Hanging
tough in
Rockiand!
Members outrage leads to agreement
SEE PAGE 3
DISCOVER how you can get
ahead — PAGE 5
College learns lesson as
student body backs strike
Howling mad at HVCC — PAGE 6
1
What a year it was — PAGES 10-11
a Lubtic
SECTOR
Official publication of The Civil Service
Employees Association Local 1000, AFSCME,
AFL-CIO 143 Washington Avenue, Albany,
New York 12210
AARON SHEPARD Publisher
ROGER A. COLE wise Raton
. . sa ‘ %
PUTNAM COUNTY CSEA UNIT negotiating team members beam after a new three-year contract was
ratified recently by a nearly unanimous vote. The pact, covering 350 county workers, came after a year
of tough bargaining. Standing from left are Claire Salvatore, Maureen Lobraico, CSEA Collective
Bargaining Specialist Larry Sparber, CSEA Field Rep Richard Blair, and Irena Kobbe. Seated are
Local President Alice May and executive committee member Thomas Johnston. Team members Peter
Brugger and Pat O’Donnell were not present for the photo.
Putnam members ok contract
PATTERSON — Putnam County civil Service Employee Association members have over-
whelmingly ratified a three year contract for 350 county employees.
According to Region III Collective Bargaining Specialist Larry Sparber, the agreement
boosts salaries 5.5 percent each year in addition to increments.
The new contract also provides for 5 percent longevity payments beginning in the tenth year
of employment with the county and every five years thereafter, continued health insurance
paid by the county and increases in dental insurance, disability payments and tuition re-
imbursement.
A THREE YEAR CONTRACT retroactive to July 1 was recently ratified 30 employees of the Ramapo
Catskill Library System. The agreement will provide for salary hikes of 6.5 percent this year, 6 percent
next year and 6 percent in 1988. In addition, maximum vacation accumulation has been increased to
5 weeks and workers have a new optical plan. Members of the negotiating teams included, seated from
left, Library Director James Nelson, CSEA Unit President Carol Cleveland and Bob Smith, a CSEA mem-
ber. standing are Fiscal Officer Bob Langan, Region III Field Representative Larry Natoli and CSEA
member Kirsten Hill.
The Public Sector (445010) is published every other Monday by The Civil Service
Employees Association, 143 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12210. Publication Of-
fice; 143 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12210. Second Class Postage paid at Post
Office, Albany, New York.
Address changes should be sent to: Civil Service Employees Association, Attn:
Membership Department, 143 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12210.
COMMUNICATION ASSOCIA
SHERYL CARLIN Region I ) Region VI
(516) 27, 0 (716) 886-0391
LILLY GIOIA Region IT STEVE MADARASZ Headqu TS
(212) 514-9200 (518) 434-0191
ANITA MANLEY : Region TL
(914) 896-8180
DAN CAMPBELL Region IV
(518) 489-5424
CHUCK McGEARY Region V
(315) 451-6330
2 THE PUBLIC SECTOR
December 29, 1986
Rocky
Rockland
__—__~____________ By Stephen Madarasz
road
CSEA Communications Associate
POMONA — CSEA has
reached tentative agreement on
a new contract for 2,600
Rockland County employees
after 18 months of intense
negotiations. Bargaining began
in mid-1985 and the old contract
expired Dec. 31, 1985.
CSEA Collective Bargaining
Specialist Manny Vitale said the
tentative pact contains pay
increases and many new and
improved benefits that will be
explained to Rockland County
CSEA Unit members at
information meetings now being
planned. Meeting dates and
locations will be announced as
they are finalized. A ratification
meeting on the agreement is
scheduled for Jan. 8, he said.
The tentative contract was
reached only after CSEA refused
to accept a demand that the
county have the right to change
insurance carriers at the end of
the current health insurance
contract period. That sudden
demand by the county brought
contract negotiations to a
standstill when it was made after
CSEA and county officials had
already agreed to accept a fact-
finder’s recommendation on a
new agreement.
Under intense pressure from
CSEA, county officials on Dec. 23
agreed to new contract language
that would guarantee that any
alternative insurance plan would
provide that:
The benefits would be the
same in all respects;
¢ Prescription drug coverage
would be the same;
¢ Geographic areas of
acceptability would be the
same;
¢ The participating providers
would be the same wherever
and whenever possible
The new agreement also
stipulates that ‘In the event the
employer elects to provide such
a plan through an insurance
company that the employer will
continue to pay 100 percent of the
premium for the individual
employee and dependents and
such plan will become effective
until at least 90 days after
delivery of notice to the
President of the Rockland
County Unit, CSEA.””
Nearly 100 angry and
frustrated CSEA members
descended on a recent county
legislature meeting to express
outrage at the turn of events
that had left them without a
contract. Less than two months
ago both sides were ready to
accept a factfinder’s report that
provided 5, 5, and 542% pay
increases as well as numerous
other contract gains without any
givebacks.
But at the last minute, the
county suddenly demanded that
CSEA give up its right to
negotiate future health insurance
benefits. “‘We will not sell out
our members just to get a
contract’’ says Unit President
Vicki Burton. ;
“This was too important an
issue, not just because it could
mean an eventual loss of
benefits, but because the county
was demanding we give up our
right to negotiate.”
The contract issue had been
further clouded by attempts to
undermine CSEA’s bargaining
authority.
Burton credits CSEA’s
insistence on better benefits for
the present package, which
would include the pay increases
and also a $200,000 improvement
in the dental plan, a guaranteed
$100,000 per year allocation for a
pay equity plan, and a new
program to provide tuition
assistance for members who
want to continue their education.
In addition to demonstrating
solidarity before the county
legislature, CSEA had begun a
mail campaign to let every
politician in Rockland County
know the strength of a united
union that will not give in.
Adds Burton: “The county
executive says he has to worry
about the taxpayers. He’s
forgotten, and so has every
legislator, that WE are the
taxpayers. We not only live and
work in Rockland County, but
we vote here. If we march and
speak with one voice, it will be
heard.”
spire masses
wall on earth T°
bwe will not
sell out our
members
—Vicki Burton
Rockland Unit
President
Outrageously enough, at the
same meeting that CSEA
members demonstrated their
disapproval of the county’s
stubborn refusal to settle their
contract, the legislature approved
big pay hikes for top county
officials and other employees,
including 3% jumps for those
making more than $70,000 per
year.
contract.”
December 29, 1986
POMONA — CSEA Rockland County Unit
members are naturally frustrated by the
county’s refusal to conclude contract
negotiations over the past year.
Says Michael Bonilla, a housekeeper at
Rockland County Health Center: “I feel
the county delayed the issue...People were
waiting and waiting and got fed up
waiting around for a contract and I can’t
blame them. I knew CSEA would get us a
Leanore Carpenter, a head nurse at the
Health Center, points out that ““CSEA has
always come through before.”
Frustration, hope,
long contract struggle
Adds Elaine Sacher, an administrative
secretary at Rockland Community
College: “I think it’s perfectly normal to
have these kind of problems in union
negotiations. I don’t know of any other
union in any kind of industry where
circumstances are different.”
Putting it more directly, Rockland
Community College records clerk Anita
Berger insists ‘“‘we’ve stuck it out this
long, it would have been silly to give in
now.”
mark
Echoing that sentiment, Jean Gelfant, a
paralegal with the Department of Social
Services, says ‘‘CSEA all the way!”
3
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
THIS MONTH IN LABOR HISTORY
Gaining the right to organize
EDITOR’S NOTE: The long and
distinguished history of CSEA is all the more
significant when considered against the
information contained in the following article
prepared by the New York State Labor
History Association. The Association credits
the International Association of Fire
Fighters local in Philadelphia as being the
earliest public employees labor union on the
state or local level, having been founded in
1903. CSEA was founded in Albany in 1910,
becoming the first public employees labor
union in New York state.
January, 1987, marks the 25th anniversary
of President John Kennedy’s Executive
Order 10988 which stimulated the union-
ization of public employees in federal and
local governments.
Today, we take for granted that public
sector workers can be organized into trade
unions. Only when a crisis occurs, such as
the PATCO strike in 1981, do we realize the
limitations on the public employees’ ability
to organize unions and negotiate contracts.
Public sector unionism has a long history.
In fact, one of the earliest public sector
strikes occurred when Philadelphia Navy
Shipyard workers walked off the job for
several weeks in 1836 in order to gain the
10-hour day.
The oldest continuous federal government
union is probably the National Association of
Letter Carriers which was founded in 1890.
On the state and local level, the honors go to
the Philadelphia local of the International
Association of Fire Fighters which has been
around since 1903.
Where public employees have organized in
various trades or crafts prior to 1962, most
have been able to maintain themselves as
unions because of their bargaining power.
Transit workers in New York City could win,
contracts and maintain a high degree of
union solidarity because of the importance of
the industry to the economy of New York.
Police officers and firefighters in cities and
towns also wielded tremendous power
because of the sheer importance of their
work.
