{ Local 1000, AFSCME, AFL-CIO
STATE GOVERNMENT NEWS PAGE 8 GENERAL NEWS PAGES 3-7, 10-20 LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEWS PAGE 9
CSEA’s new statewide officers
open 84th Delegates Meeting
Annual messages Pages 12-18
CSEA endorsements for November elections on pages 4-5
D E
<
Local Government News On the Cover: —
CSEA conducts its 84th
Local 807 members picket Chautauqua County Fair: Page 9 Annual Delegates Meeting in
Rochester Oct. 3-7
General News m =] On the back:
Page Three : CSEA proudly
President’s Message: Don’t sit this election Ay im Se shale Me
out — Vote! Me i to vote for
: H. Carl McCall
CSEA endorsements in upcoming elections: aN for Comptroller
Pages 4 and 5 . : on Nov. 8
Security Program. And CSEA spreads its message |1 g ' : Prescription Drug Program
at the New York State Fair: Page 6 ee additions for CSEA Employee
: : Benefit Fund enrollees effective
Oct. 1: Page 14
Important health benefit updates from JCHB fe Yass
ior stale enipieyces Pear a Deadline for LEAP applications
Members’ well-being the most basic issue: a series of articles related ye OR eee te
to Worksite Security: Pages 10-11
What membership does for you
1994 Convention Section ‘
Officers statements and Resolution Committee recommendations CSEA Member Services
for the 84th Annual Delegates Meeting: Pages 12-19 Supplement
State Government News
Salary increase for CSEA-represented state employees: Page 8
HOW CAN CSEA HELP ME?
See how in A Reference Guide to CSEA Member Services & Benefits
included in this month’s Special Supplement
The Public Sector (USPS 0445-010) is published monthly by The Civil Service Employees
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Official publication of
The Civil Service Employees COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATES
Association, Inc. Local 1000, AFSCME, SHERYLC.JENKS Region 1 RON WOFFORD Region 6
AFL-CIO (516) 273-2280 (716) 886-0391
149 wasllington Avenue LILLY GIOIA Region 2 STEPHEN MADARASZ Headquarters
(212) 406-2156 (518) 434-0191
Albany, New York 12210 ANITA MANLEY Region 3
Danny Donohue, President (914) 831-1000 {ALOR COMMUN C4»,
DAN CAMPBELL Region 4 2
STANLEY HORNAK, Publisher (518) 785-4400
ROGER A. COLE, Editor MARK M. KOTZIN Region 5
915) 43
KATHLEEN DALY, Associate Editor (315) 433-0050
@
a
i,
—————$—$—_———— The Public SectorCommittee ——————_________.
LONG ISLAND REGION Henry Jenny SAPITAL ION Marguerite Stanley
METROPOLITAN REGION Jimmy Gripper (Chairman) SENTRAL ON Bruce Damalt
SOUTHERN REGION Tom Schmidt ESTER 2GION James V. Kurtz
2 October 1994 ¢g A
Page Three
Amessage from )
- CSEA President Danny Donohue
Don’t sit this election out - Vote!
By the time you are reading this, Election Day will be just around the corner. So I want to use this
column to share with you my thoughts on what we have at stake.
Every election is important.
Every opportunity you have to vote should be exercised.
CSEA is widely regarded for its political power and that power
comes directly from you. Never underestimate what we can
k accomplish when we work — and vote — together.
As If you want to see an example of that power make sure to read the
first page of our four-page special Members Supplement in this
yourself ae oy she ji setae describes oun a in-house ' ‘
elemarketing system which puts us into the 21st century when it
e t 1 comes to communicating with each other. Boy! THISLL
It is just one example
one vi a of how CSEA is moving SHOW THEM
ahead with the times.
question: All eyes this year are POLITICIANS!
on elections to fill the
which statewide offices of
governor, lieutenant
governor, comptroller
e
Cc andid ate and attorney general.
In addition, the entire
state Legislature is up
has a for grabs.
Although CSEA
hi t te
StTONZET shirt mar |
° party eee for
dt
commitment 2. 12s.
are indifferent
to public about the outcome. The
tone set by the state’s
= 9 chief executive will
ser ¥ 1ce e be felt most
immediately by
state workers.
The tone he sets will also trickle down and be felt
by our local government and school district
people, too. So please take a hard look at the
candidates.
Ask yourself one vital question: which
candidate has a stronger commitment to public
service? Use it as your measuring stick when
you vote on Nov. 8.
Fortunately, the choices for Comptroller
and Attorney General are easier. CSEA
enthusiastically endorses Carl McCall for
Comptroller and Karen Burstein for Attorney
General. Both candidates are long-time
friends of working people who deserve our
support.
Then, make sure to check out the various
candidates for state Legislature who we have
endorsed. Their names appear on pages 4 and
5 of this edition of The Public Sector, Finally,
check out our picks for U.S. Congress. But, most
of all, make sure to vote on Nov. 8.
tans
¢g A October 1994
GENERAL NEWS
Vote on Nov.
SEA endorsements help you decide
When you step into the voting
booth on Tuesday Nov. 8, CSEA
wants you to have the
candidates for the 211 seats in
the state Legislature to
determine which ones deserve
they work for public employees
on important issues.
The issues and concerns of
CSEA members matter.
The next step is up to you.
CSEA President Danny
information you need to vote for
candidates who support New
York's public employees.
CSEA’s endorsement.
A similarly extensive process
is used in making endorsements
members are important, and we
want to be sure the lawmakers
we elect are willing to listen to
Donohue encourages all CSEA
members to vote.
“We need to make our voices
The union's political action
leadership goes through an
extensive process of reviewing
records and interviewing
for New York's Congressional
seats.
The result is a list of
candidates whose records prove
CSEA endorsements for New York State Assembly
Patricia L. Acampora (R-C)
John L. Behan (R)
I. William Bianchi (D-C)
Steven Englebright (D)
Paul Harenberg (D)
Robert C. Wertz (R)
Thomas F. Barraga (R-C-RTL)
Philip Boyle (R)
John J. Flanagan (R)
James D. Conte (R-C)
Robert K. Sweeney (D)
Philip B. Healey (R-C)
David S. Sidikman (D)
Marc Herbst (R)
Donna Ferrara (R)
Thomas P. DiNapoli (D-L)
Michael A. L. Balboni (R-C)
Earlene Hill (D)
Charles J. O'Shea (R-C)
Harvey Weisenburg (D)
Gregory R. Becker (R-C)
Vincent T. Muscarella (R-C)
Audrey Pheffer (D-L)
Mark Weprin (D)
Brian M. McLaughlin (D)
Douglas Prescott (R-C)
Nettie Mayersohn (D-L)
Melinda Katz (L)
No endorsement
Joseph Crowley (D)
Gregory W. Meeks (D)
Vivian E. Cook (D-L)
Barbara M. Clark (D)
Ivan C. Lafayette (D)
Jeffrion L. Aubry (D)
Denis J. Butler (D)
Catherine T. Nolan (D)
Anthony S, Seminerio (D-C)
Anthony J. Genovesi (D)
Edward Griffith (D-L)
Helene Weinstein (D)
Rhoda S. Jacobs (D-L)
Clarence Norman, Jr. (D)
James F. Brennan (D)
Daniel L. Feldman (D)
Jules Polonetsky (D)
Frank J. Barbaro (D)
Dov Hikind (D)
Peter J. Abbate, Jr. (D)
Joseph R. Lentol (D)
AD 51
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Ree ee eee RE ODNDUPRWNE
OBNAIPWNRKO
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4 October 1994 ¢g
No endorsement
Eileen C. Dugan (D)
Vito J. Lopez (D)
Darryl C. Towns (D)
William F. Boyland (D)
Albert Vann (D-L)
Roger L. Green (D)
N. Nick Perry (D)
Elizabeth A. Connelly (D)
Eric N. Vitaliano (D-C)
Robert A. Straniere (R-C-RTL)
Sheldon Silver (D)
Steven Sanders (D-L)
Richard N. Gottfried (D-L)
Alexander B. Pete Grannis (D-L)
Deborah J. Glick (D-L)
Scott M. Stringer (D)
Angelo Del Toro (D-L)
Edward C. Sullivan (D)
Keith Wright (D)
Herman D. Farrell, Jr. (D-L)
John Brian Murtaugh (D-L)
John A. Ravitz (R)
Carmen Arroyo (D)
Hector L. Diaz (D-L)
Peter M. Rivera (D)
Aurelia Greene (D)
Roberto Ramirez (D)
Gloria Davis (D-L)
George Friedman (D-L)
Jeffrey Dinowitz (D)
Stephen B. Kaufman (D)
Larry Seabrook (D)
James Gary Pretlow (D)
Ronald C. Toeci (D-C)
Richard L. Brodsky (D)
Michael Spano (R-C)
No endorsement
No endorsement
No endorsement
Louise Bisogno (D)
Alexander J. Gromack (D-C)
Samuel Colman (D)
Nancy Calhoun (R-C)
John J. Bonacic (R)
Michael Murphy (D)
Eileen M. Hickey (D)
Jacob E, Gunther, III (D-C)
Patrick Manning (R)
AD 100 No endorsement
us.
That's why CSEA takes the
time to evaluate and endorse
candidates: Because
SSSSeSCSSSSSe Se eee sees sees esesseeses
heard on Election Day, and
these endorsements will help us
do that,” Donohue said. “Get
out there and vote on Nov. 8!”
AD 101 Kevin A. Cahill (D)
AD 102 John J. Faso (R)
AD 103 James Tedisco (R-C)
John J. McEneny (D-L)
Paul D, Tonko (D-L)
Ronald Canestrari (D)
No endorsement
Pat M. Casale(R)
James P. King (R)
Chris Ortloff (R-C)
Bill Magee (D)
Chloe Ann R. O'Neil (R-C)
Anthony J. Casale (R-C)
H. Robert Nortz (R)
David R. Townsend, Jr. (R)
RoAnn M. Destito (D)
Frances T. Sullivan (R)
Michael J. Bragman (D)
Joan K. Christensen (D)
Joseph A. Nicoletti (D)
Harold C. Brown, Jr. (R-C)
Clarence D. Rappleyea (R)
Kevin McManus (D)
John Kowalchyk (D)
Martin A. Luster (D)
Daniel J. Fessenden (R-C)
George H. Winner, Jr. (R-C)
Robert C. Oaks (R)
Craig Doran (R)
No endorsement
Susan V. John (D)
Joseph D. Morelle (D)
David F. Gantt (D)
Joseph E. Robach (D-C)
James S. Alesi (R-C)
Jerry Johnson (R)
Charles H. Nesbitt (R)
Joseph T. Pillittere (D)
Elizabeth C. Hoffman (R)
Robin Schimminger (D)
Arthur O. Eve (D-L)
Richard R. Anderson (R-C)
Paul A. Tokasz (D-C)
Sam Hoyt (D-L)
Richard J. Keane (D-C)
Francis J. Pordum (D)
Thomas M. Reynolds (R-C)
G. Steven Pigeon (D)
Patricia K. McGee (R-C)
William L. Parment (D)
i GENERAL NEWS
i CSEA endorsements for New York State Senate
SD 1 Kenneth P. LaValle (R-C) SD 22. Martin M. Solomon (D) SD 43 Joseph L. Bruno (R-C)
SD2 James J. Lack (R) SD 23 — Robert J. DiCarlo (R-I) SD 44 Hugh T. Farley (R-C)
SD 3 Caesar Trunzo (R) SD 24 John J. Marchi (R) SD 45 Ronald B. Stafford (R-C)
SD4 Owen H. Johnson (R-C) SD 25 Martin Connor (D-L) SD 46 James W. Wright (R)
SD5 Ralph J. Marino (R-C) SD 26 _ Roy M. Goodman (R) SD 47 William R. Sears (R-C)
SD6 Kemp Hannon (R) SD 27 Catherine Abate (D) SD 48 Nancy Larraine Hoffman (D)
SD7 Michael J. Tully, Jr. (R-C) SD 28 Olga Mendez (D-L) SD 49 John A. DeFrancisco (R)
SD8 Norman J. Levy (R-C) SD 29 David Paterson (D-L) SD 50° James L. Seward (R-C)
SD9Q Dean G. Skelos (R) SD 30 Franz S. Leichter (D-L) SD 51 Thomas W. Libous (R-C)
SD 10 = Alton R. Waldon, Jr. (D-L) SD 31 Efrain Gonzalez, Jr. (D). SD 52 No endorsement
SD 11 Frank Padavan (R) SD 32 Pedro Espada, Jr. (D) © SD 53 Michael F. Nozzolio (R-C)
SD 12. Ada L. Smith (D) SD 33 Joseph L. Galiber, Jr. (D-L) SD 54_ ‘Richard A. Dollinger (D)
SD 13 Emanuel R. Gold (D-L) SD 34 Guy J. Velella (R-C) SD55 Mary Ellen Jones (D)
SD 14 _ George Onorato (D) SD 35 _ Nicholas A. Spano (R-C) SD 56 Jess J. Present (R)
SD 15 Serphin R. Maltese (R-C-RTL) SD 36 Suzi Oppenheimer (D-L) SD 57 Anthony Nanula (D)
SD 16 Leonard P. Stavisky (D-L) SD 37 Vince Leibell (R-C) SD 58 _ William T. Stachowski (D-C)
SD 17 Nellie Santiago (D) SD 38 _ Joseph R. Holland (R-C) SD 59 _ Dale M. Volker (R-C)
SD 18 Velmanette Montgomery (D) SD 39 William J. Larkin, Jr. (R-C) SD 60 Charles E. Eaton (D)
SD 19 Howard E. Babbush (D) SD 40 Charles D. Cook (R) SD 61 No endorsement
SD 20 Marty Markowitz (D) SD 41 _ Stephen M. Saland (R-C)
SD 21 Carl Kruger (D) SD 42 Michael Hoblock (R)
CSEA endorsements for statewide races
Comptroller Attorney General United States Senator
H. Carl McCall (D-L) Karen Burstein Daniel Patrick Moynihan (D)
CSEA endorsements for U.S. Congress
CD 1 George J. Hochbrueckner (D) CD17 Eliot L. Engel (D)
CbD2 Rick A. Lazio (R) CD18 Nita M. Lowey (D)
CD3 Peter T. King (R) CD19 Hamilton Fish, Jr. (D)
CD4 No endorsement CD 20 Benjamin A. Gilman (R)
CD5_— Gary L. Ackerman (D) CD21 Michael R. McNulty (D)
CD6 Floyd H. Flake (D) CD 22. Gerald B. Solomon (R-C)
CD7 Thomas J. Manton (D) CD 23 Sherwood L. Boehlert (R)
CD8 Jerrold Nadler (D) CD 24 John M. McHugh (R-C)
CD9 Charles E. Schumer (D-L) CD25 Rhea Jezer (D)
CD 10 Edolphus Towns (D) CD26 Maurice D. Hinchey (D)
CD11 Major R. Owens (D) CD 27 William Long (D)
CD12 Nydia M. Velazquez (D) CD 28 Louise M. Slaughter (D)
CD13 No endorsement CD29 John J. LaFalce (D-L)
CD 14 Carolyn B. Maloney (D) CD 30 _ David Franczyk (D)
CD15 Charles B. Rangel (D) CD31 No endorsement
CD 16 Jose E. Serrano (D-L)
“We need to make our
voices heard
on Election Day...
