
extraordinary history. This month we
feature a profile of Irving Flaumenbaum,
who led CSEA on Long Island for more than
a generation and played a key leadership
role in the statewide organization.

ALBANY — Irving Flaumenbaum was one of
CSEA’s most influential leaders throughout a
period of some of the most dramatic events in the
union’s history.

From the relentless growth of the union’s local
government units starting in the 1950s, the dawn
of true collective bargaining under the Taylor Law
in the late 1960s and the historic affiliation with
AFSCME in the late 1970s, Flaumenbaum was in
the center of the action.

Flaumenbaum was born in Brooklyn in 1909, a
year before CSEA’s founding. He graduated from
Columbia University College of Pharmacy.

Tragedy led Flaumenbaum into a life of union
leadership, as reported in his obituary in the Sept.
10, 1980, Public Sector, then CSEA’s official
publication. He was the only passenger to survive
in the first car of the infamous Long Island Rail
Road Rockville Centre crash in February 1950.
Flaumenbaum, who had been working at a
Queens pharmacy at the time, was seriously
injured in the crash.

He recovered from his injuries but found it

difficult to stand for long periods of time at his
Queens pharmacy, so Flaumenbaum began
working as a pharmacist for Nassau County.

When he discovered that county employees
lacked health insurance, Flaumenbaum was
“appalled” and soon took charge of the then-
fledgling CSEA unit in the county's Department of
Social Services. He eventually helped build that
11-member unit into CSEA’s largest local
government local. He served as president of
CSEA’s Nassau County Local for more than 25
years and was elected as CSEA’s first Long Island
Region president when the union restructured in
the early 1970s.

Flaumenbaum played a prominent role in CSEA
on a statewide basis throughout this time period
when he influenced scores of CSEA leaders and
helped advance the union’s agenda. Many of
CSEA’s elected leaders and activists tell stories of
Flaumenbaum’s persistent advocacy on numerous
issues and his wise advice to younger allies.

When CSEA affiliated with AFSCME in 1978,
Flaumenbaum was elected as one of CSEA’s two
international vice presidents of AFSCME, along
with then-President William McGowan. His last
great fight was helping to lead the way for the
passage of the landmark Public Employee Safety
and Health Act of 1980.

Flaumenbaum died unexpectedly at a union
meeting at the Long Island Region office in August
1980, just a month shy of his 71st birthday.

“Irving Flaumenbaum was a great leader of
workers, who for more than 30 years toiled to
bring dignity and justice to public employees and

=|

Irving Flaumenbaum speaks at a CSEA
event, circa 1966.

all workers,” then AFSCME President Jerry Wurf
said at the time.

Soon after Flaumenbaum’s death, McGowan
remembered Flaumenbaum as “one of the great
builders of our union.”

Today, CSEA’s spring educational workshop is
named for Flaumenbaum. The union also awards
18 annual scholarships across the state in his
name.

18 fie Work FORCE

December 2009
Green is PEOPLE Recruiter of the Month

BROOKHAVEN —
Wally Green of the
Suffolk County Local
in the Long Island
Region has been
named the PEOPLE
Recruiter of the
Month for October.
He recruited 34new Green
PEOPLE members at

the MVP level.

“The increased involvement of
Brookhaven Highway Unit members
in the PEOPLE program is critical in
these uncertain economic times,”
said Green, the unit president. “Pro-
labor candidates are generally
outspent by their opponents
because management supports
their side with large campaign
contributions. The PEOPLE

CSE Z®
PEOPLE

program helps to offset this
advantage.”

CSEA’s PEOPLE program protects
and improves our jobs, benefits and
pensions in Washington, Albany and
in your community. Your support
and participation in PEOPLE
strengthens CSEA’s clout in the
workplace, in the legislature, in
your community and in the labor
movement.