The key element in organizing public
employees has been the 1962 Executive
Order of President John F. Kennedy. As a
senator, Kennedy had sponsored legislation
for federal employee organizations. In 1961,
when he became president, Kennedy
appointed a task-force to study public sector
labor relations. The group reported back that
there was an absence of policy and
recommended action.
On January 17, 1962, Kennedy signed
Executive Order 10988 which provided for
“This Month i
long-needed policy reform for federal
workers who wanted to organize into trade
unions. The order recognized the rights of
executive branch federal employees to join
or not to join labor organizations and
established basic procedures for granting
union recognition and the negotiation of
agreements.
The subjects of collective bargaining were
limited to “personnel policy and practices
and matters affecting working conditions.”
Salaries and wages set by congressional act,
for example, were not subject to bargaining.
The proud
tradition of
American imma
Labor lives on
Unlike private employers, government
agencies under the order and subsequent
legislation are granted greater management
rights. For federal employees, the right to
strike remains barred.
Executive Order 10988 was replaced by
other presidential orders and by a Federal
Service Labor-Management Relations
Statute included in the Civil Service Reform
Act of 1978. Meanwhile, the Postal
Reorganization Act of 1970 reformed labor
relations in that industry.
What is important about Kennedy’s
original Order of 1962 is the lightning effect
it had on organizing drives among federal,
state, and municipal employees. The order
served as a signal to organize public workers
much as the Wagner Act of 1935 stimulated
the growth of industrial union membership in
the CIO and the AFL. The effect of
Executive Order 10988 was to send public
sector union membership rolls soaring.
Labor History’”’ is prepared by the New York State Lab:
Prior to 1962, only 26 union or association
units in the executive branch of the federal
government had union shops and they
represented 19,000 workers. Six years after
the Kennedy Order, in 1968, there were 2,305
bargaining units with a total membership of
1.4 million employees.
A number of unions represent federal
workers, the largest being the American
Federation of Government Employees
(AFGE). From 1962 to 1972, the AFGE grew
from 84,000 members to 621,000. The Postal
Workers and the Letter Carriers also
experienced growth in that period.
For state and local public employees, the
1962 Kennedy order also stimulated growth 1
in unionization although the order did not
apply to them directly. While union
membership grew, this did not mean that all
state or local governments recognized or
bargained with unions.
Some states, like New York with its
“Taylor Law,” and more recently Ohio,
passed comprehensive bargaining laws. At
the other extreme, in Texas, it is illegal for a
public agency to sign a contract with a
public employee union. In fact, Texas law
forbids recognition of a union as a
bargaining agent for any group of public
employees except police and firefighters.
In one case, it took a tragedy to convince
local authorities to pass an ordinance
governing public employee bargaining. The
Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. was
assassinated while in Memphis supporting
striking sanitation workers who wanted to
establish the right of their union to negotiate
wages and working conditions. There was no
local machinery at the time for collective
bargaining with public employees.
Those states with laws on the books each
handle public employees differently. Penn-
sylvania allows public employees to strike,
but New York’s Taylor Law, which governs
public sector bargaining, exacts a heavy toll
if a union calls a walkout.
Many unions represent workers at the
local level. Organizing at the local and
municipal level has expanded considerably
in recent years. The largest and one of the
oldest of these unions is the American
Federation of State, County, and Municipal
Employees (AFSCME) which was founded in
1932 in Wisconsin. Other unions include the
American Federation of Teachers, the Inter-
national Association of Fire Fighters, a
number of police unions, the National
Education Association, the Service
Employees International Union, and many
state employee associations.
To service public employee unions and
assist in lobbying efforts, the AFL-CIO
created a Public Employees Department in
1974.
History Association.
4
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
December 29, 1986
we SRE RIS SS
Now you can CAP off
your college degree
ALBANY — CSEA is putting the CAP into the cap ‘n gown that graduates
wear when awarded college degrees. Only this CAP isn’t a robe — it’s a new,
innovative program for state employees called the College Assessment Project.
Statewide President William L. McGowan describes CAP as “‘unique, one
of a kind.” It officially gets underway Jan. 5 with the opening of an office in
downtown Albany.
CAP was created to help people obtain college degrees. It’s a counseling
center that will give you honest, realistic advice about both the opportunities
and challenges of college study.
Here, in an easy-to-read format, is more information:
QUESTION: WHAT IS CAP?
ANSWER: The College Assessment Project. It’s a counseling center that
helps people obtain college degrees.
QUESTION: HOW IS CAP FUNDED?
ANSWER: CAP is financed with joint funds negotiated by CSEA and New
York state under the union’s Labor Education Action Program.
QUESTION: WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
ANSWER: State employees in the three statewide bargaining units, Ad-
ministrative Services Unit (ASU), Institutional Services Unit (ISU) and
Operational Services Unit (OSU) as well as participating state agencies
such as Division of Military and Naval Affairs, the Health Research Insti-
tute and the State University of New York Construction Fund.
QUESTION: HOW DOES IT WORK?
ANSWER: CAP is a counseling center staffed by three counselors and a
receptionist. You can either drop in or make an appointment to speak with
a counselor. They can help you decide whether you should enroll for a col-
lege degree. And where you should enroll.
QUESTION: WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO THE CAP OFFICE?
ANSWER: Nothing, if you are there for more information. For your first
meeting with a counselor, bring any records that you have of previous col-
lege courses (grade slips, transcripts) and a resume if you have one
prepared.
QUESTION: WHAT CAN I DO WITH PREVIOUS COLLEGE CREDITS?
ANSWER: CAP will assess if they can be transferred towards a degree.
QUESTION: DOES CAP AWARD DEGREES?
ANSWER: No. But it will recruit colleges to welcome you as a student.
The office will also maintain up-to-date information about programs and
schedules for all colleges in the Albany-area.
QUESTION: WHAT IF I DO NOT LIVE IN THE ABLANY-AREA?
ANSWER: CAP is a one year project that will target services in the the
Capital region. If successful, it will expand. Until then, state employees
are welcome to contact the CAP center at 90 State Street in downtown
Albany.
QUESTION: ARE THERE OTHER WAYS OF GAINING COLLEGE
CREDITS BESIDES ATTENDING CLASSES?
ANSWER: Yes. In addition to campus learning, there are proficiency ex-
aminations and credit for prior learning and work experience programs.
QUESTION: WHAT ARE PROFICIENCY EXAMINATIONS?
ANSWER: They are standardized tests. Proficiency examinations are a
great way to gain college credit quickly and inexpensively. Currently, there
are 250 examinations available through various testing programs. If your
scores are high enough, you may receive from three to 12 credits for each
test, depending on the particular examinations and the policies of the col-
lege where where you enroll. CAP will assist you in choosing the right ex-
ams and in making the necessary arrangements.
QUESTION: WHAT ABOUT CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING AND WORK
EXPERIENCES?
ANSWER: Many schools award credit for college level learning acquired
either on the job or through other non-campus activities. Strict rules govern
the awarding of such credits. For example, the learning must be:
* college level;
* documented/evaluated by an expert in the field; and
* fulfill part of the degree program at the college where you enroll.
Credit can be recommended only for learning gained through
through experience, not for the experiences themselves.
QUESTION: CAN CAP HELP ME GET CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING
AND WORK EXPERIENCE?
ANSWER: Yes. Counselors can provide you with quick estimates of your
potential credit as soon as possible. You'll get straight-forward and honest
advice about what is likely to be accepted for credit and what is not.
QUESTION: IF IT LOOKS LIKELY THAT I CAN GET CREDIT, WHAT
SHOULD I DO NEXT?
ANSWER: Arrange to have CAP do a portfolio of prior learning.
QUESTION: WHAT IS A PORTFOLIO OF PRIOR LEARNING?
ANSWER: The portfolio is an individual assessment of your prior ex-
perience. You will put it together — in written form — with the assistance
of CAP counselors who will use personal computers to help prepare your
written learning history. The portfolio is then forwarded to an expert evalu-
ator who will decide if:
* if credits should be recommended, and
* if so, how much.
QUESTION: DOES CAP AWARD CREDITS?
ANSWER: No. But it can make recommendations to participating colleges. And
remember that credit is finally awarded by the college where you enroll in ac-
cordance with school policies and in the context of your degree program.
QUESTION: WHAT DOES IT COST?
ANSWER: Most CAP services are free. If you decide to go ahead with
a portfolio of prior learning the fee is $180, one-half of which is reimburs-
able through tuition assistance.
QUESTION: I'VE NEVER TAKEN ANY COLLEGE COURSES. CAN CAP
HELP?
ANSWER: Yes. Counselors will work with you to explore a wide range of
options. And they’ll help you get started at a college that best matches your
interests and learning styles.
QUESTION: DOES CAP OFFER ANY OTHER SERVICES?
ANSWER: Yes. There is an exciting program called DISCOVER which
helps people establish future educational and career goals. (SEE ACCOM-
PANYING STORY).