Get out there and vote
on November 8.’
- President Danny Donohue
October 1994
GENERAL NEWS
CSEA spreads
‘Family, Friends,
its message of
Neighbors’ at State Fair
SYRACUSE — CSEA statewide officers joined with member
volunteers in making the union's participation this year in The
Great New York State Fair the best yet.
CSEA President Danny Donohue and the statewide officers
attended The Fair for a special “CSEA Day” event. They visited
public employees staffing booths and displays, spoke with CSEA
members attending the event through a special half-price discount
offered via The Public Sector, and helped activist volunteers present
a positive view of the union to the general public.
CSEA’s booth in the Center of Progress featured a display with
RIDING IN A horse-drawn wagon during a parade at the State
Fair on CSEA Day are, from left, CSEA Executive Vice President
Mary E. Sullivan, CSEA President Danny Donohue, CSEA
Secretary Barbara Reeves and CSEA Treasurer Maureen Malone.
the union's public message that CSEA members are Family.
Friends. Neighbors. The message was further emphasized in a
welcoming greeting to fair goers on the entranceway's electronic
message board.
“The Fair attracts nearly a million people in 12 days, so it’s an
ideal opportunity to present a positive message about CSEA to the
public,” Donohue said. “I was also extremely impressed by how
many CSEA members from all over the state visited our booth,
especially on CSEA Day, and I am very glad to have had the
chance to speak with them.
“I hope the CSEA Fair activities helped build pride in who we are
and what we do,” he said. “Our activist volunteers who staffed our
booth also deserve a big thank you for their excellent work.”
— Stephen Madarasz
New Workplace Security Program introduced
The fight against violence in the workplace is a top
priority for CSEA. Part of that fight includes protecting
workers who become victims of such violence. That's
why CSEA President Danny Donohue and the CSEA
Employee Benefit Fund (EBF) Trustees have developed
the Workplace Security Program.
Beginning Oct. 1, all eligible and enrolled members
of the EBF will be automatically enrolled in the
program.
The CSEA Workplace Security Program offers
Who is covered?
All eligible and-enrolled
members of the CSEA Employee
Benefit Fund.
Do I have to fill out an
application form to be covered?
There is no application form for
this coverage. All eligible and
enrolled members of the CSEA
Employee Benefit Fund are
automatically covered by the
policy,
What does this coverage cost?
There is no direct payment
made by the member. The
premiums for the policy are paid
by the CSEA Employee Benefit
Fund,
What is covered?
Workplace Security is unique
in that it has defined trauma as
an insurable item. The policy
insures the trauma associated
with a criminal assault, as
defined by the New York Penal
Code, or a captive situation, while
the member is pursuing his or
her occupational duties. It also
pays benefits for dismemberment,
permanent disability and death
resulting from a criminal assault
or captive situation. Briefly,
criminal assault occurs when
someone other than the victim
causes physical impairment or
October 1994 ¢g
job duties.
compensation to CSEA Employee Benefit Fund
members for injuries and/or trauma associated with
an assault or hostage situation while performing their
The program is administered by Jardine Group
Services Corporation and underwritten by Preferred
Life Insurance Company of New York. It is the latest
addition to a comprehensive menu of insurance
programs designed especially for CSEA members
substantial pain.
What payments does
Workplace Security make
to the victim?
The payments depend on the
type of claim.
¢ The benefit is $2,500 per
member for criminal assault while
in the pursuit of the member's
occupational duties.
¢ The benefit is $10,000 per
member for accidental death or
dismemberment resulting from
E It.
¢ The benefit is a one-time
payment of 50 percent of the
member's annual basic salary for
permanent total disability.
¢ The benefit is a one-time
payment of 50 percent of the
member's annual basic salary
(not to exceed $100,000) for
captivity of more than eight (8)
hours while in pursuit of
occupational duties,
¢ The benefit is a one-time
payment of 100 percent of the
member's annual basic salary
(not to exceed $500,000) for
accidental death,
dismemberment, or permanent
total disability during captivity
while in pursuit of occupational
duties,
¢ If the insured is eligible for
enrolled in the CSEA Employee Benefit Fund.
benefits under more than one of
the above-mentioned events, the
plan will pay only one benefit,
whichever is greater.
Is the benefit reduced by
coverage through other plans?
No, there is no coordination of
benefits within the plan.
Does the Workplace Security
Program affect my worker's
compensation?
No.
Must the benefit be reported
as income?
Federal and state laws indicate
that all or part of these benefits
would be taxable. You should
consult your accountant or tax
advisor for individual guidance.
Am I covered while traveling
to and from work?
No, unless travel is mandated
by your particular type of
employment.
What should I do if
assaulted?
Call the police and seek
medical assistance if necessary.
Is there a claim form
to fill out?
No.
How do I file a claim?
Send copies of the filed police
report, a medical statement from
the attending physician, and
WORKPLAC ri
SECURIT
CSE
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT FUND
documentation that the injury
resulted in your being disabled
for a period of five (5) or more
consecutive working days, along
with a cover letter describing the
incident to:
Jardine Group Services
P.O. Box 924
Schenectady, NY 12301
Attn: CSEA EBF Workplace
Security Claims
How does the program
verify my claim?
The Employee Benefit Fund
verifies the claimant as an eligible
and enrolled member of the CSEA
Employee Benefit Fund at the
time of the incident. The police
report is reviewed to verify the
incident as a criminal matter. The
medical statement is reviewed to
verify treatment was given for a
physical injury. If necessary, the
appropriate police officials and
district attorney's office are
contacted to verify how they are
treating the case. Upon
substantiating the claim, it is
forwarded to the insurance broker
for final approval and payment.
How do I get additional
information on
Workplace Security?
Call Jardine Group Services at
1-800-859-2552.
GENERAL NEWS
Important updates from JCHB for state employees
Effective Oct. 1, 1994:
Home Care Advocacy Program —
1-800-638-9918
As reported in a previous
edition of The Public Sector,
Metropolitan's Home Care
Advocacy Program (HCAP)
becomes effective Oct. 1, 1994, for
enrollees of the Empire Plan.
In summary, the following
services can be obtained with no
out-of-pocket expenses incurred if
the HCAP pre-certification process
is followed: home nursing
services, home infusion therapy,
and durable medical
equipment/supplies (including
diabetic supplies).
Prior to receiving services, a
mandatory call must be made to
HCAP at 1-800-638-9918 to
comply with the pre-certification
process. When an enrollee makes
the pre-certification call, they may
choose to receive services from a
network provider and receive
covered-in-full benefits for
medically necessary services or,
an enrollee may choose to use a
provider that HCAP has not
approved and receive services
subject to the basic medical plan
deductible and co-insurance
requirements, including the 48-
hour exclusion in cases of private
duty nursing.
If an enrollee does not make
the required call, all medically
necessary nursing, infusion
therapy and DME services
received outside of the HCAP
network (not arranged through
the HCAP) will be covered subject
to a penalty of the lesser of 50% of
the reasonable and customary
charges for the services received
or $250, as determined by
MetLife, and
subject to the
basic medical
plan’s
deductible and
co-insurance
requirements,
including the
48-hour exclusion in cases of
private duty nursing.
If you are currently receiving or
will begin receiving any of the
home care benefits listed above,
call HCAP at 1-800-638-9918 to
receive certification of paid-in-full
benefits.
Enhanced Emergency
Room Benefit
As a reminder, the enhanced
emergency room benefit is
effective Oct. 1, 1994.
Beginning Oct. 1, 1994, your
$15 hospital outpatient
co-payment will cover your
hospital emergency room visit for
a medical emergency. A medical
emergency is defined as a sudden,
unexpected onset of a medical
condition where immediate care is
necessary to prevent what could
reasonably be expected to result
in either placing your life in
jeopardy or cause serious
impairment to your bodily
functions. Emergency care for an
accident must be given within 72
hours of the accident. Emergency
care for the sudden onset of an
illness must be given within 24
hours after the first appearance of
the symptoms of an illness.
The $15 hospital outpatient
co-payment covers use of the
hospital facility and services of
the attending emergency room
physician and providers who
administer or interpret
CSE
Joint COMMITTEE ON
radiological exams,
laboratory tests,
electrocardiograms
and pathology
services. As always,
if you are admitted
into the hospital as
an inpatient via the
emergency room, the $15 hospital
outpatient co-payment will be
waived.
This benefit enhancement does
not place any additional
requirements upon an enrollee;
however, it alleviates an enrollee
facing possible out-of-pocket
expenses (including deductible
and co-insurance as well as
services billed higher than
MeiLife’s approved R&C amount)
for the providers of services listed
above.
Please refer to the Fall 1994
“Empire Plan Report” you recently
received in the mail explaining
these benefits and requirements
in detail.
November is the
Annual Health Insurance
Option Transfer Period
The month of November is the
annual health insurance Option
Transfer Period for state
employees.
Employees who wish to change
Empire Plan or Health
Maintenance Organization (HMO)
options must do so during the
Option Transfer Period by
contacting their health benefits
administrator, located in their
agency personnel office.
The 1995 “Benefit Choices”
booklet containing benefit
overviews of all the available
health insurance options will be
shipped to Agency Health Benefits
Administrators in early November.
Upon approval of the 1995
premium rates, an informational
sheet listing the rates of all
available health insurance options
and any significant changes
within the benefit structure of
same will be sent directly to an
enrollee’s home. Employees will
be given the required 30 days to
make health insurance option
changes.
Employees who are currently
not utilizing the Pre-Tax
Contribution Program but wish to
participate in the program, must
enroll by Nov. 30, 1994.
Personnel/human resources
offices will provide basic
information and all necessary
forms for enrollment.
Additional details regarding the
annual Option Transfer Period
will be published in the next
edition of The Public Sector.
Dependent Care
Advantage Account
Enrollment
State employees who wish to
participate in the Dependent Care
Advantage Account Program
(DCCAccount) must enroll by
Nov. 10, Current enrollees must
re-enroll for 1995.
The DCCAccount program
enables employees to set aside up
to $5,000 of pre-tax salary
annually to be reimbursed for
dependent care expenses.
Contributions to accounts are
deducted tax free from gross pay,
thereby reducing taxes and
increasing spendable income.
If you wish to enroll or obtain
additional information, see your
personnel/human resources
office.
¢g fh 4 October 1994
STATE GOVERNMENT NEWS
ALBANY — The basic annual
salary of state employees will
increase by 1.25 percent soon,
the second time this year that
state salaries will have
increased under the1991-95
contracts negotiated by CSEA.
State workers’ salaries went
up 4 percent last April.
CSEA-represented state
employees on the Institutional
payroll will see the 1.25
percent increase in paychecks
of Oct. 27. CSEA-represented
state employees on the
Operational payroll will see the
1.25 percent increase in
paychecks of Nov. 2.
CSEA-represented state
employees received a bonus
payment during September
equivalent to approximately
1.25% salary
increases for
CSEA-represented
state employees
one and one-half days salary.
Combined with a similar
bonus payment last December,
state workers received the
equivalent of slightly more
than three days salary as a
bonus during the terms of this
agreement. Adding the bonus
payments to the five days of
lag pay employees will receive
at their rate of pay upon
separation from state service,
employees will receive eight
days’ pay for the original five-
day lag of December 1990.
