= PUblic HHCHOMR
Official Publication of The Civil Service Employees Association Local 1000,
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
Public rneyecs who joined the State
Employees’ Retirement System between July
1 and July 26, 1976 are being notified by the _
state Comptroller's Office that they are being
reassigned to Tier Il and are eligible for arefund
of the contributions they have been required
to pay into the system since being placed in ©
other levels of the te tiered SS
tobi many more
CSEA is contemplating filing a lawsuit soon
in state Supreme Court in an effort to gain Ti
ll status in the State Employees’ Reti
| System for thousands of public employees wh
joined the system between July 27
Dec. 31, 1976. :
_ of Roemer and F rerienala saidtheun-
ion believes a recent State Supreme Cou!
pellate Di may open the door t
"grade people who joined the system during th
last half of 1976 to Tier Il status. soa ba =
y) :
4 and July 26, 1976 to Ti
| story) but disagre
that such | benefits shoul | be extend
AFL-CIO.
An estimated 1,000: state are local
government employees are favorable affected
by the change. In addition to receiving their
contribution refund, which averages several
thousands of dollars, Tier Il generally offers
_ more advantageous benefits without employee
contributions than Tier Ill or Tier Y of the |
system. a
GERTID 4
(ISSN 0164 9949)
Vol. 9, No. 3
The reassignment of those employees to Tier
ll is based on a recent State Supreme Court
Appellate Division ruling in which CSEA, _
through its law firm of Roemer and —
Featherstonhaugh, intervened on behalf of
public employees and played a major role in
(Continued on Page 5)
AT LEAST
WE DON'T HAVE To
WORRY ABOUT BEING PUT
INTO THE WRONG
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE
PENSION “TIER”
THAT'S THE TRUTH,
GEORGE. ANY CHISELING
DONE To US WAS
DONE YEARS AGO!
Monday, February 10, 1986
MONUMENTAL DEDICATION—Creedmdo would stand as a daily reminder of King’s vision of
Center Local 406 President Mickey Cruz, left,isjoined equality and opportunity for ‘‘all people to earn a
by CSEA statewide and regional officers in unveiling | decent wage and live with dignity.” Pictured above
a sketch of a monument that the local will erect this | with Cruz are: Region V President James Moore,
spring in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King. Inremarks Statewide Secretary Irene Carr, Region | President
at the unveiling, which coincided with a King Day Danny Donohue, Region Ill President Pat Macioli, and
observance at Creedmoor, Cruz said the monument _ Region Il President George Boncoraglio.
At institutions throughout the state recently,
special services and observances were held in mem-
ory of Martin Luther King Jr. Black leaders spoke in
celebration of his philosophy of nonviolence and racial
equality, and choirs sang songs of hope for the future.
The pictures on this, page illustrate just a few of the*
many commemorative events that took place on King
Day last month.
sess “ a ~. ee og
HONORED—Jerry Cross, second from left, was the recipient
Westchester Developmental ‘Center’s annual Humanitarian Award
at a recent Martin Luther King Day service. A therapy aide at the
center for just a year, Cross is a member of the Beekman Rescue
Squad and active in his community. Pictured above, from left, are:
Westchester DC Local 432 Vice President Lee Rushford; Cross; Dr.
Ella Curry, executive director of the center; and Richard Colson,
tresurer of the local and a member of the Human Relations
Committee.
BROAD VISION — Rev. Calvin O. Butts Ill, pastor of Harlem’s
Abyssinian Baptist Church, was keynote speaker at
ceremonies honoring Dr. Martin Luther King at Rockland i
Psychiatric Center recently. A religious coordinator for Rev.
Jesse Jackson's 1984 presitential campaign, Butts reminded LIKE DR. KING — “if you see injustice, stand up, speak out,’’ Rev. Butts
participants that King ‘‘had a broad vision for all people, not said in another speech at Manhattan Psychiatric Center. Pictured above,
just blacks.’’ Pictured above are, from left: Region Il President from left, are: Local 413 First Vice President Ed Wooten; President Fred
Pat Mascioli, Rockland Psychiatric Center Local 421 President Daniels; Butts; Political Action Chairman Charles Perry; and Manhattan
Glenda Davis, Butts and Patient Advocate Willie Trotman. Psychiatric Center Executive Director Dr. Michael Ford.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR : February 10, 1986@
By Chuck McGeary
CSEA Communications Associate
SYRACUSE—Thanks to a continuing effort
by CSEA officials, a grade 5 stenographer at
Upstate Medical Center here will be eligible for
an additional $5,000 or more annually than she
would otherwise have received when she
eventually retires.
That's about how much additional retirement
benefits Margaret Decker will receive annual-
ly as a result of being elevated from Tier Ill to
Tier | of the State Employees’ Retirement
System. :
Decker first suspected in early 1983 that
she should have been in Tier | of the State Em-
ployees’ Retirement System instead of Tier Ill,
where she had been placed when she joined
state service seven years ago. She had, after
all, previously worked for the North Syracuse
Central Schoo! District for seven and one half
years, which she apparently was not being giv-
en credit for.
Thus, in January, 1983, Decker wrote to
CSEA headquarters in Albany with questions
concerning her retirement tier status. She was
immediately advised to contact the Retirement
System with a detailed outline of her previous
employment with the school district.
She did so, but through an apparent misun-
‘Tiers’ of joy after
years of frustration:
happiness is finally
gaining proper status
“After all, isnt that
what unionism is all
about helping
fellow members?”
state informed Decker in August, 1983 that
she did not qualify for placement in Tier |.
Not satisfied with that response, Decker
eventually approached Kathy Collins, president
of CSEA Local 615 at the Upstate Medical
Center, and asked additional union assistance.
“Although | am far from an expert on the New
York State Retirement System,”-Collins said,
“after reading all the pertinent information, |
thought some details of her previous school
district employment were overlooked.”
Collins wrote to the supervisor of registra-
tion in the Bureau of Member Services in Al-
bany, requesting a detailed investigation be
conducted into the Decker case.
Less than two weeks later, Decker was in-
MARGARET DECKER, right, a grade 5 stenogra-
pher at Upstate Medical Center, reviews a letter
reinstating her into Tier | of the retirement sys-
tem with CSEA Local 615 President Kathy Col-
lins, who helped Decker obtain her rightful retire-
ment status.
formed of her rightful reinstatment in Tier |. That
notification, which came last December, was
like a slightly early Christmas present, Decker
said. The letter stated, in part, “it has been de-
termined that Ms. Decker was a mandatory Tier
| member effective April 1, 1973.”
“| had just about given up hope of obtaining
Tier |,” Decker said. ‘I'm delighted and very
grateful to Kathy Collins and CSEA for the ef-
fort on my behalf. It took years of patient wait-
ing, but Christmas, 1985, will have a special
meaning for me,” she added with a smile.
Says Local 615 President Collins: “She
earned it. She is entitled to it, and we are hap-
py that CSEA was an important factor in help-
ing her get it. After all, isn’t that what unionism
is all about ... helping fellow members?”
derstanding of the information submitted, the
®
e
THANKS FOR THE HELP — CSEA Region | President Danny
Donohue, left, presents a plaque on behalf of CSEA and
AFSCME to CSEA DOT Local 508 President Lou Mannellino.
Mannellino was one of about 15 CSEA activists who volunteered
e to go to Ohio to help AFSCME organize state employees.
February 10, 1986
Oe a
Efforts made fo ease
‘horrendous’ state of
Stony Brook parking
STONY BROOK — Parking is a problem at many work locations, and
parking conditions for employees at Stony Brook University and University
Hospital are among the worst. One union official called parking in that area
“horrendous.”
CSEA and other unions representing employees at the University and
Hospital joined together recently and went to management in an effort to re-
solve the parking problems.
As a result of that meeting, the administration agreed that parking along
the loop road east of the Health Science. Center and the hospital, which
previously had a $15 per month charge, will be free for the duration of the
time it takes to construct an extension on the parking garage.
And, according to Stony Brook CSEA Local 614 President Charlie
Sclafani, the administration also agreed to waive the usual $10 deposit fee
for the key cards which are required to drive through the parking garage gates.
“For those who have already paid the $10, it should be returned to them
in March,’ according to Sclafani. ‘And, in the future, those who need
replacement cards due to normal wear and tear will not be charged. Those
who lose their cards will have to pay a $10 replacement fee.”
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
giuatic
SECTOR
Official publication of The Civil Service
Employees Association Local 1000, AFSCME,
AFL-CIO 143 Washington Avenue, Albany,
New York 12210
The Public Sector (445010) is published every other
Monday by The Civil Service Employees Association,
143 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12210.
Publication Office: 143 Washington Avenue, Albany,
New York, 12210. Second Class Postage paid at
Post Office, Albany, New York
AARON SHEPARD — Publisher
ROGER A. COLE — Editor
BRIAN K. BAKER — Associate Editor
Address changes should be sent to: Civil Service Em-
ployees Association, The Public Sector, P.O. Box:
7125. Capitol Station, Albany, New York 12224
ROBERT GARROW
CSEA'sPAC -
picks Garrow
for 110th AD
PLATTSBURGH —’ Robert Garrow has®
earned the endorsement of the CSEA’s
Statewide Political Action Committee inter-
viewed both candidates seeking office in this
special election and voted to support Robert
Garrow.
As a CSEA-endorsed candidate, Robert
Garrow will be able to receive a variety of
services from the giant statewide public
employee union.
John Francisco, CSEA Capital Region pac®
chairman, in announcing the statewide PAC
decision, stressed Garrow’s experience and
proven ability as both an administrator and a
representative of the people in the 110th
Assembly District.
Loud
7521
Prince.
