ENPLETEES
nor
qbST
DEMONSTRATING IN NEW ROCHELLE — CSEA Region III President James Lennon,
left, marches along with CSEA-represented employees of the New Rochelle Public
Library during informational picketing to protest a lack of adequate employee parking
close to the facility. The union feels that employees, mostly women, are placed in a
dangerous situation by being forced to walk two blocks to a parking garage each night.
For more on the situation, see articles and photographs on page 3.
9 Puntoilie
SECTOR
Official Publication of The Civil Service
Employees Association
Vol. 1, No. 49 25° (ISSIN 0164 9949)
Wednesday, September 26, 1979
Union’s Benefit Fund
waiting period reduced
ALBANY — Trustees of the
CSEA Employee Benefit
Fund have voted to drastical-
ly reduce the waiting period
that new employees must en-
dure before being protected
by the Fund’s benefits and to
vi separate fund benefits to
allow municipalities to par-
ticipate.
William L. McGowan,
Chairman of the Fund, said
under the changes approved
by the Trustees at their
CSEA and State work to expedite
testing for asbestos lung damage
ALBANY — CSEKA and the State
Health Department are working
together this week in an effort to
expedite a medical survey of some
state power plant personnel who
have apparently received lung
damage as the result of exposure to
asbestos.
CSEA President William L.
McGowan met recently with Dr.
David Axelrod, State Health Com-
missioner, and Meyer S. Frucher,
Director of the Governor’s Office
ot Employees Relations, to review
the results of a study by the
Employee Health Service which in-
dicated 14 out of 18 long-term
power plant employees tested
showed signs of some degree of
lung damage resulting from ex-
posure to asbestos.
The study, conducted by
nationally recognized expert Dr.
Irving J. Selikoff of Mount Sinai
Medical Center, requires more ex-
tensive review to determine the
source of the exposure and the
potential effects on the health of
the employees involved. Dr. Ax-
elrod said none of the employees
tested so far showed any external
symptons of the condition.
“Our primary concern here is ob-
viously for the well-being of the
employees already identified as
having been exposed,’’ President
McGowan said, ‘but we're also
concerned that more employees in
other work locations have also
been working in an area with ex-
posed asbestos and could also have
health problems as a result. We
want to make sure that everything
that can be done to assess the scope
of this problem is carried out as
quickly as possible.”
McGowan said the Health Com-
missioner and Governor’s Office of
Employee Relations have been
forthright in working with CSEA in
Election results are official
The results of CSEA’s recent elections for statewide officers,
regional officers, and members of the State Executive Committee
(Board of Directors) as printed in the two previous editions of The Public
Sector have been certified as official by the CSEA Election Procedures
Committee.
Only two races remain to be determined, both involving seats on the
Board of Directors. Because the original elections resulted in ties for
both the Audit and Control seat and the Region 4 Mental Hygiene seat on
the Board of Directors, those races are involved in runoff elections as an-
nounced in last week’s issue. The deadline for returning ballots in those
two runoff elections is 9 a.m. September 28.
Certified official were the election of CSEA President William L.
McGowan, Executive Vice President Thomas H. McDonough, Secretary
Irene Carr and Treasurer Jack Gallagher, along with regional presidents
Irving Flaumenbaum (Region I), Jimmy Gripper (Region Il), James J.
Lennon (Region III), Joseph E. McDermott (Region IV), James Moore
(Region V), and Robert L. Lattimer (Region VI).
this matter. They have pledged to
keep the union fully informed on
the results of further medical
Studies and to seek CSEA par-
ticipation in pursuit of a solution.
Already, the state has announced
plans to conduct further health
screening of approximately 200
powerplant employees in the
Capital District to look for general
exposure problems and to deter-
mine how widespread the health
problems may be. CSEA will ask
the state to broaden its screening
significantly to include other types
of employees working in asbestos
exposed areas.
There are approximately 2,000
state employees working in state
operated power plants, mostly in
institutions, prisons or campuses.
The number of employees working
in other exposed areas is-not yet
known. CSEA is asking the state to
attempt to identify such
employees.
Asbestos had been widely used in
construction in the 1960s and early
1970s for its fire retardant proper-
ties. Concern about its impact on
health caused its ban in 1972.
In sufficient quantities it can in-
flame the lungs resulting, in some
cases, in a weakening of the
capacity of the lungs and in ex-
treme cases in a disease known as
asbestosis, permanent damage to
the linings of the lungs.
“‘We have a problem here that re-
quires immediate and serious
attention,” President McGowan
commented, ‘‘but there is no need
for panic. We will work with the
state closely to ensure that our
members know that their interests
are being protected.”
September meeting, the
waiting period for new
employees has been reduced
from ninety days to twenty-
eight days and municipalities
with CSEA represented
employees may provide
benefits through the Fund in-
eluding prescription drug
and/or dental insurance.
Thomas P. Collins, Direc-
tor of the Fund, said that
when the CSEA Employee
Benefit Fund was es-
tablished, it used a 90 day
delay pattern, but subse-
quently the Fund has been
able to reduce this lengthy
waiting period to the more
reasonable four week level.
Concerning the separating
of the benefits to political
subdivisions, Collins said that
prior to the action of the
Trustees, a municipality
wishing to provide benefits to
its CSEA-represented
employees via the CSEA
Benefit Fund had only one op-
tion, to participate in both the
Fund’s prescription drug and
dental insurance programs.
Asa result of the Trusteés ac-
tion, they may now par-
ticipate in either or both, thus
making the benefits available
to local government
membership more flexible.
“Through reduction of the
standard waiting period and
added flexibility in benefits
available through local
government participation, we
have made the CSEA
Employee Benefit Fund a
better benefit of CSEA
membership,’’ Chairman
McGowan said.
ae
Thomas C, Collins
As the upward inflationary curve
continues to climb relentlessly, so
must the pursuit of cost-of-living
increases for retirees continue
without abatement. CSEA’s goal
for 1980 is to gain something for ad-
ditional retirees of the 1970's. This
renewed effort will be based on
what we will call ‘‘the Levitt-
Pisani Concept.””
What is the ‘‘Levitt-Pisani
Concept”? In 1977 Arthur Levitt,
then State Comptroller, proposed a
supplementation plan that would
have brought into the retirement
supplementation program those
retirees who retired since 1969 and
have been receiving no supplemen-
tation relief. Since then, be it
noted, the first three months of
1970 have been included by
legislation passed in 1979. The
Levitt proposal would have provid-
ed 1% to 1976 retirees, 2% to 1975,
3% to 1974, ete., reaching 7% for
1970 retirees, then jumping to what
was then 14% for 1969 retirees. As
for the years involved, it should be
remembered this proposal was
made two years ago.
Retiree Newswatch
COL quest continues
A bill implementing this idea was
introduced by Senator Joseph
Pisani of New Rochelle bearing the
Senate number of S. 1234-A which,
however, died in committee for
lack of support. Now the CSEA
Statewide Retirees Committee is
taking an interest in the Pisani bill
and, after necessary updating,
plans to base its 1980 bill for a cost-
of-living increase thereon. The bill
in question can be traced to the
1977 proposal by Mr. Levitt, hence
the term ‘'The Levitt-Pisani
Concept.’’ As presently viewed, the
bill would provide a cost-of-living
increase for retirees who retired
through March 31, 1979. While
those who retired in most recent
years would get only a small
percentage, it would be a start and
they could count on something a lit-
tle higher each year.
Details are being worked out
now, and CSEKA retirees will be
more fully informed in their next
issue of ‘‘CSEA Retiree
Newsletter’ to be mailed in the
latter part of October. In the mean-
time, this proposed legislation is
A PAIR OF FIRST FOR LOCAL 860 — Westchester County CSEA
Local 860 President Pat Mascioli, center, congratulates two
members of his Local who were elected to Region III offices in the
recent union election, Raymond O’Connor, left, is the newly
elected First Vice President of Region III, and Eleanor McDonald,
right, was elected Region III Treasurer. They are the first people
from Westchester County to be elected to region-wide office.
