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Photo of the Month
"19 - “= Photo by Mark-M: Kotzin
Nancy Porter, a collections manager for the Onondaga County
Zoo, feeds one of the zoo’s new Humboldt penguins. Porter
helped design a massive and intricate water treatment system
that provides the penguins with a clean environment. See
story, Page 8.
Health care job situations improve
CSEA has made progress in stabilizing jobs at two major
medical centers that have faced or are facing financial difficulties.
Westchester Medical Center has stopped plans to outsource the
hospital's Patient Accounts and Information Services departments.
The move would have affected roughly 90 jobs.
CSEA members at the hospital waged a strong grassroots
campaign against outsourcing earlier this year. Despite their
strong push to outsource, hospital management had admitted
there were no guarantees privatization would save money.
In Nassau County, CSEA members employed by Nassau Health
Care Corporation will also enjoy greater job stability because of a
new, strategic alliance between the Nassau hospital and the North
Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System.
The North Shore network, the most extensive health care
provider on Long Island, offers many specialized health care
services. While Nassau Health Care Corporation and North Shore-
Long Island Jewish Health System would remain separate
organizations, the new alliance would coordinate health care
services with Nassau Health Care Corporation.
EM Th
ALER |
CSEA President Danny Donohue
to meet Southern Region members Sept. 8
‘SEA President Danny Donohue will visit the CSEA Souther Region on
‘September 8 to meet with members.
The meetings wil be held in the region office at 568 State Route 52,
Beacon.
Donohue will meet with union members from 1 to 7 p.m. Please call the
Southern Region office at (845) 831-1000 for an appointment and directions.
HEN ORK)
LeAnhiG UNOr)
CSEA declares
impasse in state
canal negotiations
ALBANY — CSEA, representing 500
workers who maintain and operate New
York’s canal system, has declared
impasse in contract talks with the New
York State Canal Corporation. The
union is hoping the intervention of a
neutral third party will be able to break
the current stalemate and bring both
sides to a fair agreement.
Despite the impasse, canal workers
in mid-July worked around the clock to
repair a leaking lock that had given way
to 100 years of erosion. The crucial
work on Lock 5 in Waterford got the
canal reopened well ahead of what was
feared would be a long closure,
stranding
recreational
boaters and
halting
commercial
shipping.
“We canal
employees are proud of the work we do
every day in all kinds of conditions to
maintain and operate the state’s canal
system. We deserve a fair contract, said
CSEA Eastern Barge Canal Local
President Walter Sprouse.
Canal management is refusing to
address fundamental compensation
disparities while demanding irrational
changes to working conditions, said
CSEA Deputy Director of Contract
Administration Guy Dugas, the union’s
chief negotiator.
The Canal Corporation wants to
eliminate eating and sleeping facilities
onboard its vessels for maintenance
workers who travel the canal system
keeping it clear.
The canal system is divided into four
floating plant areas covering
approximately 80 miles each. Dugas
said canal management no longer wants
to provide bunks or kitchen facilities
for workers unless they travel outside
their floating plant limits.
“The vessels are already equipped
“CSEA has been working in
good faith trying to move these
negotiations forward.”
with these facilities and they’re going to
have to stay equipped for crews that
travel outside their floating plant limit,”
Dugas said. “It’s not like you can just
un-equip them because someone
happens to be traveling 79 miles away
instead of 80.”
Additionally, canal management
wants to diminish lodging and meal
allowances for workers who do travel
outside of their floating plant limit.
Dugas said the union has agreed to help
contain expenses in this area but
management refuses to budge from its
“all or nothing” approach.
The Canal Corporation has also been
unwilling to
address salary
and longevity
disparities
between canal
workers and
similar workers in
the Thruway Authority. Canal workers
are paid less than Thruway workers in
the same salary grade and in the same
title in many instances.
“CSEA has been working in good faith
trying to move these negotiations
forward,” CSEA President Danny
Donohue said. “It really makes you
question the Thruway Authority
management's willingness or ability to
get the job done.”
