Vol.12 No. 5 - (GOze5 _New York's LEADING Union! May 2009
WORK FORCE
Still not
Paterson’s
politics
put people
at risk
See Pages 3, 4, 10 and 11
MT of the Month
Photo by Ed Molitor
Somewhat reluctant, but being a good sport, CSEA New York City State
Employees Local 2nd Vice President Donald Bryant has makeup applied
before taking part in a Workplace Violence Prevention DVD CSEA is
producing to help CSEA leaders and activists reduce the risk of violence at
their work sites. Bryant told interviewers about an individual who
brutally attacked three Department of Motor Vehicle workers because he
was angry over having failed his road test.
Work Ponce On the May cover:
The illustration of Gov. David
Still not Paterson with his fingers in his
listening | ears has become familiar across
the state in advertisements and
billboards (as well as some state
work places).
It was developed by Mario
Bruni, a graphic artist at the
Public Employees Federation.
ALERT
CSEA President Danny Donohue to meet
Western Region members May 28
CSEA President Danny Donohue will visit the CSEA Western
Region on May 28 to meet with members.
The meetings will be held at The Hampton Inn, 101 Main St., Olean.
Donohue will meet with union members from | to 7 p.m. Please call the Western
Region office at (716) 691-6555 or (866) 568-7734 for an appointment and directions.
Donohue will visit all six CSEA regions during the course of the year.
New York's LEADING Union
| 2 | THe Work Force
Unions lobby
lawmakers in Albany
ALBANY — CSEA and AFSCME
members from across the state
came by the busload for AFSCME
Lobby Day on March 31, meeting
with lawmakers and lobbying
them to oppose Gov. David
Paterson’s proposed layoffs of
8,700 state workers.
Among the elected officials and
labor leaders addressing the 1,200
union members were AFL-CIO
Secretary-Treasurer Richard
Trumka, state AFL-CIO President
Denis Hughes, state Comptroller
Tom DiNapoli, state Sen. Majority
Leader Malcolm Smith and U.S.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand.
“Let’s be clear,” CSEA President
Danny Donohue told the crowd.
“Layoffs represent a failed
government that puts politics
before people.”
Union members spent the
afternoon speaking with their
(acl
AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer
Richard Trumka fires up the
crowd at the 2009 AFSCME Lobby
Day.
elected officials or the lawmakers’
staff, urging them to support
legislation that benefits working
people and to oppose the
governor’s layoff proposal.
Spread the Truth about the
Employee Free Choice Act!
Go to
www.csealocal1000.org
to view a 10-minute
video that explains why
the Employee Free
Choice Act is important
to unions and to get
more information.
AFL-CIO Employee Free Choice ...
Since 1910
May 2009
Puts politics ahead of people
Paterson ignites layoff firestorm
ov. David Paterson’s strong-arm threat to lay off
8,700 state employees if CSEA and other unions
won't agree to his concession demands continues
to fuel a political firestorm.
CSEA’s response has been swift and unrelenting
in a drive to expose the dangers of what the
governor is doing.
“The people of New York deserve better than the
dangerous political game the governor is playing,”
said CSEA President Danny Donohue. “His approach
is reckless and irresponsible and puts people’s lives
at risk. Laying off 8,700 people makes no sense and
will cost taxpayers and cause all kinds of misery,”
Donohue said.
CSEA has offered the governor numerous
alternatives to save more money than he said is
needed from concessions. The governor and his
administration have made it clear he is only
interested in ideas that inflict pain on the work
force to make a political point.
The governor has also said he will exempt
management/confidential personnel, including
political appointees, from his layoff plan.
“What Governor Paterson is saying is that the
highest paid personnel will not be included as part
of his cost-cutting moves,” Donohue said. “He is
also saying the brunt of his reductions will be on
the lower-paid employees who actually do the work
of the state every day.”
Based on the governor’s numbers, one
management position could save the jobs of four
workers delivering essential services.
In the middle of all this, the governor also
announced the appointment of yet another top-level
political appointee in his executive chamber at a
$173,000 annual salary, causing CSEA once again to
question his judgment.
CSEA is also holding the state legislature
accountable for its role in passing a $132 billion
state budget that facilitates the governor’s layoff
scheme by assuming savings from union
concessions. At the same time, legislators
appropriated themselves $170 million in pork barrel
spending that could go a long way toward stopping
layoffs.
“Let’s be clear,” Donohue said. “The governor is
pursuing these layoffs, CSEA isn’t. One layoff is too
many from our perspective. It represents a failed a
government that puts politics before people.”
Get the latest information at
www.csealocal1000.org
May 2009
CSEA members including Metropolitan Region
President George Boncoraglio, center,
demonstrate outside state Sen. Majority Leader
Malcolm Smith’s district office in Queens.
SEA:
SueorT 4
STAT
CSEs E
vc yur 48 ovr ShteN
Rrutect
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SAE
WORKERS
State Employees President Doris Cota, CSEA
Western Region Political Action Coordinator
Courtney Brunelle, Western Region President Flo
Tripi and Western Region Political Action
Committee Chairman Tim Finnigan demonstrate
outside Assemblyman Joe Morelle’s Irondequoit
office. CSEA members also demonstrated at
Assemblyman Sam Hoyt’s office in Buffalo.
a |
Gov. David Paterson, left, is confronted in
Saratoga Springs by CSEA Capital Region
President Kathy Garrison, who is flanked by
Public Employees Federation Secretary-Treasurer
Arlea Igoe and CSEA Executive Vice President
Mary Sullivan.
At right, CSEA SUNY Stony Brook Local President
Carlos Speight fires up the crowd at a rally at the
New York State Office Building in Hauppauge.
THe Work Force
E WORK FORC
ISSN 1522-1091
Official publication of
CSEA Local 1000, AFSCME, AFL-CIO
143 Washington Ave.
Albany, NY 12210-2303
Danny Donohue, President
STEPHEN A. MADARASZ
Communications Director & Publisher
STANLEY HORNAK
Deputy Director of Communications
LOU HMIELESKI
Executive Editor
JANICE MARRA
Associate Editor
CATHLEEN FEBRAIO
Graphic Production Specialist
JANICE M. KUCSKAR
Graphic Production Specialist
BETH McINTYRE
Communications Assistant
The Work Force (USPS 0445-010) is
published monthly by The CSEA Publication Office:
143 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12210.
Periodical Mail Postage paid at Post Office,
Albany, New York 12288.
Postmaster: Send address changes to:
CSEA, Attn: Membership Department,
143 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12210.
CSEA on-line: The CSEA website
can be accessed at www.csealocal1000.org
Readers:
Send any comments, complaints, suggestions or ideas to:
Or; of the oldest military concepts in world history is known as
“Divide and Conquer.” I’m sure you're familiar with it - weaken
people by separating them from common interests, defenses and other
bonds and it’s a lot easier to roll over them.
Of course, the whole basis of our union is about standing up to
this strategy by uniting people.
These points should tell you a lot about the heated conflict
that CSEA is in during these difficult economic times.
Gov. David Paterson is trying to strong-arm CSEA and others
into reopening our fairly negotiated contracts with New York state by
threatening to lay off 8,700 state employees if we don’t.
For months, CSEA offered the governor numerous ideas that could help the state save
even more money than he could gain by his demands. But the Paterson administration has made it
clear that it’s not about the money. It’s about the governor's political agenda to gain contract
concessions and make 70,000 CSEA state employees and others feel pain.