O’Connor is also President of the Westchester County Unit of Local
860, while Ms. McDonald is President of the Town of Greenburgh
Unit and Treasurer of Local 860 also.
Page 2
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Wednesday, September 26, 1979
subject to the approval of CSEA’s
Statewide Legislative Committee
which is expected without a hitch.
In 1980 mistakes of the past are
to be avoided, such as introducing a
bill which carries a price tag too
large ever to get off the ground,
such as the ‘‘big bill’’ of 1979 which
costed-out at hundreds of millions
of dollars and never had a chance.
Another mistake not to be repeated
was introducing two CSEA cost-of-
living bills, thus dividing the sup-
port of the retiree members.
It is believed that it is possible to
get a bill through this year that will
extend a cost-of-living supplement
to retirees of the seventies without
costing too much.
The retirees’ legislative program
also carries two other goals,
neither of which is new. One will be
a repeat of the survivor’s benefit of
$2000 for pre-October 1966 retirees
which was vetoes on July 10th by
Governor Carey. It was vetoed on
the grounds that it was too expen-
sive, so our statisticians will be re-
examining the method by which the
fiscal note was computed.
By Thomas Gilmartin
CSEA Retiree Coordinator
In this connection, a select sub-
committee of CSEA retirees met
with the Governor's Office of
Employee Relations on August
14th, meeting personally with Mr.
Meyer Frucher, Mr. James
Northrop, and Mr. Harold Rubin
who have agreed to work with the
retirees to come up with legislation
the governor can go along with.
A third goal for 1980 would
provide that the surviving spouse
of a retiree could continue the
deceased retiree’s health in-
surance coverage by paying only
25% of the full cost, a benefit not
presently enjoyed. However, this
benefit was gained in the 1979 con-
tract negotiations but applicable
only to future retirees. The goal is
to have present retirees covered by
the same benefit.
Thus it is that struggling to cope
with the ever increasing inflation
affecting our shrinking pensions
must be accepted as a way of life
and, regardless of discouraging set-
backs, the effort must go on, and,
rest assured, it will.
Treasurer seminar
set for workshop
Inn, Newburgh.
Streets, Binghamton, 7:30 p.m.
September
27 — Board of Directors meeting, 9 a.m., Thruway House, Albany.
27 — Region Ill Legislative and Political Action Committee meeting, 6:30 p.m., Holiday
28-30 — Central Region V Fall Workshop, Syracuse
October
12-13 — Region 6 Conference, Holiday Inn, Batavia.
17:19 — Public Employee Conference meeting, Concord Hotel, Kiamisha Lake
18 — Local 002 general membership meeting, First Ward Legion, Clinton and Grace
21 — Board of Directors meeting, Concord Hotel, Kiamisha Lake.
21-26 — Annual Meeting, Concord Hotel, Kiamisha Lake.
SYRACUSE — The CSEA Region V
Conference at the Marriott Inn,
September 28-29-30 in East Syracuse
will include a special Treasurer’s
Seminar for new officers, to be con-
ducted by CSEA Statewide Treasurer
Jack Gallagher.
The Saturday morning session is
open to all CSEA state and county
Local and Unit treasurers, including
those newly elected.
Gallagher, who was recently re-
elected to his 6th term as Statewide
Treasurer, will discuss proper
procedures for new treasurers and
offer suggestions for improving ex-
isting systems.
In addition to the Treasurers
Seminar, the 3-day conference will
also include political action, stewards
training and other workshops.
New Rochelle library workers
NEW ROCHELLE — Employees of
the New Rochelle Public Library,
represented by the Civil Service
Employees Assn., are incensed over a
lack of adequate parking close to the
library building. Charging that
employees are placed in danger by be-
ing forced to walk two blocks to a
parking garage, some 30 CSEA
members demonstrated their dis-
pleasure on the rainy night of
September 14 by conducting a protest
march around the new public library.
CSEA Region III President James
Lennon, who marched with the
protesting employees, said the
employees are upset because the
library provides parking for patrons
but requires the employees to park
two blocks away at the Church Street
garage. Lennon said the garage area
protest new parking policy
has been the scene of several in-
stances of women being mugged, and
that it definitely is unsafe for the
library employees, most of whom are
women, to walk to the garage after
the library clases at 9 p.m.
Phyllis Kennedy, President of the
library section of the New Rochelle
CSEA Unit, said the approximately 40
employees of the new library are re-
questing 20 parking spaces be reserv-
ed for employee parking.
The September 14 demonstration
was timed to coordinate with the
evening that New Rochelle city of-
ficials were celebrating the opening
of the new library with a program of
food, beverages and music for guests.
The new facility opened to the general
public on September 17.
The adjacent photos depict the
demonstration in progress.
Communications snafu almost
costs employees leave time
LAKE PLACID — A basic lack of
communication between the main
office of the Department’ of En-
vironmental Conservation in
Albany and a branch office located
at Whiteface Ski Center just out-
side of Lake Placid nearly cost five
workers at the ski center one day in
leave time after they were sum-
moned from their regular duties to
help fight a nearby forest fire, the
Civil Service Employees
Association has revealed. And
while that problem has since been
ironed out, the union says the same
lack of communication between
management still exists and should
be worked out so as to prevent
similar instances of the right hand
not knowing what the left hand is
doing.
The matter, says Capital Region
CSEA Field Representative
Charles Scott, was straightened out
through a letter which he sent to
the main office of EnCon, but the
union remains concerned over the
lack of communications and the
effect it may have in the future.
According to Scott, in late
August the personnel office at the
ski center received and honored a
request from an EnCon forest
ranger for five workers to assist
fire fighters who were having trou-
ble controlling a blaze in nearby
woods. The five were sent to the
fire scene the next day, a normal
work day.
When the Albany office received
notice that these men were not at
their regular duties on that day, it
immediately sent notice to the ski
center personnel office directing
these men to charge the time off to
personal leave, apparently ignor-
ing the fact that they were called
out to work for the department in
another capacity.
Scott’ immediately sent a letter
to Thomas Rider, a personnel
manager at the Albany office,
demanding justification for En-
Con’s action. In response, Rider’s
office revoked its directive.
“This lack of communications
has been going on for too long,”
Scott said of the incident. ‘‘The
Whiteface office, it seems, has one
set of policies and the Albany office
has another. And our employees
are caught in the middle.”
Scott said that he has often re-
quested the two get together, with
the CSEA, and agree on one set of
Tules, but EnCon has failed to com-
ply so far.
Demand negotiations
NEW CITY — Rockland County CSEA
Local and Unit officials and CSEA staffers
met with the Havestraw-Stony Point
Central School District last week to
demand a start to negotiations and to
protest a threatening letter sent to CSEA
members in the North Rockland Schools.
John Mauro, CSEA Rockland County
Local 844 President ; Charles Jones,
CSEA North Rockland Schools Unit
President; and Tom Lupsello, CSEA
Regional Director, met with North
Rockland School District Superintendent
Konrad K. Koch to protest a letter he sent
to CSEA members warning them of
‘Taylor Law fines and penalties if they call-
ed in sick during an expected teacher's
strike called for September 5.
In a letter to the editor of the News-
Journal a local newspaper, Charles Jones
wrote, ‘it was obvious to us that the dis-
trict was trying to exploit the potential
teachers confrontation to further delay
negotiation with the CSEA and to incite
us
CSEA officials complained that they
have been working without a contract
since June 1979 and that no negotiating
session has yet been held with the school
district. After the meeting the CSEA filed
an Improper Practice charge with PERB,
charging that the school district has
violated their contract and the law
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Wednesday, September 26, 1979
Page 3
LETTERS
to the
Editor
Editor’s note: Holding down the cost
of government is an admirable goal
that can be practiced by virtually
everyone to varying degrees. In the
following letter, a court clerk with the
Suffolk County Supreme. Court details
how he came up with an idea that
saves thousands of dollars annually.