Also, the negotiated annual
downstate adjustment for state
employees in New York City
and Nassau, Rockland, Suffolk
and Westchester counties
increased to $768 from $759
effective Oct. 1.
Enrollment period expires Nov. 10 for
Dependent Care Advantage Account
The 1995 open enrollment
period for the Dependent Care
Advantage Account
(DCAAccount) program expires
Nov. 10. Interested state
workers should contact their
agency's personnel office for
enrollment information.
More than 300 CSEA state
employee members are
currently enrolled in the
negotiated DCAAccount
program, saving an average of
$1,500 annually on their
dependent care expenses.
DCAAccount is a pre-tax
employee benefit program that
can help save money on
dependent care expenses. It is
available to CSEA state
employees who have child care
expenses for small children or
elder care or disabled
dependent care expenses.
During the open enrollment
period eligible employees will
select the amount of money
they wish to set aside into their
DCAAccount, up to a maximum
of $5,000. Then each payday a
regular portion of that amount
will be deducted from the
employee's bi-weekly gross
paycheck. Since the money
elected to be deducted is taken
from the gross salary before
federal, state and social
security taxes, the amount
remaining is the new taxable
income. Because the employee
pays less tax, they have more
spendable income.
After the child or elder care
services are provided the
employee should obtain a
receipt from the care provider.
A reimbursement claim form
(provided in the DCAAccount
enrollment kit) is then
submitted to Fringe Benefits
Management Company, the
plan administrator. The
company will send the
employee a reimbursement
either by check or direct
deposit. The employees are
being reimbursed with their
own tax-free dollars.
DCAAccount 1995
enrollment kits are available
from the health benefits
administrator in your agency's
personnel office. Additional
information is available by
calling the DCAA Hotline at 1-
800-358-7202.
Stationary engineer upgrades moving forward
CSEA is making progress in
its persistent effort to upgrade
the state's stationary engineer
job titles, but there are hurdles
that still must be overcome.
While the state division of the
budget must still give formal
approval to the upgrading,
procedures to help workers
move into the new titles are
underway.
As with any change, the
transition activities have caused
some confusion.
The changes are a result of
CSEA’s determination to see the
series accurately reflect the
reality of the work, but some
aspects of the procedure are
beyond the union's control.
CSEA is, however, working hard
to make sure the changes are as
smooth and as fair as possible.
The job of stationary engineer
has become increasingly
complicated and responsible
over the years. They must
operate and maintain highly
technical equipment, which
supplies the power and
regulates the working
environment for thousands of
employees and others who use
public buildings.
Much of the required
expertise involves not only on-
the-job experience but also
specialized training. These
arguments are what enabled
October 1994 ¢g
CSEA to
successfully press
its case for the
upgrading.
In 1989, CSEA’s
request to the
Department of
Civil Service for
Current Title
Assistant Stationary Engineer-
Stationary Engineer.
Senior Stationary Engineer:
Principal Stationary Engineer-------
*Upgraded from grade 8
at CSEA's urging in 1989
the upgradings
resulted only in
the reallocation of
the assistant
stationary
engineer from
grade 8 to grade
9. The Civil
Service
Department
rejected all other
CSEA proposed
upgrades.
New Title
Assistant Plant Utilities Engineer-- 9
Plant Utilities Engineer 1-- =
Plant Utilities Engineer 2 =
Plant Utilities Engineer 3-- =
*New minimum qualifications which can
be met through Joint Apprenticeship
Training Program. Employees transitioning
to positions in the new Plant Utilities
Engineer series must be certified via open
book examination.
Grade
14*
16*
19*
CSEA appealed
to the Civil Service
Commission and presented
overwhelming evidence that the
earlier review had not fully
examined all the facts. The
commission agreed with CSEA
and suggested the proposals be
reconsidered.
That review completed last
year recommended not only
across-the-board upgrades, but
also reclassification into a new
plant utilities engineer career
series.
Normally, a reclassification
could result in employees being
required to take a civil service
examination and being
reachable on the eligible list to
attain the new titles.
But instead, CSEA members
will only have to qualify through
an open book certification,
which will be administered in
early October.
The material in the
certification procedure has been
reviewed by CSEA’s Stationary
Engineers Task Force. That task
force has been involved in the
upgrading process at every step.
The reclassification also
includes new open competitive
minimum qualifications for the
plant utilities engineer titles.
Qualifications call for a year’s
experience and an associate's
degree related to plant utilities
technology. CSEA and the state
have been working with the
Joint Apprenticeship Training
Program to help employees meet
these qualifications.
For example, employees in
the Assistant Stationary
Engineer grade 9 title who do
not meet the minimum
qualifications for the new titles
have the option of gaining the
necessary education.
background through the
apprenticeship training
program.
Members of the CSEA
Stationary Engineers Task
Force are Neil Blanchard, SUNY
at Geneseo Local 608; Tony
Bailous, Psychiatric Institute
Local 419; Frank Celentano,
SUNY at Stony Brook Local 614;
Mike Rea, Office of General
Services Local 660; Bill
Robertson, SUNY Cortland Local
605; and Don Chisholm, SUNY
Cortland Local! 605. Bob
Goeckel of SUNY Binghamton
Local 648 and Paul Dorn of
Fishkill Correctional Local 160
previously served on the task
force. CSEA Research Analyst
Ed Molitor was the staff advisor
to the Task Force.
- Stephen Madarasz
LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEWS
Chautauqua County members
take their case for a contract to the public
DUNKIRK — Opening day at the
Chautauqua County Fair was the setting for
informational picketing by members of
CSEA Local 807 and their supporters in
their ongoing struggle for a contract.
But it didn’t happen without a few legal
stumbling blocks.
Already saddled with an imposed zero
percent contract for 1993 and currently at
impasse in talks for a new agreement, Local
807 activists had to fight a county fair
restraining order request in court to secure
their right to inform the public of the county
executive's unfair stance in contract talks.
When the state Supreme Court hearing
had ended, the unit had won not only the
right to picket at the fair's main entrance,
but also the ability to hand out balloons that
read “CSEA Works For You in Chautauqua
County” at a CSEA booth inside the fair.
“We don’t intend to stop our unified efforts
until we have an agreement we can live
with,” said Jim Smith, president of the
1,000-member county employee unit. “It’s
==, Genesee unit contract quest succeeds
sad that we have to use up so much time
and energy to gain a fair agreement here in
Chautauqua County, but that’s been our
history, and we're prepared to do whatever it
takes. We won't be going away.”
While unit activists greeted fair goers
outside the fair with signs about the
contract struggle, others gave out balloons
and CSEA coloring sheets in an effort to
educate the public about the value of public
employees in general.
Mark Jurenovich, CSEA collective
bargaining specialist for the unit, said two
sessions with a mediator have been
conducted so far in an effort to resolve the
contract dispute.
— Ron Wofford
Chautauqua County Fair goers were
greeted by Local 807 members and
supporters picketing in support of a
contract for CSEA-represented
county employees.
=
BATAVIA — Battle-ready and
fed up with lack of a contract,
Genesee County employees and
nursing home unit members of
Local 819 recently picketed
legislative meetings twice,
forcing lawmakers to walk a
gauntlet of members shouting
“we want a contract” to reach
the entrance of the building.
That type of determination
helped the general County
Employee Unit finally reach a
contract settlement, which the
And the Nursing Home Unit
expects an offer to vote on soon.
as well.
“We were very frustrated by
our lack of a contract,” CSEA
County Unit President Nancy
Mangefrida said of the decision
to take their case to the streets.
“It was totally ludicrous that
the county’s earlier offer for
1994 was below what the
factfinder found acceptable
before a zero-percent contract
was imposed on the unit for
Bargaining Specialist Tom
Pomidoro said.
Prior to the recent contract
breakthrough, the unit's
activists had planned to be even
more vocal and active and had
planned more picketing of
legislative meetings.
They had also printed up
large yard signs that remind
everyone that “CSEA works for
you in Genesee County,” which
were to be distributed at an
upcoming CSEA Information
membership has since ratified.
1993,” CSEA Collective
CSEA claims arbitration
victory in Albany County
ALBANY — Albany County
violated the overtime article of the
CSEA County Highway Department
contract when it failed to call in
certain equipment operators in the
Knox division from December 1992
to March 1993, arbitrator Ben
Falcigno has found.
Because of this union victory,
five CSEA members in the Knox
division, Dave Quay, John Center,
Don Gray, Charles Medich and
John Sheroka, will be entitled to as
much as 21 hours of overtime pay
or compensatory time off depending
upon the individual's past overtime
assignment acceptance record.
“I'm delighted with the decision,”
CSEA Albany County Highway Unit
President Dick Zink said. “This
matter took a long time to get to the
arbitrator who ruled in our favor in
only six days. And this decision
tells the county that it must follow
the terms of the CSEA contract
which is something that the county
doesn't always like to do.”
“While it took awhile to get
resolved, we all knew the county
was wrong. It was handled in the
wrong way by the county from the
beginning. I'm glad we won and I'm
happy with the way CSEA handled
the situation,” Dave Quay, an
equipment operator, said.
“What's fair is fair. The county
wasn't being fair. Now it has to obey
the contract and that’s what it
should have done. It should have
been fair,” Charles Medich said.
CSEA Labor Relations Specialist
John Cummings will be working
with the employees to see that the
county complies with the
arbitrator's decision.
— Daniel X. Campbell
Day program. — Ron Wofford
Union effort saves Moriah SD jobs
MORIAH - When two unit members were held economic
hostage in the Moriah Central School District's sports budget,
the CSEA Moriah Non-instructional Unit mounted a successful
grassroots effort to get the sports budget passed and save their
co-workers’ jobs.
“Two previous full school budgets were voted down
overwhelmingly by the voters,” CSEA Labor Relations Specialist
Ken Lushia said. “And people were worried that the sports
program was facing the same type of no vote from the district's
residents. But Moriah CSEA Unit President Samuel Rotella and
the unit's membership got behind the sports vote and, with the
help of the sports minded community, CSEA was able to turn
the vote around. The budget passed 680-439.”
With the two members’ jobs saved, CSEA is now seeking to
have their funding moved to the safer general school budget
which also lists all athletic department coaching and sports
director's salaries. — Daniel X. Campbell
Stay in touch by calling
CSEA’s Current Issues Update
A recorded message providing current information
about union‘issues, activities and priorities
simply call 1-800-342-4146
on a touchtone phone and Press 1 and then 5
¢g P October 1994
GENERAL NEWS
"Worksite security still CSEA priority.
With Oct. 15 serving as an emotional reminder, CSEA is renewing
its commitment to improving the on-the-job safety and security of ali
its members.
On that day in 1992, C
Florence Pike, Phyllis Ca’
VanAmburg were brutally murdered in their Social Services
Department office in Watkins Glen. Thei srer Was a gunman
angry at the department because his wages had been garnisheed for
failure to pay child support.
The four women never had a chance against the gunman in an
office that had few security asures at the time.
The tragedy galvanized CSEA's drive for safer worksites and the
union has dedicated its efforts to the memory of the four Schuyler
County member:
Last Octobe: a report on the state of worksite
security across New York, which included county by county worksite
assessments. The report received national media attention and helped
emphasize C s call for greater attention toward the issue.
CSEA’s report, titled A Matter of Life and Death, has
significant improvements in scores of worksites. The union is in the
=A Schuyler County Local 849 members
i Wheeler and Denise Miller
‘No issue more basic to well-being of members’!
[ee
process of revisiting worksites to reassess conditions and ensure
follow through, But as the stories on these pages demonstrate, more
needs to be done.
“There is no issue more basic to the well-being of our members or
our responsibility as a union than worksite security cA Presidenf
Danny Donohu aid. “It is urgent that we keep this e! to improve
the safety and irity of working conditions a top priority.
“lam personally committed to getting action on procedures,
equipment, building design and other measures to protect people,” |
he said.
CSEA is addi ing the issue in a variety of ways. But one of the
most comprehensive is the union's proposal of a worksite security
standard under the Public Employee Safety and Health (PESH) Act
which would require all public employers to address security
conditions in all their worksites.
The standard, developed in cooperation with the state AFL-CIO,
will be formally presented to the state Labor Department's Hazards
Abatement Board later this month. It is first-of-its-kind protection
that would ensure regular security assessments and written plans
that anticipate and seek to prevent problems before they occur.
Re-opening of
Binghamton State
Office Building
delayed again
BINGHAMTON — CSEA succeeded in its efforts to make sure the
Binghamton State Office Building is safe before members start
working in it.
The building, contaminated by an electrical fire in 1981, was
scheduled to re-open in mid-September, but some dust samples
around light fixtures showed higher than expected dioxin levels. All
light fixtures were immediately cleaned, but CSEA requested further
cleaning and follow-up testing.
“CSEA is satisfied that the state is
going the extra mile to be sure any
lingering doubts are put to rest,”
CSEA President Danny Donohue
said.
The state also agreed to conduct
meetings with employees prior to re-
occupancy to address any questions
or concerns they may have.
“The state is being very thorough,
but the employees are not scientists
and they have to be dealt with on a
human level about the safety of this
building,” CSEA Binghamton State
Employees Local 002 President
Lyman Switzer said.
The state has spent nearly 14 years
cleaning the facility. CSEA's
Occupational Safety and Health Department has worked closely with
the local to monitor the state’s clean-up activities over the years.