Publisher, The Work Force, 143 Washington Avenue,
Albany, NY 12210-2303.
COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATES
It’s bad management, bad politics and bad public policy for many reasons that are detailed
on other pages in this edition.
RICHARDSIMPAGHAZZO; Long tstind Region GD): 620030. I want to be clear, however, that this is a fight for all of CSEA, not just state employees.
DAVID GALARZA Metropolitan Region —_ (212) 406-2156
Deer AN ror ao tars All of you work under a CSEA-negotiated contract that is the product of decades of hard-
MARK M. KOTZIN Central Region (315) 433-0050 fought battles to secure fairness in salaries, benefits and working circumstances. CSEA negotiates
LYNN MILLER Western Region (716) 691-6555 more than 1,100 of these separate contracts with employers all across the state — and none of them
ED MOLITOR Headquarters (618) 257-1272 are identical. If we reopen one contract, then every other employer has a legitimate right to demand
JILL ASENCIO Headquarters (518) 257-1276 that we reopen theirs, too. But then we can never again have any expectation that any contract will
ever be valid.
The Publications Committee
Brenda Chartrand
Mary D’Antonio
William Lebaron
Ronald Revers
Mary Alice Whiteman
We will always work cooperatively to help find better ways to get the job done and achieve
savings outside of our contract. We will always negotiate contracts in good faith in their normal
cycle. But we will not be browbeaten into bad faith, concession bargaining that undermines you and
all other CSEA members both now and forever.
p88 CoNMUICg
“unease Ho
“stgMaTIONN
ARIE
4 | THe Work FORCE May 2009
Westchester Medical Center
HEALTH. CARE SERVICES
VALHALLA — A second
wave of layoffs hit
Westchester Medical
Center recently, putting
more than 100 additional
hospital workers out of a
job and stretching an
already lean work force.
MEMBERS ONLY INFORMATION
LOCAL 1000 CSE AFSCME, AFL-CIO
Legal Services
Program
Workers’ Compensation| Personal | Personal | Taking Care
and Social Security | Legal Injury | of Business
Disability Matters | Matters | @ Elder Law
This members only
benefit program
provides attorney
representation for
Workers’
Compensation,
Know
Your
Social Security Rights!
Disability, Personal
Injury and Personal Legal matters including
Taking Care of Business for members and their
dependents. Quality legal representation at little
or no out-of-pocket cost for injury/illness related
matters; quality legal representation at
pre-negotiated/discounted fees for other personal
matters.
Finding a CSEA Legal Services Program attorney is as simple as
calling the CSEA toll-free number: 1-800-342-4146 and following
the prompts for the Legal Services Program. Listen to the
directions for accessing the Injury-Related Plans, or the Non-
Injury Related Plans,which includes the Taking Care of Business
Plan. Information is also available on the CSEA website at
www.csealocal1000.org.
CSE
LOCAL 1000, AFSCME, AFL-CIO
1-800-342-4146
Management
announced the move just
one day after a labor-
management meeting with
CSEA in which hospital
officials said no decisions
had been made on
additional layoffs. March
31 was the last day of
work for those affected,
with workers receiving
less than two weeks
notice.
Blindsided
In January,
management estimated
the hospital would lay off
400 workers, with 190
immediate cuts coming
through the closure of the
hospital’s public nursing
home. The latest job cuts
in the main hospital bring
the layoff total to around
300.
blindsides union with more cuts
Westchester Medical Center’s Taylor Care Center,
the hospital’s public nursing home, was a casualty of
the first round of cuts.
final decisions had been
made. Hardworking,
middle-class people with
children to care for, and
rent or mortgage
payments, were put out of
a job without even getting
two weeks notice.”
“Whi “On top of
rankena fe “Hardworking, everything
members at middle-class else, it has
Westchester people with ae
ive tothe children to care pressure
hospital’s for, and rent or from CSEA
‘world class mortgage in order to
aa” paymints) were eee ement
management's put out of a job to follow
behavior has without even proper Civil
been less than getting two weeks Service _
world class,” notice.” procedure in
said Southern regard to
Region President Billy
Riccaldo. “Management
blindsided our members
with the 100 layoffs barely
a day after telling us no
the layoffs,” said
Westchester County Local
President Jack McPhillips.
“We've had to repeatedly
press both for correct
seniority listings and to
have management set up
a Department of Labor
job fair for impacted
employees, something
that is required under
state law.”
Westchester Medical
Center is the only public
hospital and major
trauma center between
New York City and Albany.
Known for its high profile
burn and transplant
centers, the hospital also
serves as a crucial safety
net for patients without
insurance who would be
unable to receive
treatment elsewhere.
— Jessica Ladlee
May 2009
THe Work Force
= _t
Probation officers Officer of the Year
warn of thin ranks u
CORRECTIONS AND ROCHESTER — The Monroe County said. “It is mathematically impossible
Law ENFORCEMENT Office of Probation is so short-staffed, for us to do our jobs,” Wersinger
there simply are not enough officers said. “We need 19 general
for all probationers to be properly supervision officers and three
monitored. investigators to be able to safely
For the last several years, the manage our required job duties.”
county has been chipping away at the Ideally, all 35 vacancies should be
“On average, a Probation Department, refusing to fill filled eb full-time staffers.
general vacancies and creating a dangerous Last year, Wersinger said, three
os situation for the public, said Todd active probationers were victims of
supervision Wersinger, a probation officer and homicide and two active
A CSEA Probation Section president. He probationers were accused of
officer would addressed the county legislature last homicide.
need 138 month to ask — again — that the “I am not suggesting we have the
hours of department be properly staffed. power to prevent all bad things from
“We currently have 8,457 active happening,” Wersinger said. From left, Sullivan County Jail Unit
overtime per cases at probation. On average, a “However it is a certainty that we President Robert Brewster, Corrections
general supervision officer would need _—_ could do a better job with adequate | Officer Jonathan Kurtz, and Col. Hal
month to 138 hours of overtime per month to staffing. In 2008, probation was Smith, jail administrator. Kurtz was
ii manage their assigned workload,” involved in the seizure of 33 guns presented a plaque honoring him as the
manage their Wersinger said. from prohibited persons. Despite unit’s second annual Officer of the Year.
assigned In the last 10 years, the number of these remarkable results, we are left | Brewster said Kurtz, a 17-year
workload.” vacancies in the department has gone with the feeling that this is just the corrections officer at the county jail, is a
. from 12 in 1999 to 35 today. The heavy __ tip of the iceberg.” role model for other corrections officers
caseloads set officers up to fail, he — Lynn Miller ae for his professionalism on
2008-2009 Polar vrenuit Creek, Long sand Sound
Plunge season a
resounding success
cross the state since early December, CSEA
members have been freezing for a reason, wading
and jumping into lakes and other bodies of water
throughout the winter to raise money for Special
Olympics athletes.
The craze is catching on in CSEA.
The 2009 season has come to a close with more
people than ever involved, including the Southern
Region, participating for the first time this year. CSEA
members raised more than $10,000, beating last
year's record.
In the off-the-wall spirit of the Polar Plunge, some
of our newest participants took wild and wacky to
the next level with creative costumes and daring
leaps.
6 | Te Work Force May 2009
Just some of the
potential fallout from
Governor Paterson’s
proposal to ax 8,700
state employees for
political purposes.
He just
doesn’t
get it.