I am a Court Clerk I with the Suf-
folk County Supreme Court and I have
evolved a system which saves our
operation an estimated $5000.00 or
more each year.
It is my duty to process and file
decisions and other documents as
they are sent to me from the various
Judges’ Chambers, in the mail, etc.
Through the years, I was beseiged by
requests from attorneys for copies of
these decisions. I began asking them
to provide me with stamped, self- ]
addressed envelopes so that we could
automatically provide them with a
copy of decisions which are of interest
to them.
At this point, my desk is surrounded
by huge stacks of cubby-holes in the
form of an old Post Office Sorting
Bin, which I personally acquired and
have since been reimbursed, ‘‘all
stuffed’’ with stamped, self-
addressed envelopes in alphabetical
order.
I return more than 20,000 envelopes
each year to the various attorneys
who practice here or elsewhere. When
an attorneys’ supply of envelopes gets
low, I send him a mimeographed re-
quest for a refill. Should this request
be ignored, I keep ‘‘bugging’’ them
until they send them to me.
Not only do we save the cost of
fifteen cents postage for mailing each
decision, but we also save the cost of
the envelopes and the cost of the
clerical help needed to address them.
Our daily workload varies from fifty
decisions to several hundred so that
the saving in secretarial help alone is
considerable. As of the start of this
month we had approximately 9,000
stamped self-addressed envelopes
“stacked’’ in my office.
This system could certainly be
employed in every similar court
operation throughout the state. Why
should the taxpayers subsidize what
is, after all, a courtesy to the legal
profession — particularly in this day
of taxpayer protest?
These orders and decisions have
been getting larger and larger and one
day not too far off will double the out-
put of today, which will make this
system even more beneficial to the
taxpayers. James Allan Cameron,
Court Clerk I
7)
Public
SSECTOR
Official publication of
The Civil Service
Employees Association
33 Elk Street,
Albany, New York 12224
lie 4
To BILLY'S secre
IN Res
WORD, MAGIC LIGHTNING
A
BLASTS DOWN, CHANGING
um r0- PUBLIC EmPLOMEE |
AFL-CIO supporting transportation bond issue
tation Bond Issue — will be on the
statewide ballot on November 6.
If approved by the voters, the Bond
Issue will improve and expand rail
and commuter service and local
The New York State AFL-CIO
reminds that one of the most im-
portant issues to face New Yorkers
and the labor movement in recent
years — the $500 million Transpor-
KEEP CSEA INFORMED ON MAILING ADDRESS
In the event that you change your mailing address, please fill out the below form
and send it to:
CSEA, Inc., P.O. Box 125, Capitol Station, Albany, New York 12224.
This form is also available from local presidents for CSEA members, but is
reproduced here for convenience.
Change of Address for ‘The Public Sector’
Please allow 3-4 weeks for change to take effect.
My present label reads exactly as shown here (or affix mailing label)
MY NEW ADDRESS IS:
Street ane
City SS State. Tip.
Agency where employed
My social security no. — Agency No, —____
Published every Wednesday by Clarity Pt
Publication Office, 75 Champlain Street, Albany, N.
ishing, Inc.
12204 (518) 465-4591
Thomas A. Clemente—Publisher
Roger A. Cole—Executive Editor
Dr. Gerald Alperstein—Associate Editor
Oscar D, Barker—Associate Editor
Deborah Cassidy—Staff Writer
Dawn LePore—Staff Writer
John L, Murphy—Staff Writer
Liz Carver—Staff Writer
Arden D. Lawand—Graphic Design
Dennis C. Mullahy—Production Coordinator
Page 4
~ THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Wednesday, September 26, 1979
streets throughout New York State. In
addition, total spending from the
Bond Issue — nearly $1 billion — will
generate more than 33,000 new jobs,
permit greater industrial expansion
and reduce the state’s dependence on
foreign oil.
The New York State AFL-CIO and
several major unions throughout the
State have already endorsed the Bond
Tssue.
Grover elected
ELMIRA — Recently installed of-
ficers of Chemung County CSEA
Local 808 were: President Willis
Grover, First Vice President William
Euwsuk, Second Vice President Mary
Sears, Third 3rd Vice President
Arlene Evenden, Recording
Secretary Ann Page, Corresponding
Secretary James Menechalla,
Treasurer Sally Peck, and Board
Representative-County Mary Nelan.
Elect Kalbfleisch
SYRACUSE — The name of Marie
Kalbfleisch, elected delegate, was in-
advertently not submitted and thus did not
appear with the names of recently elected
officers of Onondaga County CSEA Local 834
in the Public Sector issue of September 12,
1979.
‘The Public Sector (445010) is published
every Wednesday weekly except for
Wednesdays after New Years, Memorial
Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day for $5
by the Civil Service Employees
Association, 33 Elk Street, Albany, New
York 12224
Second Class Postage paid at Post Of-
fice, Albany, New York.
Send address changes to The Public Sec-
tor, 33 Elk Street, Albany, New York
12224
Publication office, 75 Champlain Street,
Albany, New York 12204. Single copy
Price 25¢
ke wate ai
CHILDREN’S PLACE AT THE PLAZA Director Lynn Knauss works with a pre-school
student on a pasting project.
Children’s Place at Plaza
for infants, toddlers, pre-school |
ALBANY — Children’s Place at the Plaza, eight weeks to 18 months old, toddler classes
the new daycare facility for the children of for 18 month to four year olds; and pre-school
New York State employees has been operating for four and five year olds.
STUDENT TEACHER
idi since Sept. 10. The facility was created, in part, due to the
Be eros: The Children’s Place, located in the second efforts of CSEA.
In addition to core of the Swan Street Building at the Empire _Also, children whose parents do not work for
the toddler classes, State Plaza complex, is operating at approx- the state are eligible to attend.
Children’s Place has a pre-school imately half its capacity of 88 children. For additional information, call (518) 473-
class and infant care. The facility provides infant care for babies 8714.
se ome
INFANT CARE is provided by Ruth Morris, an aide at the Children’s
Place.
TWO INFANTS get up from their naps and are
ready for some fun. A crib is assigned to each in-
fant.
TWO TODDLERS perform a
concert on the drum and the
tamborine under the direction of
teacher Marilynn Johansen.
r
fea
sie i A sastaaticse”
THREE PRE-SCHOOLERS look like their having a
grand time at the water box, one of the many ac-
tivities they participate in at the Children’s Place.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Wednesday, September 26, 1979 Page 5
safety job of CSEA member
Invaluable, but unfor-
tunately, also invisible.
That’s the case for a great
many public employment
jobs. And that could be one v
reason why many taxpayers ‘ \ ae ) e
develop negative attitudes 2 5 /
toward public workers ...a
lot of the work, a lot of the
services they get for their tax
dollar are invisible. And that
contributes towards the mis-
taken sense that they are not
getting what they feel they are paying for. There are
hundreds, perhaps thousands of jobs in the invaluable but in- @
visible category. Robert Shaller’s job is one of them.
wor BINGHAMTON — Millions of
2 people every year use public
swimming pool facilities, especial-
ly in the summer months.
Most of those people probably
never give a second thought as to
whether those facilities are safe in
spite of the great potential for un-
safe and unhealthy conditions at r
those facilities. |
One reason most pool facilities
are safe is because of the work of
public health sanitarians, such as
Robert Shaller of the Broome
County Health Department.
PUBLIC HEALTH SANITARIAN Robert Shaller takes a sample of water
from Northside Veterans Memorial Pool in Binghamton for testing to
check whether the pool is safe. Shaller is a member of the Broome County
Unit of CSEA Local 804.