The CSEA unit in the Thruway
Authority also declared impasse
recently, citing unreasonable
management demands to diminish
worker rights and working conditions.
Additionally, Teamster members voted
down a tentative agreement recently
reached by the Teamsters and the
Thruway Authority.
The canal employees have been
working without a contract since June
30, 2003 when their previous four-year
agreement expired.
— Ed Molitor
CSEA member’s death under investigation
At press time it was learned John Rodriguez, a laborer with the Village of
Ossining Department of Public Works in Westchester County, was killed after
falling off the back of a village sanitation truck. His death occurred during
the village's morning trash collection. CSEA and PESH are investigating.
Page 2 THE WORK FORCE August 2005
CSEA marks 95 years of progress
Historic milestone inspiring
LBANY — CSEA’s history is marked with 95 years of
tremendous accomplishment in often challenging times.
The union’s history is also a story that has not been fully told
— until now. This year, CSEA’s 95'
anniversary, the union is
collecting, organizing and preserving materials and memories
of events and personalities that have shaped CSEA’s
transformation from a small organization of state employees
focused on civil service reform into New York’s leading union.
The recognition of CSEA’s 95
years of history is setting the
stage for a true celebration as the
union reaches 100 in 2010.
“A milestone like this provides
a great opportunity to look back
and look forward,” CSEA
President Danny Donohue said.
“Tt will mean even more over the
next five years as we fully tell the
story of CSEA’s first century.”
Earlier this year, Donohue
appointed all past recipients of
CSEA’s Mission Achievement and
the Irene Carr Leadership awards
to an honorary advisory
committee on CSEA 100, as the
project is called. The committee
is just one of the many activities
Harry Albright, who served as
CSEA counsel from the mid
1950s through the mid 1960s,
recently participated in a video
interview for the CSEA 100
history project. Albright, who
went on to important posts in
the public and private sectors
including several roles working
with Gov. and later Vice
President Nelson Rockefeller,
offered valuable insight about
CSEA’s activities before the
Taylor Law provided for formal
collective bargaining.
and projects the union is working
on to commemorate its
centennial.
“There is so much to be
learned from our history — how
we grew and changed, and how
we fought to gain rights and
benefits against stiff opposition,”
Donohue said. “Each one of us
can take great pride and
encouragement in being a part of
an organization with such a
strong record of accomplishment
as we work to overcome the
challenges of today. It was never
easy”
Working with the Grenander
Special Collections Library and
the Center for Applied Historical
Research at the University at
Albany, CSEA has been
conducting significant research to
identify, index and prioritize
important information about
activities dating back to 1910.
Much of the research and other
CSEA materials are being
preserved in archives at the
Grenander Special Collection,
housed on the University at
Albany campus.
Plans are in motion to expand
the collection’s online CSEA
resources, including numerous
historic CSEA photos from
various eras of the union’s
history.
Additionally, CSEA has been
conducting video interviews with
3
Beulah Bailey Thull and Irene Carr were two ‘prominent women in
CSEA’s history. Thull, right, the association’s president in the early
1930s and the only woman to serve in the office, was a leading
expert on tax policy. CSEA research recently discovered an
exchange of letters between Thull and then Gov. Franklin D.
Roosevelt about some comparison of tax issues between New York
and other states. Irene Carr, left, who served as the union’s
statewide Secretary from the mid 1970s to the early 1990s, was a
pioneer for women’s rights in the union and a champion of issues
such as pay equity and child care benefits. Carr, who passed away
last year, recorded an interview about her years at CSEA in 1993.
It’s important for CSEA members
to know more about where we’ve
come from. It’s also important
that we take this chance to be
sure people outside our union
learn more about how important
CSEA has been in the history of
New York and our continuing
role.”
dozens of individuals who have
played a role in CSEA’s activities
over the past 50 years to gain
their insight and perspectives on
events that shaped the union.