The state will wait to get the results of the new tests and to
schedule employee information meetings before it sets a new date for
the re-opening.
*CSEA is
satisfied that
the state is
going the extra
mile to be sure
any lingering
doubts are put
to rest.?
— Stephen Madarasz
1 0 October 1994
Re-opening of the
Binghamton State
Office Building
has been
delayed again
for
additional
testing.
ALBANY — CSEA now has a
top-of-the-line phone bank
system that allows operators
to make hundreds of calls an
hour — and all of those calls
are designed to benefit CSEA
members.
The new phone system dials
automatically, allowing the
operators to quickly ask
questions and register
responses on a computer.
Those answers can then be
analyzed to give CSEA
important information about
its members.
The phone bank can be
used in a variety of ways: to
urge members to vote for
CSEA-endorsed political
candidates or propositions; to
find out what CSEA members
are concerned about; to
A Special Supplement
message across,
In a recent
project,
operators asked
Nassau County
residents about
the county’s
health and
medical
services, which
now face the
threat of
privatization.
Information
gathered in this
survey helps
CSEA make the
best case
possible to
defeat
privatization and keep public
services in the public sector.
The phone bank also gives
election season.
“We invested in this system
to be sure that CSEA is in
touch with you, the members,”
CSEA President Danny
Donohue said. “We also want
to keep CSEA on the cutting
CSEA a lot of clout with
politicians, who are grateful
for the phone calls the union
can now generate during
spread the word about CSEA
member benefits; and to call
the general public to find the
best way to get CSEA’s
E. SYRACUSE - Chuck
Taylor knows CSEA's political
CSEA Political Action
Coordinator Gerry Fidler, a
office are our members’
bosses, so we have a unique
Activists make the difference for Gerry Fidler
action pays off; he watched it
save 14 jobs in the
Horseheads School District.
President of CSEA’s
Transportation Unit there,
Taylor credits CSEA's political
action with a successful
budget proposition restoring
14 jobs (see story below).
“I felt political action is what
made the difference,” he said.
former staffer for a state
lawmaker, now works with the
Central Region, local and unit
Political Action Committees on
political endorsements. He
also maintains contact with all
legislative bodies in the region
which may make decisions
affecting CSEA members. Both
areas are crucial, he said.
“People elected to public
Jezer, a Democrat.
CSEA Political Action Coordinator Gerry Fidler, left, talks
with congressional candidate Rhea Jezer. CSEA endorsed
opportunity to help select our
bosses,” he said. “I think most
members realize that Political
Action is a very important part
of the union movement. It
establishes communication
between us and the decision
makers.”
Fidler is proud to work with
CSEA activists. He praises
CSEA’s retiree activists.
“Our retiree activists are an
excellent resource. They've
been through it before and
HORSEHEADS - The jobs of
14 Horseheads School District
bus drivers are safe, thanks to
CSEA’s political action efforts.
The union waged a
campaign to convince voters
to pass a budget proposition
restoring transportation
services,
“We wanted to get the word
out to the parents exactly
what the effects of the budget
would be on their children,”
CSEA Transportation Unit
President Chuck Taylor said.
“We wanted them to vote for
the proposition because of our
Political action pays off for drivers
a a i a%
Operators staff CSEA'’s high-tech phone bank system.
edge of technology so that we
stay the best, most effective
union in New York state. This
system helps us convince the
politicians and the policy
makers that we are a force to
be reckoned with.”
they have strong contacts with
elected officials,” he said. “Our
younger members learn from
the retirees’ activism.”
St. Lawrence County Local
845 President Betty Thomas
said Fidler encouraged her
activism.
“He's set an example for
those of us who have worked
with him to excel and to be
the best we can be,” she said.
“He gives you the feeling that
you can do it, no matter
what.”
— Mark M. Kotzin
concerns for the students’
safe’
CSEA put out fliers and
press releases to let voters
know about CSEA’s concerns.
“We would have had
elementary students walking
along Route 14, a major state
highway,” Taylor said.
“If we hadn't got involved,
the proposition would have
gone down,” he said. “Through
CSEA's efforts, full busing was
reinstated. It makes us feel
good, that CSEA came
through for our employees
and the students.”
CSEA MEMBER S ICES SUPPLEMEN
WHAT MEMBERSHIP DOES £€OR YOU
Member says thanks
for sick leave bank
When CSEA State
Employees Local 016 member
Joan Rothman was battling a
CSEA MEMBER SERVICES SUPPLEMENT
ob training means opportunity
i MANHATTAN —
“Life's been good,”
Personal safety program
a help to SUNY member
BUFFALO - Denise
that you have given my family
and me this past year. Your
leave credits, c
pes
Services Unit “Start 94” offers
anything from an
employees,
lot of good points
emergency to routine
i S, phone Zenicki knows CSEA on how to protect ays Louis Gilmore, Gilmore told the 5 ‘I maintenance at
horrendous disease, her co- calls and prayers have given is working for her. yourself on the job, Boivsicai plant park’s newest fundamentals of was Riverbank. ‘Start 94’
workers made the situation a me that extra support to fight A 14-year like how to position manager at CSEA members. masonry, 2 is a golden
little easier by offering this disease. | am happy to employee of SUNY desks and be Riverbank Park. Areal CSEA horticulture, thrilled eee opportunity to learn
friendship and emotional report that the chemotherapy College at Buffalo observant about I | He ought to know. success story, electricity, ° hands-on skills
support. has been working so well that and member of people as they By taking advantage Gilmore worked plumbing, heating, I know it relevant to Riverbank
And thanks to CSEA, they I am back at work as of July CSEA Local 640, approach you,” she of every CSEA hard to build his air conditioning, e Park’s particular
were able to give the precious on a part-time schedule until Zenicki attended a said. “I work at an training program skills through carpentry and will be a equipment,” he said.
gift of time from their own my strength comes back. I day-long program on information window Bevaiiante tom union courses maintenance ‘Itsa customized
leave credits to Rothman. continue with my chemo “Personal Workplace a lot, handing out Operational Services provided at services, Program lot of help program, but the
A leave donation program because it is working. Having Safety and Security” materials, so I come Unit employees, he Maritime College Coordinator Dan knowledge learned
CSEA negotiated with the so many friends supporting conducted by the in direct contact | Bes: through the and other classes Cunningham said. to our can be applied
state enables employees to me has helped me fight and NYS-CSEA Labor- with students. ranks to his current he took on his own For two work anywhere else.”
donate the unused vacation still fight breast cancer. Management Mostly it’s a friendly job at the 28-acre at a local days each week, employees u “I was thrilled. I
hae = co Worst we wey anaes ae Ba nS 4 Sa ees . heed but park in New York community college. _ participants will can’t believe it, and I
need additional leave due to cal resident) and the negotiate things can get . * f an a . . ¢ ‘ie
serious illness. The union has CSEA family for your help; so the funds a the sna if mene is Ee ies asa Poe atone Fete Ge orale Bing Shae
motivating 60 new
park employees to
follow his path by
taking advantage of
enhance their
knowledge and
promote their goals
in state
also negotiated similar
agreements for many local
government bargaining units.
Rothman asked the union
physical plant
manager
I want to help anyone who
wants information or just a
supportive friend. Write me.
“Again thank you all, with
said Ronald King, a
Denise Zenicki member of CSEA
New York City Local
010, who is in the
committees, which
offer many
programs and services for CSEA-
represented state employees.
upset that they CSEA member
couldn't get a |
course they wanted.
“I'm glad to see that my union is
CSEA member, Grade
12 stationary
ngineer at South
: t u Beach Psychiatric Center and the “Start 94 Program in Building employment, with the help of program. “I know it will be a lot
to print this letter: love. The workshop was valuable to looking out for its members’ then worked as assistant Maintenance Fundamentals” skilled trades teachers, of help for all our employees.”
Dear CSEA & DMV Joan Rothman & family Zenicki because of her position safety, by helping arrange Jicperintenaent of construction developed in cooperation with the Cunningham said. Member Bradley Carter is just
Friends, c/o DMV working directly with students, something like this,” Zenicki said.
for OGS, thanks to years of free
CSEA-NYS Labor-Management
CSEA classes for Operational
Committees.
“I want to take this
opportunity to thank you for
all your out-going support
1500 Privado Road
Westbury, NY 11590”
— Sheryl C. Jenks
“The park wanted a skilled
workforce that could handle
as enthusiastic.
“I volunteered to take these
courses because the
training can help me
tremendously by getting
knowledge so I can
better myself and move
up,” he said.
Park Director Gaspar
Santiago believes “Start
94” will greatly benefit
the staff and the park.
“Normally these CSEA
members would have
had vacations, but
they've committed to 16
weeks with no vacation
to take these classes,”
Louis Gilmore said.
“But I spoke to them
about how many years
it took me to learn what
they will accomplish by
next December, and
they were willing to wait
to take their vacations.
“The experience they
will get opens up a
she said.
“It's a new approach to safety.”
“The session was great, with a
— Ron Wofford)
Bring information to your members
Ask any CSEA leader. If they've
heard it once, they’ve heard it a
thousand times: “What does my
union do for me?”
It takes some time to explain the
many benefits and services CSEA
offers, so how can CSEA leaders
effectively answer that question,
when they hear it from dozens upon
dozens of members?
The answer is easy — the CSEA
Information Day.
It's been called many things —
Lunch ‘n’ Learn, Union Fair, Info
Day, Employee Awareness Day,
Benefits Fair. No matter what you
call it, the basic principle is always
the same: If you can’t bring your
members to the union, bring the
union to your members.
Buying a new home?
Selling? Refinancing?
Now there are two home mortgage programs to
serve CSEA members. Both programs offer CS)
members special advantages - Low down
payment, competitive mortgage rates with
affordable unemployment and mortgage |
disability insurance protection available.
Check out both to see which program best suits
your needs. |
brochures that highlight the union's
services. They can also talk to CSEA
staff professionals or participating
vendors who can answer their
questions and give them details
about their benefits.
Information Days can be tailored
to the specific needs and benefit
structure of the employees who will
attend.
CSEA President Danny Donohue
says that Information Days have
been invaluable in helping the region
reach out to members.
“They're the most important tool
we have to get information to the
grass roots,” Donohue said.
Usually, a CSEA Information Day
is a cooperative venture between a
committee of the local or unit that is
The Empire Home Mortgage Program fj
CSEA members can take advantage of this
mortgage program designed especially for you just
by calling the Empire Home Mortgage Program at
1-800-377-2989
A typical CSEA
Information Day
involves setting up
tables at a location
easily accessible to
as many members
as possible, either
on or off the
worksite, and
displaying the many
benefits and services
that the union and
the union contract
provide.
At each table,
CSEA members (and
often non-members)
can pick up
informative
No matter what
you call it, the
basic principle
is always the
same: If you
can’t bring your
members to the
union, bring the
union to your
members.
WHAT MEMBERSHIP
holding it and staff
members from the
appropriate CSEA
region office who act
as liaisons with CSEA
Headquarters to invite
the appropriate CSEA
representatives and
vendors,
For assistance in
setting up your own
CSEA Information
Day, contact the
organizer or
communications
associate in your
region office.
— Mark M. Kotzin
8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday
8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday
9 a.m, to 3 p.m. Saturday
The AFSCME Advantage Mortgage andll
Real Estate Program
CSEA members can take advantage of this
mortgage program designed especially for you just
by calling the AFSCME Advantage Home Mortgage,
Program at |
1-800-848-6466
8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday |
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday
DOES FOR YOU
|
|
}
roup photo of “Start 94” participants who received special hats and T-shirts on first day of program.
,!f your Advantage MasterCard expires in December, read this
If you hold an AFSCME
Advantage MasterCard that
xpires this December, you may
e receiving a letter along with a
| ™*verification of Union
Membership” form
rom The Bank of New York
| Delaware).
|
If you do receive such a letter
and form, it means that, for
whatever reason, your name
and/or Social Security number
no longer appears on the
AFSCME membership list. The
AFSCME Advantage MasterCard
is available only to AFSCME
CSEA Local 1000 members in
good standing.
If you receive the letter and
form and you are, in fact, still a
member of CSEA, you must sign
the form as the cardholder,
obtain the signature of a CSEA
local union official and return the
form to The Bank of New York
(Delaware) within 30 days.
If the form is not received by
number of doors,” he
said. “It’s great to see
them grow.”
— Lilly Gioia
the Bank by Oct. 30, 1994, the
process of closing the account
will begin and a new MasterCard
will not be issued.
If you have questions or need
assistance, contact Heidi Quandt
at CSEA Headquarters,
1-800-342-4146, Ext. 327, 328 or
329,
CSEA MEMBER’ SERVICES SUPPLEMENT
How Can CSEA Help Me?
A Reference Guide To CSEA Member Services & Benefits
Get In Touch With
Headquarters — Toll-Free —
1-800-342-4146.
Press O plus the extension number you want
at any time.
With a rotary phone, an operator will come
on the line at the end of the recording to
help you reach your party.
With a touch-tone phone, you must press 1
for these options:
If you don’t know the extension number,
*press 1 for Field Operations, which
include Occupational Safety & Health,
State Contract Administration, Local Govt.