What
can
DISCOVER
how you can
set new goals
DISCOVER is an easy-to-use personal computer that
can help you set future goals.
December 29, 1986
DISCOVER can help you...
%* understand the effects that change can have on
your life and find new ways to cope with it;
%* learn some things about yourself that can help
you make informed career decisions based on
your interests, values and skills;
* obtain valuable career information about more
than 450 occupations.
You can use DISCOVER beginning JANUARY 5 by:
* calling the CAP office and making an
appointment, or
% walking into the office and if no one is on the
schedule, using it.
5
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
CSEA files charges
The start of it all.
HVCC attempts
real-life course
in union-busting
By Daniel K. Campbell
CSEA Communications Associate
TROY — The Civil Service Employees Association has filed an
unfair labor practice charge with the State Labor Relations Board
against the Hudson Valley Community College’s Faculty Student As-
sociation, charging interference in the internal operations of a labor hot Se
union. cape
The faculty-student association is a private sector employer aap
which runs the college’s food service bookstore and related book-
keeping. It is considered separate from the college, but CSEA
represents employees of both.
The Union charges that following a very successful and highly
publicized 1985 strike by the private sector workers in the FSA, the
College and the FSA management developed a discernable pattern
of actions aimed at eventually driving the Union out of existence at
the campus facility.
CSEA alleges that HVCC President Dr. Joseph Bulmer and
HVCC Vice President for Administration Marco Silvestri have al-
lowed the management of FSA to:
% discharge a union president from a security position, based on
the results of a utilization survey, which found that such a reduction
in the private sector would not be able to be adequately taken over
by the public sector security workers. That position has been vacant
since then, and its responsibilities have not been transferred to the
remaining security force.
Too cozy an arrangement
TROY — As further evidence
of the union-busting collusion
between Hudson Valley
A Community College and its
with part-time employees, who can not be represented by the Union. Faculty. Peder heen on,
The FSA claims there is no e
violation, while the college
insists that both responsibilities
are entirely separate.
The F'SA bylaws prohibit:
««_..the employment of persons
to be faculty members or other
employees of the college, or the
subsidation in any form, of
* cut back on the Union’s membership by failing to fill vacant,
full-time positions in the food service area. Instead of hiring one
full-time worker, the HVCC FSA has replaced full-time positions
This method of replacement has not been used in other bargaining
CSEA points to a questionable
units on the campus.
staffing arrangement between
the two. Under the arrangement,
* increased the work load of the current union president to the the College’s top financial officer
point that the individual is in jeopardy of being discharged, due to a
change in his job rating from satisfactory to unsatisfactory. sree henptiegryanrer setae college employees’ salaries.” A
“CSEA advised Dr. Bulmer and Marco Silvestri of the anti- manager. CSEA also contends that the
union pattern of activity of the FSA management. Neither showed CSEA has charged that this is
any interest in investigating or resolving the situation,” CSEA Field _ in clear violation of the Faculty
Representative Patrick A. Domaratz said. Student Association’s bylaws.
individual who has held both
posts has directed the campaign
of anti-unionism.
Departing Civil Service Commissioner
Karen Burstein.
Burstein bows out °
6
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
ALBANY — Responding to news that
New York State Civil Service Commis-
sioner Karen Burstein has resigned effec-
tive February 1, CSEA President William
McGowan praised her for her efforts, but
added that he hoped CSEA would have in-
put on the selection of her successor,
because of its importance to CSEA’s
membership.
“Karen Burstein made good progress in
trying to correct some longstanding pro-
blems in the civil service system”
McGowan said. The CSEA leader also
noted that Burstein has been a familiar
face at numerous CSEA programs and ac-
tivities and always tried to be responsive
when concerns were brought to her
attention.
McGowan added that a top priority for
the new commissioner should be making
improvements in the reporting of test
scores. He also restated CSEA’s opposition
to a merger between the Civil Service
Department and the Governor’s Office of
Employee Relations.
Burstein is leaving to assume the post of
New York City’s first Auditor General. In
that job she will be involved in reviewing
the City’s financial practices.
December 29, 1986 _
2 EOeVvVOOrrrrromeerererererererrrreeeeeee
At Greenhaven,
upgrading means
just catching up
By Anita Manley
e CSEA Communications Associate
STORMVILLE — Employees of Greenhaven Correctional
Facility say they’re victims of an unfair system.
According to Local 158 President Chuck Cipriani and Vice
President Paul Shutowich, typists and stenographers are being hired
at Sing Sing Correctional Facility at Step 4 rates and then
transferring to Greenhaven where they maintain their higher entry
level salary, earning considerably more than Greenhaven employees
who have been on the job for 3-4 years.
@ In fact, said Cipriani, one Greenhaven Administrator told a
transferee from Sing Sing that she would have to accept the lower
salary comparable to other Greenhaven employees. She filed a
grievance and won, maintaining her higher salary.
“We don’t begrudge these people the higher salary,” Virginia
Averill, a Grade 4 Dictaphone Machine Transcriber pointed out. “‘We
just want equal pay for equal work.”
The inequity is considerable, Cipriani pointed out. For, while a
Grade 3 typist at Greenhaven earns just over $11,000, new hires at
Sing Sing are earning over $14,000. When asked why this is so, Sing
@ Sing officials say they’re having problems attracting job applicants
and have authorization from the state to raise entry level salaries. If
the employee chooses to transfer to another facility, she continues to
Clerical employees of Greenhaven Correctional Facility look over the state
Administrative contract to compare salaries of clerical workers at Sing Sing
Prison. Shown here standing are Kathy Morton, Barbara Whitney, Rebecca
Loveday and Gerda Krupowicz. Seated are Gerlinda Rice, Cindy Schmitt,
Virginia Averill and Carol Leight.
One employee pointed out that an upgrading of all clerical
positions is long overdue regardless of the cost of living in Dutchess
receive the same pay.
“T’ve had to work here for more than 4 years to make that kind
of money,” said Joanne Palombo. ‘These people have no work
experience. They’re coming right of high school.”
CSEA Research Assistant Mark Lawrence explained that hiring
certain titles at an increased rate is a management right. Although
Greenhaven employees contend that recruiting clerical help at their
County.
concluded.
facility is also difficult, facility administrators disagree.
Arguments that the cost of living is higher in Westchi
County do not impress Greenhaven workers either, “Ths
1S Uhueae
living in Gutehess County is jiist as high,” said Trudy Colan.
Gerda Krupowicz added that apartment rents have increased
considerably in the area.
FISHKILL — A $100 fine for a CSEA
not justified, according to a recent ar-
bitration decision.
William Blacknall, a parks
maintenance assistant, and his co-
worker, John Roger were sanding and
salting the Taconic Parkway when they
pulled off the highway to purchase a
container of coffee in a local store.
As Blacknall turned off the road, his
supervisor, who was touring the area,
oe his truck and parked next to
‘‘What’s wrong?” he asked.
Blacknall said he was tired and was
stopping for a cup of coffee.
The Supervisor ordered him back onto
the road. Blacknall and Roger purchas-
ed their coffee and returned to the
parkway. Shortly thereafter, Blacknall
received a Notice of Discipline charging
a with insubordination and fining him
100.
Although CSEA argued that Blacknall
was not guilty of the charges, Arbitrator
member charged with insubordination is
$100 too much for coffee
Howard Edelman maintained that the
Supervisor not only had the right to
order him back to work, but that the
employee was guilty of insubordination.
But, he stated, ‘‘a $100 fine is clearly not
justified.”
“Blacknall did not simply take a cof-
fee break,’’ Edelman noted. ‘‘He went to
the general store, purchased coffee and
returned with it to his truck. At that mo-
ment, he and Roger resumed their
duties while drinking coffee. Thus,
Blacknall simply took time to buy the
coffee before continuing with his work.
As such, there was a minimal interrup-
tion in his duties that morning.
Edelman also commented that co-
worker Roger was not penalized for
“virtually the same act.”
“Tn fact,” he emphasized, ‘‘it was
Roger who suggested that the two stop
for coffee that morning. ‘‘Also,” he add-
ed, “‘Blacknall’s record shows no
evidence of similar misconduct in the
past. As such, a fine of $100 is simply
too severe under the circumstances of
this case.”
“The state is always upgrading the higher grades,” said Carol
Leight. ‘‘They should look at the lower grades. We have a great deal
of responsibility and we’re often asked to do out of title work.”
One Grade 4 employee summed up her feelings: ‘‘They should
treat the employees as well as they treat the inmates!” she
EAP saves a life
WARWICK — Employee Assistance Pro-
gram sponsored blood pressure screening at
Mid Orange Correctional Facility has been
credited with saving the life of an employee
here.
Marty Freedman’s doctor told him that
had he not had his pressure checked he
could very well have suffered a heart attack
or stroke.
On Monday, Oct. 20, the Mid Orange EAP
set up a blood pressure screening clinic in
the lobby of the main entrance.