“The interview project grew
out of our 90¢ anniversary
activities in 2000,” Donohue said.
“We realized that there were so
many people with stories to tell
and we needed to make sure that
we collected them, not just for
the 100th anniversary but also for
future reference.”
It is expected that the research
and interviews will form the basis
of a book and video documentary.
“We all get caught up in the
daily grind and it’s easy to lose
sight of just how meaningful
events and accomplishments are
once they’ve passed,” Donohue
said. “This is a project that offers
some perspective and inspiration.
Former State Comptroller and
Identifying and collecting information and materials about the events
and personalities that shaped CSEA is an ongoing project.
Information from the earlier eras of CSEA history is particularly
valuable. If you have any knowledge or insight that might be helpful
in this process please contact CSEA Director of Communications
Stephen Madarasz at 1-800 342-4146 ext. 1270.
For more about CSEA’s history, visit www.csealocal1000.org.
gubernatorial candidate Carl
McCall recently presented his
perspective on the historic
COLA legislation for the New
York State Retirement system
enacted in 2000 as part of his
interview for the CSEA 100
project.
August 2005 THE WORKFORCE Page 3
ISSN 1522-1091
Official publication of
CSEA Local 1000, AFSCME, AFL-CIO
143 Washington Ave.
Albany, NY 12210-2303
Danny Donohue, President
STEPHEN A. MADARASZ
Communications Director & Publisher
STANLEY HORNAK
Deputy Director of Communications
LOU HMIELESKI
Executive Editor
JANICE MARRA
Associate Editor
CATHLEEN FEBRAIO
Graphic Production Specialist
JANICE M. KUCSKAR
Graphic Production Specialist
BETH McINTYRE.
Communications Assistant
The Work Force (USPS 0445-010) is
published monthly by The CSEA Publication Office:
143 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12210.
Periodical Mail Postage paid at Post Office,
Albany, New York 12288.
Postmaster: Send address changes to:
CSEA, Attn: Membership Department,
143 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12210.
CSEA on-line: The CSEA website
can be accessed at www.csealocal1000.org
Readers:
Send any comments, complaints, suggestions or ideas to
Publisher, The Work Force, 143 Washington Avenue,
Albany, NY 12210-2803.
COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATES
RACHEL LANGERT Long Island Region
(631) 462-0030
Metropolitan Region
(212) 406-2156
DAVID GALARZA
JESSICA STONE Southern Region
(845) 831-1000
THERESE ASSALIAN Capital Region
18) 785-4400
Central Region
(315) 433-0050
MARK M. KOTZIN
LYNN MILLER Western Region
(716) 691-6555
ED MOLITOR Headquarters
(S18) 257-1272
The Publications Committee
LONG ISLAND REGION Jane D'Amico
METROPOLITAN REGION Abraham Benjamin
SOUTHERN REGION Robert Lorenc
CAPITAL REGION Helen Fischedick
CENTRAL REGION Bruce Damalt
WESTERN REGION Mary Jo Tubbs
208 COMMUN c,
ou 7, EB
Et
NC
SUERNATIONA
Zeetoossy S
7 +AFLCIOICLE *
Page 4 THE WORKFORCE August 2005
Head to head, facts speak
louder than words
new study from the federal Office of
Management and Budget is likely to have
proponents of government privatization cringing.
OMB found that in a series of head to head
competitions between government workers and the
private sector, government workers demonstrated
greater productivity and savings for the task at hand, 91
percent of the time! OMB also reported that this most
recent study largely mirrored the results from the year
before.
The results are even more impressive when you consider that OMB
is a part of the Bush administration which has championed privatizing
government services and has not been very interested in showing
government workers much of a break.
Surely this study and others like it won’t stop the shameless big
business advocates from their relentless attacks on your wages, benefits
and abilities. But this does provide some strong ammunition to help us
fight back.
A recent victory at the Westchester Medical Center will also help.