8,700 taxpayers
taken off the tax rolls
by layoffs
Unemployed state workers
maintain health insurance
benefits at present cost
8,700 workers paid for
unused vacation time
while out of work
Unemployed state workers
apply for unemployment insurance
at taxpayer expense
Employee whose position is
abolished is eligible to receive
up to $3,000 to relocate when
the distance is at least 35 miles
Unemployment insurance runs out;
some workers apply for social
services at taxpayer expense
Additional burden
placed on CSEA-
represented social e
4
service workers
ces
Services previously delivered
by state workers
lost to the taxpayer Or are shifted to localities S
with additional tax burden
o Layoff process creates chaos for
® state managers and demoralizes
remaining state work force
Takes a toll on front line workers
who actually deliver services
Layoff process is further complicated
and inflated in its cost by Governor y, S S S S
Paterson's decision to exempt highly
paid managers and political appointees
Unemployed state workers
cannot provide support to
Everybody loses. [Rraiiiianmienss
May 2009
THe Work Force idl
WASTE MANAGEMENT,
MAINTENANCE AND
INFRASTRUCTURES
If county
officials were
to contract out
demolition
work, the cost
could total
more than
$65,000 per
unit,
Public demolition crew helps
knock down county costs
AMSTERDAM — Montgomery
County Department of Public
Works employees are saving
the county money through
their efforts with a new
demolition program.
The workers are trained to
knock down condemned,
vacant and unsafe
structures, saving the county
from hiring private
contractors to do the work.
Since the demolition
program started in mid-
February, seven homes have
been taken down and at least
50 more buildings are slated
for demolition.
Quicker and cheaper
Foreman and CSEA
member Shawn Cotton said if
county officials were to
contract out demolition
the job done quicker than
private contractors, who can
take at least a day to
demolish a building. Cotton,
who keeps detailed logs of
each job, said some houses
can be down in an hour.
The demolition crew
works with municipal crews
to prepare the sites,
including shutting down gas
and power lines. The first
thing the demolition crew
does on a job is to knock out
the windows. Afterwards,
they plan the best way to
attack the structure. “We'll
take a look at the structure,”
Cotton said. “A lot depends
on the location of the
support walls.”
During the demolition,
workers stream water on the
structure to limit exposure to
From left, demolition crew members Dave Bouchard, Bob
Crews (in excavator cab), Dick Kane and Foreman Shawn
Cotton.
allows the crew to work well
together and to get the job
about this crew is we’re one
big family here,” he said.
work, the cost could total
more than $65,000 per unit.
County workers also get
Cycle the Erie Canal!
Join Parks & Trails New York
July 12-19, 2009 for the 11th
annual Cycling the Erie Canal,
a A400-mile, eightday bicycle
tour from Buffalo to Albany
along the historic, scenic Erie
Canal.
ey
Parks GTrails
NEWYORK
Cycling the
Erie Canal
CSEA is a sponsor of the ride, 2009
and CSEA members along the route help maintain
the bike trails and Erie Canal.
For more information, visit the Parks & Trails website
at www.piny.org/canal tour.
8 | Te Work Force
dust. Once complete, a crew
hauls away the materials.
Cotton said teamwork
done quickly and safely at
limited expense to the
county. “The best thing
— Therese Assalian
CSEA, Thruway Authority sign new agreement
ALBANY — CSEA President
Danny Donohue met with
Thruway Authority officials
and members of the
negotiating teams March 20
to sign the new contract
between the union and the
authority. The contract is
retroactive to July 1, 2008,
and runs through June 30,
2012.
The contract holds the
line on health benefits and
includes salary increases in
each year and a downstate
adjustment. CSEA represents
more than 600 technical,
professional and
supervisory employees.
— Therese Assalian
From left, New York State Thruway Authority Local
President Nick Chiesa, Thruway Authority Executive
Director Michael Fleischer and CSEA President Danny
Donohue sign copies of the new agreement, as CSEA Labor
Relations Specialist Mike Sheldon, seated, far right, and
members of CSEA’s negotiating team, back row, look on.
May 2009
WASTE MANAGEMENT,
MAINTENANCE AND
INFRASTRUCTURES
“Mayor Darden
has shown a
clear lack of
respect for the
village work
force and for
the CSEA
contract.”
CSEA blasts village’ s anti- -union moves
SPRING VALLEY — A pattern
of anti-union behavior from
Village of Spring Valley
officials has CSEA firing back
against the village.
A pre-conference hearing
on an improper practice
charge filed with the state
Public Employment Relations
Board is scheduled for this
month. In the filing, CSEA
details nearly a dozen
allegations corroborating the
union’s charge of anti-union
animus, including several
instances suggesting village
officials are targeting
Rockland County Local
President Fritz Ernest.
“Tve had my work hours
changed for no reason, with
no explanation, after working
the same hours my whole
career,” said Ernest, a 24-
year village Department of
Public Works employee.
Officers, members attend popular Long
Island schools conference
CSEA Executive Vice President Mary Sullivan, CSEA
Treasurer Joe McMullen, Nassau County Educational
Local President Monica Berkowitz, Suffolk County
Educational Local President Harry Ader and CSEA
Secretary Denise Berkley take a break during the
recent Long Island School District Support Staff Career
Development Conference, which was jointly sponsored
by the Nassau and Suffolk Educational locals. The
popular, one-day conference, which drew more than
1,000 CSEA members employed at schools across Long
Island, featured programs relevant to school workers.
‘hy
Rockland d. County Local President Fritz Ernest, seen here in
the street sweeper he drives for the Village of Spring Valley
Department of Public Works, says he has been targeted by
village officials for his union activity.
Employee surveillance
The animosity between
CSEA and village officials
recently peaked when Mayor
George O. Darden authorized
the installation of
surveillance cameras inside
and outside the public works
garage without first notifying
CSEA as the village is
wae, ' |
required to do.
“It is our belief that these
cameras were not installed
so much with security in
mind, but so Mayor Darden
and (Public Works Deputy
Superintendent) Neil Vitiello
could find another way to
harass and intimidate
employees,” said Southern
Region President Billy
Riccaldo. “Mayor Darden has
shown a clear lack of respect
for the village work force and
for the CSEA contract.”
CSEA is also fighting to
enforce several arbitration
victories against the village.
“We're estimating the cost of
the longevity payout alone to
be at least $100,000 (in
total), because the judgment
awarded us the back pay
with interest,” said Unit
President Walter Booker.
— Jessica Ladlee
Transportation workers save fisherman’s life
HORSEHEADS — Sometimes,
you're just in the right place
at the right time.
That was the case recently
for four state Department of
Transportation workers who
saved the life of a fisherman
who had fallen through ice.
“We were out patching
potholes when we heard the
call come over the fire
department pager,” said John
Mase. “We were nearby so
we went to see if we could
help.”
The workers borrowed
rope from a utility crew that
had also responded and tied
it around DOT worker Bob
Dunlap and he went in.
As the men pulled the
victim from the water,
emergency crews began to
arrive on the scene.
“When we got there, I went
into emergency mode,
assessed the situation and
Bob Dunlap, John Mase, Mark Weaver and Ted Condie of
the Hornell State Employees Local recently saved the life of
a fisherman who had fallen through the ice.
we handled it,” Mase said. “I
can’t stress how proud I am
of these guys for what they
did.”
The victim displayed signs
of hypothermia and required
six days in the hospital.