& School District Affairs, Research, EAP
and the Retiree Division.
press 2 for Legal Matters, such as
disciplinaries & grievances;
press 3 for Communications including
The Public Sector, Executive Offices or
Political Action;
press 4 for answers about dues, member-
ship & agency shop, group insurance (not
health) and to talk to the Finance Dept.;
press 5 to hear a recording of Current
Issues Update.
CSE
Statewide Headquarters
143 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12210
Your Toll-Free Connection
To The Employee Benefit
Fund — 1-800-323-2732.
In the 518 area, call 782-1500. For answers regard-
ing the Dental Care, Vision Care, Prescription Drug
and Package 7 Benefits for state employees and
participating local government employees. TDD for
hearing impaired on! -800-532-3833. Mailing
address: CSEA Employee Benefit Fund, One Lear Jet
Lane, Suite One, Latham, NY 12110-2395.
Grievances & Discipline
Report any grievance immediately to your local
grievance representative or shop steward. If they are
unavailable, tell your CSEA Unit or Local Pres
or your CSEA Labor Relations Specialist at your
region office. Don’t delay if you believe you have a
lent
problem — grievances must be filed on a tin
Insurance
CSEA offers several insurance programs at low
group rates and provides the convenience of
automatic payroll deduction.
For details on CSEA Security Life Plan, Income
Protection Program, Hospital Indemnity Plan and
Family Protection Plan, call toll free: Jardine Group
Services Corp. 1-800-697-CSEA
For details on Auto Insurance
Renters insurance, call toll free:
and Homeowners/
1-800-366-7315.
Health Insurance
For answers to your specific questions about the
Empire Plan
Blue Cross Claims: 1-800-342-98
Metropolitan Claims.
Participating Providers .
5 or (518) 367-0009
1-800-942-4640
1-800-942-4640
Hospital admission approval/ surgical review
Empire Plan Health Call 1-800-992-1213
Mental Health & Substance
Abuse Hotline «2.0... secsserseeese 1-800-446-3995
Education & Training
CSEA provides workshops and training programs
for union activists. For more information, call toll-
free 1-800-342-4146. On a touch tone phone, press
O, then extension 294. On a rotary phone, ask the
operator for extension 294
Union-oriented videotapes are available from
your CSEA region office.
Civil Service Exam Help
The Labor Education Action Program (LEAP) can
help you prepare for civil service exams with low-
cost study booklets,
Call toll free: 1-800-253-4332
Safety Concerns
Report serious accidents, unsafe and unhealthy
working conditions to the CSEA Labor Relations
Specialists at your region office:
For occupational safety and health information,
call CSEA Headquarters at 1-800-342-4146, Ona
touch tone phone, press O, then extension 465. Ona
rotary phone, ask the operator for extension 465
Retirement
For general information about retirement and
retiree membership, call 1-800-342-4146. On a
touch tone phone, press O and extension 363. On a
rotary phone, wait for the operator and ask for
extension 363.
Talk to a CSEA-provided retirement counselor if
you are retiring soon. It’s important th
he proper option from the Employees
you select
ement
system, so you can plan the lifestyle that you want to
njoy. Call toll free: 1-800-366-5273
AFSCME Advantage
Mastercard
Features one of the lowest interest rates
above the prime lending rate. No annual fee, For an
application form, call your CSEA region office.
If you apply and there is no response within four
weeks, call the issuing bank, the Bank of New York,
toll free: 1-800-942-1977.
5 percent
AFSCME Advantage
Legal Services
You can obtain high quality, affordable legal
services for many personal legal matters through the
AFSCME Advantage Union Privilege Legal Services
Program. For details and a list of participating
lawyers in your area, call your CSEA region office
AFSCME
Magic Kingdom Club
Another benefit from the AFSCME Advantage
program — discounts to both DisneyWorld in Florida
and DisneyLand in California. Membership
verification requirements: your Social Security
number and your local number (AFSCME Local 1000).
Contact the AFSCME Research Dept., 1625 L St
NW, Washington, DC 20036. Phone: (202) 429-5066.
AFSCME Advantage
Mortgage Program
Makes buying a home or refinancing your
mortgage easier and more affordable. Savings for
buyers and sellers. Special help for first-time
buyers. Call toll free: 1-800-848-6466
AFSCME Advantage Career
& Academic Planning
Tuition savings planning. Financial aid
projections. Counseling and seminars for career
decisions. $10 annual fee. 1-800-733-GRAD.
The Buyer’s Edge
It’s your buy-by-phone service designed to save
you money on major purchases. The Buyer’s Edge
negotiates extra discounts and lowest price guaran-
tees individual buyers don’t get, The appropriate
information and toll-free numbers are in your
Buyer's Edge brochure, and they're published
regularly in The Public Sector. To receive a
brochure contact your CSEA region office listed
1 call 1-800-342-4146.
sO and 297 or ask the
below. For other infortr
On a touch-tone phone pr
operator for extension 297
Clip and save this page for future reference.
REGION
OFFICES
Motor Pkwy., Hauppat
10 & 27
ROPOLITAN REGION I OFFICE
22nd Floor, New York, NY
4 ton Street
10038-1850, (212) 406-2156.
LONG ISLAND REGION | OFFICE
Hauppauge Atrium Building, 300 Vanderbilt
SOUTHERN REGION HI OFFICE
735 State Route 52, Beacon, NY 12508
(914) 831-1000,
CAPITAL REGION IV OFFICE
One Lear Jet Lane, Suite Two, Latham, NY
12110-2394, (518) 785-4400.
CENTRAL REGION V OFFICE
6595 Kirkville Road, East Syracuse, NY 13057.
(315) 433-0050
WESTERN REGION VI OFFICE
482 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 886-039 |
GENERAL NEWS
j ae outside the prison.
\
| MPATTICA - Three Attica
rrectional CSEA Local 152
/ members say they have serious
mcerns for the safety of
emselves and the public with
imate helpers on board during
| delivery runs.
Since last November Dave
Bsc Bret George and Jim
meter have been directed to
e inmates from the nearby
fjeseinsecunty Wyoming
rrectional facility with them
as they deliver prisoner-
jade office furniture to
ICA CORRECTIONAL TRUCK DRIVERS Bret George, left,
} and Dave Dimick, right, with CSEA Local 152 President Russ
Attica drivers carrying a
Mangerous load - inmates
come out near the truck until a
security guard was available to
escort her.”
The inmates are also on their
own, and can leave to eat lunch
at nearby restaurants, the
drivers said. This makes for
opportunities to commit crimes
that could unwittingly involve
the drivers, they feel.
“Our commercial driver's
licenses are very hard-earned,
and any blemish could cause us
serious problems, if not
‘We know outright loss or
chasers. suspension,” Dimick said.
“We have been driving nothing bat are not had any
and delivering Corcraft about training to be with an
oducts for years,” said their inmate eight hours a day,
imick, a tandem five days a week as a
tractor trailer operator reper Senecuen officer has. It
12 years. “But they e makes me very nervous
f recently began status.’ and it's hard to
signing inmates from concentrate on my
Wyoming Correctional to ride
ith us on delivery trips. We're
| @t corrections officers, and we
shouldn't be in such close
| en as a truck cabin with
em. We know nothing about
eir records or health status.”
“Some of our stops are at
hools or psychiatric centers
hd other places where people
or children are totally unaware
E prisoners are present
thout a prison guard,” George
Said. “And at one school office
where I was making a delivery
kk lady who was required to
ersee the contents would not
driving.”
An out-of-title grievance on
the practice has been denied at
the local level and will be next
heard on an appeal to the
Governor's Office of Employee
Relations, according to CSEA
Labor Relations Specialist
Penny Gleason.
“We'd like to see this practice
ended before something tragic
happens,” Local 152 President
Russ Nephew said. “It doesn’t
take too much imagination to
realize that something could go
very wrong here, very fast.”
— Ron Wofford
33 years behind the wheel,
no accidents, 1 hijacking
Betty Rektorik National Bus Driver of Year
WEST SENECA—With 33 years on the job, West Seneca Schools bus
driver Betty Rektorik already had a laudable record of service to her
community.
She has now received national recognition for safely transporting her
young passengers over her career without even one accident by being
named one of two “National Bus Drivers of the Year” by the Pioneer
School Bus Transportation
Awards Committee.
“I didn’t even know I was
nominated,” Rektorik said. “It
was a complete surprise, but I
appreciate it very much. Still, I
am not used to all this attention.”
Her outstanding safety record
and devotion to duty were cited
as the main criteria for her
selection as the female driver of
the year.
But a bizarre January 1993
incident in which her bus was
hijacked by a knife-wielding
burglary suspect undoubtedly
also impressed the judges.
After forcefully boarding the
bus, the felon broke the two-way
radio and directed Rektorik on a
20-minute escape through city
streets until he jumped off — but - i s
not before he stole the jewelry she was wearing, and threatened the
students if they looked at him.
Rektorik’s poise and control during the incident were cited as
possibly saving lives or preventing serious injuries.
“We're all very proud of Betty,” said Bob Sullivan, president of the
West Seneca School District unit of Erie Educational Local 868.
— Ron Wofford
Ulster County DSS Security Committee
making worksites safer for employees
KINGSTON — Employees of the Ulster County Department of Social
Services have organized a Security Committee to monitor security
issues and determine the needs of DSS workers and other staff.
The committee meets monthly and includes the following employees:
Bob Myers, chair; Sandy Reynolds, Jim Davis, Carol Newkirk and Steve
Schabot. Deputy Commissioner Dolores Miller works with the
committee,
So far the committee has provided training for staff and plans to
instruct receptionists on how to handle threatening phone calls.
Thanks to a committee recommendation, a padlock has been installed
at the Child Support Unit.
The committee also is overseeing the upcoming DSS move to the new
building and will make recommendations for security precautions
there. — Anita Manley
Desensive driving course offered
to members of Local 418
‘another ‘I think the fact CSEA and
the state offer these courses
excellent to us, free of charge, is just
A course on Defensive
Driving, taught by John
Epting of the Defensive
Driving Institute, was
recently offered to CSEA being a
Pilgrim Psychiatric Center U
Local 418 members. The member
course is certified by the National
Safety Council.
Members completing the seven-
and-a-half hour course were
issued certificates which entitle
them to a 20 percent insurance
discount for three years,
benefit of another excellent benefit of
being a member of CSEA,”
Local 418 member Jim Wall
said.
2 driving course, said
many of the safety and health
courses are offered on-site at his
facility.
— Sheryl C.Jenks
October 1994 1 1
1994 CONVENTION SECTION
Statewide PRESIDENT
The Donohue
Program is now the
CSEA agenda as I
roll up my sleeves
and work on behalf
of the Family,
Friends, Neighbors
who belong to this great union.
As Family, we know and support each
other.
As Friends, we care deeply about each
other.
As Neighbors, we look after each other.
In my first months in office, I've already
seen a great change as leaders, members
and staff have joined together for a new
CSEA.
We now emphasize what unites us.
Working together, as a team, nothing - and
no one — can stop us.
Tenth Annual Statewide Retirees Meeting successful
ROCHESTER - There was a celebratory,
but business-like atmosphere as CSEA
retirees from around the state converged on
Rochester for the 10th annual Retiree
Delegates Meeting.
“This was our best conference so far,”
said Charles Peritore, chair of the Statewide
CSEA Retiree Executive Committee.
CSEA President Danny Donohue, who
served as the statewide officer liaison to the
Retiree Executive Committee for six years,
saluted the retiree delegates and assured
them they remain an “integral, active
partner in CSEA.”
“Since I look forward to joining your
ranks one day, I trust you will keep my
future as well as yours in mind as you meet
here,” said Donohue. “We're truly in this
together.” Donohue also pledged to.continue
the fight for a permanent annual cost of
Danny Donohue
143 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12210-2303 (518) 434-0191
CSEA is Family, Friends, Neighbors
1 am now holding myself, my fellow
officers and our staff to new standards of
excellence.
For myself, I will be both visible and
accessible.
In my first 90 days in office, for example,
I have held “Meet Danny Donohue Days” in
each of the six region offices, attended
various Information Days, participated in
the CSEA Day at the State Fair in Syracuse
and have gone to numerous local events.
I have also made myself accessible to
news reporters so that you can pick up
your daily newspapers, listen to your local
radio stations and even sometimes turn on
your TV sets and see me in action.
I know first hand that a leader must be
visible to succeed, but must also be
accessible to keep in touch.
For my fellow officers at every level of this
living adjustment for retirees.
Donohue introduced state Comptroller H.
Carl McCall, who has been endorsed by
CSEA to retain his office in the November
general election.
Mary L. McCarthy, past president of
CSEA Syracuse Area Retirees Local 913 and
a union member and activist for 40 years,
received the Donald Webster Memorial
Mission Achievement Award during the
program. The award honors an outstanding
CSEA retiree member and is named in
honor of the late Donald
Webster, who served as chair
of the CSEA Retiree Division
from 1987 to 1990.
Delegates attended
workshops over two days on
New York State Health
Insurance, an update on
STATE COMPTROLLER
H. CARL McCALL,
center, greets CSEA
retiree delegates
Barbara Rustin and
William Wright.
Retirees are an
ANNUAL MEETING
1-800-342-4146
organization — state, region, local and unit —
I have this simple message: work together
and set aside personal differences. Follow
my example, go out to the members; don’t
sit around the union office waiting for the
members to come to you.