— Richard Impagliazzo

SER

AGREEMENT KEEPS
CSEA JOBS — CSEA

and North Se
Tonawanda city

officials have signed a
memorandum of agreement that
maintains staffing at current levels
in the city’s Water Works
Department and retain the jobs’
union titles. The city recently
leased the carbon regeneration
furnace in the Wastewater
Treatment Plant to a private
company, but the memorandum of
agreement, in line with the union’s
collective bargaining agreement
with the city, protects and
maintains CSEA jobs ...
SOUTHOLD CONTRACT — CSEA
members in the Southold School
District Unit ratified a new four-
year contract retroactive to July 1.
The agreement includes annual

salary percentage
increases and calls
for no additional
health care
insurance contribution ...
LONGTIME OFFICERS RETIRE —
CSEA recently bid farewell to two
longtime local presidents. Bill
Curtin, president of the Helen
Hayes Hospital Local, and Jimmy
Blake, president of the Sullivan
County Local, retired at the end of
October. Curtin was instrumental
in leading the charge against an
attempt to contract out Helen
Hayes Hospital during the late
1990s. Blake worked tirelessly to
build the presence of his local in
the Sullivan County community,
through political action and
charitable outreach through
programs such as Sullivan County
Head Start.

December CSEA calendar of events

Long Island Region:

* Dec. 1-2: Local Government Discipline:
Representing Members in Interrogations
Workshop, Sign-in: 5:30 - 6 p.m., Workshop:
6-9 p.m., Hempstead Local Office, Merrick
* Dec 5: Steward Workshop, Sign-in: 8:30 -
9 a.m., Workshop: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Weber
Middle School Auditorium, Port Washington
* Dec. 7, 14, 21 & 28: Skills for Success:
Introduction to Spanish: Level 1, Department
of Motor Vehicles*

* Dec. 8: Skills for Success: Dealing with
Stress, Belmont Lake State Park*

* Dec. 9: Skills for Success: Managing
Finances, Belmont Lake State Park*

Metropolitan Region:
* Dec. 1 - 2: Steward Workshop, Sign-in:
5:30 - 6 p.m., Workshop: 6 - 9 p.m.,
Creedmoor Psychiatric Center, Queens

* Dec. 8 - 9: State Government Discipline &
Interrogation: Representing Members Under
Article 33 Workshop, Sign-in: 5:30 - 6 p.m.,
Workshop: 6 - 9 p.m., Kingsboro Psychiatric
Center, Brooklyn

* Dec. 9: Skills for Success: Air Conditioning
and Refrigeration Basics, Metro New York
DDSO*

* Dec. 15: Skills for Success: Organizing
your Writing, Office of Alcoholism and
Substance Abuse Services*

* Dec. 15: Skills for Success: Writing for
Clarity, Office of Alcoholism and Substance
Abuse Services*

Southern Region:

* Dec. 1: Skills for Success: Small Engine
Basics, Eastern Correctional Facility*

* Dec. 7: Skills for Success: Carpentry Basics,
Eastern Correctional Facility*

* Dec. 9-10: Local Government Discipline:
Representing Members in Interrogations
Workshop, Sign-in: 5:30 - 6 p.m., Workshop:
6-9 p.m., PEF Region 9 Office, Poughkeepsie
* Dec. 16 & 17: Skills for Success: Electricity
Advanced, Fishkill Correctional Facility*

Capital Region:

*Dec. 1-2: Local Government Discipline:
Representing Members in Interrogations
Workshop, Sign-in: 5:30 - 6 p.m., Workshop:
6-9 p.m., Catskill Elementary School Library,
Catskill

* Dec 1 & 3: Defensive Driving, 5:30 - 8:30
p.m., CSEA Capital Region Office, Latham.
Call (800) 942-6874 to register.

* Dec. 2: Skills for Success: Control of
Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout), SUNY
Plattsburgh*

* Dec. 2: Skills for Success: Hazard
Communication & the NYS “Right to Know”
Law, SUNY Plattsburgh *

* Dec. 3: Skills for Success: Fall Prevention
and Protection, SUNY Plattsburgh*

* Dec. 5: Defensive Driving, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m,
CSEA Capital Region Office, Latham. Call
(800) 942-6874 to register.

* Dec. 8-9: State Government Grievance

Workshop, Sign-in: 5:30 - 6 p.m., Workshop:
6-9 p.m., Best Western Airport Inn, Albany
* Dec. 15-16: State Government Discipline &
Interrogation: Representing Members Under
Article 33 Workshop, Sign-in: 5:30 - 6 p.m.,
Workshop: 6 - 9 p.m., Holiday Inn, Saratoga
Springs

Central Region:

+ Dec. 2-3: Skills for Success: Math Skills
Builder: Level 1, Greater Binghamton Health
Center *

* Dec. 3: Skills for Success: Managing
Finances, Central New York DDSO*

* Dec. 5: Syracuse Area Polar Plunge,
Oneida Shores Park, Brewerton. Registration
begins at 9:30 a.m., plunge: noon. See page
8 for more information.