Management at the facility has decided against outsourcing the Patient
Accounts and Information Services departments. There was no guarantee
that the private contractor would save the facility any money. Medical
Center officials decided not to outsource the departments after CSEA
adamantly opposed the move through strong member solidarity, political
action and a public campaign.
We must fight every day to show we add value to the jobs we do.
Still it’s good to know that coupled with some activism, the facts can make
a difference.
P.S. I hope you will take the opportunity to read the lead story on Page 3 of
this edition about the efforts to collect, organize and preserve CSEA’s
history in this, our 95t! Anniversary year. Please look for the September
edition of The Work Force which will provide even more interesting insight
on this important project.
Grants, hard work lead to
nursing careers
CSEA members in two regions took
advantage of union-arranged grants to
help further their careers, becoming
licensed practical nurses, the second
year the program has been offered.
The TANF Health Care Initiative
grant is a collaboration between
CSEA, the County Nursing Facilities of
New York, and the Consortium for
Worker Education, offering free
training and paid release time.
CSEA’S WORK (Workers’
Opportunities, Resources and
Knowledge) Institute targets grants to
improve the skills and livelihood of
our members. These grants assist
CSEA members in job retention and
career advancement through selected
programs and trainings.
Particular success
More than 10 years ago, Tamera
Tarbell, a single mother of four
children, decided to pursue a
registered nursing degree. She had
worked as a certified nursing
assistant and licensed practical nurse
at the Van Duyn Home and Hospital in
Syracuse since she was in high
school.
In 1994, she began taking pre-
nursing courses evenings at the local
community college. She noticed she
was having difficulty with studying
and had to repeat a chemistry course.
She attributed her difficulties to
family and work responsibilities. In
1997, she finished the needed courses
to apply for RN school.
As she prepared to apply to
nursing school, Tammy was shocked
to find out she was diagnosed with
From left, Marjorie Metellus, Paulette
Cadet, and Rosa Vega, all certified nursing
assistants employed by Rockland County,
discuss their experiences with the distance
learning program offered through the
CSEA’s WORK Institute.
breast cancer. She had a
mastectomy and
chemotherapy. In June of
2002, after five years of
being cancer free, Tammy
applied to nursing school.
She was accepted to a
weekend RN program for
working students, attending
school Friday evenings,
Saturdays and Sundays
every other weekend as
one of the first participants
Pictured with grant coordinator Jorge Martinez
are Orange County TANF students (left to right)
Amy Knapp, Stephanie Thorpe and Colleen
Nestor. All three are CSEA members employed
LEADING UNION
Represents 60,000 Workers in
LEAL CAKE
SELNVICES
in the CSEA/CNFNY/TANF _ at the Valley View Center for Health and
Health Worker Training Rehabilitation.
Initiative.
As she pursued her program,
Tammy became concerned after
failing a nursing course, having always
done well with clinical work. With her
nursing program in
jeopardy, Tammy
was advised to get
tested for learning
difficulties. The
tests revealed two
learning disabilities
and test anxiety.
Now, she was
allowed by law to
have additional time
to take tests.
In May, Tammy graduated from St.
Joseph's School of Nursing as a
registered nurse, and continues to
work at Van Duyn.
Three LPNs at Van Duyn have
already completed the two-year RN
training program, and 13 more are
continuing toward their degrees.
LD.
Tamera Tarbell
Orange County graduates
Three CSEA members working
at Valley View Center for Health
and Rehabilitation and Orange
County's nursing facility also
graduated from the program.
One of those three former
clinical nursing assistants,
Colleen Nestor, said the program
is a boon to single mothers such
as herself. She previously
worked in banking, but found it
both unchallenging and low
paying. Nestor found her niche
when she began working at
Valley View as a CNA.
“T actually had started as a
CNA,” Nestor said. “During the
tour when I first worked there, I
learned this program might be a good
fit for me.”
“What I love most about my job is
taking care about the patients. I like
when my patients like me, and they
ask for me to come back.”
While Nestor learned all areas of
nursing during her clinical studies,
she found her heart is with the area
she focused on at Valley View.