Shaller is a member of the Broome |
County Unit of CSEA Local 804. |
The inspection of a swimming
pool facility includes 33 separate
items, Shaller said. See accom- e
panying chart.
Pool facilities in parks, motels,
country clubs, apartments, civic |
organizations, schools and spas are |
inspected by sanitarians, Shaller
said.
He explained some of the other
types of inspections conducted by
Sanitarians in Broome County, in-
cluding:
Restaurants and food services, x- e
SECURITY OF THE SWIMMING ray machines, sewage disposal
POOL AREA is part of the systems, camps, hotels, mobile
inspection given by Sanitarian home parks, water supplies, and
Robert Shaller in Broome County. animal and insect control.
POOL MANAGER Joe Peranski,
left, shows Sanitarian Robert
Shaller the air pack kept at
Northside Veterans Memorial Pool
in Binghamton. The air pack is
New York State Department of Health ,
Swimming pool and bathing beach inspection
used in case of a chlorine leak.
x General
Valid permit to operate
Operation records and testing
Structural defects absent
25 sq. ft. per bather
Electrical hazards absent
Rental suits and towels properly laundered
Refuse storage and disposal
‘Drinking water
Food Service
Bath house
Clean and adequate for each sex
Shower and toilet facilities adequate for each sex
Soap, warm water and hand drying facilities provided
Floors, non-slip, clean, well drained and smooth
Lighting and ventilation
Sewage disposal
PUBLIC SECTOR, Wednesday,
September 26, 1979
Safety
Qualified lifeguard(s) on duty
Float line and depth markings provided
Ring buoys, lifeline, pole and first aid kit provided
Pool fenced
Chemicals properly used and stored
Pool ©
Proper disposal of filter backwash wastewater
Absence of cross or interconnection
Adequate supply of bathing water
Proper operation of recirculation system
Air gap provided on pool inlet and outlet
Guages and flowmeter operation
Pool inlets providing adequate mixing
Bottom, sides, gutter and deck clean, non-slip type
Pool clarity
Treatment chlorine/bromine_ mg/l__pH
Disinfection treatment is
Gas chlorinator properly housed, ventilated, mask
available
Chemical treatment equipment
WHITNEY POINT — While most
medical costs rise sharply every
year, the prices at the Broome
County well baby clinics remain
the same — free!!!
Broome County operates 15 such
clinics once each week with
approximately 45 nurses_ 3
represented by CSEA, according to
Caroline Ciak, RN. Ms. Ciak works
in the Whitney Point well baby
elle. ‘The. nurses ai nape of the
county unit of Local
Other well baby clinics are in
Binghampton (7), Vestal; Johnson
City, Chenango Forks, Conklin,
Windsor, Endwell, an
ville. x
The clinic is for children ages 2
months until entering school who
are not sick.
Children receive physical ex-
aminations from a nurse prac-
titioner or pediatrician and im-
munizations; and parents receive
Above, CSEA MEMBER Caroline
Ciak, RN, weighs 4-month-old
Jeremy Maus of Chenango Bridge
at the Broome County Well baby
clinic at Whitney Point. Jeremy’s
brother, Steve, keeps an eye on
things.
Left, ORAL POLIO VACCINE is
administered to Jamie Lynae
Gorney, 6 months, of Whitney
Point by Marguerite Sullivan, R.N.
Right, SANDRA MINEHAN, RN,
right, interviews Dorothy Walker
and 9-month-old Sarah of
Smithville Flats at the well baby
clinic at Whitney Point.
Harpurs- sai
cs
“health information, A child’s first
school ‘physical is given at the
ms are discovered, the
oe r nakes referrals, Ms. Ciak
, immunizations and the
ne of each child's growth.
Subjects discussed range from
proper nutrition to bed wetting,
Ms, Ciak said. .
Visits to the clinics are made by
appointment, she said.
Printed information on childhood
Above, NURSE PRACTITIONER Beatrice Tampkins examines
old Katrina Cox of Lisle who is sitting on her mother, Patricia.
ell baby clinics
illnesses are distributed at the
clinic.
In addition to working at the
clinics, the nurses make follow-up
visits to the homes to children with
medical problems as well as visit
older patients requiring dressing
changes, injections and other
physician-ordered treatments, Ms.
Ciak said.
She also said the nurses instruct
home health aides in the care of
bed-ridden patients in the home
and provide health guidance to ex-
pectant parents.
-year-
Longer probation periods start November
Civil Service rule changes which
generally lengthen probationary
terms for State employees take effect
next month, The changes are contain-
ed in amendments to Section 4.5 of the
Rules for the Classified Service.
Under the new rule, the general
probationary term for open-
competitive appointments and
original permanent appointments in
the non-competitive, exempt and
labor classes will be a minimum of 26
weeks and a maximum of 52 weeks.
At present, the period is generally
eight to 26 weeks.
For promotions and transfers; the
term will be a minimum of eight
weeks and a maximum of 26 weeks
for positions in Grade 13 and below,
and 12 to 52 weeks for positions at
Grade 14 and above. At present, these
terms are generally a flat 12 weeks.
The new rule will apply to ap-
pointments, promotions and transfers
made on or after Oct. 2. Transactions
made through Oct. 1 will be covered
by the old rule
For ‘certain specified positions,
the minimum and maximum
probationary periods are unchanged.
For example, the term remains 12 to
78 weeks
mortgage officer
positions, and six months to three
for various educator,
and scientist
years for teacher and vocational in-
structor positions.
The new rule also provides that
probationary terms will automatical-
ly continue to the maximum limit, un-
less the appointing authority gives
earlier written notice to the employee
that probation has ‘been successfully
completed. Such notice can be given
only after the minimum period
Under the present rule, an employee
is deemed to have completed the
probationary term successfully at the
end of the sini period, unless
written notice is given that the
probationary period will be continued
The changes are expected to enable
agencies to evaluate the work of
employees more thoroughly and give
employees an increased opportunity
to demonstrate satisfactory perfor-
mance in their jobs
The changes were recommended by
the Department of Civil Service on
the basis of suggestions submitted to
the Merit System Review. Before
acting on the rule changes, the State
Civil Service Commission conducted
a public hearing to receive views and
comments, Revisions were later
made, reducing the proposed
minimum periods for promotions and
transfers. At the time of the hearing,
the proposed minimum was 12 weeks
for Grade 13 and below, and 26 weeks
for Grade 14 and higher.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Wednesday, September 26, 1979
Page 7
UNIT TREASURE) Penrod tells the school
board the drivers would not work for 1976 wages and
the drivers wanted paid health insurance as negotiated
with the private contractor.
LESTER COLE, president of the other CSEA-
represented non-teaching unit of the Saratoga Springs
City School District, reads a prepared statement to the
school board, Cole also has filed an Improper Practice
against the board for attempting to unilaterally reopen
his unit’s contract with the board to include the bus
drivers.
CSEA FIELD REPRESENTATIVE Don McCarthy, left, and bys drivers
president Henry Ebert chat together before the start of the board meeting.
the Sept. 11 meeting.
‘We don’t feel
the children should have
to suffer any longer for
our differences with
the district.
The residents have been
awfully good to us and
we’re not going to let their
children go without an
education. ...’
Henry Ebert,
CSEA Unit President,
THE HIGH PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS and the
educational backgrounds of the drivers were explained
by bus driver Sue Leavitt at the board meeting.
A SOMBER John Corcoran, Region IV
director a chief negotiator for the
school bus drivers, addressed the
Saratoga Springs City School District
Board of Education on Sept. 11. He told
the board members he and the drivers
were ready to meet with members of
the board, something the board
members had refused to do. The other
pictures on the page also were taken at
BUS DRIVER Diane Maluszewski expresses the
feelings of many of the bus drivers. ‘‘I will not get into
a bus without dignity,” she told the board. Dignity to
her and the other drivers means keeping benefits
negotiated with the private contractor, including
health insurance. Sitting in front of Ms. Maluszewski is
CSEA Communications Specialist Daniel X. Campbell,
official spokesman for the drivers.