In a letter to the EAP, Freedman said:
‘When I entered the facility, I was invited
to have my pressure checked and was told
my reading was 168/110, said Freedman. I
was told to immediately contact my doctor.
When I went home, I went to the emergency
room and was given injections to bring down
the blood pressure reading which now was
202/115.”
“T credit early detection to the EAP, and
feel if it were not for your wonderful people
and your outstanding efforts, I may not have
been able to write this letter of deepest ap-
preciation. Thanks for helping to save my
life.”
December 29, 1986
THE PUBLIC SECTOR 7
Bomb threats: Handle with care
4
bwe can’t afford to
risk members’ lives
on whether a manager
guesses right |
—CSEA Region II President
George Boncoraglio
By Lilly Gioia
CSEA Communications Associate
NEW YORK — Decisive CSEA action has resulted in management
nersonnel heing served with a Notice of Violat: the grate Denart-
ment of Labor Brooklyn Job Service Of Management was cited and
found negligent for failing to evacuate clients and employees during an
April 30, 1986 bomb scare.
On that date, an enraged female client, loudly blaming Job Service
employees for not finding her a job, told the switchboard operator she
had planted a bomb to get even. When rumors about the bombs began cir-
culating and employees became aware that New York City police of-
ficers were searching the premises, worried CCEA members questioned
why no evacuation has been allowed.
Anxious employees had reason for concern knowing the Labor
Department’s history of angry clients carrying through on threats
against staff and the serious injuries to state workers that have resulted.
Any employee at the Brooklyn office said that several times each year
all clients and staff are routinely evacuated from the building for fire
drills.
“Are they crazy to think a bomb scare is not as important as a fire
drill?” another employee asked.
Responding to phone calls from distraught Labor Department
members, CSEA Region II President George Boncoraglio instituted an
immediate investigation. “‘Though no bomb was found in the Brooklyn
office, we can’t afford to risk lives on whether a manager guesses right
6No individual
manager has the
right to play with
people’s lives
JEW YORK state
ARTMENT OF LaBoR
—CSEA Local 350 President
Denis Tobin
(are iit)
previously. At this site, CSEA also recently sought a review of the
emergency evacuation plan for the building based on several reported
bomb scares there. According to Frank Cosentini, CSEA representative,
employees are ‘‘very sensitive on this issue.”
While the State Liquor Authority evacuation plan was found to be
“adequate” by a Safety and Health Inspector, the Brooklyn Labor
Department management was issued an Order to Comply with Article 2
Section 27A of the 1980 Public Employee Safety and Health Act. The law
requires that the ‘place of employment” be free from “recognized
hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical
harm”’ to employees.
Statewide CSEA Board of Directors member and President of New
York City Department of Labor CSEA Local 350 Dennis Tobin indicated
that procedures for evacuations in bomb threat cases are being reviewed
at the statewide labor/management level. ‘No individual manager has
the right to play with our members’ lives,” Tobin said.
Payroll deduction
for PEOPLE begins
The PEOPLE dues checkoff begins in the Jan. 7, 1987 state
payroll. If you signed a PEOPLE deduction card, that’s when your
bi-weekly contribution starts. PEOPLE is a special political fund
to support congressional candidates favorable to the best interests
of unionists and working class Americans.
CSEA «x AFSCME
IN PARTNERSHIP FOR PEOPLE
8
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
December 29, 1986
We’re your union —
working for you!
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
As we enter the New Year we do so
with a new beginning, and the hope that
tomorrow will be better than yesterday.
But that tomorrow is based on many
yesterdays. One hundred years ago the
American Federation of Labor was
founded, and 24 years later CSEA was
born.
Over the last 76 years we have fought
for and won better working conditions,
higher salaries, job security, a safer
workplace, and retirement benefits for
all of our members.
But outside our union there are clouds
which threaten our future. We are told
that millions of people are finding jobs
and the unemployment rate is going
down. What we are not told is that many
of those workers are earning $6,000 per
year. Families which could depend on
one income now need two paychecks
just for the necessities of daily living.
In my opinion, we are evolving into a-
two class society. The rich and the poor.
Without a middle class we will lose our
past and possibly our future. The decent
wage for all workers — public or private
employees — is as important today as it
was yesterday.
I urge each of you to remember your
labor heritage and to pass it on to your
children as did your parents and grand-
parents. Our past is part of our future.
May our future prosper in the coming
year.
Fraternally,
Wiliam L. McGowan
Support services stressed in Syracuse
SYRACUSE — In the continuing plan to explain
important aspects of CSEA support services during contract
negotiations, Region V and statewide staff members
conducted a special session for the Syracuse City Unit of
CSEA Local 834 Onondaga County, now in the midst of
contract talks.
Unit members were invited to an early-evening meeting
at Syracuse City Hall to meet their CSEA field
representative and negotiating committee, supported by
CSEA regional and state staff members from Research,
Budget, Communications, Safety & Health and Political
Action (PAC).
Regional Director Frank Martello and Collective
Bargaining Specialist Tom Pomidoro served as
co-moderators and introduced departmental speakers who
explained the function of the CSEA services.
Following opening remarks from Martello, Pomidoro
introduced: Ron King, Deputy Director of Local Government
& School Affairs; Mike White, CSEA Field Representative
for the Syracuse Unit; CSEA Legal Counsel James Roemer;
Don Kelly and Kim McHale, representing the CSEA
Research Department; Region V Communications Specialist
Charles McGeary; Political Action Coordinator Tim Burns;
and Safety and Health Representative Chris Jamison.
The Syracuse City Unit was represented by Dale King,
president of Local 834 Onondaga County; Unit President
Terri Hobson; Vice-Presidents Jack Silvia and Lee Fordock;
Secretary, Mary Morgan-Putzer; and JoAnn Stack, Unit
Treasurer.
An open question and answer session concluded the
explanation of the negotiating process, grievance procedure
and services available from the local and statewide levels.
ee Eten th
CSEA Field Representative Mike White, standing, emphasizes a key point
negotiations,
December 29, 1986 THE PUBLIC SECTOR
CeO)
of
concern in the grievance procedure during a special membership meeting
conducted for the Syracuse Unit of CSEA Local 834, Other CSEA staff members
and elected officials at the speaker’s table included, (left to right), Chuck
McGeary; Ron King; Kim McHale; Don Kelly; Tom Pomidoro; White; Jim
Roemer; Local 834 President Dale King; and Syracuse Unit Pres. Terri Hobson.
Regional Director Frank Martello and CBS Tom Pomidoro co-moderated the
early-evening session. CSEA and the City of Syracuse are in the midst of
9
NUR
)
GORE SY tae
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Veeces ahs
PMANRBAHABAAVBHHH JANUARY
« Thousands of DOT employees receive special winter maintenance shift pay
negotiated by CSEA.
* Town of Poughkeepsie members picket for a week to break contract
impasse; OK new agreement.
° CSEA files grievance to halt inmate from performing member work at
Arthur Kill Correctional.
« Three-year union effort to establish multi-agency Employee Assistance Pro-
gram in Rochester ends successfully.
¢ CSEA charges SUNY Oswego management covered up serious asbestos
problems at campus.
° CSEA President William L. McGowan warns Civil Service Department to
“put your own house in order”’ before considering merger with Governor’s Office
of Employee Relations.
SMT Wel bes's MT Wor re
l 2a OGY
bVBPHANDBASHDB FEBRUARY
* CSEA sues state, claiming thousands of employees were placed in wrong
retirement tier. Hundreds elevated to Tier II status.
* Union wins a major victory for court reporters concerning pay for®
transcripts.
¢ CSEA calls New York City Department of Labor office ‘‘a disgrace,” calls
for state to clean up unsafe and unhealthy worksite.
+ Amityville School District members march to protest contracting out of
custodial services.
¢ “Enraged” union officials charge employees at Kingsboro Psychiatric
Center at risk of hepatitis.
¢ St. Lawrence University Local ratifies first contract since joining CSEA,
members “‘delighted” with results.
a
Si’ M) TW ek S°SeMelew UT hes @seMeIaW. Lbs
ho ets ag I Tee ikiah Ib) Ve Ji
BHNMDANRBHASBHAT7BNH 3 MAY
Long Island Developmental Center members unveil sculpture in memory of
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. after four years of fund raising.
Copiague School District secretaries picket to protest lack of contract as
Secretaries Week comes and goes without an agreement.
Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake School District members successful in campaign
to stop bid to contract out their services.
¢CSEA upset that inmates are handling telephone services for state
Department of Motor Vehicle, taking work away from employees.
© It took eight months of tough bargaining, and plenty of solidarity, but Ulster
County members finally gain new contract.
Nope Bb ae SE Oo Bs
b7BNHDANQMBABHAVBHHMH
* Suspicious fire heavily damages floor in Empire State Plaza complex in
gbary, shortly after 2,000 employees end work day; no injuries reported.