“I love geriatric care,” she said. “I
didn’t find the other areas as
rewarding. Geriatrics is often taken for
granted. These people deserve the
best care they can get.”
— Mark M. Kotzin and Jessica Stone
licensed practical nurse at the Van
Duyn Home & Hospital in Syracuse is
all smiles over the assistance she’s
gotten from the CSEA WORK Institute
in advancing her career by
participating in the RN training
program, made possible through a
federal TANF grant. Vire has
completed one year of the program
and expects to graduate and get her
nursing degree in May 2006.
To find out more
information about the
WORK Institute including
our TANF Health Worker
Training Initiative, Civil
Service Test Preparation
Booklets and LEAP for
Local Government and the
Private Sector, visit the
WORK Institute web site at
http://www.csealocal1000.0
rg/wi/work_institute_websi
te.php.
CSEK Voices
sepink we have to be active
because CSEA and
AFSCME can do so much for
us as members. For example,
we have great benefits that our
union won for us. 99
—Terri Mauer
Storeroom Clerk, New York
State Veterans Home,
Batavia, and an 18-year
CSEA member, speaking at
the recent AFSCME Eastern
Region Women’s
Conference.
August 2005 THE WORKFORCE Page 5
E\ OR 7
[EADINGIUNION
Represents 35,000 Workers in
COLMECTLONS eh
IPAWIENEORGENIENTS
“These workers
were placed in
a tough
situation and
now they’re
fighting as a
union to make
themselves
whole.”
CSER Voices
“ am attending the
AFSCME Women’s
Conference because many
men, including myself,
represent women.
Conferences like these give
us a broader view of the
issues that concern women
so we address the issues
and better serve our
members. 99
— Michael Geraghty,
Executive Vice President,
Tryon School Local,
speaking at the recent
AFSCME Eastern Region
Women’s Conference.
Page 6 THE WORK FORCE August 2005
Hempstead responders ready for action
HEMPSTEAD — Town
bay constable workers
recently received high-
level training giving them
the skills to respond to
chemical spills and other
hazardous situations that
could spell catastrophe
in the town’s marine-rich
environment.
The workers
completed a “technician
level” hands-on, intensive
training program that
took 40 hours to
complete. The training
was coordinated through
CSEA and provided by
AFSCME.
The training brings the
CSEA members up to
OSHA's HAZWOPER
(Hazardous Waste
Operations and
Emergency Response)
standards. Earlier in the
year, the workers were
also trained by CSEA
Members of the Town of Hempstead Bay Constables Spill Containment Unit
stand along with town officials and CSEA Town of Hempstead Local officers
following successful training to help them respond and contain hazardous
spills. The large inflated rubber bladder is used to plug sewer and drain lines
to prevent spills from spreading.
staff in the First-On-Scene _ benefit the employees,”
Responder training,
which helps workers
evaluate situations
before taking action.
“While most members
were wondering if
HAZWOPER was a new
fast food item, the local
began investigating just
how the program could
Police officers form
new CSEA
bargaining unit
LAKEWOOD — The
Public Employment
Relations Board
recently recognized
nine Lakewood village
police officers as a new
CSEA bargaining unit.
The officers
approached CSEA for
help in organizing a
union after village
officials offered them a
substandard health
insurance package.
Lakewood police
officers organized with
the union on the urging
of CSEA members
employed as police
officers in nearby
Ellicott, which has long
worked closely with
village police.
The new police unit,
now part of the
Chautauqua County
Local, is addressing the
health issue in
arbitration and
negotiating its first
contract. “Health
insurance is a great
issue to organize a
union around because
it concerns everyone,”
said CSEA Labor
Relations Specialist
Penny Gleason, who
helped organize the
new unit. “These
workers were placed in
a tough situation and
now they’re fighting as
aunion to make
themselves whole.”
maintaining, updated
HAZWOPER training and
certification that was
necessary to fulfill the
requirements of their
jobs.”