“We believe he was in the
water for about 50 minutes,”
Dunlap said. The water
temperature was just 33
degrees that day.
The victim stopped by the
DOT garage recently to thank
the men who saved his life.
“Everyone was in the right
place at the right time,” Mase
said.
— Lynn Miller
May 2009
THe Work Force
aVerldece State workers wonder: ‘Where can they cut?’
SEA members working in the state’s executive branch agencies
( aren't convinced that Gov. David Paterson’s proposal to lay off
illusion that this action moves New York forward through ‘shared
sacrifice,’” said CSEA President Danny Donohue. “The plan sticks it to
8,700 workers is going to bring any savings to the state. In fact, it state employees and undermines the state’s health care system
will likely cost the state more with lost productivity, overtime,
unemployment benefits and the loss of morale the layoffs could bring
to a work force that’s already stretched thin. “No one should have any
‘We’re short staffed as it is now’
£
A a 1
CSEA members Thurlus Cordon, left, and Mack Roberts III work as mental
health therapy aides at Rockland Psychiatric Center.
ORANGEBURG — At a facility where working at minimum staffing levels is
common, CSEA members Thurlus Cordon and Mack Roberts III worry that Gov.
David Paterson’s order to cut 1,054 positions at state Office of Mental Health
facilities has the potential to hurt patients and workers at Rockland Psychiatric
Center.
“We're short staffed as it is now,” said Cordon, a four-year mental health
therapy aide in the center’s long-term care unit. “When you're exhausted from
being mandated [for overtime], the patients often pick up on that and it can
make for a hostile situation and possible injuries to the worker.”
State workers have been doing more with less for years, but Roberts said that
isn’t a good thing when it comes to patient care.
“If I get a new patient in one day who is highly combative, I need to be able to
give him my full attention,” said Roberts, who works in the center’s admissions
unit. “If we lose any more staff, that’s going to be even tougher than it already
is.” Then there are the personal concerns, both men said. While Rockland
County’s high cost of living means many state workers struggle, things would be
much worse without a job.
“I live paycheck to paycheck,” said Cordon. “It’s not like I make a hundred
grand a year. | need my job.”
— Jessica Ladlee
beyond reason. Supporting the proposal makes state lawmakers
complicit with the governor in a reckless and irresponsible plan.”
“Tis not fair that the governor is using the
layoffs as leverage to get us to open up
the contracts. We agreed to it. It was signed
by both parties.99
— Mike Gardner
Office of General Services, Utilities
6 ho is going to do the work? We're
already short staffed.99
— Derbia Williams
Higher Education Service Corp.,
Secretary
ad concerned about what kind of impact
layoffs will have on the workers who
process unemployment claims. We’re already
stretched thin. And now the governor wants
to use stimulus money to extend
unemployment benefits. The stimulus money
is meant to be used to keep people working,
not to pay unemployment. And how will
people get their benefits processed if he lays
off the people who do the work? It doesn’t
make any sense.99
— Vennie Terpin
State Department of Labor Local President
— Photos and quotes, Therese Assalian
‘We all contribute to the public’s safety’
BATAVIA — Although it’s always in the back of
her mind, Rachel Chudoba tries her best not to
think about the devastating
layoffs Gov. David Paterson
and state lawmakers are
threatening this summer.
Thinking about it, she
her already-busy life,
worrying about losing her
income and health insurance for herself and her
son would just be too much.
Chudoba, a keyboard specialist at the New
York State Police Troop Headquarters in Batavia,
is also a single mom working three jobs to make
ends meet.
“Some people are very worried about the
layoffs,” she said. “I think I would be one of the
first people to go. I’ve only been here three-and-
at
says, is just too stressful. In i | Ss 4
Paterson's Politics Put People
a-half years. I need this job to help me take care
of my son.”
Chudoba and her civilian
co-workers spend their
days handling clerical work
for the troopers. They may
pull reports and evidence,
NI work with the hostage
Z negotiators, keep track of
‘ K overtime and assist officers
with reports. Losing the clerical support staff
would put lives at risk.
“We all contribute to the public’s safety,” she
said. “The troopers are so busy in the field.
Having us here gives them more time to be out
on the road protecting residents.
“The governor’s layoffs are definitely not the
answer.”
— Lynn Miller
‘We’re there for the patients’
BINGHAMTON — Short staffing is
nothing new for CSEA Greater
Binghamton Health Center Local
member George Reinhard.
“We are already short-staffed, on
a skeleton crew as it is, and a lot of
people are getting mandated to
work overtime, at least twice a
week. A lot of people get burned
out and when they get burned out
they either quit or make mistakes.
When you work with patients,
handling medications and that sort
of thing, there’s really no room for
mistakes,” said Reinhard, a mental
hygiene therapy aide in the center’s
Extended Care Unit and eight-year
CSEA member.
“It can be difficult for the
patients when we’re stretched to
the limit at work,” he said. “It’s
Since 1910
May 2009
110] Tue Work FORCE
CSE Mw 2009
difficult for us, because we’re their
family. They don’t have anyone but
us,” Reinhard said.
“Cutting direct care affects the
care of the patients, and we’re there
for the patients.”
“We’re all wondering who’s going
to be cut, what departments;
everyone's talking about it,”
Reinhard said.
“I don’t know where anyone ever
got the misconception that state
workers don’t work that hard. A lot
of times here, we’re working 16-
hour days, getting a few hours of
sleep and then hauling our butts
back in the next day. We’re getting
the work done, but we get taken for
granted.”
— Mark M. Kotzin
Rachel Chudoba is a single mom who juggles
three jobs to make ends meet. She worries
about losing health insurance for herself and
her son if she is laid off from her job with the
New York State Police.
Mental Hygiene Therapy Aide George Reinhard writes patient notes on a
chart on Unit 2E at the Greater Binghamton Health Center.
THe Work Force
2009 CSEA ELECTIONS Info
Public Sector Local, Unit
elections scheduled for 2009
Elections will be conducted for all public sector local
officers, delegates and unit officers
he term of office for all current public sector local officers, delegates and
unit officers expires June 30, 2009. Public sector officers and delegates will
be elected to four-year terms. Balloting for local officers, delegates and unit
officers will be conducted between May 15 and June 15, 2009.
Each local and unit executive board must select its own election committee
and committee chairperson, or election meeting chair if applicable. The local
and/or unit election committee is primarily responsible for conducting the
election.
Slate petitioning and slate voting will be an option for candidates for local
and unit office (see adjacent information).
Members may run as individual candidates if they wish.
Attention: Public Sector Local, Unit Presidents
Did you send the Election Committee Data Form
to CSEA Headquarters?
|: early January, registered election committee chairs and election meeting
chairs began receiving their election package to help them carry out their
election duties.
You must submit your election committee data form before an election
packet will be mailed to your election committee chairperson or election
meeting chair.
CSEA Headquarters cannot send material and information to any appointed
election committee or meeting chair without first receiving the completed
election committee data form from the local or unit president.
Inquiries concerning election materials may be directed to the CSEA
Central Files Department at 1-800-342-4146, ext. 1261.
Locals and Units with 150 or Fewer Members
Holding an Election at a Special Membership Meeting
Locals and units with 150 members or less may choose to appoint an
Election Meeting Chair (instead of an election committee) and conduct an
election at a meeting.
Holding your election at a Special Membership Meeting simplifies the
election process in that, where there are races (more than one candidate
for an office), the Election Meeting Chair calls a Membership Meeting for
the purpose of electing officers.