For our staff, 1 am expecting them to
practice the idea of customer service. We
have the best staff available so there is no
reason why our members shouldn't be
receiving the best service, Cut the
bureaucracy. Get back to the basics.
CSEA is a great union, but as any other
living institution we must constantly renew
ourselves. I challenge everyone today to
remember the roots of that greatness: the
265,000 Family, Friends and Neighbors
who make up the Civil Service Employees
Association.
Together for a new CSEA!
federal health care legislation, long term
health care, and information on how to
utilize CSEA’s legislative and political action
resources when local government health
care reductions are proposed for retirees.
“I can’t say enough about how great all
the CSEA staff were in joining in and
helping make this conference the success it
was, especially Tony Campione and Peggy
Zakrzewski of the retiree division,” Peritore
said. “All the staff did a wonderful job.”
— Ron Wofford
integral, active
partner in CSEA
— CSEA President Danny Donohue
12 October 1994 g fs ,
MARY L. McCARTHY, right, accepts the Donald Webster Memorial Mission
Achievement Award from CSEA statewide Executive Vice President Mary
Sullivan, left. Looking on is CSEA Retiree Executive Committee Chair
Charles Peritore.
)
1994 CONVENTION SECTION
Statewide EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
143 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12210-2303 (518) 434-0191
Mary E. Sullivan
ANNUAL MEETING
1-800-342-4146
We’re Union, we’re CSEA, we’re proud
I've been a
“| member of CSEA
for a long time, and
I have always been
proud of it. CSEA
i] is the best labor
union in this state,
and to serve our members as executive vice
president is a great honor. I want to thank
everyone who showed their faith in my
abilities by voting for me.
As a member of the new team of CSEA
statewide officers, I want you to know that
all of us are committed to working together.
You as members are a big part of our plan.
We want to hear your ideas, suggestions
and criticisms. Our leadership needs your
involvement to make CSEA bigger, better
and stronger than ever. It’s a big challenge,
but I believe we can do it. We are proud to
face that challenge with you and for you.
CSEA offers great opportunities to learn
and to lead, to make changes and to make
a difference. CSEA offers excellent benefits
and services, helps make your workplace
safe and helps enforce the quality contracts
it negotiates for you.
But CSEA is far more. As CSEA
members, we are part of a community
dedicated to the interests of working people
everywhere. We work hard not only for
those we represent here in New York state,
but to support labor causes all over the
country. It’s part of our responsibility, and
a large part of our pride: We are not alone
because we are part of the house of labor,
and we extend our hand in friendship and
aid to our brothers and sisters in the labor
movement. That's a lot to be proud of.
And that's not all. CSEA members are
part of a larger community: the towns and
villages and cities where we live and pay
taxes, where our children go to school and
where we are vital, contributing members.
We provide a lot more than the valuable
service that is our job; we are volunteers in
schools and fire departments, for the
ambulance service and the church choir.
We are, as the saying goes, “Family,
Friends, Neighbors” to all of those who live
in our communities. Many CSEA members
are community activists for the same
reason they are involved in their union:
because they care and because they want to
make a difference.
That's something to be proud of.
When you are out there visiting the
elderly or training to become an emergency
medical technician, raising money for the
Cancer Society or volunteering for any of
the many worthwhile organizations, let
them know you are CSEA, and you are
proud.
We need to remind our family, friends
and neighbors that the labor movement
isn’t just about the workplace; we take our
union values into our communities and do
our best to make it a better place.
We need to remind ourselves that we're
union, we're CSEA and damn proud to be.
CSEA South Country School Unit awards scholarships
PATCHOGUE — The CSEA South Country
School District Unit awarded $150
scholarships to children of 10 unit members,
Unit President George Weyant said.
It marks the third year the unit has
provided scholarships to every unit
member's child who graduated high school
and is going to college.
Unit members and their children receiving
scholarships this year are Anthony
Allegretti’s daughter Mandi, Kathleen Dallin’s
daughter Kari, Marie Lena's daughter
Katrina Marie, Dale Hawkins’ son Michael,
Elizabeth Hollman’s daughter Amy, Vicki
Ann Thompson's son Eric, Marie BelMonte’s
daughter Heather, Nancy Fucco’s son Ralph,
Bella Iarocci’s son Jason and Joan Santoli's
son Timothy.
Arbitrator slams management, says they were looking for a miracle
NCCC employee restored to position
NASSAU COUNTY - There
were no “miracles” for Nassau
County Community College in a
excessive
sleeping on the job to
absenteeism.
“You can’t through
which was proven
attorney provided by CSEA.
“CSEA Nassau Local 830 gave
recent arbitration decision. The
college administration was
slammed in the award which
returned a full year, plus an
additional 53 days of back pay
to a member.
CSEA fought for Nehemiah
Rolle, an 18-year college
employee when he was brought
up on a series of charges and
then fired after having filed a
discrimination case against
contractors at the university.
Although the county paid 10
witnesses to support its
position, the arbitrator found in
favor of CSEA and admonished
the county for failing to
investigate the incidents and
provide proper proof of the
charges, which ranged from
The arbitrator said
management at the
college *... failed to
investigate the
incident promptly (if at all) and
diligently and then expected
some type of miracle to be
performed at this arbitration on
their behalf.”
The decision also said, “In
each case the employer failed to
sustain the burden of proof that
the grievant was guilty as
charged.... Questions were
raised as to whether or not
certain dates were accurate, in
fact Labor Relations had to
withdraw one of their charges
during the hearing because the
grievant was charged with an
incident yet he was home sick,
do it on
your own.’
investigating time
cards at the
hearing.”
CSEA attorney
Lou Stober, who
handled the case called the
charges “frivolous” and a waste
of tax payers’ money.
“In addition to the cost of the
10 witnesses paid by the county
there was the added cost of 14
days of arbitration hearings,”
Stober said.
A number of CSEA labor
relations specialists had a hand
in the arbitration. One of them,
Claude Ferrara, said in addition
to back pay, the union member
will be returned to his former
position with full seniority.
Rolle is extremely grateful for
the union's support and the
me the support I needed to
sustain me. Lou Stober met
with me many times,” he said, “I
think it’s absolutely essential to
have legal representation. You
can’t do it on your own.”
The last sentence of the
arbitrator's decision read like a
warning: “It is also hoped that
management at the college
learned something from this
and prior awards that they must
change their way in dealing in
Labor Relations.”
“Nehemiah Rolle is back to
work with over a year of back
pay and back benefits,” CSEA
Long Island Region President
Nick LaMorte said. “CSEA
worked hard for this member
and won.” — Sheryl C. Jenks
¢g October 1994 1 3
1994 CONVENTION SECTION
Statewide TREASURER
143 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12210-2303 (518) 434-0191
Things are
changing in CSEA,
and what a great
feeling to be a part
of it. Our new
President has
vowed to bring
CSEA back to the membership. This means
being responsive and accessible. As the
newly elected Statewide Treasurer of CSEA,
I intend to echo this and intend to live it.
Our union is ever changing, always
updating and providing us with the very
best resources and benefits available. In
order to make the most of these advantages
we need to spread the word. The best way I
can think to do this is hit the streets and
Maureen Malone
1-800-342-4146
ANNUAL MEETING
It’s your union; become involved
get the good news out.
What does CSEA do for me? Everything
possible to provide the best collective
bargaining agreements available.
Everything possible to provide the best
benefit package available. Everything
possible to provide worker safety and
security. Everything possible to provide the
education and training necessary for the
union leadership, grievance representatives
and stewards to represent you at the work-
site.
CSEA, the union, never rests. We work to
represent all 265,000 members the very
best way possible. I view my job as one of
helper. The complexity of union finances
can seem overwhelming. Increased rules
and regulations, monitoring by the Federal
Department of Labor, as well as the IRS,
keep us constantly updating and changing
internal procedures. The membership does
not always understand where the dues
money goes, but rest assured, every penny
is stretched out of every dollar to do the
best job for you.
My door is always open. I welcome your
questions and concerns. Nothing is too silly
or frivolous, no question too bizarre. CSEA
is your union; use it, become involved in it.
Your help can only make us stronger. I look
forward to three years of working with and
for you, the members.
Prescription Drug Program
additions effective Oct. 1
Two new features will be added to the CSEA Employee Benefit
Fund (EBF) Prescription Drug Program effective Oct. 1, 1994,
that are designed to ensure safe and cost effective use of certain
expensive and commonly prescribed medications, CSEA
President Danny Donohue announced. EBF enrollees will be
mailed detailed information
Bs about the new features.
The level of benefits provided
| NS under the plan will Ab be
| affected and the two new
features will help stabilize drug
EMPLOYEE plan costs so that current
coverage and co-payments can
BENEFIT FUND remain intact. ;
Certain medications can be
very expensive to use and may
be prescribed to help achieve a specific result rather than for the
treatment of an illness. Under a new Prior Authorization
Program, your CSEA drug plan will now review clinical
guidelines and follow-up with your pharmacist as to whether or
not to authorize the prescription.
Included under the new program The level of
are such expensive medications as
Cognex, Epogen, Neupogen, benefits provided
Leukine, Alferon, Intron, Imitrex under the plan will
DUN re A feted not be affected and
nm most cases the review will be
completed within the same day the two new
and a letter will be sent to the features will help
patient and physician explaining %
the decision of the Managed Care stabilize drug plan
Pharmacist. Covered members and costs so that
eligible dependents currently
taking a drug which is part of the current coverage
Prior Authorization Program and co-payments
should call 1-800-457-1020 to 2
obtain approval before purchasing can remain intact.
the medication.
The second new feature is a Preferred Prescription
Formulary, which is simply a list of commonly prescribed
medications which were selected to maintain high quality care
and also to control rising costs. While your physician is not
required to use this formulary, CSEA EBF enrollees should
share the Formulary with their physician during their next visit.
ges
HISTORIC AGREEMENT - From left, Rockland County Executive
C. Scott Vanderhoef, his assistant Jim Hennessey, TQM Trainer
Arlene Rose, CSEA Unit President Caroline Osinga and CSEA
Labor Relations Specialist Annette Raetz at signing.
Rockland TQM agreement signed
NEW CITY - A Total Quality
Management agreement to work
together for the betterment of
Rockland County was signed by
County Unit President Caroline
Osinga and county officials
recently.
County Executive C. Scott
Vanderhoef called the signing of
the agreement an historic
occasion.
“This will mark the first time
in New York state that a
county, town, city or village
signs such a union-
management agreement with
their employee unions,” he
said.
“As an administration,” he
said, “we encourage the
generation of ideas on how to
improve the services we
provide. But the
implementation of these ideas,”
he added, “can only occur with
the cooperation and
philosophical agreement of the
people who actually deliver
those services. This agreement,”
Vanderhoef said, “is a crucial
step in our mission to improve
the quality and cost-
effectiveness of the services we
provide to Rockland’s
residents.”
Osinga credited Vanderhoef's
assistant Jim Hennessey and
CSEA Labor Relations
Specialist Annette Raetz for
helping to hammer out the
agreement.
“Jim was able to see our
point of view,” Osinga said,
“and I could not have done
without Annette’s assistance
throughout the negotiations.”
Osinga expressed hope that
county management personnel
will be open to employee
suggestions.
“TOM is a product of the
times, something we're going to
have to live with,” Osinga said,
“and in that case I want it to be
as positive a relationship as we
can make it.” — Anita Manley
1 4 October 1994 g a
1994 CONVENTION SECTION
Great changes
result from many
small actions.
That's a lesson
we should all take
to heart in CSEA. It
means that all of
us working together have the ability to
make this union even better.
There is no union anywhere that provides
more services, benefits and support to its
members. There should never be any
question about the dedication of CSEA
officers, activists and staff. But with the
greater involvement of our rank and file and
a continuing drive for improvement, we can
be even more effective.
CSEA members should realize that you
have a unique voice in how your union
works. Few, if any, other unions give you
the same ability that CSEA does, to run for
union office and to elect your union officers
Barbara Reeves
143 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12210-2303 (518) 434-0191
at every level. But that is also a tremendous
responsibility. Throwing stones serves no
useful purpose, particularly when CSEA
offers you so many ways to really make a
difference.
One of CSEA's greatest strengths is our
diversity. We are so many different people
with different backgrounds and viewpoints.
And there is room for all of us in CSEA
because we grow by exposure to different
ideas.
But we must also recognize that CSEA as
an organization is a lot bigger than each of
us individually. The whole idea of union
solidarity is that we recognize the greater
good for all of us over our own immediate
individual interests.
We must never hesitate to stand up for
one another when we share concerns about
injustice. But we must also be tolerant and
supportive of our brothers’ and sisters’
circumstances which are different from our
1-800-342-4146 — FANNUAL MEETING
own experiences.
I am proud that you elected me to serve
as your statewide Secretary. There is a
wonderful spirit at work in CSEA today
which provides encouragement as | join
with your talented team of statewide
officers - Danny Donohue, Mary Sullivan
and Maureen Malone - along with so many
others in this organization to represent you.
I also draw inspiration from my friend
and mentor Irene Carr who served us all so
well as statewide secretary for so many
years. I know all of you join me in wishing
Irene well and a speedy return to good
health, She deserves the best after giving all
of us so much,
CSEA has a distinguished history and an
outstanding present. My priority is to do all
I can in my small actions to build on our
strengths. I know that with your efforts,
together we can ensure an even greater
future.