Saratoga busses roll, but .. .
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The school busses
finally rolled on Sept. 17 in the Saratoga Springs
City School district after a 13-day strike.
However, the contract dispute between the
school board and the CSEA-represented bus
drivers and mechanics continues.
The drivers have filed an Improper Practice
with the Public Employment Relations Board,
charging the school board had not bargained in
good faith.
The school board had reneged on a health in-
surance offer made by its negotiator. CSEA
negotiator John Corcoran said: ‘‘It is unfor-
tunate the school board members are not taking
part in the negotiations.’’ He said no school
board members have participated in
negotiations as of Sept. 20.
, Wednesday, September 26, 1979
The board members have refrained from tak-
ing part in negotiations in spite of public
pressure, expressed at the Sept. 10 board
meeting, to do so.
Bus driver President Henry Ebert said the
busses are running because: ‘‘We don’t feel the
children should have to suffer any longer for our
differences with the district, The residents have
been awfully good to us, and we’re not going to
let their children go without an education. . .””
The school board, subsequently changed its
mind on the reneging of the health insurance
offer. However, CSEA already had formulated a
new bargaining position based on the school
board’s rejection of what had been an acceptable
offer.
Corcoran said he expects negotiations to
resume.
Once each year State employees and local
government employees whose employers are
participating in the State Health Insurance
Program, are permitted to change their in-
surance coverage option. The Annual Transfer
Period for 1979 will be the month of October.
During the month of October, enrollees in the
State Health Insurance Plan may choose to
transfer to one of the three available options.
The three basic options available are: 1) The
Statewide Option 2) The GHI Option or 3) An
HMO Option. Transfers will be permitted from
the Statewide Option to the GHI Option and from
GHI to Statewide. Enrollees who wish to change
to or from a Health Maintenance Organization
may also do so during October.
Applications for option transfer may be made
at any time prior to October 31, 1979. the effec-
tive date of the change will be January 1, 1980. If
you desire to change your insurance option,
notify your Personnel or Payroll Office im-
mediately and complete the appropriate transfer
request form.
In an effort to fully inform its membership of
the benefits available through the basic health
insurance options, the following summary was
prepared. You should review the summary
carefully and decide which plan is best suited to
meet the needs of you and your family. If you
elect to transfer from your existing coverage,
your new coverage will be effective January 1,
1980.
BENEFITS
HOSPITALIZATION:
s
on
. Confinements for surgical or medical care (including
room, board, general nursing care and use of special
facilities) Semi-Private room only.
Confinements for psychiatric care or pulmonary tuber-
culosis (including room, board, general nursing care and
use of special facilities — Semi-Private room only.
Out-Patient surgery, diagnostic seryices and emergency
accident care received within 72 hours of the accident.
Pre-admission testing preliminary to admission as a bed-
patient for surgery.
Out-Patient radiation therapy
Out-Patient physical therapy
Extended care facilities charges
PHYSICIAN SERVICES
8. Doctors charges for surgery or hospital care.
9. Doctors charges for home and office medical care for il-
Iness or injury.
10. Doctors charges for preventive care including annual
physical exam, well baby care and immunizations
MATERNITY
11. Hospital charges (normal or medically complicated
delivery).
12. Physician charges.
13. Care of newborn—Pediatrician visit.
MISCELLANEOUS
14. Prescription Drugs**
15, Private duty nursing,
16. Ambulance services in connection with hospitalization.
17, Ambulance service to hospital for out-patient services.
18, Rental or purchase of wheelchairs, crutches and other
equipment,
SPECIAL FEATURES
19.
Alcoholism treatment.
20. Out-Patient mental and nervous.
21. Out-of-Pocket maximum.
22. Second Surgical Opinion.
STATEWIDE
. Blue Cross covers the first 365 days. Additional coverage
provided through the Metropolitan Medical/Surgical
coverage
Blue Cross covers the first 120 days. Additional coverage
provided through the Metropolitan Medical/Surgical
coverage.
3. Paid in full by Blue Cross.
»
4, Paid in full by Blue Cross.
5, Paid in full by Blue Cross.
. Paid in full by Blue Cross.
7. Paid in full by Blue Cross for first 20 days. For next 80
days, paid in full by Blue Cross, except for daily deduc-
tible
2
2
Covered by Metropolitan Medical/Surgical coverage
which reimburses 80% of doctors charges after a $75
deductible per person per year. Maximum family deducti-
ble of $225 per year. Maximum benefits payable per year
of $25,000; maximum benefits payable lifetime of
$250,000.
Covered by Metropolitan Medical/Surgical coverage.
10. Annual routine physical for active employees 50 years of
age or older paid up to $50 by Metropolitan Medical/Sur-
gical (not subject to deductible).
11. Paid in full by Blue Cross up to 965 days.
12. Covered by Metropolitan Medical/Surgical coverage.
13. Covered by Metropolitan Medical/Surgical coverage up
to $50 per newborn.
14, Paid by Blue Cross prescription drug card plan. This plan
pays cost of prescription drugs except for $1 co-payment
per prescription.
15. Covered by Metropolitan Medical/Surgical coverage
after first 48 hours of nursing service.
16. Blue Cross covers up to $50 per trip to and/or from a
hospital when medically necessary. Additional charges
covered by Metropolitan Medical/Surgical.
17. Covered by Metropolitan Medical/Surgical coverage.
18. Covered by Metropolitan Medical/Surgical coverage.
s
Blue Cross pays for detoxification in a public or general
hospital. Additional coverage by Metropolitan Medi-
cal/Surgical coverage. Pays for up to six weeks of in-
patient treatment annually and up to 20 out-patient
treatments annually in an approved hospital or
rehabilitation facility,
20, Covered by Metropolitan Medical/Surgical coverage with
a $40 per visit maximum and $1,500 annual maximum.
21.
Under the Metropolitan Medical/Surgical coverage, when
a covered employee and/or covered dependents of the
employee has incurred $2,000 of covered medical-surgical
expenses after the appropriate deductible in any calendar
year future covered expenses in the same calendar year
will be reimbursed on a 100 percent basis.
If arranged in advance through the Program, the second
opinion will cost you nothing.
2
GHI
1
Blue Cross covers 365 days
Blue Cross covers 120 days.
3. Paid in full by Blue Cross.
4, Paid in full by Blue Cross.
5, Paid in full by Blue Cross.
6, Paid in full by Blue Cross.
7. Paid in full by Blue Cross for first 20 days. For next 80
days, paid in full by Blue Cross, except for daily deduc-
tible
8. Paid by GHI according to a Schedule of Allowances, GHI
participating doctors accept allowances as payment in
full. No payment beyond GHI Schedule of Allowances.
9. Paid by GHI according to Schedule of Allowances.
Current allowance is 15. No payment beyond GHI
Schedule of Allowances
10. Paid by GHI according to Schedule of Allowances. No
payment beyond GHI Schedule of Allowances.
11. Paid in full by Blue Cross up to 385 days.
12, Paid by GHI $200 allowance. No payment beyond
allowance.
13, Paid by GHI.
14. GHI extended benefits coverage, GHI will pay 80% of cost
after a $50 family deductible is met.
15, Paid by GHI extended benefits coverage.
16. Blue Cross covers up to $50 per trip to and/or from a
hospital when medically necessary. Additional charges
covered by GHI
17. Paid by GHI extended benefits coverage.
18. Paid by GHI extended benefits coverage
19. Blue Cross pays for detoxification in a public or general
hospital.
20, Paid by GHI extended benefits coverage.
21. No provision.
22, If arranged in advance through the Program, the second
opinion will cost you nothing.