SHARING—Erie County CSEA Local 815 members donated
food to the Buffalo City Mission during the recent holidays.
Delivering a car load of donated food are Vic Marr, Unit
President Steve Caruana, Local President Sal Castro and Gary
SOUTHOLD—Members of the Southold
Town Unit of Suffolk County CSEA Local
852 recently ratified a new three-year
contract.
The pact includes salary increases of sev-
en percent retroactive to 1985; six and one-
half to ten percent in 1986; and six and one-
half to ten percent in 1987, depending upon
where an employees is located in the new
salary schedule. The contract also contains
improved language regarding shift
differentials, seniority and meal allowances
Collective Bargaining Specialist Irwin
Scharfeld noted the contract was based on
a fact-finder’s recommendation. “It took us
fourteen months to get this contract. The
members of the negotiating committee really
showed a tireless effort and deserve praise,”
he said.
The committee consisted of Unit President
John Raynor, Betty Wells, David Zuhoski,
Paul Grattan, Douglas Clark, Alex
Na FieReooeky and Jim Fogarty
(~ Southold contract
Longtime CSEA ACTIVIST Dorothy King dies
QUEENS VILLAGE—Dorothy King, long time CSEA
activist and mother of CSEA Region | Field Representative
Ronald King, died Jan. 16 of cancer. Mrs. King had served
as president of Creedmoor Psychiatric Center CSEA Local
406 from 1972 to 1981, and worked at Creedmoor for
more than 20 years until retiring in 1981
She was widely active in CSEA from the local to the
statewide level, participating as a negotiating team member
in three state contracts. Mrs. King served as a mental hy-
giene representative on CSEA’s statewide board of
directors, and held several regional offices as well as serving
on a variety of special committees.
Current Local 406 President Miguelangel Cruz said,
“Dorothy taught me most of what | know today about labor
relations. She was always honest with people—members
and management alike -even if she was telling them things
they didn’t want to hear. It takes a strong individual to do
that.”
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
February 10, 1986
oo ooooooo7eEeeeE— EEE
By Sheryl Carlin
CSEA Communications Associate
AMITYVILLE—A demonstration by more than
100 members in blowing snow and freezing
temperatures in an effort to keep a private
cleaning contractor from taking over
administration of custodial services in the
Amityville School District failed to prevent the
school board from going ahead with the plan.
Custodians from the Amityville School
District, joined by fellow CSEA members from
[ CONTRACTING-OUT REARS UGLY HEAD AGAIN ON LONG ISLAND
A foot in the door in Amityville;
union vows fo slam it shut again
other units and locals, demonstrated against
the board's plan to bring in ServiceMaster, a
private contractor, to administer the district's
custodian work. The angry union members
carried informational picket signs and shouted
against the plan prior to and during the board's
most recent meeting.
The board voted to contract out the position
of superintendent of buildings and grounds to
ServiceMaster during the meeting, ignoring the
concerns of the union members parading
outside and apparently ignoring a presentation
ER did not stop CSEA members from demonstrating outside a recent
meeting of the Amityville school board against a proposal to bring in a private contractor
to administer custodial services in the school district. The board ignored the wishes of
es employees and signed on ServiceMaster anyway.
made earlier by CSEA staff representatives and
union officers to Dr. Michael Williams, assistant
superintendent of school in Amityville. During
that presentation, union officials presented Dr.
Williams with documented evidence.
concerning what the union termed the dark
side of the private contractor, which the union
says is a thoroughly anti-union organization.
While ServiceMaster will administer custodial
services within the school district, Dr. Williams
“assured” the union representatives that no
custodial or maintenance positions would be
lost to the union. But CSEA officials say there
is serious concern based on ServiceMaster's
past record of indiscriminate firings, poor
relationships with employees and history of
imposing impossible work schedules.
CSEA recently was successful in convincing
Lindenhurst School District, also on Long
Island, not to contract out to ServiceMaster
during the present school year, at least. CSEA
has pledged to continue to work to keep the
contractor out there permanently.
CSEA says allowing ServiceMaster to
administer services and employees in Amityville
is cause for the union to redouble its efforts
to serve as a watchdog over ServiceMaster
there while working harder than ever to prevent
the contractor from making any inroads
elsewhere.
“We will continue to fight the practice of
contracting out services. It is full of hidden
costs and problems, and too often results in
our members losing jobs. Our members work
hard, and CSEA will continue to work hard to
protect their rights,” pledged CSEA Lonig Island
Region President Danny Donohue.
y
Ves
(Continued from Page 1)
A request published in the Dec. 30 edition
of The Public Sector for members who joined
the retirement system during the last half of
1976 to contact the Roemer and Featherston-
haugh law firm resulted in a flood of letters.
More than 1,000 letters poured in, making it
impossible to respond to each individual letter.
But, says Mineaux, all letters are being care-
fully read and evaluated and are important to
preparation of the union’s lawsuit.
Meanwhile, he said, the following are
among the most commonly asked questions
contained in the letters received:
Q. If | joined the retirement system be-
tween July 27 and Dec. 31, 1976, will | now
automatically be reassigned to Tier II?
A. No. That will have to be determined in
a subsequent lawsuit, which CSEA contem-
plates filing. It is our contention that mem-
bers who joined the system between July 1-
Dec. 31, 1976 should be in Tier Il. That is why
CSEA would file the lawsuit.
Q. How long will it take before | know if
| will be reassigned to Tier II?
A. A lawsuit of this nature is usually
lengthy. The litigation and possible appeal
process could take a substantial amount of
time, so it is impossible to say just when the
lawl will be concluded.
CSEA to file lawsuit in effort to gain Tier ll status for many more
__Q. [was eligible to ‘‘buy back’’ some time
in the retirement system and did so. Would
this ‘‘buy back’’ time give me extra years
of credit in Tier II? And what about some-
one who joined the system after 1976 but
who gained ‘‘buy back’’ time sufficient to
carry back to 1976?
A. Probably not. Retirement system mem-
bers generally cannot cross over tiers on the
basis of ‘‘buy back’’ time. While they do re-
ceive retirement credit from ‘‘buy back’’
time, the actual date of entry fixes the-
benefits you are entitled to.
Q. If CSEA is successful in gaining Tier
Il status for those of us who joined the sys-
tem between July 27 and Dec. 31, 1976, will
=
we receive a refund on the 3% contributions
we have been paying into the system by vir-
tue of being in Tier Ill and IV?
A. That will be sought as part of our law-
suit. Those people who joined between July
1 and July 26, 1976 are presently being sent
letters notifying them of their change in sta-
tus, and an application form requesting a re-
fund of their contributions into the system
will be sent from the Comptroller’s Office.
Mineaux said that because of the wide interest
in the case and the potentially large number
of people affected, progress on the issue will
be published as it occurs in The Public Sector
to keep everyone informed.
Hundreds will be elevated to Tier Il status
(Continued from Page 1)
gaining the favorable decision
As a result of that ruling, the state has agreed
to reassign all public employees who joined
between July 1 and July 26, 1976 to Tier ll.
The state had assigned employees who joined
on of after July 1, 1976 to lower tiers
Included with the letter notifying the
employees of their reassignment to Tier II will
be an application form for them to claim the
refund of their personal contributions into the
system
The Comptroller's Office said the letters will
be going out as soon as possible and it is NOT
necessary for anyone to contact the office ei-
ther by phone or letter.
CSEA, meanwhile, is continuing with its
efforts to have the effective date of Tier Il
extended beyond the July 26, 1976 date. The
union has announced it contemplates filing a
lawsuit shortly over the issue (see adjacent
story) a
@ February 10, 1986
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
GOING OVER THE LINE-UP — Dickinson is caught between Albany
Patroons General Manager Gary Holle and Assistant Coach Charlie
Rosen as they check last minute changes in the player line-up before
the team takes the floor.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
In the enthusiast
league, this guy’s
an all-time great
By Dan Campbell
CSEA Communications Associate
ALBANY—Doug Dickinson works with numbers. He loves sports.
Fortunately, numbers do come into play in the field of sports statistics.
And Dickinson has put his business administration training and his interest
in sports together in such a way that he has become the premier
Statistician in the Capital District sports world.
Unofficially, of course.
During the workday, Dickinson is a public employee, a 19-year ca-
reer worker in the New York State Department of Labor. But after work
for Dickinson, life becomes one game after another.
The CSEA member is the official statistician for the Bishop Maginn
Football team, the Albany Patroons’ Continental Basketball team, the
New York State High School Basketball Tournament in Glens Falls and
the Colonie Babe Ruth League.
Now, this might seem to be a pretty full agenda of sports, but
Dickinson also holds some other part-time jobs in—what else?—sports.
He is:
* varsity bowling coach and public relations man for Bishop Maginn;
* assistant bowling coach for the junior bowling program at
Redwood Lanes;
* bowling coach of the Redwood Capital District Junior Pro Scoring
League; .
* secretary and public address announcer for the Colonie Babe
Ruth League;
* stringer-sports correspondent for at least one football game a
week for a local newspaper;
* public relations director for the Albany Twilight league;
* and clock operator for the Bishop Maginn basketball games.
During an average year, Dickinson sees more than 200 local sport
events. In between, he squeezes in a few dozen hockey games and
he also bowls once a week.
He must be single, right? What wife would put up with it? As a matter
of fact, Dickinson is happily married and has two children. His whole
family is supportive of his sports endeavors.
“IT should have gone into the sports field as some type of professional
years ago,” says the Cooperstown native. ‘'l’ve always been involved
with sports and | always will be.”
Dickinson admits he’s used to being ribbed a little about his healthy
obsession with sports.
“When | do something, | just can't do it half-heartedly,”’ he explains.
“| have to go to the limit.”