Editor's Note: The Public Sector regularly
publishes a summary of actions taken by
CSEA's Board of Directors at the Board’s
official meetings. The summary is prepared by
CSEA Statewide Secretary Barbara Reeves
for the information of union members.
ALBANY — CSEA’s statewide Board of
Directors met here on Sept. 1. In official
actions, the Board:
@ Appointed Barbara Allen to fill a
vacancy on the Political Action Fund
Board of Trustees;
@ Placed the Oceanside School District
Unit, East Meadow School District
Monitor & Aides Unit and Schuyler
County Local in administratorship;
@ Appointed Sue Crawford to fill a
vacancy on the Directors’ Charter
Committee;
@ Appointed Mike Febraio to fill a
vacancy on the Directors’ Personnel
Committee;
@ Approved CSEA to use all resources
available, including AFSCME, to have
employees of Provider Contracted Group
Homes and Association of Retarded
Citizens declared state workers;
@ Appointed Kenneth Monahan to fill a
vacancy on the Budget Committee;
Summary of meeting of
Statewide Board of Directors
@ Approved Aug. 24-27, 1996, as the
dates for the 1996 Annual Retirees
Delegates Meeting in Grand Island;
@ Approved changing the name of North
Country Correctional Facility Local 172 to
Watertown Correctional Facility Local 172;
@ Approved the assignment of the new
Gowanda Correctional Facility to Collins
Correctional Facility Local 174;
@ Approved granting Local charters to
Pius XII-Holy Cross Campus and Pius XII-
Chester Campus;
@ Approved dissolving Gowanda
Psychiatric Center Local 408;
@ Appointed Harold McKinney to the
Region 3 Political Action Committee;
@ Appointed Dan O'Neill and Betsey
Kinch to the Region 5 Political Action
Committee;
@ Approved: the immediate inclusion of
the late Region 3 President Pat Mascioli
on the union’s Memorial Plaque.
Questions concerning this summary of actions
taken by CSEA’s statewide Board of Directors
should be directed to CSEA Statewide
Secretary Barbara Reeves, CSEA
Headquarters, 143 Washington Avenue,
Albany, NY 12210. 1-800-342-4146 or (518)
434-0191.
ULSTER COUNTY LOCAL 856 President
Joe Van Dyke, left, accepts a copy of the
United States Congressional Record from
U.S. Rep. Maurice D. Hinchey (D -
Kingston). Hinchey read into the
Congressional Record a report of a
downtown street in Kingston being
renamed earlier this year for Van Dyke's
father. Van Dyke Lane in Kingston is
named after Leonard Van Dyke, the first
African American elected as an alderman
in the city.
Village of Bayville employees on Long Island joins the CSEA union family
CSEA welcomes employees of the Village
of Bayville on Long Island to the union
family.
The village employees were organized as a
new unit of CSEA Nassau County
Municipal Employees Local 882.
CSEA Organizer Max Sanchez, Local 882
Executive Vice President Paul Nehrich and
CSEA Labor Relations Specialist Stan Frere,
who organized the unit, said unit officers
have been elected and a negotiating
committee will soon be formed to negotiate
the unit's first contract.
Unit officers are President Edward J.
Watson, Executive Vice President Stephen
Siegel, First Vice President James Knight,
Second Vice President Robert Lopez,
Secretary-Treasurer Joyce Shaddock and
Shop Steward Donald Marchais.
— Sheryl C. Jenks
g ’ October 1994 1 5
1994 CONVENTION SECTION
NICK
LaMORTE
President
Hauppauge Atrium Bldg.
300 Vanderbilt
Motor Parkway
Hauppauge, NY
11788-5127
(616) 273-2280
a
Ready to meet any challenge
Welcome delegates. It is again an honor and privilege for me to
be able to write a report to you at this 84th Delegates Convention.
I am still very proud to be the Region I President and a Statewide
Vice President. | still find the hard work very rewarding and I am
continuing to the best of my ability.
My goal of unifying Region I is progressing very well. I have
received many positive comments on the way we are headed.
Having to deal with the many political and personality traits of our
elected officers and members is certainly a difficult task. It is one
of the hardest tasks this job brings with it. But you know, it is also
one of the finest rewards of the job when we pull together.
The Region I Executive Board meets every third Wednesday of
every other month starting in January. By establishing regular
Regional meeting dates, the locals, units and regional committees
can set their meeting dates accordingly.
The regional committees are busy with projects of their own and
report at the Region Executive Board meetings. We usually invite
two guest speakers to address the board and a light dinner is also
provided. The attendance and participation at the meetings is
high, with every local represented. There are no secrets and the
gravity and quality of information is fantastic.
We continue to support one another, attending different local
demonstrations and picketing for fair contracts. We also attend
different local functions such as a membership recognition day in
Local 418 and a fishing trip by Local 880. We attend special
awards ceremonies, local holiday parties and local meetings. We
support one another; we are one.
As you know, Region I has also participated as a region within
CSEA. From our last convention in Washington, DC marching
against NAFTA to AFSCME in San Diego protesting for Local 127,
to the installation of our newly-elected statewide officers and to
this present convention. We are striving to remain the number one
region in CSEA and stand ready to continue to meet the challenge.
We've started to bring education and training to the worksites.
We will continue this idea whose time has come. I believe we can
do more. Members of our Region Education & Training Committee
attend the workshops to help with registration. Our PEOPLE
Committee sets up a table to sign up and inform the members.
We're hot on the trail of Region II for the PEOPLE cup and have the
first ever back-to-back monthly PEOPLE recruiter, Rutha Busch.
Our Social Committee has run successful bus trips, a huge
holiday party for over three hundred members and a successful
Region workshop with an AFSCME local affiliate.
The Region Women’s Committee gathered statistics on cancer
from members in the worksites and locals. OSHA Committee
members meet to review new laws and regulations affecting our
members. The Human Rights Committee recently had an ADA
Workshop and Health Fair. The PAC Committee interviewed
Congressional candidates for the first time and continues to work
with CSEA to lobby our State legislators. The Membership
Committee is hard at work helping with internal organizing and
membership recruitment. Our School Districts Committee plans a
workshop for our school members in the near future.
As you can see, we in Region I have already started our new
direction, but look forward to the new direction from our Statewide
President Danny Donohue. Let's not forget, Danny is the first
President from Region I and Region I is very proud of him. Good
luck to all our officers, you'll have our support when it’s right for
GEORGE
BONCORAGLIO
President
_ 40 Fulton Street
22nd Floor
New York, NY
10038-1850
(212) 406-2156
CSEA a living, breathing family
“Even if you're on the right track, you can get run over if you
just sit there,” Mark Twain once said. And, nobody knows that
better than CSEA members. Once we're on the right track, you
better believe that we'll keep moving ahead.
A case in point was this year’s New York State budget battle that
threatened Bronx and Brooklyn Division for Youth workers with
downsizing of desperately needed facilities. With gun-toting
children on our streets and juvenile crime rampant, how could the
state seriously consider laying off its dedicated and experienced
youth workers?
Tireless CSEA efforts not only halted layoffs, but helped restore
$1.7 million to DFY’s budget. Even more remarkable, the state has
pledged another $7.7 million to build a new DFY facility in New
York City.
One thing our great union can never afford to do is “just sit
there.” Both as union members and New Yorkers, Region II earns
its reputation for standing up, being counted and setting new
directions. Our elected Local officials and Region Officers held an
extended forum this year to assess CSEA strengths and
weaknesses while setting new priorities and goals. Any business
that fails to plan and take inventory is planning to fail.
But, a Union is not just a business. A Union worth its salt is
much more than a company or corporation. A Union should be a
living, breathing family run by its members for its members.
Mutually aiding one another, union members pledged to fight for
justice.
Justice. It’s not only for those presently employed, but for our
retirees. We salute Region II's Retirees Local 910 for its leadership
in the fight to gain a long overdue retirees cost-of-living increase
and in keeping national health care reform efforts on track.
This past year has brought many changes and new beginnings,
not only within CSEA, but everywhere we look. We welcomed the
election of CSEA's new President, Danny Donohue. New York City
elected a new mayor and won its first Stanley Cup since 1940.
South Africa has a new government and racial apartheid exists no
more.
Region II activists have led the way in fighting against the
scandal of apartheid. I recall introducing the very first motion that
CSEA publicly oppose apartheid. It was adopted by CSEA’s Board
of Directors during Nelson Mandela's lengthy imprisonment. After
years of effort and being on the right track, Region II's Executive
Board presented achievement awards to our many activists who
never gave up on the dream of a democratic South Africa.
Proud of our accomplishments and knowing we're on the right
track, there is always the temptation to “just sit there.” But, Region
II never has and we never will. Once again, our members lead the
way in contributions to PEOPLE, well aware that we need to put
our money where our mouths are.
Privatization, health care reform, striker replacement legislation
and the Dunlop Commission Report all await decisive action.
Without a doubt, together we're ready for the job ahead! In
Solidarity.
the members and our wrath when we disagree.
Enjoy your stay in Rochester. If you have a chance, stop by and
say hello. Work hard and play hard. And remember, please report
back to our members — they deserve to hear from you. Safe home.
1 6 October 1994 ¢g A
LONG ISLAND REGION METROPOLITAN REGION §|
1994 CONVENTION SECTION
SOUTHERN REGION
MARYJANE
MacNAIR
President
735 State Route 52
Beacon, NY
12598
(914) 831-1000
Now is time to look forward
The year since our last delegates’ meeting has passed quickly.
Region III, and all of CSEA, has experienced many changes. Here in
Region III we still mourn the passing of not only a President, but a
dear friend, Pat Mascioli. We also mourn the loss of fellow members
here and throughout the State.
With the statewide elections over, we look with a renewed hope and
expectation towards our leadership in Albany.
With the ever increasing length of contract negotiations in our
counties, towns, villages and school districts, we are faced with the
frustration and discontent of our members. Every day seems to bring
a new threat of privatization, layoff or decertification.
Now is the time to renew our commitment to unionism and what it
stands for.
It is the time to put the petty fighting and politics of the past
behind us.
It is time to look towards the future.
It is time to come together, to work together, and to fight together.
It is time to teach not only the public, but our employers, our
neighbors, our families and our children what a union truly stands
for.
It is time to remind our members just how democratic and strong
we are.
It is time to brag about our accomplishments, our activists and our
staff.
It is time to bring back a sense of pride in who we are to our
members.
It is time to stand up and stand together for respect, fairness and
safety for all our members.
I hope in the coming year we can all join together and work to make
this a stronger and prouder union.
=
Sign
Anew first :
collective
bargaining
contract for a
newly
organized
unit has been
signed by
Village of
Walden Unit
President
Anthony
Lamendola
and Village
Manager
John Kelly.
Looking over -
their -
shoulders are Unit Secretary Howard “Corky” Edwards and
CSEA Collective Bargaining Specialist Glenn Blackman. Of the
35 new CSEA members, said Blackman, the largest group,
laborers, have in the past been extremely underpaid. “They
came to CSEA hoping to bargain a respectable wage and we were
able to do just that,” he said. “Laborers who made $8.22 an
hour when they joined CSEA will be making $11.62 an hour at
the end of three years.” The employees are members of Orange
County Local 836.
CAPITAL REGION
JUNE
ROBAK
President
One Lear Jet Lane
Suite 2
Latham, NY
12110-2392
(518) 785-4400
Za
Safe work environment.a right
I wish to thank those of you who have worked with me on behalf of
our membership during my first year as Capital Region President.
Through the hard work of our staff aided by the assistance of our
union activists, Region IV is moving forward, developing new ideas
and goals as we proceed. I continue to stand ready to work with each
and every one of you so that through our “TEAM EFFORTS,” by
working and pulling together, we will be able to provide more
information, education and services to you, our members.
I congratulate Danny Donohue and our other new statewide officers
upon their election. I was once told that the first year of any job is
usually the hardest — I hope that is the case with me and no doubt it
will be the case with Danny, et. al. I welcome “A NEW BEGINNING”
and will work with our Statewide President towards a new and
brighter future for CSEA.
The health and safety of our membership remains a top priority. No
one should have to work in an unsafe work environment! | reinstated
the weekend Health and Safety Workshop after a many year hiatus,
and it was the best attended ever and I plan on it being a yearly event.
Additional workshops for everyone dealing with all aspects of health
and safety must be planned and made available. | look forward to the
support of our new Statewide President in this endeavor. A safe work
environment is a right to be enjoyed by all, not a privilege available
only to a few.
Training of local and unit officers, of shop stewards and delegates is
a never-ending process. We all can and should learn more so that we
can better serve our members. Continuous training is required so that
we can enforce our contracts, negotiate improvements and deal
successfully on behalf of our members in a labor-management setting.
Additional workshops will have to be made available to our members.
The rank and file often asks “What are you doing for me?” Often
times we are too busy doing for our members and do not take the time
to communicate to them what we have done for them. Our new Region
IV Newsletter is an attempt to provide information to our members. I
want to thank Rick Weeks, chair and all the members of the Ad Hoc
Communications Committee. Elected officials should make themselves
available to the membership. All of our elected officials and our staff
should make themselves more visible and take the time to answer our
members’ questions.