Western Region:
* Dec. 1: Skills for Success: College Credit:
Alternative Approaches and Ways to Save
Money, Finger Lakes DDSO-Monroe*

* Dec. 1: Skills for Success: Using the Tuition
Benefits Program, Finger Lakes DDSO -
Monroe*

+ Dec. 1-2: Defensive Driving, 6 - 9 p.m.,
CSEA Rochester Satellite Office. Call

(585) 272-0800 for to register.

* Dec. 5: Defensive Driving, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.,
CSEA Western Region Office, Amherst. Call
the region office (see page 4) to register.

* Dec. 12: Defensive Driving, 10 a.m. - 4:30
p.m., CSEA Rochester Satellite Office. Call

(585) 272-0800 for information or to
register.

* Dec. 7: Skills for Success: Grammar and
Punctuation, Rochester Psychiatric Center*

* Dec. 7: Skills for Success: Practical
Proofreading, Rochester Psychiatric Center *
* Dec. 8-9: State Government Grievance
Representation Workshop, Sign-in: 5:30 - 6
p.m. Workshop: 6 - 9 p.m., CSEA Rochester
Satellite Office

* Dec. 9-10: Skills for Success: Math Skills
Builder: Level 1, Buffalo Psychiatric Center*
* Dec. 11: Skills for Success: The Organized
Secretary, Rochester Psychiatric Center*

* Dec. 15-16: Local Government Discipline:
Representing Members in Interrogations
Workshop, Sign-in: 5:30 - 6 p.m. Workshop:
6-9 p.m., Olean Fire Hall, Olean

* Learn more about Skills for Success courses
by visiting the NYS & CSEA Partnership for
Education and Training website at
www.nyscseapartnership.org or by calling
1-800-253-4332.

For more information on the listed events or
to participate, contact your region office
(phone numbers are listed on Page 4) or visit
your region page at CSEA’s website at

www.csealocall000.org. Please note that
additional events may be scheduled in your
region, so check your region calendar page

on the website.

December 2009

THe Work Force
GET MORE SATISFACTION FROM YOUR COFFEE

BUY 100% FAIR TRADE.

Union members — you can help change the world. Order delicious Fair
Trade coffee from www.deansbeans.com, and gourmet Fair Trade
chocolate, nuts and cranberries from www.equalexchange.com. Dean’s
Beans will deliver your choice of rich, flavorful coffee blends right to
your door. Equal Exchange sells mouth-watering organic chocolate,
pecans, almonds and cranberries.

: How you help.
Enjoy top quality products, while supporting 100% Fair Trade
retailers and the Labor-Religion Coalition Fair Trade Project —
helping farmers at home and around the world to receive a fair
price for their produce, and combating child labor, forced labor
and slave labor.

Shop for everyone on your holiday gift list.
You can also shop with a conscience this holiday season.
Visit http:/Awww.sweatfree.org/shopping

for a complete list of sweat-free, labor-friendly products,
from men’s and women’s clothing to sporting goods.

Fou

FAimty TRADE?

Do you know beans about Fair Trade?
Important facts to remember:

+ Farmers and workers who grow coffee beans are slipping into dire
poverty while U.S. coffee giants grow rich off their labor.

+ The average American drinks 400 cups of coffee every year.
Fill every cup with Fair Trade coffee and make a real difference.

+ In one year, Fair Trade benefits a million workers and
farmers in 58 developing countries.

+ Shop Fair Trade and you support livable wages, community
development, health care and education.

Visit
www.deansbeans.com and
www.equalexchange.com
now. Enter “CSEA” as your
promotion code. Help yourself
to great flavor, while you help

others live better. SWMY, The Labor-Religion Coalition
> Mizz Fair Trade Project is supported by
= — Since 1910
Fair Trade

Products
Make Great
Holiday Gifts

——
New York’s LEADING Union

Danny Donohue, President
www.csealocal1000.org

Learn more about Fair Trade at:

www.labor-religion.org