More than 200 CSEA
members benefited from
the program, Sellitto
said.
Town of Hempstead
Local Executive Vice
President Charles Sellitto
said. “We determined
that the training was not
only mandated under
OSHA standards, but that
hundreds of our workers
were deficient in
obtaining, or
Committee inspects facilities
CSEA Convention Committee members, from left,
Chair and Long Island Region representative Robert
Rauff, Vice Chair and Central Region representative
Bob Timpano, Long Island Region representative
Laura Gallagher and Capital Region representative
Netha DeGroff inspect convention facilities at the
Buffalo Convention Center, where the union will
hold its Annual Delegates’ Meeting Sept. 26 - 30.
Other committee members not shown are
Metropolitan Region representative Leila Hoskins,
Southern Region representative P.T. Thomas and
Western Region representative Pamela Watson.
Genesee County activists
fight for fair contract
BATAVIA — CSEA Genesee
County Unit activists are
fighting for a fair contract
that would keep more of
their paychecks in their
wallets.
The unit’s 300
members, who have
worked without a
contract since January,
are at odds with
management over a
proposal that would
require all employees to
pay a percentage of their
health insurance
premiums. However, a
proposed wage increase
would not even begin to
cover that cost.
“The county wants to
make employees who
have been here for 20 and
30 years pay for their
health insurance,” said
Chuck Venditte, unit
president. “The problem
with that is that you are
going to end up behind. It
is going to result in less
take-home pay for most
people.”
CSEA members offered
a possible solution to the
health insurance problem,
but county officials were
unreceptive to the offer.
“We've offered to take
no wage increase in
exchange for leaving the
health insurance alone
but the county will not
work with us,” Venditte
said. “People don’t want
to pay for the health
insurance, and they
shouldn't have to.”
CSEA held a
demonstration before a
recent county legislature
CSE
SEL LCES
“I believe in
CSEA. The union
has been
| wonderful to me.
We have to have a
new contract.
What the county is
offering is
unacceptable.”
Michele Petron, a DSS caseworker, joins the Genesee
County protest.
meeting. Activists lined
both sides of the “fork-in-
the-road” intersection at
which the county building
is located.
Barb Galdun, a social
welfare examiner, brought
her daughter, Heather
Armijo, to the protest.
The two stood near the
curb on Ellicott Street,
the first two people
passing motorists would
see as they drove down
the road.
“Supporting the union
is the number one thing
for me,” Galdun said. “I
believe in CSEA. The
union has been wonderful
to me. We have to have a
new contract. What the
county is offering is
unacceptable.”
Connie Moon, a mental
health day treatment
therapist, stood facing
Left, CSEA member
Sharon Bork tells her
feelings on the Genesee
County situation.
Main Street, waving a
CSEA sign and shouting
out in support of a fair
contract.
“T want a fair contract,”
she said. “With what the
county has offered, most
of us would lose money.
In 17 years, I have never
paid for my health
insurance. I can’t afford to
start paying it now.”
Officials and
community members
attending the legislature
meeting could hear the
demonstration, including
the blaring horns of
passing tractor-trailers
honking in support. Half
the demonstrators quietly
filed into the meeting,
while those remaining on
the street continued to
CSER Voices
66] t's very important for us
to meet union members
from across the country.
Women union members hold
a lot of power and I support
them. 99
—Lesley Senatus,
caseworker, Rockland
County, and six-year CSEA
member, speaking at the
rally support. recent AFSCME Eastern
The county declared an Region Women’s
impasse in negotiations in Conference.
April. The issue will now
go to fact-finding.
— Lynn Miller
August 2005 THE WORKFORCE Page 7
Represents 30,000 Workers in
WASTES ANAC NG
IVIAINGE NANG Eeertes
IKERASTRUCTULES
“It gives you
a sense of
pride that
we’ve pulled
it off.”