4 After work, Doug Dickinson’s life is
one game after another: bowling,
baseball, football and hockey.9
February 10, 1986
(SEA delegates
to the convention
will be elected
on regional basis
CSEA delegates to the 1986 AFSCME
Convention, to be held in Chicago June
22-27, will be elected from members in
good standing of CSEA as of Feb. 1, 1986.
Delegates will be elected on a regional
basis. Each CSEA region will elect the
number of delegates which it is entitled
to on the basis of membership strength
in accordance with the AFSCME and
CSEA Constitutions. Based on the
AFSCME Constitution formula, the
following number of delegates will be
elected:
Region I— 45
Region ll— 19
Region III—38
Region IV— 38
Region V— 36
Region VI— 35
Expenses for the delegates for
transportation and room and board at the
AFSCME Convention will be paid by
CSEA.
If an elected delegate is unable to
attend the convention, the individual from
that Region who received the next highest
number of votes will attend in his or her
a
Any member it, good standing as of Feb. |,
1986 shall be entitled to be nominated as a dele-
gate to the AFSCME Convention. Any member in
good standing as of March |, 1986 shall be eligible
to nominate delegates to the AFSCME Convention.
Nominations will be made at meetings to be
conducted in each Region on Saturday, March 1,
1986. Meetings will continue until such time as
all those present who desire to make nominations
have been given the opportunity to do so.
Persons nominated to serve as delegates from
a region must be members of that region and be
nominated by members from that region.
XS Persons nominated need not be present at the
NOMINATIONS PROCEDURE
nomination meeting.
A qualified CSEA member may nominate as
many candidates for delegate as he or she desires,
not to exceed the total number of delegates to be
elected from that particular region
The nominator must provide the name, address,
work telephone number, home telephone number,
Social Security number and CSEA local number
of the nominee. Nominations must be submitted
on an official form, available at the meeting, and
instructions given at the meeting must be followed.
The name of a person who is nominated more
than once may appear on the ballot only once.
If nominated as part of a slate, the nominee's name
place.
~\
will appear on the ballot as a member of that slate
and not elsewhere.
Nominations may be made by slates; that is, a
number of individuals who will appear on the ballot
as running together or under a particular
designation. Persons nominated by slate will appear
on the ballot in the order in which they are
nominated
The ballot will provide that individuals who are
running on a slate can be elected individually, sep-
arate and apart from the slate.
Individuals who make multiple nominations must
state whether nominations are made individually
or as a slate
NOMINATION
MEETINGS
INFORMATION
\] February 10, 1986
locations:
REGION! 10 a.m.
REGION Il 10 a.m.
REGION Ill 10 a.m.
REGION IV 10 a.m.
REGION V 10 a.m.
Liverpool
REGION VI 10 a.m.
Regional nominating meetings will be held MARCH 1, 1986 for election of CSEA’s
delegates to the 1986 biennial convention of the American Federation of State, County
and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), AFL-CIO, to be held in Chicago June 22-27, 1986.
The MARCH 1 regional nominating meetings will be held at the following times and
Region | Office, 300 Vanderbilt Motor Pkwy., Hauppauge
Region lI Office, 11 Broadway, Suite 1500, New York City
Region Ill Office, Route 9, Fishkill
Tom Sawyer Motor Inn, 1444 Western Avenue, Albany
Sheraton Inn, 7th North Street and Electronics Parkway,
Treadway Inn, Batavia
7
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
SHOULD es
Camera GOV. MARIO CUOMO y
RUN FOR
PRESIDENT
IN 1988?
“ KATHY ABRAHAM
CYNTHIA WILLIAMS Switchboard Operator
Hospital Clinical Assistant Buffalo Psychiatric Center, Local
KEITH SCOTT Roswell Park Memorial Institute, 403
a MHTA Local 303
BRUCE SCHMELZER West Seneca Developmental “Yes. He would be a good
Dispatcher Center, Local 427 “Yes, He's a Democrat in the president. He’s done a good job
Town of West Seneca Highway tradition of the progressive New _ for the state as governor, and he
Dept., Local 815 “Yes. | think he’s very well Deal, and he would be good for | seemed to be well accepted on
organized, and does his best to the poor and for all working a national basis when he gave the
“Yes. | think he would be good for keep his promises, unlike many people. He’d make a_ better keynote speech at the
the nation. He’s very intelligent, _ politicians. He’s very realistic, and president than any of the Democratic National Convention.
has a lot of good ideas, and doesn’t dwell in fantasy-land. He Republicans I've heard I'm sure he'd be a much better
delivers on his promises as seems to always do his best as mentioned, and he is a good president than the one we have
governor. governor.” governor.” now.”
Upstate Medical Center
scholarship fund begun
SYRACUSE—Members of Upstate Medical Center
CSEA Local 615 have launched a scholarship fund for sons
and daughters of CSEA local members continuing their
education, and a giant stuffed panda bear raffle over the
recent holidays helped raise funds for the project.
Local 615 President Kathy Collins noted, “We decided
a panda raffle would be an excellent way to kick-off the pro-
ject. Management gave us permission to sell tickets in the
lobby during lunch and other break periods, and response
from the employees was good. Plans are already underway
to raise additional scholarship funds and we hope to name
our first annual scholarship winner in August.”
enna Et BST ET SN
GOOD NEWS BEARERS from Local 615 at Upstate
Medical Center are all smiles at kick-off raffle for the
local’s first scholarship fund. Dr. John Bernard Henry,
second from left, president of Upstate Medical Center,
is congratulated by Local 615 President Kathy Collins
after Dr. Henry purchased a raffle ticket. Also on hand
for the occasion were Local 615 Treasurer Mike Matthews
and social committee chairperson Marie Wasilewski.
e
8 THE PUBLIC SECTOR February 10, 1986
‘Hepatitis
é There are
people at risk
and the
C are at Kingsboro PC
administration’s
e Employee infected by patient?
e Enraged CSEA: Administration
too ‘cavalier’ about risk
By Steve Madarasz
CSEA Communications Associate
BROOKLYN — CSEA is expressing outrage over Kingsboro Psychiatric
Center's failure to isolate a violent, retarded patient with hepatitis B. The union
contends that the patient poses significant health risk to other patients and staff
and that Kingsboro has consistently ignored the state Health Department's
guidelines on the handling of hepatitis cases. i
Because of the Kingsboro administration's inaction, CSEA is warning
members of the risk involved in handling the patient and is advising them that they
may refuse assignments bringing them into contact with him unless they are pro-
vided with appropriate safety instructions and equipment.
The CSEA position stems from the hospitalization of one member with
hepatitis and the treatment of at least three other employees who had separate
encounters with the patient which may have caused infection. x
Although the state Health Department states that hepatitis B carriers do not
have to be isolated under normal circumstances, the patient in question poses
anything but normal circumstances. a ;
According to medical records, which indicate he is a hepatitis B carrier, the
patient was admitted to Kingsboro from Brooklyn Developmental Center through
the Kings County Hospital Emergency Room. The record states: “that admission
was necessitated for frequent, violent, assaultive, agitated, self-destructive be-
havior and suicidal gestures.” i
Although the patient is on a secure ward, employees explain that he has
unrestricted movement that brings him into contact with all staff and other pa-
tients. He has open sores and is frequently involved in altercations where he
bites, scratches, and spits on patients and staff. On other occasions, he has run
into walls bloodying himself. He is also incontinent.
The state Health Department insists that blood to blood contact is the most
likely way that hepatitis is spread. It is by no means the only way. Information
distributed by the department stresses: “The virus can also be passed when the
blood of an infected person comes in contact with a break in the skin or mucous
membrane (mouth, nose, eyes) of another person. The saliva, sweat, urine and
semen of an infected person may also contain the virus.”
Clear and present danger : '
CSEA points out that this information coupled with the behavior of the patient
presents a clear and present danger that demands an immediate response by the
Kingsboro administration. The patient was moved into Kingsboro last spring.
Although some employees expressed initial concern that his medical charts in-
dicated he was a hepatitis B carrier, they have been repeatedly assured by the
administration not to worry because he poses no danger of passing the disease
—acontention challenged by CSEA. ee
Having little choice but to follow their assignments and receiving no special
instructions, most MHTAs accepted the Kingsboro position. That trust has led to
frightening consequences. For one MHTA it led to near tragedy.
Willie Howard has just returned to work after spending several weeks
é Dowe
have to
wait
for an
epidemic
before
they
act? |
ROBERT NURSE
February 10, 1986
sitting on
its hands.
GEORGE BONCORAGLIO
hospitalized with hepatitis B. Howard had frequent contact with the infected pa-
tient just prior to the onset of his illness and on at least one occasion received
abrasions on his hand while handling him.
Howard, who received a clean bill of health in September from his personal
physician, began feeling ill in early November. At first he thought he had a virus,
but on Sunday November 17 became so sick that he required hospitalization. It
was then doctors diagnosed him as having hepatitis B. He lost 44 pounds in
three weeks and as a result also contracted diabetes — both conditions he will
carry for the rest of his life.
There is no doubt in Howard's mind that he picked up the hepatitis from his
work with the infected patient in the ward. It is a belief that his doctor tends to
support.
“This has really been an ordeal for me and my family” claims Howard. “It's
not easy to come forward and talk publicly about having hepatitis. But I've already
got it and | want to prevent my fellow employees from getting it.”
Howard indicates that since coming back to work, his co-workers have been
extremely sympathetic toward what happened to him: “Everyone feels that...
they're exposed to the same thing and it might be them in the same position.”
One other CSEA member has also received treatment for Hepatitis after be-
ing bitten by the patient. Additionally, two other employees involved in alterca-
tions with the patient that landed them in the sickbay, were presented with blood
tests and treatment as precautionary measures.