Application for Office
Special election rules are available to CSEA locals and units of 150 or
fewer members.
In these smaller locals and units, completion of the Application for
Election to Office replaces the requirement to obtain signatures on a
nominating petition.
In locals or units with 150 or fewer members, any member who submits
the application and meets election requirements under the appropriate local
or unit constitution will be placed on the ballot.
Important information about
slate petitioning and slate voting
Local Elections
In local elections, a slate must contain a candidate running for the offices of
president, one or more vice presidents as set forth in the local’s by-laws, secretary and
treasurer.
The slate may also include candidates for other offices that have been created
according to the local constitution and by-laws. In locals that have created the combined
position of secretary-treasurer in their by-laws, the slate must include a candidate for
that office.
Unit Elections
In unit elections, a slate must contain a candidate running for the offices of president,
one or more vice presidents as set forth in the unit's by-laws, secretary and treasurer.
The slate may also include candidates for other offices that have been created
according to the unit constitution and by-laws. In units that have created the combined
position of secretary-treasurer in their by-laws, the slate must include a candidate for
that office.
Candidates should know the following:
+ A member cannot be a candidate for officer and for delegate on the same slate. An
officer candidate must circulate a separate nominating petition in order to appear on the
ballot also as a candidate for delegate. The member will appear on the ballot as a
candidate for office as part of the slate and as an individual for the position of delegate.
* Candidates who run as a slate must complete a Slate Eligibility and Consent Form
and a Slate Petition Request Form. By petitioning as a slate, candidates who appear as
part of a slate need to submit only one set of the required number of signatures to
qualify as a candidate. Individual petitions are not necessary for slate candidates.
+ Candidates who withdraw from a slate must complete a Slate Withdrawal Form and
return the form to their election committee.
More detailed information about election slates will be available from local and unit
election committees.
Break in membership affects eligibility for union office,
voting privileges
A break in union membership status can have long-term future implications. Your membership status
affects your eligibility with respect to:
* seeking or holding union office;
* signing nominating petitions for potential candidates;
* voting in union elections, and;
* voting on collective bargaining contracts.
Only members “in good standing” can participate in these activities. To be in “good standing,” your
dues cannot be delinquent.
If you go on unpaid leave or for any other reason have a break in your employment status, your
dues Will not continue to be paid through payroll deductions. You must make arrangements to pay
your dues directly to CSEA to continue your membership status. If you are either laid off or placed on
leave without pay status due to becoming disabled by accident, illness, maternity or paternity, you
may be eligible for dues-free membership status for a period not to exceed one year. If you are called
up for active military duty you may also apply for dues-free status.
Note, however, you must continue to pay dues to run for office. Dues-free or gratuitous
membership allows members to continue their insurance coverage while out of work. It does not
protect your right to run for or hold office. This does not apply to members who are on leave due to
being called up for military duty. Members on active military duty, upon return, are considered to
have had continuous membership status for all CSEA election purposes.
Please notify the CSEA Membership Department at 1-800-342-4146, Ext. 1327, of any change in your
status and what arrangements you are making to continue your membership in CSEA.
1 2 fee Work FORCE
May 2009
FAMILY, FRIENDS AND
NEIGHBORS
“Our
members are
the ones who
keep the town
running, so it
made sense.”
Sign boosts CSEA visibility
WALLKILL — Motorists
entering the Town of
Wallkill via the heavily
traveled Schutt Road are
now welcomed by a
“Welcome to Wallkill” sign
funded by the Orange
County Local.
The sign, emblazoned
with the blue and red CSEA
logo, is the design of
Orange County Local Ist
Vice President Charlie
Romer, who works for the
town’s Highway
Department. The local
purchased the sign after
town officials opted to tear
down the existing welcome
sign, which was in bad
condition due to age.
“Over 10 years ago, the
local officers at the time
coordinated with the town
oT
tbe Wel ge
ange nny Lael 836
Southern Region President Billy Riccaldo, left, and
Orange County Local 1t Vice President Charlie Romer
check out the new sign the Orange County Local
provided in Wallkill.
to put up the old sign on
Schutt Road,” Romer said.
volunteered. Our CSEA
local office is nearby and
United States
Census
sou’ In the Neighborhood
U.S. Census workers are
visiting your area to
identify the addresses of
all housing units for the
2010 Census.
Safe. Easy. Important.
BP, US. Cons Borons
This Notice Expies 6/30/09,
wy
I'S IN OUR HANDS
“Now, the town wasn’t in a
place financially to get a
our members are the ones
who keep the town running,
Southern Region
President Billy Riccaldo
said the sign, in its
prominent location, is a
good reminder to drivers
that CSEA members are an
important part of the
community.
“Our members do the
jobs we take for granted,
like maintaining our roads
and water supply,
dispatching emergency
calls, and so many other
things,” Riccaldo said. “By
funding this sign, we are
giving back to the
community while also
reminding residents that
we're out there doing a
good job.”
— Jessica Ladlee
new sign, so we so it made sense.”
Capital Region members help support troops
Capital Region Women’s
and Community
Outreach Committee
members pose with
items collected for
Military Mom in Action,
which collects supplies
and letters for U.S.
soldiers stationed
overseas. After reading a
newspaper article about
the group, committee
member Bonnie Roy
suggested the committee |j§
get involved in collecting
donations, an idea
committee members
enthusiastically embraced. Committee members coordinated donation boxes at state
agency buildings and other area work sites in March, and recently helped Military Mom
in Action representatives pick up and deliver the donations. Seated, front row, from left,
are Gail Connell, Chair, Marie DeShaw and Liz Habiniak. Back row, from left, are Nicole
Bishop, Bonnie Roy, Tom McKenna, Suzanne Williams, Lisa Tricozzi and Kim Wallace,
Capital Region secretary and committee officer liaison.
May 2009
THe Work Force
(
SEs
New York’s LEADING Union
<<.
1910 - 2009
99 years
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WAIT!
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FINISHED YET!
SLEIGHT OF HAND
44 years ago...
In 1965, it was
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becoming increasingly
Waedlin Act, which
instituted severe striking
penalties over public
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1 4 ii Work FORCE
The Civil Service leader reported that CSEA
backed the bill that later became the Taylor
New York City public
employees went on strike
despite the law.
Meanwhile, CSEA and
other public sector employee associations in New York did not have the
legal right to collectively bargain.
Three days after the end of a New York City transit strike, Gov. Nelson
Rockefeller announced the appointment of a Public Employee Relations
Committee, to propose legislation to protect public employees while
prohibiting the interruption of public services via a strike.
The committee, chaired by George Taylor, recommended the repeal of
the Condon-Wadlin Act and the passage of a new law, the Public
Employees Fair Employment Act, known as the Taylor Law. While the Taylor
Law still prohibited public employee strikes and retained severe penalties
for them, it also gave CSEA and other public employee groups the legal
right to collectively bargain for wages, benefits and working conditions. The
new law gave birth to CSEA’s modern era and unprecedented growth.
apparent that the Condon-
11965, Strikes pave way to new law, new era for CSEA
Also in 1965 ...
* The first U.S. combat troops arrive in Vietnam
after President Lyndon Johnson escalates the conflict.
By the end of the year, 190,000 U.S. soldiers are in
Vietnam.
Martin Luther King Jr.
addresses supporters at a
1965 rally in Selma, Ala.