¢ CSEA spokesperson tells joint legislative labor committee that the Public
Employee Safety and Health Act doesn’t effectively protect public workers and is
a sick and incapacitated program.
* Union says employees must have the right to refuse to perform assigned, but
unsafe, work.
* Delaware County members march in snow to protest contact impasse, action
leads to new agreement.
+ CSEA efforts protect some 900 jobs in face of closing of Staten Island
Developmental Center.
lo SMTW
dee Ord te eO 8 oil)
DANRBHABHVBHH
CSEA signs new three-year contract covering Office of Court Administration
employees.
« Monroe-Woodbury school bus drivers picket to protest lack of contract;
action leads to new agreement.
¢ CSEA bill to abate asbestos in public buildings gains support from several
key legislators.
* Thanks to CSEA campaign, licensed practical nurses in New York City and
Long Island area receive new geographic pay differential.
© Union helps clear five DFY employees at Tryon School of false charges of
using excess force to control clients; members plan to sue state for initiating
charges.
* CSEA negotiates $100,000 to fight job stress for Institutional Services Unit
employees.
e Syracuse School District members trained to remove asbestos from school
buildings; saves public well over one million dollars.
CSEA officials bluntly tell state that public employees must have major role
in system during meeting on “future quality of services in OMH and OMRDD.”
CSEA President William L. McGowan declared, “We in the public sector have a
much better track record of providing quality care than private and volunteer
organizations that are trying to take over.”
An 18-month CSEA campaign results in saving 1,100 jobs at the Erie County @
Medical Center in Buffalo.
» CSEA Regional President Robert L. Lattimer charges NLRB with “violating
sacred trust of secrecy” during two CSEA organizing drives in western New York.
Ve a Oe
VDANMQBABHV7BMHN I JULY
* Union investigation reveals that state interagency mail system carries
substances that place employees in danger.
Valor effort help retain Hopevale Home for troubled teenage girls and saves
75 jobs. :
* Unions kick in to help get day care center running at Hudson River
Psychiatric Center.
¢ CSEA wins over management and outside union combined to keep Essex
@ounty workers firmly in the CSEA camp.
+ CSEA thrashes Teamsters to retain City of Syracuse white collar employees.
¢ CSEA wins class action grievance protecting status of SUNY Morrisville
bus/van drivers. :
SMTWTESSMTW
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VBYVPDHANMBHASBAVTBHHH AUGUST
e CSEA crushes Teamsters to retain representation of Orange County
employees.
¢ Union reps tour state during summer to prepare for winter work problems
for DOT employees.
* Brooklyn Downstate Medical Center member wins $16,000 in back pay
following year-long fight on her behalf by CSEA.
* Union presents 18 children of members with $9,000 in college scholarship for
new school year.
+ Union legal assistance helps blind Brookhaven Town employee gain a
substantial upgrading in recognition of his work achievements.
+ Innovative intern program launched by union to improve member services,
create future staff experts.
DEERE
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1234567890 RBHB KBD
12B2H45BHY7 BMH SEPTEMBER
* Special delegates meeting results in reaffirmation of powers of union
president.
» CSEA hosts visit by British health care officials to facilities on Long Island.
« Statewide Treasurer Barbara Fauser retires from office.
» CSEA retirees call for state legislature to pass a pension supplementation
bill; plan to lobby in Albany for project.
¢ Two Rockland County security guards disarm a violent client to prevent any
injuries to others at county mental health department.
* Stinking garbage attracts rodents and a union grievance at Stony Brook
University Hospital; management ordered to clean up hazard.
+ Collective Bargaining Specialist Joseph P. Reedy named executive assistant
to statewide president, replacing retiring Robert Guild.
SMT WT FE S's MT
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PHANRDBASHAVTBHW I
T
9
OCTOBER
* CSEA disagrees strongly with plans to employ ‘‘sneaks, snoops and agents’’
to spy on OMRDD employees.
* Union launches all out campaign to renovate Manhattan Psychiatric Center e
and prevent relocation of patients and staff.
* Petition drive launched in Western Region seeking release of American
hostages held in middle East.
* Union launches “most complex project of its kind every attempted” to
identify and correct unique problems impacting on Social Services employees.
* Big organizing drive concludes with victory at Geneva B. Scruggs
Community Health Care Center in Buffalo.
* CSEA forces DOT to withdraw smoking ban policy instituted unilaterally.
1 0 THE PUBLIC SECTOR
SMTWTFSSMTWT
eh GI) Gye Cr Sa) Me eG
b7BYHNMIA2BABH7BMOM NOVEMBER
* Two CSEA members in Albany win largest employee suggestion award ever
— $54,000.
« For first time ever, court spells out powers and limitations of CSEA’s two
main governing bodies — the Board of Directors and the delegates.
* Mary Sullivan named new statewide treasurer.
+ CSEA members helping made desegregation go smoothly in 8,000-student
Yonkers school system.
* Agreements reached at CSEA — OMH labor management meeting called a
breakthrough at improving the system and relationships.
«Delegates approve change in incorporation papers to establish their
authority as final in union policy matters.
SM IW TE
ENE AUN
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12 BAD 67 B22 Ww Ft DECEMBER
* Union takes strong stand against random drug testing of employees.
* Union gears up to assist up to 1,000 Labor employees who may face layoffs in
March due to federal fund cutting.
« Eligible state workers get up to $500 in CSEA-negotiated lump sum longevity
payments.
* Calling it unfair and discriminatory, CSEA obtains a court injunction to
prevent state from using zone scoring system in competitive civil service
examinations.
* State employees check off nearly $27,000 in contributions to CSEA/AFSCME
PEOPLE program to aid candidates in federal elections.
+ An undercover operation that resulted in the arrests of 18 employees and
interrogation of many more labeled a ‘“‘witch hunt” by union officials at Wassaic
Developmental Center.
December p9, 4986
THE PUBLIC SECTOR 1 1
i
Professional union help
is just phone call away
We're just a phone call away.
The best nioteaonl help, or the answers to
any questions you might have about civil service
employment, are as close as the nearest tele-
phone.
Your initial contact should be with your shop
steward and/or your Local president, of course.
But help is also right there in your CSEA Region-
al Headquarters, or in one of our satellite offices.
And all types of professional staff assistance is
there to serve you in CSEA’s statewide headquar-
ters in Albany.
Save this page, you never know when you'll
need to contact a union official or representative.
They're just a phone call away.
CENTRAL
REGIONAL OFFICE
Suite 308
290 Elwood Davis Rd.
Liverpool, N.Y. 13088
(315) 451-6330
ALeGany
STATEWIDE HEADQUARTERS
143 WASHINGTON AVENUE
ALBANY, N.Y. 12210
(518) 434-0191
CAPITAL
REGIONAL OFFICE
1215 Western Ave.
Albany, N.Y. 12203 e
(518) 489-5424
SOUTHERN
REGIONAL OFFICE
Rural Route 1
Box 34, Old Route 9
WESTERN
REGIONAL OFFICE
482 Delaware Ave.
Buffalo, N.Y, 14202
(716) 886-0391
METROPOLITAN
REGIONAL OFFICE
11 Broadway/Suite 1500
New York, N.Y. 10004
(212) 514-9200
Fishkill, N.Y. 12524
(914) 896-8180
SUFFOUX
LONG ISLAND.
REGIONAL OFFICE
Hauppauge Atrium Building
300 Vanderbilt Motor Pkwy
Hauppauge, N.Y. 11788
(516) 273-2280 e
=—
CSEA SATELLITE OFFICES
(516) 435-0962
@BINGHAMTON SATELLITE OFFICE
Sulte 218, Executive Office Bldg.
Binghamton Plaza
@CANTON SATELLITE OFFICE
33 W. State Street
P.O. Box 488
Canton, NY 13617
915-386-8131 or 8132
@WESTCHESTER SATELLITE OFFICE
Binghamton, NY 13901
607-772-1750
ss
914-946-6905 or 6908 @ UTICA SATELLITE OFFICE
269 Genesee Street
Utica, NY 13501
315-735-9272
@ PLATTSBURGH SATELLITE OFFICE
Broad Street Professional Bldg.
5:
@ROCHESTER SATELLITE OFFICE
332-Jefferson Rd. e
Rochester, N.Y. 14623
716-278-0800
@MAYVILLE SATELLITE OFFICE
i le, NY 14787
13-5290
12
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
December 29, 1986 ®
Leaky roof and unheated office
Union puts on heat
to get it turned up
Landlord caves
in, along with
ceiling tiles,
. tothe pressure
By Anita Manley
CSEA Communications Associate
YONKERS — When CSEA members who
work for the Department of Motor Vehicles
put the heat on the landlord of an office
building here, he turned up the heat for
employees after more than three weeks in a
eeep freeze.
Y
YONKERS DMV EMPLOYEES can watch rain water from outdoors seep into the office through ceiling
tiles and fixtures that are damaged or missing entirely.