“Clearly the administration knows there is a risk," says Local 402 President
Robert Nurse, “‘but still they don’t do anything to lessen it. It’s their lack of
response that’s so frustrating. Do we have to wait for an epidemic before they
act?”
Infuriated
“How can Kingsboro call itself a health care facility when it allows a situation
like this to exist?” asks CSEA Region Il President George Boncoraglio. “There
are still people at risk and the administration’s sitting on its hands. What really in-
furiates me is that we brought concerns about these types of health and safety
problems to the attention of the highest levels of the Office of Mental Health last
summer. At the time, we were promised they would receive top priority as soon
as the new administration at Kingsboro took over in the fall. | guess this shows
their commitment to the well-being of patients and staff.”
To date, there has not been any formal training, warnings, or instructions for
Kingsboro employees on the handling of hepatitis or AIDS patients despite
repeated requests from the union. Says Nurse: “About the extent of any precau-
tions were brochures and posters that CSEA distributed and our own warnings to
the members.”
The uniom has also sought a standard screening procedure of all new admis-
sions for AIDS and hepatitis, without success. Currently Kingsboro only con-
ducts a medical review if the patient appears to be ill.
In regard to the specific danger presented by the infected patient on Ward
One, CSEA has filed a contract grievance without receiving any response. Sec-
tion 15.11 of the state institutional services contract requires that all patients
diagnosed as having a communicable disease have a visible indicator on or near
their bed with general procedures to be followed. Such a warning has yet to be
posted on Kingsboro Ward One.
Guidelines not followed
While there are established guidelines for handling hepatitis patients (such as
wearing gloves and gowns when in contact with their bodily fluids, using a bleach
solution to clean up after them, separating their clothes from the general popula-
tion laundry, etc.) they are not standard practice at Kingsboro.
Members report, however, that whenever the infected patient has been
brought to the Kings County Hospital Emergency Room for treatment following
his numerous injuries, these procedures are closely followed.
“What's shocking here is the cavalier attitude on the part of the Kingsboro
administration” says CSEA Field Representative Al Sundmark, who handles OMH
and OMRDD facilities. ‘The OMRDD facilities take these types of situations very
seriously and follow all the established procedures to reduce the risk of infection.
That doesn’t seem to bother the administration at Kingsboro . . . Their ignoring
the problem seems to lack fundamental human concern, let alone what their
responsibility is to patient and staff welfare.”
The CSEA officials contend that through Kingsboro's neglect, the burden of
determining medical hazards has fallen on the therapy staff. Says Region II Presi-
dent Boncoraglio: “It’s ridiculous. when MHTAs have to make the medical deci-
sions on treatment why not just make us doctors? Considering how the ad-
ministration handles things that might be an improvement at Kingsboro.”:
CSEA is demanding immediate steps be taken to restrict the infected pa-
tient's contact with staff and other patients until comprehensive training and
screening procedures are put in place to reduce health and safety risks at the
facility.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR 9
MAJOR ISSUE
F THE ‘80s:
By Roger Cole
Editor
They’d cringe if you called them pioneers.
But you could, because they are.
With little fanfare, the three of them, two
CSEA staff employees and a statewide CSEA
officer, have been working on the cutting edge
of what many believe is the issue of the ‘80s
for unions—pay equity.
And somewhere down the line, in the very
foreseeable future, CSEA Research Analyst
Cindy Chovanec, CSEA Education and Train-
ing Specialist Peg Wilson, and CSEA statewide
Secretary Irene Carr will see the results of their
work today etched into a manual expected to
become the authoritative guide on pay equity
issues at the local government level, not only
in New York State but throughout the country
as well.
Chovanec, Wilson and Carr are CSEA
representatives on a unique Local Government
Pay Equity Project team, along with represen-
tatives from AFSCME, CSEA’s international un-
ion affiliate; and the Center for Women in
Government (CWG), located in Albany.
The $100,000 project is being funded
through a grant from AFSCME, CWG is provid-
ing much of the technical supervision, and the
CSEA representatives are deeply involved in
obtaining, analyzing and utilizing the data
necessary to enable the project to succeed.
In order to gain the diversity of experiences
necessary to have practical application in the
broad spectrum of local governments, four lo-
cal jurisdictions with different conditions were
selected for the pilot phase of the project. Sub-
divisions targeted were Dutchess County,
Three Village Central Schools in Suffolk Coun-
ty, Erie.County, and the City of Schenectady.
Chovanee, Wilson and Carr are quick to note
that Local Pay Equity Committees (LPEC), con-
sisting primarily of the members of the local
negotiating teams at the selected sites, have
important roles in making the project a success.
It is they who identify their own local pay eq-
uity situations, gather as much information and
data locally as possible for the local govern-
ment pay equity team to study, and use the
completed local pay equity profile to achieve
pay equity changes within their own local po-
litical subdivision
The objective, in essence, is to focus on con-
tract negotiations with those local jurisdictions
by compiling as much information and data as
possible on jobs, skills, responsibilities, work-
ing conditions, value of jobs to the employer,
etc., and then comparing pay differentials to
determine if jobs pay differently if they are tradi-
tionally held by a man or a woman. Closing
those wage gaps is the objective of the pay
equity movement, and the union attempts to
: These three make a
very big difference
eliminate pay disparities at the negotiating ta-
ble by utilizing the results of the local pay eq-
uity study.
The end result of the current pilot phase of
the project will be the computation of a tremen-
dous amount of experience in pay equity is-
sues into an operating manual. Union negotiat-
ing teams will then be able. to use the manual
as a guide in effectively dealing with pay equi-
ty as_an issue at the bargaining table with lo-
cal governments throughout the state.
AFSCME, the recognized leader in pay eq-
uity issues throughout the country, will utilize
the experiences gained in the New York pro-
ject in other states where it is raising the pay.
equity issue.
Late last year the team saw the first fruits of
their labor when a contract was negotiated for
CSEA members in the Three Village School
District Clerical Unit. A pay equity profile com-
piled by the Local Government Pay Equity team
showed that women in the school district were
paid an average of $2.84 an hour less than
men in all classifications, and that analysis ena-
bled CSEA to take a strong position on pay eq-
uity at the bargaining table. As a result of data
in the profile, the union was able to get the two
lowest grades dropped from the salary sched-
ule and the top salary increased by three
grades, and management agreed to meet with
the comparable worth committee to study in
detail the pay equity profile on district employ-
ment and come up with suggestions to correct
the imbalances uncovered.
Chovanec, Wilson and Carr call the Three Vil-
lage contract “a good beginning,” but just that,
a beginning. Their study of data there found
what they were sure it would—tremendous dis-
parity between men and women in general,
with the vast majority of women segregated
into the lower paying positions. Not unlike, they
say, the data they are reviewing in the other
pilot jurisdictions and what they would expect
to find in general elsewhere. They know there
is much to be done yet through labor-
management efforts and through negotiations
to further correct the situation at Three Village,
but they also know their efforts there will prove
useful in efforts in the remaining three pilot sites
as well as forming some valuable guidelines for
the manual to be developed.
Dutchess County appears to be next in line
for the team to complete a pay equity profile
of employees. Data is continuing to be ana-
lyzed and will ultimately be presented by the
union to management to begin the process of
correcting any inequities, and preliminary data
shows there are some. Much of the findings
are already in the hands of local union officials
and staff in Dutchess County and most certain-
ly will be utilized in the next round of local con-
tract negotiations.
DATA, DATA AND MORE...In above photo,
Education and Training Specialist Peg Wil-
son, seated, and Research Analyst Cindy
Chovanec, right, inspect some raw data that
appears to support their case for pay eq@ity
adjustments. IN PHOTO AT RIGHT, Wilson
and Chovanec smile when computer analy-
sis proves their initial beliefs. And IN PHO-
TO BELOW, Wilson, right, reports on results
of findings to CSEA statewide Secretary
Irene Carr, the third member of CSEA’s team
on the Local Government Pay Equity Project.
Chovanec and Wilson say the Dutchess
County study is nearly completed. But the Erie
County and City of Schenectady projects are
less clear, although still targeted and in vari
ous stages of progress. For one thing, they are
encountering resistance from Erie County
management to cooperate on providing data
to be analyzed, while Schenectady is the last
of the original four jurisdictions to be studied.
They expect to continue forwarded, however,
because each of the four pilot locations rep-
resent somewhat different situations and the
X
10
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
February
variety of experiences would provide broader
gyjdelines in the manual.
For Chovanec and Wilson, in particular, com-
pletion of the project somewhere down the line
will not signal an end to their direct involvement
with helping achieve pay equity in local govern-
mént jurisdictions. Both expect to spend a
great deal of time working with local negotiat-
ing teams and union field representatives and
collective bargaining specialists on utilizing the
manual to the greatest effectiveness. As for
Carr, the statewide secretary plans to continue
h@role asa highly visible and vocal advocate
of pay equity and womens’ issues in general.
And even as the local government pay equi-
ty project moves forward, all three have recent-
ly been added to CSEA’s team comprising a
joint labor-management steering committee on
comparable worth and job classifications issues
at the state level. There they will help deter-
mine how to implement recommendations con-
tained in two recent major reports suggesting
Svgpeping changes in the state's classification
ane compensation system that will pave the
way for pay equity for thousands of state wor-
kers in jobs held predominately by females and
minorities.
Martha Buck, a labor economist with AF-
SCME and a representative to the local govern-
ment pay equity project team, says, “This pro-
Ject is dynamite. It needs to be done, and the
manual which will be the end result will be of
tremendous help all across the country.”
busy as they have become with their in-
volvement with the pay equity issue,
Chovanec, Wilson and Carr agree the issue is
worth the effort. They continue to collect and
analyze piles of data because they can see light
at the end of the tunnel, because each pos-
sesses very strong personal convictions on the
subject, and because they feel they have that
rare opportunity to truly make a difference.