CSERS Voices
6¢ [believe that getting
involved in the union
helps us to be in a better
Position to make our voices
heard and ensure job
security and a fair wage.99
— Betty Streeter,
Welfare Examiner,
Tompkins County, and 15-
year CSEA member,
speaking at the recent
AFSCME Eastern Region
Women’s Conference.
Page 8 THE WORK FORCE August 2005
Zoo now a tuxedo junction
SYRACUSE — Five years, $3.7 million,
50,000 gallons of water and
uncountable amounts of effort from
the CSEA members working at
Onondaga County’s Rosamond Gifford
Zoo, have all added up to one amazing
result: 18 happy, healthy Humboldt
penguins swimming, splashing, and
frolicking in the zoo’s newest exhibit.
In late spring, the 18 penguins flew
in to their new home (via airline —
penguins don't fly) from several zoos
across the country, and recently went
on exhibit for all visitors to see. Zoo
attendance has been way up, and
everyone’s been pleased with the
Onondaga County Zoo Collections
Manager Nancy Porter stands before
the cavernous water treatment area
she helped design and maintains,
which provides a clean environment
for the zoo's new penguin exhibits.
=
exhibit’s success, perhaps no one more
so than CSEA members Nancy Porter
and Ted Fox.
Porter is the zoo’s collection
manager of herps (reptiles and
amphibians) and aquariums. She’s the
expert who ensures the exhibit’s water
safely accommodates her new feathery
friends. Fox, the zoo’s bird collection
manager, is in charge of the birds’
health and well-being. For both,
designing and planning the exhibit’s
habitat and water system was a huge
challenge, the biggest they've ever
faced.
“This is the most sophisticated
system, from a technological
perspective, that we've ever attempted
here,” Porter said. She makes sure
water quality is properly maintained to
avoid health risks, including algae,
bacteria and other microorganisms.
She helped design the ozone-filtration
system, and supervised its
construction. She even took dry-suit
scuba diving lessons in preparation for
doing routine underwater repair and
maintenance work.
For Fox, the challenges were
twofold; dealing with the habitat’s
construction, and keeping the birds
healthy while acclimating them to their
new environment. There were some
interesting developments, like when
the birds didn’t want to venture
outside at first (they got over it), and
Above, Zoo Bird Collection Manager
Ted Fox pulls feathers from a molting
Humboldt penguin.
Fox having to preen the feathers from
the back of Carmen’s head, a female
penguin who is molting (shedding her
feathers) and has no mate to do it for
her. It’s a job he’s enjoyed.
“There was a lot of sacrifice made from
all the areas of the zoo, but it was
worth it. Seeing all the natural
behaviors, which you don't see in
many exhibits, that’s really good. Not
only are they acting great, they're
interacting with the public. You
couldn’t be more successful than this
exhibit has done,” he said. “It gives you
a sense of pride that we've pulled it
off,” Porter added.
— Mark M. Kotzin
Round-the-clock repairs keep roads open
BOLTON — CSEA members recently worked nonstop to help
several Adirondack area communities recover from a series
of devastating storms that triggered mudslides and flooding,
which closed a 16-mile stretch of Interstate 87 and other
area highways.
The storms came just weeks before the economically
important Adirondack summer tourism season began.
The mudslides and flooding occurred after a major storm
in early June that dumped about six inches of rain within
several hours. In the days before the storm, the area had
already received heavy rain.
Authorities declared a state of emergency in the Warren
County towns of Bolton, Chester, Warrensburg and Horicon.
Some residents were forced out of their homes, while others
lived without water after the storm washed away large
sections of roads and water mains.
In the storm’s aftermath, the state activated its “Incident
Management Assistance Team” to help the area cope with
storm damage.
One member of that team is CSEA member Kevin Kraus, a
State Emergency Management Office employee who worked
out of the Bolton firehouse that doubled as command
central. Kraus’ team tasks included distributing bottled
water and coordinating efforts between the town and the
state Health Department to recertify the water supply.
“We come at the request of local governments to assist
with some of the command and control aspects,” Kraus
said.