* Martin Luther King Jr. and more than 2,600
others are arrested in Selma, Ala., during
demonstrations against voter-registration rules.
* Black nationalist leader Malcolm X is killed during a rally in New York City.
* Racial unrest leads to six days of rioting in the Watts
section of Los Angeles, leaving 34 dead.
* The Sound of Music premieres, becoming one of the most
popular movie musicals in history.
* Bill Cosby, starring in -Spy, becomes the first African
American to headline a television show.
* Soviet cosmonaut Aleksei Leonov performs the first
The Sound of
Musi : spacewalk. Edward White Il becomes the first American to
usIC MOVIE walk in space three months later.
poster
May 2009
LABOR LINK
CSEA is urging
members to join
a May 12 rally in
Albany to show
state lawmakers
that farmworkers
cannot be
forgotten for
another 70 years.
Th)
Ui, MI Y A
ail i) We, a ih Mi
Fight for justice for farmworkers
s Americans and
CSEA members, we
njoy basic wage
and hour protections
thanks to the sweat and
hard work of union
members before us who
fought for these rights.
But not all American
workers are covered and
CSEA is fighting to change
that.
More than 70 years
after federal laws were
passed to protect
industrial workers, New
York’s farmworkers
continue to suffer from
denial of basic worker
rights such as a weekly
day of rest, overtime pay,
disability insurance, equal
employment insurance
coverage and protection
when bargaining
collectively.
Help the farmworkers
CSEA is a longtime
supporter of the Justice
for Farmworkers
campaign, led by the
Rural and Migrant
Ministry, committed to
overcoming prejudices
and poverty. CSEA is
urging members to joina
May 12 rally in Albany to
show state lawmakers that
farmworkers cannot be
forgotten for another 70
years.
While legislation in the
late 1990s helped improve
some wages and
conditions for the
farmworkers, lawmakers
are still lagging behind on
granting farmworkers
equal rights under the law.
In 2004, New York’s farmworkers stopped to rally at
CSEA headquarters on their way to the Capitol,
winding up a 10-day, 200-mile walk for equal rights.
CSEA members and staff joined them and showed
support, handing out water to the thirsty and tired
workers. (Photo by Ed Molitor)
CSEA will continue to
support the Justice for
Farmworkers campaign
until the passage of
Farmworkers Fair Labor
Practices Act, a law that
finally gives farmworkers
equal rights.
— Jill Asencio
Bigelow racing to raise money to fight cancer
CORTLAND — By day, CSEA
SUNY Cortland Local
member Harland Bigelow is
a principal account clerk in
the campus’ budget office.
But after work, he sheds
his shirt and tie for runners’
wear and can be found
coaching endurance runners
to compete in marathons,
something he himself has
done more than 70 times.
He does so as part of the
Team In Training Program of
the Leukemia and
Lymphoma Society, which
not only raises money to
Bigelow has been
coaching with the program
for nine years and he was
recently nominated as one
of nine people in the
running for the Central New
York chapter’s “Man of the
Year” title, a fund-raising
competition.
Bigelow has until May 20
to get as many people as he
can to donate toward his
minimum goal of raising
$5,000. His CSEA local is
sponsoring an on-campus
fund-raiser and he hopes
that other CSEA members
will visit his personal
donation page at:
http://cny.llsevent.org/
hbigelow to make their tax-
deductible contribution.
“We are relentless in
trying to find a cure. This
touches so many children
and adults, and the money
we raise gets invested in
research, patient help and
education, and also gets us
closer to finding a cure,”
Bigelow said.
— Mark M. Kotzin
Hil (//Gall fl
find a cure for blood
TE
cancers, but is also the
world’s largest endurance
sports training program.
To learn more about the Team In Training
program, visit www.teamintraining.org
May 2009
THe Work Force
Protecting Your Benefits
NYSHIP dependent eligibility amnesty period
n 2008, Civil verification
Service Law Healt h project begins.
was amended Benefits >a Enrollees who
to authorize the
New York State
Department of Civil Service to
conduct an eligibility audit of
dependents under the New York
State Health Insurance Program.
Budco Health Service
Solutions has been selected to
administer all aspects of this
verification project.
As a result of this legislation, a
special amnesty period will be
offered to enrollees to allow for
the removal of ineligible
dependents before the
use this
opportunity can
avoid having to pay back any
claims paid, as well as possible
legal action, on behalf of an
ineligible dependent.
In early to mid April, Budco
mailed packets of information to
all NYSHIP enrollees with family
coverage regarding the special
amnesty period. Enrollees must
review all information
thoroughly and report any
ineligible dependents directly to
Budco.
Enrollees with questions regarding the Dependent
Eligibility Verification Project, including the
special amnesty period, may contact Budco at
1-888-358-2196 or on the web at
http://www.cs.state.ny.us/nyshipeligibilityproject/
index.cfm for the most current information.
2009.
Albany, N.Y. 12210-2303.
Buffalo.
May 15 is deadline for submitting proposed resolutions,
changes to CSEA’s Constitution & By-Laws
Proposed resolutions and proposed amendments to the CSEA
Constitution & By-Laws for consideration by CSEA delegates to the
union’s 2009 Annual Delegates Meeting must be submitted by May 15,
Proposed resolutions may be submitted only by a delegate and
must be submitted on the proper forms. Forms for submitting
resolutions are available from CSEA headquarters and region offices.
Proposed resolutions and proposed amendments to the Constitution
and By-Laws must be submitted no later than May 15 to Statewide
Secretary Denise Berkley, CSEA Headquarters, 143 Washington Ave.,
The 2009 CSEA Annual Delegates Meeting will be held Sept. 14-18 in
All changes must be received
by Budco no later than June 12,
2009. This is the ONLY
opportunity to remove ineligible
dependents without possible
penalty.
NO ACTION is necessary
during the amnesty period if all
listed dependents are eligible for
coverage. At no point should
enrollees send original
documentation to Budco, as this
information will not be returned.
What happens next
Eligibility verification packets
will be mailed to enrollees after
the special amnesty period ends.
Enrollees will be required to
provide documentation of the
eligibility for coverage under
NYSHIP for each dependent not
removed during the special
amnesty period.
The packet will include a list
of the enrollee’s dependents, an
eligibility worksheet to help
determine whether dependents
are eligible under NYSHIP, a list
of common eligible proof
documents and instructions and
deadlines to submit them. Watch
your mail for these packets and
be sure to follow all instructions
and deadlines.
These days, things change fast...
Keep up-to-date with the latest
news from your union on the
governor's plans for state work
force cuts — and how they will
affect you and your family.
Visit CSEA’s website at:
www.csealocal1000.org
Since 1910
CSEs
New York’s LEADING Union
Health
insurance
changes
effective July
1, 2009
The following information is
intended for CSEA-represented
Executive Branch enrollees —
enrollees employed by New
York state who are covered by
one of the following CSEA
collective bargaining
agreements: Administrative
Services Unit, Institutional
Services Unit, Operational
Services Unit or the Division of
Military and Naval Affairs.
To CSEA Health Benefits
Department would like to
remind New York state
Empire Plan enrollees that the
following change will take
effect July 1, 2009:
Empire Plan participating
provider co-payment for office
visits, outpatient surgery,
diagnostic/laboratory services,
and radiology services will rise
from $12 to $15 per service.