UNDERSTANDING THE ISSUE
it's ‘pay equity’ or ‘comp worth’
but not ‘equal work, equal pay’
The terms “pay equity” and “comparable
worth” are used interchangeably to describe the
concept of paying wages based wholly on the
skill, effort and responsibility of the job, and work-
ing conditions, and not on the gender of the per-
son.performing the job. Traditionally, jobs held
primarily by women, such as clerical, nursing,
sales and service jobs, have been underpaid rela-
tive to jobs held primarily by men which require
similar levels of skill, effort and responsibility.
But “pay equity” and “comparable worth”
should not be confused with ‘equal pay for equal
work.” While we believe strongly in the concept
of equal pay for equal work, the pay equity issue
revolves around comparisons of the level of skills;
responsibility and effort that are required in jobs
which are different but which are of relative equal
value or worth to an employer.
Comparable worth, or pay equity, has been
moved to the front burner because, despite the
passage years ago of major federal civil rights
legislation aimed at ending job discrimination, the
economic position of American women has de-
teriorated. “Equal pay for equal work” laws have
done little to close the wide pay gap between men
and women because there are relatively few oc-
cupations in which men and women do identical
work. Eighty percent of working women are con-
centrated in less than 25 occupations, and more
than haif of all women work in occupations which
are more than 70 percent female occupied. One
quarter of all women work in jobs which are 90
percent female occupied. Pay equity is designed
to reach the wage inequities associated with such
job segregation.
But comparable worth is not only a women’s
issue—it is also a minority issue. That's because
many of the jobs in which women have been
segregated are also disproportionally minority
jobs, e.g., food service workers, cleaners, etc.
In many cases, identifying and remedying under-
valued jobs benefits women and minorities.
Wage discrimination very wide spread
Sex-based wage discrimination in public
sector wage scales is widespread.
On the national level, AFSCME says that
45 percent of the 13 million state and local
government employees workin female domi-
nated jobs such as secretary, library, nurse
and teachers, and are paid wages below
those paid to employees in male dominated
jobs which require equal skill, responsibility
and training.
On the state level, a major study initiated
by CSEA in the previous state contract
negotiations found tens of thousands of state
workers, mostly women and minorities, are
being held in economic hostage in under-
valued job titles. Millions of dollars were set
aside as a result of negotiations to deal with
those findings, and a full-scale study of how
to effectively change those conditions is
presently underway.
CSEA STATEWIDE SECRETARY IRENE CARR, left, a leading advocate ot pay equity, talks
with some CSEA Region Ill officials following her discussion of pay equity issues at a
recent regional meeting in Yonkers. With Carr are Region Ill President Pat Mascioli, West-
chester County CSEA Local 860 President Janice McGuiness, and Region Ill Program Com-
mittee Chairperson Grace Ann Aloisi.
4
THE PUBLIC SECTOR 1 1
kk kk kk kk kk kkk kkk kk kk
Statewide Board
-.ALBANY—All 106 members of CSEA’s statewide
‘Board of Directors are up for election this spring.
*.Under the union’s open election procedures, any
ember in good standing can have his or her name
placed on a baiioi by obiaining the required number of
SEA member signatures on an official petition form.
In the State division, a candidate needs petitions
signed by not less than 10 percent of eligible voters in
the Agency or Department he or she wishes to repre-
sent. Not more than 450 signatures are required.
In the Local Government division, a candidate needs
petitions signed by not less than 10 percent of eligible
voters in the local he or she wishes to represent. Not
more than 450 signatures are required.
Educational locals which share a representative require val-
id signatures calculated on the combined number of eligible voters
in all educational locals in their particular CSEA region. Not more
than 450 signatuares are required.
The union’s statewide Elections committee will oversee the
balloting which will be conducted by the Independent Election
Corporation of America, Lake Success, N.Y.
CSEA’s Board of Directors has adopted the following election
schedule:
March 3—Nominations open. Petitions available from CSEA
regional offices, local and unit elections committees, and CSEA
Headquarters.
i April 8—Final day for nominating petitions to be received at
CSEA Headquarters. Deadline is 5:00 p.m.
April 22—Last day to decline nomination and to make changes
in name spellings.
April 30—Drawing for ballot position.
May 5—Names, photos and cancidate statements printed in
the Public Sector.
May 15—Official ballots mailed.
May 21—Replacement ballots available.
June 12—Ballots must be returned by noon. Ballots will be
counted and results announced.
June 23—Election protest period ends.
In order to be eligible, a candidate must have been a member
in good standing of CSEA since June 1, 1985 and continously paid
membership dues since then. In addition, he or she cannot be
a’member of a competing labor organization and must not be
prohibited from holding office under a penalty imposed by the
| CSEA statewide Judicial Board.
i
1 2 THE PUBLIC SECTOR
—
a seh nine cee tne ar nm
This is a reminder to all locals and units that
the CSEA constitutions require that all locals and
units elect new officers this spring.
The constitutions require that all locals and
‘units must select election committees and
- election chairpersons by Feb. 15. The deadline
for submitting this information to CSEA is Feb.
21. If your local or unit has not done so already,
send the names of your local or unit election ~
committee and election chairperson to:
CSEA Records Department
143 Washington Avenue
Albany, New York 12210
The failure to submit the required information will result in
a delay in the local or unit election.
Greg Szurnicki, Statewide Election Committee Chairman,
reports that at a recent Elections Committee Meeting, the
Committee determined:
1. Individuals may decline appointment to an Election
Committee by Feb. 21 and still be eligible for nomination
and. election for units/local office.
2 Ha local has properly created the position of Executive
Vice President, the Executive Vice President is deemed
to be the ranking Vice President, and is an automatic. |
delegate to the CSEA conventions after the President and:
assuming that the local is entitled to more than one’
delegate. :
Any question concerning local or unit elections should be
submitted in writing to:
Greg Szurnicki
Statewide Election Committee
143 Washington Avenue
Albany, New York 12210.
*
AFSCME Election
The 1986 AFSCME Convention will be held in Chicago, Illinois
between June 22 and June 27. The nomination notice appears on
page 7. All nominating meetings will be held at 10:00 a.m., on
March 1 in the regions. All nominations must be submitted on an:
official nominating form and must provide the following
information: the name, address, work telephone number, home
telephone number, social security number and CSEA local number
or the nominee.
Official nominating forms will be available at the nominating
meetings and will be available in the regions from Feb. 27.
February 10, 1986
AMSTERDAM — What a difference a little
prodding can make. Take the City of
Amsterdam, for instance, which last year was
moving at a Snail’s pace to comply with a state
order regarding proper safety equipment and
training for workers at the municipal sewage
treatment plant, the West Side Pumping
Station.
CSEA, upset that the city was moving so
slowly to comply with the state Department of,
Labor order, threatened the city with court
action if the municipality didn’t take some
immediate actions to provide the equipment
and training to CSEA-represented workers at
the facility
That type of prodding evidently got the city
fathers’ attention because, as The Public
Sector reported in the Dec. 15, 1985 issue,
corrective action started soon afterwards. And
compliance actions have continued at an
accelerated pace ever since.
CSEA Region IV Occupational Safety and
Health Representative Barbara Mitchell and
CSEA Field Representative Joseph Bakerian
tried to get the city to voluntarily address union
concerns after two employees at the facility
were overcome by gases last March. The city
stalled, then delayed further by seeking a
variance after the Labor Department cited the
facility for several safety violations and ordered
corrective measures be taken. CSEA’s threat
of legal action to force the city to comply with
the Labor Department's OSHA order finally got
AHEALTH AND SAFETY UPDATE.
treatment plant safer workplace
the ball rolling late last fall.
_ In arelatively short time since, a number of
important actions have been taken by the city.
During November, a Scott air mask and tank
was relocated to the West Side Pump Station
for use in an emergency; the pump station log
system was expanded, and all meters and in-
dicators at the work site were fully charged. In
December, all employees were trained on
working with the meters and indicators, and
training was held on use of air masks. In addi-
tion, the city fire department conducted a
safety seminar for employees. Later in
December, a “walkaway” bracket for the air
mask tank and harness was installed for use in
emergency situations. An exhaust air ex-
change system was installed on Jan. 9 at the
pump station, and air is exchanged every 3.4
minutes. Instructions on the proper operation
of the system are posted at the station.
The continuing improvements at the site
endorse a statement by CSEA Unit President
Michael Cantiello when CSEA initially forced
the start of compliance. Cantiello said then that
city employees were impressed by the union’s
success in getting the safety problems re-
solved. “They know now that CSEA can
provide them with the necessary support to
help them change a situation around,” he said.
“They know that CSEA can be persistent in
dealing with the city administration until the city
realizes its responsibility to provide a safe
worksite for its employees.”
—Amieedon
SAFER AND SAFER — CSEA Occupational
Health and Safety Representative Barbara
Mitchell and CSEA Unit President Michael
Cantiello check over some of the new safety
equipment provided by the City of
Amsterdam for sewage treatment
employees. CSEA helped turn city
reluctance into corrective action by
threatening legal action if the city failed to
comply with state orders to provide proper
safety equipment and training for the
employees.
4
Children of CSEA members who
will be graduating from high school
in 1986 and plan on attending col-
Memorial Scholarship program.
Applications will be available af-
lege will be eligible to apply for one
of eighteen $500 scholarships CSEA
will again be making available under
ter Feb. 12 and accepted until
May I, according to Brian Ruff,
chairman of CSEA’s Special
Memorial Scholarships Commit-
CSEA’s 1986 scholarships program
tee. Three $500 scholarships will bers in each of CSEA’s six
be awarded to children of mem-
regions.