Region IV has had a number of decertification elections over the
past year. ! view as a major accomplishment of my first year in office,
the creation of a Region IV Activists group, chaired by Hal Gray. This
group, once fully trained, will be utilized in decertification efforts to go
in and explain just what CSEA can and does do for its members. This
group of dedicated and hard working members will help keep us
strong and prevent the loss of our members. Our CSEA staff and the
activists with assistance from AFSCME are now hard at work on
decertification campaigns.
We have organized the following four new units in Region IV:
(1) Town of Clifton Park Unit,
(2) Guilderland Public Library Unit,
(3) Guilderland Public Library Unit #1 Supervisors, and
(4) North Colonie Special Education Teacher Aides and
Computer Room Aides Unit.
After the latter unit was organized, the North Colonie School
District decided to abolish the special education teacher aides jobs.
CSEA was able to save these jobs by using a new strategy —
Proposition No. 2 was put on the school district budget ballot to
continue the employment of the 29 special education teacher aides
facing layoffs. Our members obtained signatures on the petitions,
rang doorbells, and spoke to and informed the taxpayers about what
was really happening to the Special Education Teacher Aides at the
North Colonie School District. The voters listened — jobs were saved —
WE WON! That's what this union can do for our members!
g 5 October 1994 1 7
1994 CONVENTION SECTION
JAMES J.
MOORE
President
} 6595 Kirkville Road
East Syracuse, NY
13057-9672
(315) 853-2119
mn <X
ANNUAL MEETING
Another opportunity before us
For nearly nine decades our Union has grown and worked to
solve the problems of the Membership. We now have the
opportunity to expand and become an even stronger Union under
the leadership of our new statewide officers.
It is time to “come together,” to put region and personal
differences behind us.
Improved contracts, safe working environments and more
influence over our employers are common goals each of us should
be working on.
Let the journey begin!
LEAP application deadline
Oct. 17; no exceptions
LEAP Spring 1995 catalogs and application forms were
distributed in September to state agency personnel and training
offices. Applications for Spring courses must be received in the
CSEA/LEAP office, 1 Lear Jet Lane, Suite 3, Latham, NY 12110
by 5 p.m. Oct. 17. Applications may also be faxed until 5 p.m.
on Oct. 17 to (518) 785-4854. Since LEAP is not part of the OGS
telecommunication system, you must dial the entire fax
number.
Please plan ahead! Every term LEAP hears from members who
wait until the last minute to fax or mail an application and miss
the deadline. Due to the large volume of applications received
via fax on the last few days before the deadline, many members
are unable to get their application through on time. Applications
received after 5 p.m. on Oct. 17 will not be accepted.
The LEAP tuition voucher program is available to CSEA-
represented state employees in the ASU, OSU, ISU and DMNA
bargaining units. If you have questions about the program, call
the LEAPLINE at 1-800-253-4332.
CENTRAL REGION WESTERN REGION
ROBERT
LATTIMER
President
482 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY
14202-1304
(716) 886-0391
a iui nero Nia aha
Let’s come together and work
Congratulations to the newly elected statewide officers. Now let's
come together and work for the betterment of CSEA and the CSEA
members.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ESTABLISHED — CSEA
Capital Region President June Robak and CSEA Department
of Environmental Conservation Local 655 President Lucy
Aaronson were among the labor and management
representatives on hand recently for the establishment of a
new Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for the agency. The
agreement, signed at the DEC central office in Albany, covers
about 4,000 DEC employees statewide. EAP provides
confidential referral and counseling assistance to employees
to help them deal with personal problems of any kind.
They have lived the worst nightmare any child
could imagine: a brutal civil war ... mass
executions ... and deadly epidemic
Many United States private humanitarian
agencies are actively involved in providing food,
African-American Institute
833 United Nations Plaza
New York, NY 10017
(212) 949-5666
Africare
440 R Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
(800) AFRICARE
African Medical &
Research Foundation
(AMREF)
420 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10170
(212) 986-1835
American Friends Service
Committee
1501 Cherry Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(800) 226-9816
The American Jewish Joint
Distribution Committee
711 Third Avenue
10th Floor
New York, NY 10017
(212) 687-6200
American Jewish World
Service
15 West 26th Street
9th Floor
New York, NY 10010
(212) 683-1161
medicine, clean water and relief personnel to save
an estimated 4 million Rwandans, including
hundreds of thousands of children, whose lives
are at risk in Central Africa.
Will you respond to help these people in need?
American Red Cross
PO Box 37243
Washington, DC 20013
(800) 842-2200
Doctors Without Borders
USA (MSF)
30 Rockefeller Plaza #5425
New York, NY 10112
(212) 649-5961
Baptist World Alliance
6733 Curran Street
McLean, VA 22101
(703) 790-8980
Episcopal Church's
Presiding Bishop's Fund
for World Relief
815 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10017
(800) 334-7626
ext, 5129
CARE
151 Ellis Street
Atlanta, GA 30303
(800) 521-CARE
The Salvation Army
615 Slaters Lane
Alexandria, VA 22313
(703) 684-5528
Catholic Relief Services
PO Box 17090
Baltimore, MD 21203
(800) 736-3467
The Children of Rwanda Need Your Help Now
Below are some of the many agencies which
pledge that your donations will be used where
they will do the most good. Send your check,
marked “Rwanda Relief,” to any of the agencies
listed below:
Save The Children
PO Box 975, Dept. RW
Westport, CT 06881
(800) 243-5075
YMCA of the USA
101 North Wacker Drive
Chicago , IL 60606
(312) 977-0031
United Methodist
Committee on Relief
475 Riverside Drive
Room 1374
New York, NY 10115
(212) 870-3816
US Committee for UNICEF
333 East 38th Street
Sixth Floor abide by a set of ethical
Now York, NY 10016 standards to ensure
(800) FOR-KIDS: | accountability to ¢
ssional comp
and quality of service
1 8 October 1994 ¢g A
1994 CONVENTION NEWS
Therefore, be it resolved... Therefore, be it resolved... Therefore
The following resolutions will be presented for the consideration of delegates attending CSEA’s 84th Annual Delegates Meeting
Oct. 3-7 in Rochester. Due to an oversight the recommendations of the Resolutions Committee regarding each resolution were not
printed in the previous edition of The Public Sector. Members wishing to see copies of any resolution should contact their delegate.
1. CSEA Membership Speaks -
Advocate Platform
Submitted by Willie Terry, Local 460 Delegate
This resolution involves a 32-point platform of
positions affecting CSEA members.
Committee recommends not be adopted.
2. A Right to Caucus - CSEA Black
and Hispanic Caucus
Submitted by Willie Terry, Local 460 Delegate,
Walter Nash, Local 443 Delegate and Edwardo
Diaz, Local 460 Delegate
This resolution calls for CSEA to support the
rights of any member or group of members to
form caucuses to discuss internal union affairs,
to conduct orderly campaigns inside the union
for or against any policy or action and to freely
express any views or opinions without fear of
retribution,
Committee recommends not be adopted.
3. Mandating Action by Locals
Submitted by Willie Terry, Local 460 Delegate
This resolution would mandate that each
CSEA Local meet and choose one or more
resolutions from the convention resolutions to
work on during the course of the year and that
the results be presented in a report at the next
convention.
Committee recommends not be adopted.
4. Organizing the South
Submitted by Willie Terry, Local 460 Delegate
This resolution calls on CSEA to work with
other organizations and coalitions to focus
attention on the status of southern workers and
to work actively with other trade unions and
organizations to repeal right to work laws.
Committee recommends not be adopted.
5. Minimum Wage
Submitted by Willie Terry, Local 460 Delegate
This resolution calls on CSEA to continue to
join with other labor organizations and
coalitions to lobby Congress and the New York
State legislators to increase the minimum wage.
Committee recommends adoption as amended.
6. Celebration of Black/Hispanic
History Month
Submitted by Edwardo Diaz, Local 460
Delegate, and Willie Terry, Local 460 Delegate
This resolution calls for CSEA to encourage
Regions, Locals and Units to support and
participate in Black/Hispanic History Month
programs.
Committee recommends adoption as amended.
7. Reparations
Submitted by Willie Terry, Local 460 Delegate
This resolution calls on CSEA to fully support
a House of Representatives bill establishing a
commission to examine the institution of slavery
and make recommendations to Congress on
appropriate remedies to be taken on behalf of
the descendants of slavery.
Committee recommends adoption as amended.
8, Youth
Submitted by Willie Terry, Local 460 Delegate
This resolution calls on CSEA to focus on
activities aimed at decreasing violence and guns
among today’s youth.
Committee recommends referral to CSEA
Board of Directors.
9. Health and Safety in the
Workplace
Submitted by Walter Nash, Local 443 Delegate,
and Willie Terry, Local 460 Delegate
This resolution calls on CSEA to lobby for
regulations covering a variety of workplace
dangers, fight unfunded mandates to the OSHA
Reform Bill which would prevent OSHA coverage
of state public sector workers and work with
other organizations committed to the enactment
of comprehensive OSHA reform legislation.
Committee recommends not be adopted.
10. Democracy in South Africa
Submitted by Joel Schwartz, Local 446
Delegate, and Willie Terry, Local 460 Delegate
This resolution deals with recognition of the
people of South Africa for their successful
commitment to change and urges New York
State to provide appropriate assistance,
including reinvestment by the State
Comptroller, to aid in the fight for economic
justice and equity.
Committee recommends adoption as amended.
11. Comprehensive Welfare Reform
Submitted by Joel Schwartz, Local 446 Delegate
This resolution calls on CSEA to urge the
Clinton Administration and Congress to
undertake a bold and comprehensive approach
to welfare reform.
Committee recommends adoption.
12. Jobs With Justice and the
Global Economy
Submitted by Joel Schwartz, Local 446 Delegate
This resolution urges CSEA to call for the
inclusion of a strong, enforceable social clause
in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade
(GATT) and to strengthen the enforcement of
GATT labor rights provisions.
Committee recommends adoption as amended.
13. Unity of All Working People
Submitted by Joel Schwartz, Local 446 Delegate
This resolution calls for working people and
others to reject issues that divide the human
race on the basis of ancestry and/or culture and
support efforts to unite workers, the poor and
the oppressed throughout the world through
progressive labor and social legislation.
Committee recommends adoption as amended.
14. Immigration ;
Submitted by Joel Schwartz, Local 446 Delegate
This resolution deals with human and civil
rights for immigrants.
Committee recommends not be adopted.
15. Maker of Resolution Contact
Submitted by Walter Nash, Local 443 Delegate
This resolution deals with certain procedures
regarding the discussion and presentation of
resolutions to the resolutions committee and the
delegates.
Committee recommends not be adopted.
16. Delegates Convention
Attendance
Submitted by Walter Nash, Local 443 Delegate
This resolution concerns procedures all
delegates must adhere to while attending the
Annual Delegates Meeting.
Committee recommends referral to
Constitution & By-Laws Committee.
17. Regional Newspaper Section in
The Public Sector
Submitted by Walter Nash, Local 443 Delegate
This resolution would require the allocation of
space in The Public Sector on a region basis.
Committee recommends referral to the
Public Sector Committee.
18. Health Care Reform - Universal
Coverage
Submitted by Laverne Pound, Local 918
Delegate
This resolution calls on CSEA to continue to
fight for universal health care coverage and
comprehensive benefits for all Americans and to
vehemently oppose taxing of any health care
benefits in health care reform legislation.
Committee recommends adoption as amended.
19. Elder Abuse
Submitted by Laverne Pound, Local 918
Delegate
This resolution calls on CSEA to take a stand
against abuse of elderly people and to urge
legislation guaranteeing protection of elderly
people from becoming victims of abuse.
Committee recommends adoption as amended.
20. Health Care Reform -
Elder/Disabled Care
Submitted by Laverne Pound, Local 918
Delegate
This resolution calls on CSEA to urge state
legislation to provide for long-term care for the
elderly and disabled in the event such coverage
is not included in a federal health care reform
legislation.
Committee recommends adoption as amended.
21. POW/MIA Flag at CSEA
Statewide Events
Submitted by Will Streeter, Local 605 Delegate,
Chair, Special Veterans Committee
This resolution calls on CSEA to show
support and faith for US Service members who
may still be held prisoners or may still be
missing in action by displaying the POW/MIA
flag at all CSEA statewide events.
Committee recommends adoption as amended.
22. Medically Afflicted Gulf War
Veterans
Submitted by Will Streeter, Local 605 Delegate,
Chair, Special Veterans Committee
This resolution calls on CSEA to urge and
support a variety of federal programs providing
treatment and a: tance to afflicted Gulf War
veterans and their families.
Committee recommends adoption as amended.
23. Computer Link
Submitted by Tom Sonnenberger, Local 400
Delegate
This resolution calls on CSEA to explore and
establish a computer link between and among
all CSEA Locals
Committee recommends not be adopted.
24, Scheduling of Convention Speakers
Submitted by David Lawson, Local 814 Delegate
This resolution would require the completion
of old and new business and presentation of
resolutions at CSEA Annual Delegates Meetings
prior to presentations by all guest speakers.
Committee recommends referral to
Constitution & By-Laws Committee.
Therefore, be it resolved...
October 1994 1 9
“Carl McCall is a
real friend whose
actions match his
words. He shares
our vision.”
- CSEA President
Danny Donohue
VOTE FOR
CARL McCALL
and all the other
CSEA-endorsed
candidates on
Election Day
November 8