** REGARDING BENEFIT No. 14 — Prescription Drugs: For State employees in the Administrative,
Operational or Institutional bargaining units, prescription drugs are provided through the CEA Employee
Benefit Fund, regardless of which health insurance option you choose.
The summary chart compares only two of the health insurance options available to State and Local
government employees enrolled in the State Health Plan. If you are in an area serviced by a Health .
Maintenance Organization, you may choose to enroll in that organization.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Wednesday, September 26, 1979
Page 9
OPEN CONTINUOUS
STATE JOB CALENDAR
Title
Senior Medical Records Technician :
Pharmacist (salary varies with location)
Assistant Sanitary Engineer ..
Senior Sanitary Engineer ....
Clinical Physician I ..
Clinical Physician II
Assistant Clinical Physician .
Attorney . *
Assistant Attorney
Attorney Trainee .
Junior Engineer...
(Bachelor's Degree)
Junior Engineer
(Master’s Degree)
Dental Hygienist .
Licensed Practical Nurse...
Nutrition Services Consultant
Stationary Engineer
Senior Stationary Engineer
Occupational Therapy Assistant ie
Occupational Therapy Assistant I .
(Spanish Speaking)
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor .
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Trainee ....
Medical Record Technician .
Histology Technician ....
Professional Positions in Auditing and “Accounting. .
Computer Programmer .
Computer Programmer (Scientitic).
Senior Programmer
Senior Computer Programmer (Scientific) a
Mobility Instructor ceRon i
Instructor of the Blind .
Health Services Nurse
(salary vai with location)
Senior Heating and Ventilating Engineer .....
Senior Sanitary Engineer (Design)
Senior Building Electrical Engineer .
Senior Building Structural Engineer ..
Senior Mechanical Construction Engineer .....
Senior Plumbing Engineer...
Assistant Stationary Engineer .... :
Electroencephalograph Technician ....
‘Radiologic Technologist ...
(salary varies with location)
Medical Record pamninien apr
Food Service Worker I AG
Mental Hygiene Therapy Aide Trainee .
Mental Hygiene Therapy Aide Trainee ....
(Spanish Speaking)
Associate Actuary (Casualty) .
Principal Actuary (Casualty) .......
Supervising Actuary (Casualty)
Assistant car
Nurse I. ;
Nurse IL a
Nurse II (Psychiatric) .
Nurse II (Rehabilitation) ...
Medical Specialist II
Medical Specialist asrey
Psychiatrist I. .
Psychiatrist II. :
Social Services Management Trainee
Social Services Management Specialist
Social Services Management Trainee ....
(Spanish Speaking)
Social Services Management Specialist ...........
(Spanish Speaking)
Industrial Training Supervisor ....
(salary varies depending on specialty)
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapist (Sp: nish. Speaking).
Senior Physical Therapist .
Senior Physical Therapist (Spanish Speaking. ;
Speech Pathologist
Audiologist
Assistant Speech Pathologist .
Assistant Audiologist ......
Dietician Trainee. .
Dietician .
Supervising Dietician . ae
Stenographer (NYC only)
Typist (NYC only)
Senior Occupational Therapist . .
Senior Occupational Therapist .....
(Spanish Speaking) -
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist (Spanish Speaking) ..
You may éontact the following offices of the New York State Departs
. $14,388-$15,562
ss. $16,040» 20-122
Salary Exam No.
$10,624
. $18,301
«$27,942
+++ $31,055
- + $25,161
- $14,850
$12,397
$11,723
. $12,890
$13,876
- $8,950
» $8,051
$13,404
$10,042
.. $11,250
« $9,029
- $9,029
» $14,142
$11,983
- $9,481
$8,051
$11,250
» $11,250
$11,250
$14,075
.+ $14,075
+. $11,904
$11,250
“$11, 250-$12,025
- $18,301
“88, 454 $10,369
«- $11,904
$6,456
.» $7,204
- $7,204
++» $18,369
. $22,364
++ $26,516
+++, $10,714
«$10,624
$11,904
++ $11,904
++ $11,904
. $33,705
. $27,942
. $27,942
- $33,705
- +. $10,824
- $11,450
$10,824
.. $11,450
- $10,624-$12,583
. $11,387
$11,337
. $12,670
. $12,670
$12,670
+ $12,670
$11,387
$11,337
$10,624
. $11,250
$13,304
$6,650
$6,071
$12,670
$12,670
$11,337
-. $11,337
20-102
20-129
20-123
20-118
20-119
20-117
20-113
20-113
20-113
20-109
20-109
20-107
20-106
20-139
20-100
20-101
20-174
20-174
20-140!
20-140
20-143
20-170
20-200
20-220
20-222
20-221
20-223
20-224
20-225
20-226
20-227
20-228
20-229
20-230
20-231
20-232
20-303
20-308
20-334
20-348
20-352
20-394
20-394
20-416
20-417
20-418
20-556
20-584
20-585
20-586
20-587
20-840
20-841
20-842
20-843
20-875
20-875
20-876
20-876
20-877
20-880
20-880
20-881
20-881
20-883
20-882
20-884
20-885,
20-888
20-887
20-886
20-890
20-891
20-894
20-894
20-895
20-895
af Civil Service for an
nouncements, applications, and other details concerning examinations for the positions listed above.
State Office Bi
2 World Trade Center, 55th Floor, New York City 10047 (212) 488-4248.
Suite 750, Genesee Building, West Genesee Street, Buffalo, New York 14202 (716) 842-4260.
Page 10
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Wednesday, September 26, 1979
Campus, First Floor, Building |, Albony, New York 12239 (518) 457-6216.
COMPETITIVE
PROMOTIONAL EXAMS
_ (State Employees Only)
FILING ENDS OCTOBER 9, 1979
Salary Exam No.
Computer Programmer/Analyst Trainee . 6 «es $ 9,481 9
Computer Programmer Trainee .... ‘ REA vec ee $10,624
DIGULIB CSE ienacvwancvaysesvasrnverss ey + $34,220
DENSE TV) os casas so weleve dt vctey teentes $38,035,
Drafting Technician ... : : : $ 9,330
Senior Medical Records Clerk whee a teens $ 9,330
Assistant Director of State Payroll Audit on seen ee $26,390
Employees’ Retirement Benefits Exmr. I. eevee $11,695
Employees’ Retirement Benefits Exmr. III................. $13,885
Senior Bank Examiners.... -$21,345—$23,755
Principal Bank Examiners .$26,390—$29,270
Supervising Bank Examiners. .$32,475—$34,095
Drafting Aide.. :
Drafting Aide. ey
Assoc. Mechanical Construction Engineer . 5
Golf Course Maintenance Supervisor B ..
Golf Course Maintenance Supervisor C
Gold Course Maintenance Supervisor A
Senior Cytotechnologist . pheke 2 on aes
Employment Security Claims Trainee . RinGsdanneveecddanneseayeces GLU Oee:
Employment Security Claims Trainee
(Spanish Speaking) ...... Fserengacsnocccceccoma 10K}!
Employment Security Placement Trainee nekeasdavaleawne kevanench sea ee,
Employment Security Placement ‘Trainee
(Spanish Speaking) .. wea. Desai et ac ssceee yee. RU Oek
Senior Rural Employment Representative me Biehe $16,420
Rural Employment Supervisor .......... esa ov e+ 821,345
Senior Compensation Claims Examuiner......... ne $16,420
Associate Compensation Claims Examiner .......... Set -$19,210
Principal Compensation Claims Examiner . ‘ -$22,500
Insurance Fund Distribution Claims Manager . ; ‘ $21,345
Te aiereoesnet ea Cs
Workers’ Compensation Examiner aes: Peat: -$13,125
Senior Workers’ Compensation Review Analyst... Z -$16,420
Senior Workers’ Compensation Examiner -$16,420
Assoc. Workers’ Compensation Review Analyst . -$19,210
Assoc. Workers’ Compensation Examiner 19,210
Principal Workers’ Compensation Review Analyst . J 22,500
Principal Workers’ Compensation Examiner ... $22,500
Social Services Medical Assistance Specialist. 16,420
Sr. Social Services Medical Assist. Specialist . coerce G21,345,
Teachers’ Retirement Benefits Examiner II .. 11,695
Teachers’ Retirement Benefits Examiner III ....... ; - $13,885,
You can alse contac! your local Manpower Services Office for examination information.