The Irving Flaumenbaum Memorial
Scholarships have been awarded an-
nually for several years now, and
are named in memory of the form-
the union's Irving Flaumenbaum
AG
GY
IRVING FLAUMENBAUM, in
whose memory the memorial
scholarship program is named.
At time of his death in 1980, he
was president of CSEA’s Long
island Region and was an
international vice president of
AFSCME.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
er longtime president of CSEA’s
Long Island Region.
The 1986 program will be
launched on Feb. 12 when informa-
tion and application forms are sent
to all CSEA local and unit presidents
and secretaries as well as each
regional headquarters. APPLICA-
TIONS MAY BE OBTAINED AFTER
FEB. 12 BY CONTACTING LOCAL
OR UNIT PRESIDENTS.
Under the program, children
whose parents or legal guardians are
represented by CSEA and who will
be graduating from high school in
1986 and who plan to attend college
are eligible to apply for the scholar-
ships.
APPLICATIONS WILL BE AC-
CEPTED UNTIL MAY I, 1986 AND
WINNERS SELECTED SHORTLY
THEREAFTER. WINNERS WILL
BE NOTIFIED BY MAIL.
First pact
a winner at
St. Lawrence
University
CANTON—By an overwhelming majority of 83
votes to 2, members of CSEA Local 630 at St.
Lawrence University have ratified a new two-year
contract calling for a sizeable increase in hourly
wages plus significant new and improved
employee benefits retroactive to July 1, 1985
The contract is the first one negotiated for the
new CSEA local which represents 110 secretarial
and clerical employees on the Canton campus.
According to Field Representative Steve
Ragan, chief negotiator for the pact, “Members
are delighted with their first agreement. It provides
improved wages and new benefits and terms of
employment never enjoyed before.”
Terms of the new contract include:
* An increase of 45 cents per hour for hourly
employees
* A greatly improved employee retirement
plan.
* Grievance and disciplinary procedures
installed for the first time.
* Job security provisions installed for the first
time
* Provision for labor/management committee
with input into university decisions.
* New methods for job reclassification
procedures
* Significant benefits for part-time employees.
* Improved tuition and university activity
benefits for employees and dependents.
Ragan explains that negotiations had dragged
on since last April because of numerous delays
related to putting together an initial agreement.
“We were starting from scratch, so it became
a lengthy process, but one that was necessary,”
he said. ‘During those months, the members
maintained solidarity and confidence that their
negotiating team would eventually hammer out a
good contract.”
A proposed two-year package was explained
to members at an informational meeting Jan. 28
and a ratification vote was take Jan.29.
“The fact that members voted overwhelmingly
to accept the agreement speaks for itself. It was
tough going at times, but well worth the effort,”
Ragan said, noting the dedication and support of
committee members during the 10-month
negotiating period
Central Region President Jim Moore called the
new contract “an important milestone for St.
Lawrence University employees represented by
CSEA, and other private sector college and
university workers” in the state.
“We hope this first contract will be a beacon
of hope for university employees elsewhere who
may be considering what CSEA bargaining power
can offer," said Moore
In addition to Ragan, members of the
negotiating committee were: Ann Marden,
president of the local and chairwoman of the
committee; Karen Maxson, Bonnie Haggerty, Pat
Bryant, Jean Deese, Wilma Hills, Fay Lawrence,
Faye Weeks, David Katz, Lynda James and
Margery James.
JOB TITLE
OPEN COMPETITIVE EXAMINATIONS SCHEDULE
BEGINNING
EXAM NO. SALARY
APPLICATIONS DEADLINE MARCH 17, 1986
Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic
Emergency Medical Technician
Contract Maintenance Servie Representative
Railroad Track and Structure Inspector
Railroad Equipment Inspector
Senior Railroad Equipment Inspector
Motor Equipment Specialist
Child Protective Services Specialist |
Child Protective Services Specialist IV
Cable Television Program Equipment Technician
Laboratory Equipment Designer (Electronics)
Laboratory Equipment Designer (Communications)
APPLICATIONS CONTINUOUSLY ACCEPTED
Occupational Therapy Assistant |
Occupational Therapy Assistant II
Senior Computer Programmer/Analyst
28-796
28-809
26-495
26-486
26-487
26-488
26-496
26-502
26-503
26-797
28-802
28-801
20-127
20-128
20-219
$20,466
15,487
19,745
20,066
21,227
23,729
25,099
20,066
40,345
29,364
22,442
23,729
16,909
20,066
25,099
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—5Sth Floor, 2 World Trade Center 10047, or 6th Floor, Adam
Clayton Powell State Office Building, 163 West 125th Street, 10027
LOCAL OFFICES, NYS Employment Service (no mail requests). When you
request an application, specify the examination number and title. Mail completed
application to: NYS Department of Civil Service, W. Averell Harriman NYS Office
Building Campus, Albany, N.Y. 12239
COMPETITIVE PROMOTION EXAMINATIONS
(State Employees Only)
JOB TITLE
EXAM NO. DEPARTMENT
APPLICATIONS DEADLINE MARCH 10, 1986
Senior employment Counselor G-19
Motor Equipment Maintenance Coordinator G-16
Motor Equipment Maintenance Supervisor | G-14
Motor Equipment Maintenance Supervisor Il G-15
Motor Equipment Maintenance Supervisor Ill G-19
Associate Building Electrical Engineer G-27
Associate Building Construction Engineer G-27
Associate Building Structural Engineer G-27
Senior Railroad Equipment Inspector G-17
Senior Railroad Engineer G-24
Energy Contracts Specialist Il G-23
Child Protective Services Specialist Il G-18
Child Protective Services Specialist Ill G-23
Supervisor of Motor Vehicle Investigation G-23
Chief Motor Vehicle Investigator M-1
Contract Maintenance Service Representative G-13
Senior Building Structural Engineer G-24
Assistant Building Structural Engineer G-20
Associate Sanitary Engineer (Design) G-27
39-944
38-885
38-883
38-884
38-886
39-937
39-946
39-938
38-875
38-888
39-945
38-889
38-890
39-950
39-951
38-891
38-851
38-850
39-939
Labor
Interdepartmental
Interdepartmental
Interdepartmental
Interdepartmental
Interdepartmental
Interdepartmental
Interdepartmental
Transportation
Transportation
Energy Office
Social Services
Social Services
Motor Vehicles
Motor Vehicles
OGS
OGS, Executive
OGS, Executive
OGS, Executive
APPLICATION FORMS: Application forms for promotion candidates are available
though your Personnel or Business Office. You may also obtain them by mail or
in person at the following offices of the New York State Department of Civil Service
NYS Office Building Campus, Albany, N.Y. 12239; 55thFloor, Two World Trade
Center, New York, N.Y, 10047; 6th Floor, Adam Clayton Powell State Office
Building, 163 West 125th Street, New York, N.Y, 10027; or Room 303, 6&
Court Street, Buffalo, N.Y. 14202. Specify the examination by its number anc
title. Mail your completed application form to: NYS Department of Civil Service,
The W. Averell Harriman NYS Office Building Campus, Albany, N.Y. 12239
OOS eee
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
February 10, 1986
Member saluted by professional club jy
j Awoman of h
sd
“~
A
By Sheryl Carlin
CSEA Communications Associate
ou're about to be impressed.
Christina Muldoon, recently selected as Woman of the Year by the
Deer Park Business and Professional Women’s Club is a very im-
pressive person.
Muldoon, a long-time CSEA activist, currently works as secretary
to the principal of the May Moore Elementary School and has been
employed by the Deer Park School District for 19 years. She earned
her recent award for outstanding achievement in her profession and in
community service and her active role in BPW functions. (The Deer Park
BPW is one of 10 BPW chapters on Long Island and is affiliated with
the National Federation of BPW.)
When you meet Muldoon, it becomes clear why she was chosen.
Wearing a neat gray suit which enhances her blonde hair and blue eyes,
Muldoon presents herself with a friendly, assertive air. Her handshake
seems to say, “I'm sure of myself and | feel good about my life.”
Speaking to her qualifies that first impression. She speaks freely
and intelligently about any number of issues: women’s involvement in
politics, her family, her job, her involvement with CSEA and her growth
as a person.
“| really enjoy being involved. When | took my first BPW trip to
Washington D.C., we had breakfast with our congressman and tea with
the First Lady. | shook Rosatynn Carter's hand just before she left for
a trip to Camp David,” Muldoon recalls. “It was all very exciting.”
Her desire to be involved certainly keeps her busy. In addition to
a host of other activities, Muldoon still finds the time to serve as treasurer
of her condominium association, do volunteer work at her local hospital,
and chair the Young Careerist Competition which gives national
recognition to professional women between the ages of 20 and 30.
Muldoon has also brought her enthusiasm and determination into
CSEA activities. For two years, she served as first vice president of the
Deer Park SD Unit of Local 870. For almost a decade, she represented
the clerical staff of that unit in contract negotiations. Currently, she is
a member of the Region | Political Action Committee.
Muldoon is a staunch supporter of pay equity for women and
protection of women against domestic violence. She believes that women.
should get involved and that they should vote.
“Women have a strong voice and they should use it. Power is in
politics. That's just the way it is,” she said.
Married, with one daughter, a son-in-law and a grandson, Muldoon
explains that her husband supports her activities.
“John has really allowed me to grow and that’s important. He’s a
wonderful man and his support means a lot to me,” she said.
Muldoon said that in her spare time (if you can believe there is any)
she enjoys golf, swimming and bowling.
How does she feel about her recent award?