According to Region III Field Represen-
tative Glenn Blackman, members of Mid-
Hudson Local 009 were working in their heavy
coats and watching ceiling tiles collapse
following a spell of cold, wet weather.
“The landlord didn’t seem to care,” said
Blackman. “He wants the DMV out of here —
they're nere under a month-tgingnth |
and when repairs were needed, he couldn’t be
bothered.”
But threats of political action and a public
relations campaign prompted him to repair
the boilers and patch the roof, says Blackman.
“The landlord’s maintenance supervisor hap-
pened to walk into a meeting as I was telling
the workers that we would send press releases
and contact local politicians. Two days later,
the heat came on and the roof repairs began!”
Meanwhile, said Blackman, state officials
are looking for a new home for DMV. But for
now, employees can work without their winter
coats on, thanks to the persistence of the
union.
| atin
THESE DECORATIVE LITTLE TOUCHES in the
Yonkers Department of Motor Vehicles are both
tasteful(?) and useful(!) as they catch the rain fall-
ing through the roof.
Increased
grades in
.engineers
series is
proposed
by CSEA
@
December 29, 1986
ALBANY — The union has filed a lengthy
application with the state Civil Service
Department proposing that salary grades be
reallocated for job titles in the ‘‘stationary
engineer series.”
Traditionally, stationary engineers
operated and maintained basic power-plant
equipment. Nowadays, their responsibilities
have increased with the introduction of new
technology and multi-fuel combustion systems.
In addition, they run complex building
environmental systems and may spend as
much as 70 percent of their time outside the
power/heating plant.
Accordingly, the union proposes that
employees in titles such as assistant stationary
engineer, stationary engineer, senior stationary
engineer and principal stationary engineer be
assigned salary grades and titles that better
reflect the high level of technical skills and
responsibilities required by their positions.
The application was assembled by a special
“Ad Hoe Stationary Engineers Committee”
appointed by Statewide President William L.
McGowan. Members included Claude Kohl,
Antoine Bailous, Dennis Heimburg, Lawrence
O’Connor, Peter Zubikowski and Collective
Bargaining Specialist John Naughter.
CSEA Research Analyst Frank Abbey was
the committee’s technical advisor. He notes
that the state has acknowledged receipt of the
application which it will evaluate as soon as the
Civil Service Department completes
overhauling the existing classification and
compensation system.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
IRA
By Patty Mack
Coordinator CSEA/Unity Mutual
MADE EASY!
Patty Mack
The number of requests for information that I’ve received since CSEA endorsed Unity’s
Individual Retirement Account Payroll Deduction Plan tells me that there’s a great deal
of interest in this benefit. The questions that you’ve sent along also tell me there’s some
confusion over how IRAs work, especially in light of recent tax law changes. With the
help of the PUBLIC SECTOR, I’ll try to answer some of the most commonly asked
questions. I am also providing a coupon for more information or for your specific question,
which I will answer in subsequent columns.
Q: WILL MY IRA CONTRIBUTION STILL
BE TAX DEDUCTIBLE UNDER THE
1986 TAX REFORM ACT?
A: The full $2,000 is deductible IF your
family income is less than $40,000
adjusted gross income ($25,000 for
individuals), and/or you are not covered
by an employer pension. The deduction
for your non-working spouse remains at
$250.
Q: WHAT IS ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME?
A. Adjusted gross income is your gross
income, minus all your allowable
deductions. Under the new tax law, your
IRA contribution can be deducted only
AFTER you calculate your adjusted
gross income, not as part of the AGI.
Q: WHAT IF I AM COVERED BY AN
EMPLOYER PENSION PLAN?
Dear Patty:
____My IRA Question is:
*
A:
_____ Please send more information about IRA
__Please place my name on your IRA Mailing List
Your contribution still is deductible if you
and your spouse don’t earn more than
$40,000 AGI, or if you’re single, you can
earn $25,000 and under AGI. Deductions
are not allowed for those people who are
covered by a pension plan and who earn
more than $50,000 AGI ($35,000).
: WHAT IF MY INCOME FALLS
BETWEEN THE $40,000 AND $50,000
LIMITS?
: Then the amount of your IRA
contribution that is deductible is
adjusted. The IRS has a formula to
calculate the allowable deduction. For
example, a married couple filing a joint
return having an AGI of $43,000 can have
an IRA deduction of $1,400. Call
1-800-448-5454 and I will help you to
calculate your correct amount.
Name:
Address:
Mail To: Patty Mack
One Unity Plaza
Syracuse, NY 13215
how they relate to our annuity contract.
Unity Mutual Life Insurance Company
or
Call 1-800-448-5454
* This column is not intended to give legal, tax or accounting advice. The information contained in
this column is a summary of our understanding of the current tax laws effective in these areas and
We’re your union
at work for you!
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
14
Locust Valley:
driver pact
is praised
LOCUST VALLEY — The CSEA Locust
Valley Bus Drivers Unit of Nassau
Educational Local 865 has ratified what Unit @
President Joe Curtis calls ‘probably the best
bus driver’s contract on Long Island, and
we’re proud of it.’’
The three-year agreement calls for, in the
first year, salary increases of 12 percent, plus
50-cents-an-hour if the employee works five
straight days. In the second year, the 21
members will receive an eight percent sala-
ry increase, plus the 50 cents, plus a $20,000
life insurance plan. The third year calls for @
another eight percent increase, plus 50 cents
per hour.
“I feel we got this excellent contract
because we have a good rapport with the
members of the board of education and
because our negotiating committee did their
homework.”
The committee included CSEA Field
Representative Michael Aiello, Curtis,
Camille Hole, Nancy Burgis, Marie Malusa @
and Patricia Parcetti.
Three Village
contract Ok’d
THREE VILLAGE — Members of the
CSEA Three Village School Monitor Unit of ®
Suffolk Educational Local 870 recently
ratified a new three-year agreement.
According to CSEA Field Representative
James Walters, the contract calls for an
increase of approximately 30 percent over
the life of the contract, including a
comparable worth raise.
The 35-member unit also agreed to a
provision which calls for partial payment for e
unused sick leave upon retirement.
Members of the negotiating team included
Walters, Unit President Sandy DeLeo,
Constance Brown, Ruth Pallock and Emily
Fruend.
Farmingdale
unit accepts °
FARMINGDALE — CSEA members at the
Farmingdale Library have ratified a two-
year pact which calls for salary increases of
six percent, each year, plus increments,
according to CSEA Unit President Jean
Meagher.
In addition to the salary increase, the
agreement calls for a five percent increase @
in health insurance, a $250 longevity stipend
to be given on a member’s 20th anniversary
and improved contract language.
CSEA Field Representative Michael Aiello
assisted the unit with negotiations. ‘The
negotiating team did a good job and should
be commended,” he said. That team
consisted of Meagher, Jeanne Bracken,
Shirley Dickheiser and Tom Gabia.
December 29, 1986
Agreement reached to upgrade
Niagara County
By Ron Wofford
CSEA Communications Associate
LOCKPORT — Labor-management accords in
Niagara County have resulted in upgradings for
some 133 workers, and improved payment for on-
call, after-hours pager duty for 13 Child
Protective Services workers in the Social
Services Department.
Quain Weber, president of the CSEA County
Unit of Niagara County Local 832, calls labor-
management meetings ‘’the best way to
accomplish meaningful agreements, with
involvement and give-and-take on both sides of
the table.”
The Jan. 1, 1987, upgradings will
immediately affect 88 social welfare examiners,
who have two years or more in the grade VI
work grouping, moving them up to grade VII, at
the same step of their previous pay grade,
according to CSEA Field Representative Vince
Sicari.
The remaining 42 examiners will
automatically be elevated to grade VII, step 3
when they have been in the grade VI pay group
for two years, and newly-hired examiners will
advance from grade VI to grade VII, step 3 after
two years on the job.
Sicari said the upgradings will result in
raises of $1,041 for 12 examiners who are
currently at step 3, $1,114 for nine examiners
currently at step 4, $1,187 for 30 positions
currently at step 5, and $1,242 for 37 workers
currently at step 8, totaling 88 examiners who
will greet 1987 with previously unscheduled pay
boosts.
McDonough.
SS employees
“These workers are particularly deserving,”’
said Weber, “because their jobs are filled with
the stress they encounter with their clients, who
because of their unfortunate circumstances, are
also facing great stress.”
Weber and Sicari praised the three union
stewards, Betty Kurtz, Cindy Smith and Arlene
Chiasera, ‘“‘ who pitched in, and contributed
isle to the success of the labor-management
alks.
Sicari also said Louis Scozzafava, social
services commissioner, was ‘quite cooperative in
the talks, which should bode well for future
labor-management matters.”
Four other department CSEA members,
three home management workers and one
accounting supervisor, received upgradings
through the labor-management talks, which were
concluded after several successive meetings,
according to Sicari.