16 fee Work Force
May 2009
For Local Government & Private Sector Units
Health Reimbursement Plans
he Strategic
Benefit Trust
offers the ability to
design and
implement savings
for the employer and
employee by
reducing the taxes
paid on the employee's salary. Each plan is unique
in its application and can be implemented
alongside health insurance to ensure a
comprehensive package for employees.
QSEA sess
Sencfi Trust
at labor / management solution
Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSAs)
Allows employees to set aside pre-tax dollars to
pay for:
eHealth, prescription drug, and dental plan
co-payments and co-insurance;
*Deductibles;
¢Costs for many over-the-counter
medications and supplies;
eUninsured vision care;
eNon-cosmetic dental expenses;
¢Other eligible uninsured expenses.
Dependent Care Assistance Programs (DCAPs)
Allows participants to set aside pre-tax dollars to
pay for the care of children or adults.
Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) &
Medical Expense Reimbursement Plans (MERPs)
Allows employers to offer limited tax-free
reimbursements toward health, dental, vision,
or prescription costs. These plans take advantage
of cost savings by allowing employers to self-
insure large plan deductibles or copays,
subsequently reducing costs for employees.
Why Choose CSEA SBT as Your Provider?
All enrollment materials and information
provided at no additional charge.
Year-to-date participant statements provided
with each reimbursement, or a minimum of
three times per year, as well as online access
to claims reports.
¢Claims generally processed within one to
two business days.
Service tailored to fit the needs of the
employer and employees.
Contact your local president to ask about
negotiating the Strategic Benefit Trust into
your next contract.
What’s In It For You?
he CSEA Employee
Benefit Fund is dedicated
to maintaining the
privacy of your identifiable
health information.
In conducting our business,
we will create
records regarding
you and the services
we provide to you.
We are required by
health information
that identifies you. By law, we
must follow the terms of the
notice of privacy practices that
we have in effect at the time.
HIPAA form required
If you have ever contacted
EBF looking for information
regarding the claim of your
spouse, domestic partner, or
your child who is over 18 years
old and you do not have a
signed Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability
Act (HIPAA) form on file, you
will be denied access to that
information. There is a simple
solution to this dilemma: the
HIPAA authorization form.
There are two different ways
to obtain a HIPAA authorization
form. If you have access to the
Internet, downloading and
printing the form is just a few
simple clicks away. If you visit
www.cseaebf.com and click on
“library,” the HIPAA
authorization form is found on
that page. If you are looking for
more in-depth information
CSE
AFSCME Local 1000, AFL-CIO
HIPAA: What you need to know
regarding the privacy policy,
you can click on “HIPAA
Statement” and view the policy
from the main page of our
website. There is also a link to
the form at the end of the
policy statement.
If you do not have
access to the
Internet, call EBF at
1-800-323-2732 and
law to maintainthe EMPLOYEE §speak to any of our
confidentiality of BENEFIT FUND customer service
representatives who
will be happy to send a HIPAA
authorization form in the mail.
A new HIPAA form must be
completed and signed every
two years. If you have any
questions regarding the form,
please call us at the toll free
number.
Once your form is filled out
and signed, you can either
mail or fax it to us.
The address is:
CSEA Employee Benefit
Fund
PRO. Box 516
Latham, N.Y. 12110
The fax number is:
(518) 786-3658
Contact EBF by phone at
(800) 323-2732.
Visit EBF’s website at
www.cseaebf.com.
Ever Better Future
May 2009
THe Work Force
Irene Carr — a CSEA trailblazer
Editor’s Note: CSEA will celebrate its 100th
anniversary in 2010. Throughout this year
The Work Force is devoting Leading Edge to
a look back at some of the key individuals
who have helped shape our extraordinary
history. This month we feature a profile of
Irene Carr, whose contributions created
numerous opportunities for women in our
union.
ALBANY — Former CSEA Statewide Secretary
Irene Carr made it a point to speak out and be a
leader in her union in an era when women were
largely expected to get the coffee at the
workplace.
She ended up shattering the glass ceiling within
the union and left in its wake unprecedented
opportunities for leadership and advancement for
women CSEA members in her own generation and
beyond.
Carr, a single mother from Delaware County
when she first joined CSEA, became an activist
while employed at the State University of New
York at Oneonta.
“Irene’s accomplishments remade CSEA,”
President Danny Donohue said. “She tirelessly
advocated for women’s rights in our union and in
our society. She succeeded in bringing about
necessary and meaningful changes in our union
and in our members’ lives.”
As one of the first women elected to CSEA
statewide office, Carr inspired other union women
to pursue leadership positions. More than 30 years
later, women hold offices on every level of the
union. Carr served as a mentor to many of CSEA’s
present women leaders.
18 fie Work Force
Carr, one of the few women in a top CSEA
leadership position when she was first elected, was
determined to play an active role in the union. She
urged local and unit secretaries not to act as mere
“note-takers,” but to play a strong role on their
executive boards.
“Irene was the first lady of CSEA,” Executive
Vice President Mary Sullivan said in a 2004
interview. “She was a true pioneer for women in
this union. She paved the way for women to
become leaders in CSEA.”
Work and family issues
Her four-decade union career would be defined
by her tireless work in advancing what she called
“work and family issues” such as pay equity and
affordable child care.
After attending the National Women’s
Conference in 1977, Carr was inspired to fight for
what she called “work and family issues” and soon
helped form the CSEA Women’s Committee and
served as its first chair.
She also helped win what then were
unprecedented career, training and leadership
opportunities for women, including efforts to
promote clerical training and advancement
opportunities, pay equity adjustments for women
and minorities and proper video display terminal
use.
One of her proudest accomplishments was her
work in establishing more than 50 work site day
care centers at state agencies, which allow
thousands of state employees to access affordable,
quality child care. Carr's efforts eventually made
her a leading, national advocate for affordable
work site child care.
She encourages ..
secretaries to k. i
he leaders also.
we
iE
q
{ay outline the dates of its statowide
e's nothing ho-hum about the officer
‘ates in no uncertain terms that a
‘ted with the business of tis union,
Thave opinions. And I've encouraged
Serene |
cece
1 Unit secretaries have attended the
‘nal literature provided, and received
forts.
‘shave sald ls meet important about
te chance to speak with experienced
fence,” Carr noted. "You might say it
ot of store in consciousness raising
'y don't fet like they're part oftheir
That thow'ra officers of the executive
/ ——_ /
Carr is featured in an article in CSEA’s
official publication, The Public Sector, in
the early 1980s.
Described by other union activists as a “lady”
despite her toughness, Carr was known for
keeping members’ spirits and motivation alive at
CSEA conferences and other events by leading
members in rousing choruses of “Solidarity
Forever.”
Carr served as statewide secretary for 17 years
before retiring in 1993, holding the office longer
than anyone else. She passed away in 2004 at
age 79.
CSEA continues to honor Carr's legacy by
presenting the Irene Carr Leadership Award to a
deserving activist every two years at the union's
Women's Conference.
— Janice Marra
May 2009
May CSEA calendar of events
n:
Long Island Region:
* May 9: Steward Workshop, Sign-in: 9 -
9:30 a.m., Workshop: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30
p.m., Lindenhurst Senior High School,
Lindenhurst
* May 19-20: Local Government/Private
Sector Grievance Representation
Workshop, Sign-in: 5:30 - 6 p.m.,
Workshop: 6 - 9 p.m., Suffolk Educational
Local Office, Medford
* May 26: Labor Management Committee
Training, Signin: 5:30 - 6 p.m., Workshop:
6-9 p.m., Oyster Bay Local Office, Syosset
Metropolitan Region:
* May 2: Private Sector Grievance
Representation Workshop, Sign-in: 8:30 - 9
a.m., Workshop: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.,
Metropolitan Region Office, Manhattan.