“| was honored at a dinner which was attended by a lot of important
local politicians and | received a town council proclamation. | was really
overwhelmed,” she says.
J
Board of
Directors
Meeting highlights
Political Action Committee:
EDITOR’s NOTE: The Public Sector regularly
publishes a summary of actions taken by
CSEA’s statewide Board of Directors at the
Board’s official meetings. The summary is pre-
pared by Statewide Secretary Irene Carr for the
information of union members.
By Irene Carr
CSEA Statewide Secretary
@ ALBANY—CSEA’'s statewide Board of Directors
met here on Jan. 28. In official actions, the Board:
* Authorized spending $12,000 to sponsor
training programs for local government Employee
Assistance Program (EAP) coordinators.
* Approved schedule for upcoming elections
to the CSEA Board of Directors and to the June
22-27 AFSCME Convention
* Designated the Independent Election
@ February 10, 1986
Agency Corporation of America to count votes
in the CSEA Board election
* Directed CSEA lobbyists to be on guard
against any attempts by the State University of
New York to get legislation passed which will take
jobs out of the classified service and deprive ca-
reer civil servants of promotional opportunities.
* Voted to hold the 1987 Local Government
Workshop on May 5, 6 and 7 in Rochester.
Approved $98,000 to cover 1986 postal
rate increases for mailing the Public Sector.
* Directed CSEA regional presidents to
investigate and report back on status of local
government units with contracts expiring Dec. 31.
* Adopted policy that elected officers and staff
notify locals and units 48 hours in advance before
making visit.
The board also confirmed the following
appointments to the statewide Legislative and
Region 1—Michael Curtin, Jeanne Anguiulo and
Eugene Cammarato;
Region II—James Heekin, Miguel Cruz, Nevada
Solano and John Chesslin (retiree representative);
Region III—John Newman, Grace Ann Aloisi and
Alexander Hogg;
Region IV—John Francisco, William Burdick,
Joseph Conway and Fran Wilusz;
Region V—Dorothy Penner, Keith Zulko and
Robert Allen; and Region VI—Florence Tripi and
Thomas Warzel.
Questions by CSEA members concerning the
union's Board of Directors should be directed to
the member's Board representative, local
president or to the office of the Statewide
Secretary. Copies of the minutes are sent to all
Board representatives and local presidents.
15
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
Two women and child :
saved from blaze by
on-duty DOT workers
By Ron Wofford Martin said they saw flames and a parked car,
LOCKPORT
Transportation worl
saving three peopl
discoveréd ablaze wh
destroyed the one-fami
Lane and Martin iy
ty road;at about 1
People save dog
Suffolk members rescue
pup from frozen waters
By Sheryl Carlin
CSEA Communications Associate 'e
BROOKHAVEN — The life of a dog warden can be filled with thrill-
ing, and some chilling, experiences.
The latter was the best description for the situation experienced
recently by Brookhaven Dog Wardens Linda Pew and Charles Bratisax,
members of Suffolk Local 852, and a local police officer, when they
successfully rescued a dog from the semi-frozen Canaan Lake.
After hearing the call on the radio, the wardens arrived on the scene
to find a policeman ready to make a rescue attempt in a boat. Pew hop-
ped in and they began to chip through the ice, moving a few feet at a
time.
When they were three-quarters of the way to the dog, who was half
in and out of the icy water, the boat capsized, dumping Pew and the of-
ficer into the freezing lake. They made it safely back to shore and were
sent to the hospital to be treated for possible hypothermia.
Bratisax, who had been watching from shore, was offered a boat
from some neighborhood kids.
“| got in the boat and paddled out there. Since most of the ice was
already chipped away, it didn’t take me too long to reach the dog. | grab-
bed her with my noose and pulled her into the boat,” he related.
The dog was then taken to an emergency animal hospital.
Everyone involved in the incident is now fine, including the dog.
Pew commented, “The dog made it to the hospital before we did!”
At a town board meeting recently, Brookhaven Town Supervisor
Henrietta Acampora presented Pew, Bratisax, and the officer, with a
plaque, thanking them for the “heroic rescue of a stray dog from Ca-
naan Lake.”
“The important thing for people to know is that there isn’t a warden
among us who wouldn't have done the same thing,” Bratisax said
“We're here to help.”
LUCKY DOG — Wardens Charles Bratisax and Linda Pew, and Suf-
folk County Police Officer Thomas Brady proudly show the cer-
tificates of appreciation they received from Brookhaven Town
Supervisor Henrietta Acampora. Everyone looks fine — including
the dog they rescued!
ALBANY—State employees who work in down- lations. The simple, eight-item questionnaire will ey
town Albany received along with their paychecks be used to determine downtown parking needs
Downtown Albany Feb. 5 a survey regarding parking problems and develop recommendations to improve the
posed by the city’s proposed switch to resi- adequacy and use of parking facilities
e dence parking permits on streets surrounding the
curkin survey Empire Plaza John Naughter, CSEA collective bargaining
The survey was developed by a joint la- specialist has appealed to union members to
bor/managment committee made up of CSEA, cooperate in filling out the survey and returning
PEF and the Governors Office of Employee Re- - it to the Joint Parking Committee by Feb. 12
1 S THE PUBLIC SECTOR February 10, 1986 @
¢Seminars and talks
inform CSEA members,
help allay fears
Tempering
hysteria with
awareness
By Anita Manley
CSEA Communications Associate
POMONA—‘'The epidemic of fear is worse
than the epidemic of AIDS itself,” says John
Egan, executive director of the Mid Hudson
AIDS Task Force.
Egan led three seminars on the subject for
more than 400 Rockland County employees
recently. He told participants that the prescrip-
tion for the hysteria which has accompanied
the AIDS epidemic is to become better in-
formed. “Look through the headlines,” he ad-
vised. ‘Research, go to your library. Find out
about AIDS yourself.” te
Egan also emphasized that AIDS is not trans-
>
mittable through casual contact. “Intimate sex-
ual contact, and blood to blood contact such
as by sharing needles put people at risk,” he
said. ‘Persons transfused with contaminated
blood may also get AIDS.”
Egan stressed that the incidence of health
care workers contracting AIDS is negligible.
INCREASING AWARENESS—Top: John Egan, executive director of the Mid Hudson AIDS
Task Force speaks to a Rockland County employee following a recent seminar on AIDS.
Standing, center, is Rockland County Unit President Florence Kimmel. Above: Dr. Susan
Frolenza answers questions on AIDS from Nassau County Medical Center Unit President
Bill Gibbons and OSH Representative Ken Brotherton, standing far left.
“They are not becoming ill, even in close
household contact and even in less than ideal
hygienic conditions.”
Who are the people who are getting AIDS?
“Three out of four are gay or bisexual,” Egan
said. ‘The second most prevalent group are
the IV drug users. About 1 percent have got-
ten it through blood transfusions, 2 percent
through heterosexual contact. The risk groups
are pretty steady.”
New developments in the treatment of AIDS
were touched on by Egan. One he mentioned
is anti-viral drug; the other, a treatment being
used to fight cancer in which new white blood
cells are infused into the system.
Working with victims: no answers, just support
POMONA-—Diane Spiro works with the victims of AIDS. Coordinator
of the volunteer program for the Mid Hudson AIDS Task Force, Spiro
says the social alienation brought on by AIDS closely parallels that of
leprosy in ancient times.
“It is a disease that brings social stigma, a terrible feeling of victimiza-
tion,” she said. “The patients feel dirty, helpless, fragmented from so-
ciety.” .
Spiro said that although any castastrophic illness interrupts life’s flow,
AIDS victims immediately find a wall built around them because of the
stigma of the disease. ‘We have people who call us in a rage, as if we've
failed them. We have people who are depressed, despondent. We see
self-esteem affected. These victims carry a lot of guilt and shame and
loss of control.”
Spiro says that even worse is the profound fatigue that the illness
causes. “Getting up just to go to the bathroom is too much,” she
remarked.
As the disease progresses, the cost of treatment, the time lost from
work and eventually, the inability to work has resulted in most victims
having no means of support. Many are on public assistance.
“We don't have the answers,” she said. ‘We can only support them.”
Talk
dispels
myths
bulance drivers to custodians.
EAST MEADOW-—After being inundated with calls
and visits from members who were extremely con-
cerned about the AIDS epidemic, Bill Gibbons,
CSEA unit president at the Nassau County Medical
Center, arranged to have Dr. Susan Frolenza speak
at a recent membership meeting.
Dr. Frolenza, chief of the Division of Infectious Dis-
eases, gave a candid, informative talk on AIDS to
more than a hundred members ranging from am-
“We have approximately 3,500 members here
and just about all of them have the opportunity to
come in contact with AIDS patients at some time or
other. There is a real fear and Dr. Frolenza’s dis-
cussion outlined the precautions our members
should take,"’ said Gibbons.
After listening to Frolenza, Region | Occupation-
al Safety and Health Specialist Ken Brotherton said,
“| think that having the doctor speak was an excel-
lent way to dispel some of the myths surrounding
AIDS. The members asked good questions and they
were given honest answers.”
ean i RD ui a ea NN NAS TE BL
February 10, 1986
~waranad
eee
.
Extracurricular activities
CSEA at work for school district workers across the state
‘Stories by CSEA Communications Associates Sheryl Carlin and Anita Manley
increases, effective July 1, 1985, of 9.3 toca cI ME
MILLER PLACE — After enduring a year of
percent or $1,100 in the first year, 9.3 percent
negotiations, the Miller Place Clerical Unit of
Suffolk Educational Local 870 finally got their
contract.
“It's an equitable contract for everyone
concerned and was passed unanimously by
the members. We're all glad it’s over,” declared
Unit President Joan Russo.