]
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Ready To Retire?
Protect your future with Retiree membership in CSEA.
¢ Take an active role in CSEA Retirees’ legislative campaigns for
pension cost-of-living increases
Share in activities of the CSEA retiree chapter nearest you
* Continue present CSEA’s life insurance policies at the low group
rate
¢ Become eligible for CSEA’s ‘Senior Security 55° life insurance
policy for members only
¢ Acquire low hospital cash- to-you protection for CSEA retirees and
spouses
¢ Send coupon below for additional information on benefits of retiree
membership in CSEA
Send the coupon for membership information.
Civil Service Employees Assn.
33 Elk St., Albany, N.Y. 12207
Please send me a membership form for membership in Retired Civil Service
Employees of CSEA
Street —__
City, State SSS es a a aks Zip —
Date of Retirement wuss
ALBANY — Thousands of court
employees throughout the state
have received retroactive checks
totaling more than $5 million, as a
result of CSEA negotiations with
the Office of Court Administration.
The checks, which were paid
recently, were about 22% higher
for CSEA-represented employees
than for non-CSEA-represented
employees because the CSEA
group was paid based on the, 1978
salary schedule while the others
were paid based on the 1974
schedule, according to CSEA
Collective Bargaining Specialist
Pat Monachino.
“A good example is Orange
County court employees, who are
represented by CSEA. Those peo-
ple are making about 22% more
than their counterparts with the
same job titles in Rockland County,
who are represented by another
union. The difference is that CSEA
negotiated a contract based on the
1978 salary schedule, which is 15%
higher than the 1974 schedule that
the Rockland employees got stuck
with. Plus, the two increments our
people are entitled to are worth
another 7%, at least,’’ Mr.
Monachino explained.
Statewide, about 3,400 court
employees shared in some $8.5
million of retro pay as a result of
negotiations and a long-awaited
reclassification plan mandated
when local judiciary workers
became state employees on April 1,
1977. About 2,500 of those who got
the retro checks were CSHA-
represented employees in Judicial
districts 3 through 9.
With regard to the long-overdue
retro checks, some of which topped
the $30,000 mark, Mr. Monachino
said, ‘‘Some of these people had
approximately half of the money
taken out for taxes. In these cases,
we recommend that the employees
look into the possibility of using the
‘income-averaging’ procedure
(available through the Internal
Revenue Service) in figuring their
income taxes next April. This may
reduce the tax bite considerably.
Anybody who wants to look into
this should call the IRS and ask for
the appropriate forms and instruc-
tions.”
In a related development, CSEA
has asked the OCA to extend for 60
days its Oct. 1 deadline for
employees to notify OCA of their
intent to appeal their Civil Service
classification, salary, or pay
grade, under the newly im-
plemented OCA reclassification
plan.
CSEA-represented court employees receive
more $ than other court workers
Mr. Monachino and fellow CSEA
Collective Bargaining Specialist
Manny Vitale are attending CSEA
membership meetings around the
state, explaining the appeals
procedure and urging court
employees to file their notices of
intent-to-appeal immediately. Such
meetings have already been held in
CSEA’s Southern and Central
Regions.
“OCA agreed to have its
reclassification plans and job
specifications sent to all local court
locations for review by interested
employees, but so far they have
failed to do so,’’ Mr. Monachino
said. ‘‘How can the employees
know whether they want to appeal
or not, when they still haven’t seen
the plan or their job specs?’’ But
the Oct. 1 deadline was still in
effect at press time, and the union
was urging court employees to
send OCA a notice by that date if
they believe they may be in the
wrong title, classification, or
salary.
The union will need a copy of all
such notices, Mr. Monachino
added.
CSEA represents about 4,000 of
some 8,400 court employees
statewide who were reclassified
Mayville schools back off contracting out
MAYVILLE — Threatened with the
loss of their jobs by way of con-
tracting out to a private sector firm,
Mayville Schools workers,
represented by Chautaugua County
Local 807, united and went to the
public.
Last week their efforts paid off.
According to CSEA Field Represen-
tative Michael G. Painter the workers
were notified dated July 5 that
several titles in the cafeteria and
maintenance departments would be
eliminated on Sept. 5 because the
work was going to be contracted out.
While the letter complied with the
contract provisions requiring sixty
days notice on lay-off, the district
made no effort to negotiate the im-
pact of the lay-off.
Painter, therefore, immediately re-
quested such negotiations.
Simultaneously, Unit President
Robert Smith called a meeting of the
unit to assess the situation and take
action.
It was decided to follow a course of
action which was successful in
several other school districts in
Western Region 6.
One, petitions were drafted
enlisting the support of friends and
taxpayers of the district.
Two, ads prepared by CSEA public
relations and communication people
and successful elsewhere were
localized for Mayville and placed in
local media.
Then, the workers went into the
streets to gather signatures from
their friends and neighbors.
By the end of the first day, the
petitions contained more than a
hundred signatures.
By the time there were three
hundred signatures, school board
members had ‘‘gotten the message.”
On Aug. 29, Painter received a
letter from the board attorney in-
forming him that the affected
workers were to begin their work
year for the 1979-1980 school year on
Sept. 5.
On Sept. 4, the board passed a
resolution confirming the letter.
The workers are back to work. And,
according to Painter, the credit goes
to the workers and to the expertise
provided by CSEA.
Pat Monachino
under the OCA plan. The union sent
out detailed informational bulletins
to all its court-employee members
recently, explaining how to go
about filing their appeals and
assuring them that CSEA is
prepared to handle the appeals
process.
“‘Intent-to-appeal forms are
available at all court locations,’
Mr. Monachino said. ‘‘Even though
we have asked for an extension on
the deadline, we are urging
everyone to file immediately. If
you fail to file the intent notice on
time, you lose the right to appeal.”
Court employees can get further
information from their local CSEA
presidents.
Allen elected
ELMIRA — Elected. and in-
stalled recently were the follow-
ing officers of the Chemung
County Unit of Local 808:
President Robert Allen, First
Vice President Bill Wilkins,
Second Vice President Mary
Benjamin, Recording Secretary
Pat Nolan, Corresponding
Secretary Marci Symonds, and
Treasurer Barbara Mashanic.
A NEWLY ELECTED OFFICERS of CSEA Health Research Local 315 are shown during the Local’s in-
stallation banquet recently, during which the officers were sworn in by CSEA President William L.
McGowan. From left are Executive Committee Board members Don Stayoch, Barbara Fauser,
Jeanette Shaver, Treasurer Terry Reinhardt, Secretary Jean Benz, Vice President Judith Goranson,
President James Jayes, and Committee Board members Alforna Evans and Brian Dwyer.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Wednesday, September 26, 1979
Page 11
‘CSEA does not believe that the
citizens ... deserve or desire
to be governed by well financed
special interest groups ...
The following testimony was presented to the Senate
Standing Committee on Investigation, Taxation and .
Government Operations, Subcommittee on Initiative
and Referendum, September 17, 1979, New York State
Office Building, 270 Broadway, New York, New York.
Senator Goodhue, members of the subcommittee,
and guests, my name is Stephen Wiley and I am a
member of the firm of Roemer and Featherstonhaugh,
which is general counsel to the Civil Service
Employees Association, Inc., Local 1000, AFSCME,
AFL-CIO. I speak to you on behalf of the more than
200,000 public employees whom CSEA represents. I
speak in opposition to the suggestion, apparently a
popular one, that the New York state constitution -
should be amended to provide for initiative and
referendum.