PLEASE NOTE: This workshop is open to
private sector members only.
* May 5 & 7: Defensive Driving, 4:30 -
7:30 p.m., Building 1, Brooklyn DDSO,
Brooklyn. Prior registration is required. Call
(718) 642-6300 to register.
* May 5-6: Steward Workshop, Sign-in:
5:30 - 6 p.m., Workshop: 6 - 9 p.m.,
Metropolitan Region Office, Manhattan
* May 12-13: State Government Grievance
Workshop, Sign-in: 5:30 - 6 p.m.,
Workshop: 6 - 9 p.m., Bronx Psychiatric
Center, Bronx
* May 27: An Overview Of The Family
And Medical Leave Act, Sign-in: 5:30 - 6
p.m., Workshop: 6 - 9 p.m., Creedmoor
Psychiatric Center Local Office, Queens
Southern Region:
* May 18: Conducting Successful
Meetings, Sign-in: 5:30 - 6 p.m., Workshop:
6-9 p.m., Ulster County Local Office,
Kingston
* May 19: An Overview Of The Family
And Medical Leave Act, Sign-in: 5:30 - 6
p.m., Ulster County Local Office, Kingston
* May 26-27: Contract Negotiating Team
Training, Sign-in: 5:30 - 6 p.m., Workshop:
6-9 pm, Rockland County Local Office,
New City
Capital Region:
* May 13-14: Contract Negotiating Team
Training, Sign-in: 5:30 - 6 p.m., Queensbury
Hotel, Glens Falls
* May 27-28: Local Government/Private
Sector Grievance Representation
Workshop, Sign-in: 5:30 - 6 p.m.,
Workshop: 6 - 9 p.m., Holiday Inn Express
Skyline, East Greenbush
Central Re
* May 5: Conducting Successful Meetings,
Sign-in: 5:30 - 6 p.m., Workshop: 6 - 9 p.m.,
Central Region Office, East Syracuse
* May 6: Working People's History, Sign-in:
5:30 - 6 p.m., Workshop: 6 - 9 p.m., Central
Region Office, East Syracuse
* May 9: Local Government/Private Sector
Grievance Representation Workshop, Sign-
in: 5:30 - 6 p.m., Workshop: 6 - 9 p.m.,
Holiday Inn, Auburn
* May 12: An Overview Of The Family
And Medical Leave Act, Sign-in: 5:30 - 6
p.m., Workshop: 6 - 9 p.m., Holiday Inn
Downtown, Ithaca
* May 13: Conducting Successful
Meetings, Sign-in: 5:30 - 6 p.m., Workshop:
6-9 p.m., M-CM Training & Activity
Center, Marcy
* May 27-28: Contract Negotiating Team
Training, Signin: 5:30 - 6 p.m., Workshop:
6-9 p.m, Holiday Inn Oneonta, Oneonta
Western Region:
* May 5: An Overview Of The Family And
Medical Leave Act, Sign-in: 5:30 - 6 p.m.,
Workshop: 6 - 9 p.m., Western Region
Office, Amherst
* May 6: Conducting Successful Meetings,
Sign-in: 5:30 - 6 p.m., Workshop: 6 - 9 p.m.,
Finger Lakes Community College,
Canandaigua
* May 12: An Overview Of The Family
And Medical Leave Act, Sign-in: 5:30 - 6
p.m., Workshop: 6 - 9 p.m., Rochester
Satellite Office, Rochester
*May 12-13: Advanced Grievance:
Introduction to Contract Interpretation, Sign-
in: 5:30 - 6 p.m., Workshop: 6 - 9 p.m.,
Western Region Office, Amherst
* May 13: Conducting Successful
Meetings, Sign-in: 5:30 - 6 p.m., Workshop:
6-9 p.m., Rochester Satellite Office,
Rochester
* May 19-20: Contract Negotiation
Strategies: Maximizing Our Leverage
Workshop, Sign-in: 5:30 - 6 p.m.,
Workshop: 6 - 9 p.m., Best Western
Downtown, Jamestown
For more information on the listed events or
to participate, contact your region office
(phone numbers are listed on Page 4) or
visit your region page at CSEA’s website at
www.csealocall 000.org. Please note that
additional events may be scheduled in your
region, so check your region calendar page
on the website.
POUGHKEEPSIE
PACT — The City of
Poughkeepsie Unit
overwhelmingly ratified a new
four-year contract recently. The
contract, retroactive to Jan. 1,
2008, includes raises in each year
of the contract, increases in
uniform allowances, the addition
of five paid snow days for
crossing guards when school is
closed, and the addition of rights
and privileges under Section 75 of
Civil Service Law after three
continuous years of employment
... COPIAGUE
TODAY | contract —
CSEA members in
the Copiague
School District Teachers’
Aides/Teaching Assistants Unit
unanimously ratified their new
five-year contract. The agreement
calls for one additional holiday,
salary percentage increases and a
salary schedule adjustment for
employees who earn a bachelor
of arts or bachelor of science
degree.
Visit your Company Store at
http://cseastore.sm-pm.com
or www.csealocal1000.org
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‘While Supplies Last
Morris is PEOPLE Recruiter of the Month
uffolk Municipal
Se activist Mike
Morris is the
PEOPLE Recruiter of the
Month for March. He
recruited 40 new
PEOPLE members at the
MVP level.
“The increased involvement of
Brookhaven Unit members in
PEOPLE is critical in these uncertain
economic times,” said Morris. “Our
pro-labor candidates are generally
outspent by their opponents because
Morris
management supports their side with
large campaign contributions. The
PEOPLE program helps to negate this
advantage.”
CSEA’s PEOPLE program protects
and improves our jobs, benefits and
pensions in Washington, Albany and
in your community. Your support and
participation in PEOPLE strengthens
CSEA’s clout in the workplace, in the
legislature, in your community and in
the labor movement.
— Richard Impagliazzo
THe Work Force
May 2009
New Yorkers sno poe we
care for need us. It
makes a difference
Deserve Better! aa
a ours when we have
the help to do the
Governor David Paterson is moving forward with plans to lay off 8,700 job right.
state employees. It’s a political strong-arm tactic to pressure CSEA and
other state employee unions to agree to his terms for concessions.
We can only
provide the best
care if we have
the people.
It’s also reckless and irresponsible on the governor’s part. CSEA members
deliver essential services every day that are now at serious risk.
CSEA has offered the governor numerous ideas to save or generate even
more money than he says he needs to deal with the state’s budget
issues. But his administration has made it clear it’s not about the money
— it’s about getting union givebacks for his political agenda.
We all lose with this approach. It's going to be harder for
people in need to get
help. My co-workers
and | are going to be
stretched even thinner.
That's not a good thing
for anyone.
Governor Paterson, stop playing
politics with people's lives.
Since 1910
fC}. ‘SE 2s A Positive Force
, Throughout
New York’s LEADING Union New York State For
Danny Donohue, President Nearly A Century.
www.csealocal1000.org
It’s not right
and the governor
knows it!
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How can the governor \ a
be so reckless
and irresponsible?
CC BY-NC-SA 4.0