A separate agreement with the social
services department will see an improved
stipend for Child Protective Services workers
who are on call with a pager or “‘beeper’’ after
hours.
The 13 CPS caseworkers, who are on call
duty four weekends per year on a rotating basis,
will gain an increase in the previous annual
stipend of $996, to $450 for each of the duty
periods, totaling $1800, beginning Jan. 1, 1987.
The first five hours of on-call duty will be
covered by the stipend, with compensatory time
accruals beginning after reaching that mark.
Future increases for ‘‘beeper” pay shall be
based upon percentage increases in the collective
bargaining agreement, presently in the second
yest of a three-year pact for the 800-member
unit.
In addition to Sicari and Weber, the CSEA
committee included Michael Parsnick, Linda
Gibbons, Elizabeth Pasquale and Janie
themselves a head start by joining CSEA
LACKAWANNA — Head Start employees of the Friendship House _ head start policies superceded management's ability to bargain in good
@ommunity center in Lackawanna have voted, by a better than5to1 faith.
margin, to be represented by CSEA as their bargaining agent. “After several hearings, the NLRB region director dismissed the
The 35-member unit includes lead teachers, teachers, nutrition a ee without any anti-union activities
aie pa sa fesionals wotsa, 8 to'0, fo be included in the CSEA _,__,Mullen said the unit's membership also includes workers at satelite
representation. facilities in neighboring Brant and Gowanda, as well as the Ridge Road
main day care center.
The election was delayed, according to Region VI organizer Tom The organizer said he will be meeting with activist Martha Connor
Mullen, while the NLRB heard the employer’s challenge to its
and others soon, to help in electing their officers and negotiating
jurisdiction, because the employer felt federal guidelines, governing committee.
December 29, 1986
EOr OP adersaatl ROTE YUNRUE!
THE PUBLIC SECTOR 1 5
nt Wr
SUNY Downstate
on critical
BROOKLYN — CSEA vows to fight any move
to close SUNY’s teaching hospital at Brooklyn’s
Downstate medical center, according to Region
II President George Boncoraglio. Speaking
before a packed gathering of CSEA local 646
members at the campus student center,
Boncoraglio issued a blistering attack on the
health-planning organization report that
targets Downstate hospital for the chopping
block.
“CSEA will mount a hard-hitting campaign
Grhere is no way a
bunch of ivory-tower
bureaucrats are going
to close this hospital. ]
—Bob Keeler
Local 646 President
list
to halt any plans to close Downstate,”
Boncoraglio told the crowd whose holiday
spirits were dimmed by the prospect of job
uncertainty. Local 646 President Bob Keeler
reassured the concerned employees that their
union is ‘‘on top of the situation,” and will react
forcefully and swiftly.
Even while breaking news accounts of the
proposed closing were appearing in local
media, Keeler and CSEA staff were meeting
with Downstate management officials in a joint
effort to assess the problem.
“There is no way a bunch of ivory-tower
bureaucrats from the Health Systems Agency
are going to close up this hospital,” Keeler
asserted. “In preparing their report, HSA never
sent a single representative down here to assess
the impact of a closing on the community, the
area economy, the employees or on the medical
school,’’ he said.
Calling the HSA report “‘outrageous,” George
Boncoraglio said he was “‘incensed”’ by the idea
that 70% of the 1,000 hospital bed cut proposed
in Brooklyn would be in low-income, minor-
ity areas.
Strong support to maintain the hospital is
anticipated from both the Chancellor of the
State University of New York and the Board of
Regents. University Hospital at Downstate is
---communicating
ideas with art
Put PIZZATZ, into
your Newsletters,
Boncoraglio
the only teaching facility in the borough of
Brooklyn.
As a health science center, the complex
combines a medical school, school of nursing,
graduate program and curriculum for health-
related professionals. Approximately 1,700 of
the 2,200 Downstate employees actually work
in the hospital complex.
City-wide public hearings on the HSA report
are scheduled for mid-January prior to any
further decision-making by NYS Health Dept.
Commissioner Axelrod.
16
Bulletins and Notices!
The CSEA Communications Department has put
together a CLIP ART booklet that has the CSEA
logo and seal, cartoons, graphics, and other
visual material that can perk up your written
communications to the membership.
If you would like a copy, just fill out the
application below and we'll send you one. Mail
requests to: Communications Department,
CSEA Headquarters, 143 Washington
Avenue, Albany, New York 12210
TOCAL PRESIDENTS SIGNATURE
NAME =e
ADDRESS ___
CITY
‘CSEA LOCAL NAME 7NUMBER
(Please Print)
NY.
Fund (EBF) by
William L. McGowan. Donahue,
THE. PUBLIC SECTOR
December 29, 1986
New York State Department of Civil Service Announces
Interdepartmental Promotion Examinations
NEW YORK STATE ANNOUNCES
OPPORTUNITIES IN GOVERNMENT
eos.
FORESTER $21,070"
NO. 26-115
- FORESTER TRAINEE $19,899"
NEW YORK STATE ANNOUNCES
APPLICATION FORMS: Application forms for promotion candidates are available
though your Personnel or Business Office. You may also obtain them by mail or
in person at the following offices of the New York State Department of Civil Service:
NYS Office Building Campus, Albany, N.Y. 12239; 55th Floor, Two World Trade
Center, New York, N.Y. 10047; 6th Floor, Adam Clayton Powell State Office
Building, 163 West 125th Street, New York, N.Y. 10027; or Room 303, 65
Court Street, Buffalo, N.Y. 14202. Specify the examination by its number and
title. Mail your completed application form to: NYS Department of Civil Service,
@ OUPORTUSITIES IN GovEUSMENT
Competitive Promotional Exams : uae
(State employees only) Open Competitive Examinations
APPLICATIONS DEADLINE JANUARY 5, 1987 APPLICATIONS DEADLINE JANUARY 12, 1987
Exam. Beginning
Job Title No. Department Exam No. Title Salary
@ Personnel Transaction Processing Clerk i ,
ex) 31-237 General Services 26-690 Horticulturist on $16,909
26-603 Program Outreach Specialist 1 25,099
APPLICATIONS DEADLINE JANUARY 19, 1987 26-604 Program Outreach Specialist II 32,628
Assistant Business Officer G-23 38-980 Interdepartmental 26-605 Program Outreach Specialist II 40,345
Business Officer 1 M-1 38-981 Intervene unana
Business Officer II M-2 38-982 Interdepartmenta!
Fiscal Administrators G-22, G-23, G-25 APPLICATION DEADLINE JANUARY 20, 1987
fog : Fee nerd parecer 26-697 Administrative Officer (Transportation Region) 34,276
2AATSHI TE CLASS (NY Ee eaeelato 26,722 Civil Engineer II — New York City Area 36,111
(Pap a ON : Pe Ue 26-751 Civil Engineer I — Poughkeepsie Area 36,111
Assistant Tax Valuation Engineer G-20 31-080 Equalization 26-661 Tax Valuation Engineer, Assistant 277862
Associate Tax Valuation Engineer G-27 31-082 & 28-867 Facilities Equipment Advisor 26,384
Senior Tax Valuation Engineer G-24 31-081 Assessment 28-868 Laundry and Housekeeping Service Supervisor 27,806
28-866 Supervisor of Correctional Clothing Services 22,289
APPLICATIONS DEADLINE JANUARY 26, 1987
Assistant Purchasing Agent G-14 38-928 Interdepartmental
Uy chasing aeene cele ee MAO eee APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED CONTINOUSLY
Senior Purchasing Ageny G-23 38-985 Interdepartmental i
Disability Determinations Review 20-300 Senior Stenographer 17,213
G5 31-155 Social Services 20-170 Histology Technician 15,670
Disability Determinations Review 20-890 Stenographer 12,928
® Clerk G-9 31-156 Social Services 20-891 Typist 11,817
Purchasing Officer G-23 31-157 General Services
{the W. Averell Harriman NYS Office Building Campus, Albany, N.Y. 12239 yy)
APPLICATION FORMS—You may obtain application forms by mail or in person at
the following offices of the State Department of Civil Services:
ALBANY—W. Averell Harriman NYS Office Building Campus 12239
BUFFALO—Room 303, 65 Court Street 14202.
NEW YORK—SSth Floor, 2 World Trade Center 10047, or 6th Floor, Adam
Clayton Powell State Office Building, 163 West 125th Street, 10027
LOCAL OFFICES, NYS Employment Service (no mail requests). When you
request an application, specify the examination number and title. Mail completed
application to: NYS Department of Civil Service, W. Averell Harriman NYS Office
\_Buiaing Campus, Albany, N.Y. 12239. oy
LIVING ON BORROWED TIME ?
«
i ins N
SRR
e
1T'S TIME TO
THINK SERIOUSLY
ABOUT WHAT MosT
FOLKS HAVE
TAKEN FOR
GRANTED.
@l.
ws
December. 29, 1986 .