Highlights of the contract include salary
or $1,100 in the second year, and 9 percent
in the third year.
The members will now have a choice
between overtime pay or compensation time
There is also a new provision which gives
employees the opiion of an annual or biweekly
payment of their longevity.
Negotiating
Chairperson Russo, Betty Reiersen, Susan
Fisher, Fackie Scofield, Gerry Gulotta and Field
Representative Jim Walters.
team members included:
Ryeneck gets 28.5%
over next four years
RYE — Grounds and maintenance workers in the Ryeneck School
District in Westchester County will see their salaries increase by 28.5
percent over the next four years, thanks to a recently ratified contract.
The new agreement also provides for dental and optical plans for the
employees and their families, agency shop and a night differential when
school is not in session
According to CSEA Region Ill Field Representative Larry Sparber, who
negotiated the contract, the employees will receive salary hikes of 7.5
percent retroactive to July 1, and 7 percent per year for the following three
years.
RYENECK SCHOOL DISTRICT UNIT members are all smiles following
the signing of a four-year contract that increases their salaries by 28.5
percent. Seated from left are Unit Vice President Al Fontecchio, Region
Ill Field Representative Larry Sparber and Unit President Bob Malovet.
Standing are Unit Secretary Bill Fowler, Region Ill President Pat Mascioli
and Mike Valentine, who served on the negotiating committee.
PAWLING — Clerical, custodial, transportation and cafeteria workers in
the Pawling School District have ratified a three year contract which will
increase salaries more than 19 percent over the life of the contract.
According to Collective Bargaining Specialist Don Partrick, employees
salaries will increase 6.5 percent this year. 6.5 percent effective July 1,
1986 and 6.29 percent as of July 1, 1987
In addition, the contract provides for a new family dental plan through
the CSEA Employee Benefit Fund, an additional family illness day and a
paid holiday for Martin Luther King Day. Bus drivers will also be entitled
to a meal allowance for runs in excess of six hours
A labor/management committee clause was also included in the contract
The 45 members are affiliated with Dutchess County Educational Localg
867
PAWLING SCHOOL DISTRICT UNIT President Dorothy Osborne signs
a three-year contract for her unit members. Seated next to her is Pawling
Superintendent of Schools Vincent J. Vecchiarela. Looking over their
shoulders is CSEA Collective Bargaining Specialist Don Partrick.
18 THE PUBLIC SECTOR
February 10, 1986
Members protest ban from Fadnodele
superintendent selection :
WEST BABYLON — Despite the fact that of education, responded by telling the hard line
250 CSEA employees a be srecty aecies presidents that they should put their concerns ie
by the next superintendent of West Babylon in writing and submit them for the board's
Schools, no representative from the three units review. reaps benefits
there was asked to serve on the “They really blew us off,” said Steiger.
e Superintendent Search Committee, and union ‘There is no reason why we shouldn't have a FARMINGDALE — A three-year pact was
members have voiced their dissatisfaction. CSEA member on that committee. We were recently ratified in the Farmingdale School
Heads of the three units recently wrote always included in the past and we're very District. The agreement, which calls for
letters to the chairperson of the committee upset!’ she added. increases of 7 percent plus increments in
espressing their disapproval and urging an The next letter to the chairperson outlined each year, affects approximately 150 CSEA
expansion of the committee to include aCSEA the CSEAers feelings that this action was a members employed there
member. Unit presidents are: Marge Steiger, “deliberate and specific attempt by the Board During the arduous negotiations, members
Non-Teaching Unit; Anthony Cacciola, Chief of Education to exclude us from this very banned together to walk a picket line. They
and Head Custodians Unit; and Helen Simpson, —_ important process, thereby establishing the carried signs which asked for “Parity for All!”
Para-Professional Unit. Non-Teaching employees as second-class They fought hard and they got a fair contract.
The chairperson, also a member of the board citizens of this school district.” Helen Sand, president of the clerical unit,
ee ee sl and Nick LaMorte, president of the custodial
unit, expressed that they were very
appreciative to the members for their patience
and support. “We could have never done it
without the undying support of the members.
When we asked members from other units to
walk with us, they did,” said Sands.
Highlights of the contract include
* Bereavement leave of two days was
added in the case of death of a sister-in-law or
brother-in-law;
e © All operational, maintenance, and clerical ,
employees shall not be required to report to
work and will receive full pay without loss of
leave entitlement when schools and offices
are closed due to inclement weather;
e Employees who are entitled to a third
week of vacation may take that week at any
mutually agreed time during the school year;
¢ Health insurance will increase. The board
agrees to pay 70 percent of the Statewide
plan for individual coverage and 70 percent
@ for dependent coverage in the first year; 80
percent for individual and 75 percent for
dependent in the second year; and in the third
‘ year, employees can obtain increased life
FIELD REPRESENTATIVE John Cuneo reads a letter that the CSEA Unit presidents from insurance at the group rate,
the West Babylon School District were ready to mail to the school administration, outlining ¢ A dental option will become effective July
their discontent at the fact that no CSEAer was chosen to serve on the Superintendent 1, 1987,
Search Committee. Discussion the matter with Cuneo are, from left: Anthony Cacciola, * Longevity payments will be made to
president of the Chief and Head Unit; Bill Delia, Chief Custodian; and Marge Steiger, employees who have completed 15, 20, and
president of the Non-Teaching Unit. 25 years of service with the district
@
Big pay increases won in Deer Park nt
a aa’ 23 {° si DEER PARK — A three-year pact, affecting 160 members in the Deer
sca 8 ee ; ] Park School District, called for large increases in salary and longevity
" } payments. :
The new agreement, effective July 1, 1985, includes $1,200 increases
in salary, plus increments for full-time employees, in each year of the
contract. i
® In addition, full-time clerical employees shall receive an added $200 each
year; and head and chief custodians will receive an extra $500 in the-first
and second years.
Part-time bus drivers will be paid $7.25 an hour in year one, $8.00 an
hour in year two, and $9.00 an hour in year three.
Longevity payments will now be made in the 10th and 15th years instead
of the 12th and 17th years.
Tom Corridan, president of the unit of Suffolk Educational Local 870,
said he is pleased with the contract. In addition to Corridan, members of
the negotiating committee were: Peggy Griffin, Chris Indivino, Jerry Coyne,
John Kerringer, Ann Mancini, Mary Florio and Field Representative John
e Cuneo.
ace
UNION NEGOTIATING TEAM members Gerald Coyne, Peggy Griffin and
Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Paul Burman watch as Field
Representative John Cuneo and Deer Park SD Unit President Tom
Corridan sign the new contract.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR 1 y
e February 10, 1986
°
«
L
20
At West Seneca DC
amily »
ffair
Mom and son
both working
for local
By Ron Wofford
CSEA Communications Associate
or Christine Melvin and her son Terry, union activism and caring for
the clients at the West Seneca Developmental Center have become
family traditions.
Christine is a 22-year employee of the center and has been a CSEA
member during that entire period. A Local 427 steward for the past
eight years, she is a MHTA, presently working on the Child and Young
Adult Services Unit.
Terry Melvin is a MHTA assigned to the Adult Developmental Unit.
Since September 1984, he has been president of the 1700-member
local, the largest mental hygiene local in Region VI.
Although the mother-son duo has never been assigned to the same
work location, they interact quite often as union representatives, at local
and steward meetings.
“He treats me just like any other steward,” said Christine.” And
that's the way it should be, since we're all working in behalf of the entire
membership.”
“Hard work, doing a good job, and caring,” are some of the virtues
Terry said he learned at an early age from his mother, who sometimes
would take him to work with her when he was as young as five years.
old.
“Of course it’s not allowed now, but back then | would sometimes
bring him to work with me, and he would help feed some of the young
clients,” recalled Christine. “And | occasionally brought clients home,
so Terry has been aware of, and acquainted with mentally retarded peo-
ple for a long time. I'm sure it's been helpful to him in life and on the job,
since he has such an obvious gift for working with people.”
ID,
MOTHER AND SON UNION ACTIVISTS — Local
427 steward Christine Melvin, below, and Presi-
dent Terry Melvin working together on union mat-
bat At left, Melvin with Field Representative Vince
cari.
Both express the feeling that working with the center's clients and
with the union is “rewarding and fulfilling,” and neither shows a sign of
slowing down.
Christine is also a licensed practical nurse, and now works “on the
side” in that capacity. With already 22 years of state service, she is still
“a long way from thinking about retirement.”
Having served union members as a steward, and first and executive
vice president before assuming the local presidency, Terry sees “no
reason to slow down.”
“After all, our local has a proud tradition of responsible leadership to
uphold,” said Terry, referring to the fact that several past Local 427
presidents have gone on to important CSEA positions, including
statewide President William L. McGowan. Others are Elaine Mootry,
who is a trustee of the CSEA Employee Benefit Fund, and Debbie Lee,
now a CSEA field representative. 5
“| think we were all-inspired by Bill's example,” said Terry and
Christine, “which isn't limited to his capacity as statewide president. He
is well remembered as a good local and regional president.”
Both unionists see a need for more members to ‘get involved and
active in their union. There's a very good self-satisfying feeling from
helping a fellow member, such as one gets by being a steward.”
“We have a strong group of very good stewards,” said Terry, ‘but
the more we have, the better and more efficient will our local be.” He
advised prospective stewards to contact him at the local office.
“There has been a lot of improvement over the years in union pro-
cedures and results,” said Christine. “There is a quicker response now
to grievances, and management has become more respectful of
workers'-rights and the union as well.”
Those gains have been made because of many men and women
who believed in, and worked hard to maintain the right of workers to
organize to improve working conditions and delivery of services to the
public, they said.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
February 10, 1986
4