I say that the notion is a popular one because I pick-
ed up the legislative index a couple of weeks ago and
took a look to see exactly how popular the concept of
initiative, referendum, or recall is. By my count,
which I arrived at simply by a guess based upon the
three word description in the index to the index,
reveals that there are approximately 18 discrete
proposals presently pending which would amend the
New York state constitution to provide for initiative,
indirect initiative, referendum, or recall, or some
combination. Some bills have more than one sponsor.
From that, we can only conclude that A) initiative,
referendum and recall bills are popular and B) there is
no concensus as to how initiative should work in New
York state.
Treating the issue of popularity first, initiative and
referendum bills are apparently popular among the
elected because of their perception that the electors
think that (A) taxes are too high and (B) politicians
are lazy, dishonest, or incompetent, and that
therefore, the solution is for the electors to take things
into their own hands. From a purely theoretical point
of view, the kind of direct democracy invited by in-
itiative, referendum, and recall has been disapproved
of for centuries. Plato and Aristotle, who had some ac-
tual experience with it, disapproved of it. The framers
of the United States constitution determined not to
provide for initiative, referendum or recall. So, also
for the various New York state constitutional conven-
tions. In fact, fewer than half the states have a form of
initiative, referendum or recall, and those states put
that method in place, by and large, around the turn of
this century. Presumably the reason that more
governments have not adopted an initiative/referen-
dum type approach is because it hasn’t worked very
well. The reason it hasn’t worked very well is because
it fails to recognize that initiative and referendum do
not allow the electors to ‘‘take things into their own
hands’. In fact, as Proposition 13 dramatically
demonstrates, it allows interest groups to take power
from the elected into their own hands.
Ihave taken the liberty of attaching to each copy of
this testimony, a copy of the September 1979 issue of
Consumer Reports, which, at pages 546 through 548
contains an analysis of the aftermath of Proposition
13. Proposition 13 receives bad marks from consumer
reports based upon several variables. (1) Who
publicized Proposition 13 and characterized it as
“grass roots’’? The name is familiar — Howard Jar-
vis. Not so familiar is that the father of Proposition 13
headed an association of Los Angeles apartment-
building owners. Not so well known is the fact that
some landlords promised to pass through savings to
tenants during the campaign; is it surprising that few
did so? (2) Who benefited from the 7 billion dollar tax
cut? The government and industry. More specifically,
in terms of percentages, the breakdown is as follows:
1) 28% to owners of commercial, industrial, or
agricultural property;
2) 12% to the owners of renter occupied residential
property;
Page 12
3) 14% to the state of California in additional income
taxes;
4) 22% to the federal government in additional in-
come taxes;
5) 24% to owners of residential property.
In more concrete terms, standard oil of California
saved 47 million dollars in property taxes based upon
Proposition 13. Wells Fargo & Co., saved 1.2 million
dollars, which it returned to the community this year.
Savings, according to their spokesman, will now be
“included in our banking operations” for future years.
Wi the California analog to the PSC required
utilities to refund tax savings to consumers, it appears
that the promises of savings have generally not been
kept. (3) Did Proposition 13 have the intended effect on
governmental services? Not according to the Con-
sumer Reports comparison of a CBS News poll with
revenue estimates established by the California State
Department of Finance. 59% of those polled on the day
Proposition 13 passed wanted to have welfare reduced,
whereas, only 13% of the total welfare bill is paid by~
property taxes. On the other hand, while 50% of the
cost of running schools is paid, in California, by
property taxes, only 13% of the voters wanted cut-
backs in that area. (4) Have there been any immediate
unintended results? Other than the beneficiaries,
which were probably unintended by the electors, it
seems reasonable to assume that Californians did not
intend that approximately 36% of their savings in
property taxes would be eaten up in extra income
taxes to the state of California and the federal
government. The 1.5 billion additional dollars paid by
Californians to the federal government has not, of
course, been returned to California in the form of ad-
ditional grants. As the article which I have attached
points out, there are additional unintended conse-
quences for the future. The real property tax cap is re-
quiring the state to look for alternative sources of
revenue, and Governor Brown has proposed such
measures as an increase in sales tax (an extremely
regressive tax), and user fees, which would be paid by
individuals using such services as garbage collection.
Note that such fees differ from taxes in that they are
not deductible from Federal Income Tax.
Another more long run unintended result is the
potential loss of local control and autonomy generated
by the efforts of the state of California to alleviate the
effect of the 7 billion dollar loss on local governments
by providing, in effect, a 4 billion dollar ‘‘bail out” dur-
ing fiscal year 1979-80, and 3 billion dollars thereafter.
As I pointed out in my opening remarks, the number
and diversity of proposals for initiative, indirect in-
itiative, referendum, or recall, indicates that there is
no concensus about how initiative should work in New
York state. I submit that this fact indicates attempts
to cure inherent problems with initiative and referen-
dum by drafting. For example, one argument against
initiative and referendum is that it can be used, and it
usually is, by well financed special interest groups to
pass laws which promote the interest of those groups
over the interests of others. Section 5 of Assembly bill
74, for example, places some limits on the kinds of
legislation which could be passed.
Another problem with initiative and referendum is
that, with respect to budgets and finances, it does not
allow the kind of long run planning which is necssary.
Some proposals, for example, Assembly bill number
74, also provide that tax levies cannot be affected by
initiative or referendum measures.
There is a particular problem in New York state
with its rural/urban dichotomy between the city of
New York and the upstate areas. Assembly bill 5233
attempts to moderate that dichotomy by providing
that a certain percentage of the signatures must be
from each county in the state, and Assembly bill 3452
requires that no more than 10% of the required number
of signatures be from any single county.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Wednesday, September 26, 1979
ATTY. STEPHEN WILEY testified before a Senate
subcommittee on September 17 that Initiative and
Referendum-type legislation results in the placing of
abnormal power in the hands of well financed special
interest groups.
Because initiative measures may be misleading,
Assembly bill 74 requires prior circulation to the at-
torney general, whereas, Assembly bill 800 requires
the use of plain language.
Another issue which would have to be faced, is
whether initiative or referendum measures would have
to comply with the kinds of technica! requirements im-
posed, in many cases, by the constitution, on other
legislation. For example, the New York state con-
stitution prevents the incorporation of other statutes
by reference except under certain limited circum-
stances which would not appear to apply to an in-
itiative situation.
Potential conflict between two initiative measures is
also a problem, Assembly bill 3868 attempts to address
that problem, but it does not address the question pos-
ed where two separate initiative measures repeal
different parts or portions of the same law, with the
result that there is a severe dislocation in what
remains.
Under what circumstances should the governor have
the right to veto an initiative measure, and under what
circumstances should the Senate and Assembly be able
to amend, modify, or repeal a law emplaced by in-
itiative?
Anyone with enough money can get an initiative
measure on the ballot, as there are persons and firms
willing to supply signatures for a price. That kind of an
approach hardly indicates any broad based support for
a proposition, but should the practice be made illegal?
Should disclosure be required? What about the amount
of money which is spent in promoting a proposition
once it has been placed on the ballot? Should that be
required to be disclosed? Would it be constitutional to
place a limit on such spending?
These are some of the issues which the multitude of
initiative and referendum proposals have attempted to
address. CSEA believes that they are only symp-
tomatic; they point to the overall conclusion, which is
that initiative and referendum are simply not designed
to work.
Proposition 13 did not work. It did not work because
of the inherent weaknesses of direct democracy, par-
ticularly where voter perception of an initiative issue
is so easily shaped by the media. Since media time can
be purchased and managed by inventive and well paid
public relations firms, it is not surprise that the in-
terest group which spends the most money may
predict a win, CSEA does not believe that the citizens
and yoters of the state of New York either deserve or
desire to be governed by well financed special interest
groups conducting scientifically constructed media
campaigns.
Thank you.