THE PUBLIC SECTOR 1 7
If you really want to buy union made products, and really want to save money, you should mail in
This new
catalog
makes it
easier to
look for
the union
A NEW ALL UNION CATALOG
the coupon below this article and receive a FREE Union Label Shopper Catalog.
The Union Label Shopper is a discount mail order catalog containing only union made goods.
Almost all products in the catalog are available at a discount. So you can save money as you save jobs.
As a union member, you have been looking for the union label when you shop. Now you can find
ONLY union made products in the catalog and save money when you buy.
IF YOU WANT ONE, TO SAVE UNION JOBS, AND SAVE YOURSELF MONEY, FILL IN
THE COUPON BELOW AND MAIL IT IN TODAY.
Please send me a FREE
UNION LABEL SHOPPER DISCOUNT CATALOG:
Name.
Address:
City/State:
Zip:
Union:
Local No.:
Please circle items you would like to buy from the catalog:
@ Work Clothes
® Radio
Other. ase
When making
purchases, do
you look for
the union label?
Where asked:
Western Region VI
18
@ Women’s Clothes
@ Luggage
@ Men’s Casual Clothes
@® TV = @ Sports Equipment
@ Shoes
© Furniture
®@ Children’s Clothes
® Auto Supplies
Mail this coupon to: UNION LABEL SHOPPER
508 N. Second Street, Fairfield, [A 52556
© Kitchen Appliances
© Tools
ANCIENT .
HEALTH
RECIPES
If you should take the
venom of a young rattlesnake,
drawn from his fangs by the
light of a gibbous moon; mix
<a YA @ |
with it the pulverized hair
and bones of the wings of a
vampire bat until it begins to
turn an ugly color; then use
this liquid mixture to coat
eleven small scales from the
African crocodile—once
——
again, by the light of the e
gibbous moon; you will see
that the crocodile scales will
soften and finally dissolve
into a horrible looking
substance that will give you
violent convulsions just to
look at it. Then, if you stir this
stuff smooth with your left
hand, all the while adding a
ea
whole newt, cut up, and
allowing the several newt parts
to absorb the hideousness of
the mixture, then stand
beneath the tallest elm tree
by the partially clouded light
of a full moon and rub the
preparation all over you, you
know what you'd have?
Nothing. You would have @ |
made a big mess, but you'd
have nothing.
BUT . .. if you were to
take your union-won wages,
manage them carefully, and
especially use them always to
buy union-made goods and
union-performed services—
that is, in other words, if you
were to always look for the
union label, shop card, store
card or service button any
time you spent your hard-won
union dollars, buying only
union-made, American-made
goods and services—why,
then you'd REALLY HAVE
1
SOMETHING: een
Noreen Thyret
Local 815
“Yes, I fully support un-
ionism, and I think all busi-
nesses should be unionized.
You'll get a better finished
product, and show support
for your fellow Ameri-
cans.””
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
Jackie French
Geneva B. Scruggs Unit
“Yes, because I believe in
supporting our country’s in-
dustries where possible,
and fighting imports that
take away jobs.”
Sam Notaro
Local 335
“Yes, because we should
preserve and support what
unions are all about. I also
think the ‘Made in the USA’
labels in clothing are good
in this regard, and should
add the line ‘by unionized
labor’ to make it clear.”
Julie Lafferty
Local 886
“Yes. I’m from a union
family background. Also, if
I know a particular com-
pany is giving its unions a
hard time, such as Hormel
Meats, I won’t buy their
products.”
December 29, 1986
Swits signs off
Harm Swits has retired after nearly two
decades of serving CSEA members as a collective
bargaining specialist.
Swits was honored for his years of dedicated
service to the union and the membership at a
number of programs throughout CSEA’s Capital
Region to honor his retirement.
® CSEA Capital Region Director John D.
Corcoran Jr. said in tribute to Swits, ‘‘People on
both sides of the table and even those in the middle
have publicly stated that they wiil miss his
presence, his persistence and determination. And
so will I. CSEA was well served by Swits.”
Swits thanked ‘‘all those who had worked so
hard to make me look good,” and said, “I always
worked to achieve my principles and I always
worked, for the most part, with people on both
@sides of the table and at PERB who shared those
same goals. We all had a job to do and we did it.”
Congratulations
BUFFALO — Marion O. White, above, a
licensed practical nurse and 17-year member of
Erie County CSEA Local 815, has been selected as
Employee of the Year at the Erie County Medi-
e cal Center.
WAL REGION IV
: mt
the region IV County Committee. Shirley Ponkos, representing the School Committee, waits at left to
present a silver service tray. At right is Capital Region President C. Allen Mead.
Chautauqua County CSEA Unit President Dick Maggio charts campaign to attain 100 percent member-
ship of eligible county employees.
Full membership=strength
MAYVILLE — The Chautauqua County Employees CSEA Unit, already at more than 95
percent membership of eligible county workers, is aiming for a full 100 percent.
The unit actively pursues non-members through targeted letters, informing them of the
benefits of belonging and taking part in their union, as well as staying in touch through co-
workers in the same department.
In addition the membership committee maintains a chart in the local office, outlining
progress and target dates for success.
“Fach one reach one”’ is the motto of the committee as they zero in on total membership.
njured woman;
good deed is publicly recognized
NORTH TONAWANDA — North Tonawanda Water Department employees Ed ‘‘Edgy”’
Skovenski and Robert Minney, both members of Niagara County CSEA Local 832, were thanked
publicly recently “for their assistance and compassion” in a letter published in the ‘Tonawanda
News”’.
“On my way home from the grocery store,” wrote Edna Adeknab of North Tonawanda,
“T fell and injured my hip. These two young men were driving by, saw my predicament, stopped
and offered to help. Upon my refusal of immediate medical attention, they kindly insisted on,
at the least, making sure I got home all right.
“They drove me right to the door,” she continued, ‘‘and helped me inside. They were not
only polite, but very considerate of my wishes and my well-being. Once again, thanks Bob
December 29, 1986
and Ed.”
THE PUBLIC SECTOR 1 9
fy
gg
. <“ ‘ wee
DAY ONE OF THE GREAT ALBANY DUCK HUNT... . CSEA Board member Rob Smith (inset and above),
a Department of State employee comes up empty-netted following first attempts to capture the gaggle of
ducks that populate Albany’s Washington Park. Smith “winters over” the ducks on his property.
| By Daniel X. Campbell
| CSEA Communications Associate
| ALBANY — Have you ever wondered as
| the characters in Catcher in the Rye,
| “where do the white ducks go in winter?”
| Most park ponds are populated by Peking
ducks, graceful white birds that due to cen-
turies of inbreeding can no longer fly south
for the winter. If left to fend for themselves,
eventually they will starve or become the
| defenseless prey of dogs who venture out on
the winter ice.
That is, unless the ducks have been spotted
} by Rob Smith, a CSEA Department of State
member, who winters ducks at his Delanson
home near Albany.
> “Tt just started one day when I came home
and found a few wild ducks on the pond
which is part of my property. Apparently
someone had abandoned the ducks there,”’
Smith, a member of the CSEA Board of
Directors, said. He noted that his flock
quickly grew as other ducks began to
appear.
20
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
_ One way to“duck” winter,
“People would call and ask if I had room.
How could I say no,” he explained.
But then Smith began calling both large
and small governmental entities in the area
to see if they wanted the ducks on their city
or county ponds to winter over.
The City of Albany with only one small
gaggle of ducks at its Washington Park pond,
took Smith up on his generous proposal, pro-
mising him a little public exposure.
“J don’t do it for the publicity or the em-
barassment,”’ Smith said, recalling the com-
edy of errors that plagued the recent
Washington Park trapping.
“We looked like the Three Stooges or the
Marx Brothers in Duck Soup,” Smith recall-
ed with a broad grin flashing across his face.
“Tn the first round, we lost completely.
Mother Nature didn’t even cooperate with a
crust of ice on the pond. So the score was
Ducks 5, Man 0, going into round two.”
Smith called in the help of the City of
Albany Bureau of Parks public employees.
Finally, with a thin crust of ice on the pond,
Round two began.
“This time we were ready. We had tennis
court net traps, cushioned leg traps, huge
nets and a small fleet of row boats. And it
was still a battle. But this time, cold, sopping
wet, bone tired and possibly recalling our
last embarassing encounter, man won,”
Smith said proudly.
Area newspapers which carried the pic-
tures of comic defeat also featured the shots
of comic triumph!
SUCCESS AT LAST . . . Persistence finally paid
At present 21 Peking ducks are penned in
at Smith’s Delanson home. Any contribu-
tions, of money, not ducks, for feed would be
appreciated,
Now you know who takes care of the ducks
— at least some of them — Rob Smith does.
i SS
off for Smith pictured above with one of the
Peking ducks. After “quacking up” in the initial
capture effort, Smith returned to the park when
ice formed on the pond and with the help of city
employees, nabbed the creatures. At press time
the ducks were comfortably taking in their winter
hiatus.
December 29, 1986