Meanwhile, state and local government highway crews
were working nonstop to get the roads open again for
residents and tourists. The state Department of
Transportation oversaw the cleanup of Interstate 87, and
public works crews from the Warren County, Horicon,
Bolton and Chester areas got the job done in their
communities.
Ted Ackley, a heavy equipment operator for the Warren
County Department of Public Works, was operating an
excavator to repair a washout on a Bolton road.
The storm washed out a large chunk of the road, and
Ackley and other workers were rebuilding the highway with
rocks, gravel and asphalt.
Ackley said the frustrating part of the repair process is
waiting for the materials from local plants. “They get 40
trucks in there at a time and it takes time in line to load
them up and travel back to the site.”
The entire cleanup could take weeks and cost millions.
The state is seeking funding for federal disaster relief.
“It’s going to take a bit of time but we're getting things
pieced back together,” Ackley said.
— Therese Assalian
AVOCA — Members of
the Avoca Central School
Unit have made their
school a bit safer for the
680 students and 120
faculty and staff.
Thanks to the CSEA
unit’s 44 members,
images of the school
mascot, gold tigers, now
adorn the glass doors of
the auditorium and
gymnasium.
The recently etched
metallic mascots attract
attention, which has
already helped reduce a
potentially dangerous
situation.
One afternoon, a bus
driver watched as
students entered the
auditorium and
gymnasium area. As they
moved through
the building,
many of the
kids did not
realize the
doors were
closed. As a
result, many of
the children
walked into the
glass.
“People would walk
right into the window,”
said Michael Fetherston,
president of the unit.
“One of our bus drivers
said ‘We should do
something about this.””
With the approval of
the membership and the
district superintendent,
the unit purchased the
four tigers. They opted
not to contract for
professional installation
because they wanted to
complete the project
themselves, Fetherston
said.
Installation, however,
did not come without
obstacles.
“When we set up to do
it, we decided we would
start at 4 p.m.”
Fetherston said.
The crew struggled
with the etchings when
the paper backing proved
difficult to remove. It
took all night, but the
CSEA
members
overcame the
challenge.
“We got
just two of
them put up
by 10 p.m.
that night,”
he said. “By
then, we
knew what we needed to
do. The next two etchings
took about 10 minutes
each to install.”
Response to the tigers
has been positive,
CSEA members employed at the Avoca Central
Schools worked hard to place etchings of the
school’s mascot, the gold tigers, on the glass doors
of the auditorium and gymnasium to make the area
safer for students. An image of the gold tigers
mascot is shown below on this page.
Fetherston said.
“Everyone is very
impressed with them,” he
said. “It really adds a lot
to the area and it has
helped build a better
relationship between the
unit and the district.”
The unit’s next
initiative will be to buy an
electronic sign for the
front of the school
building. Brainstorming
and planning is currently
taking place for a variety
of fund-raisers.
“We want to do things
to give back to the
district,” Fetherston said.
“We don’t want people to
think that all we do is
take, because that is not
the case. We want to give
back to the district and
we are trying to do
something good.”
The Avoca Central
School Unit includes
cleaners, bus drivers, bus
attendants, cafeteria
workers, mechanics,
secretaries, teacher aides
and teacher assistants.
— Lynn Miller
You deserve a break from.
work and high
entertainment costs!
Through Working
Advantage, union members
can use Union Plus
Entertainment Discounts for
their summer fun, including
theme park and movie
ticket discounts.
You can save on tickets
at theme parks across the
country, including these
great theme parks:
Adventure Island, Busch
Gardens, Medieval Times,
Paramount’s Kings
Dominion, SeaWorld, Six
Flags and Universal Orlando
Resort.
You can also save on
seeing newly released
summer movies through
discounted movie tickets!
Participating theater chains
include Loews, Regal and
Clearview Cinemas.
Order your tickets today
by logging into the
Member Benefits
entertainment discounts
page on CSEA’s web site at
Save on summer fun with CSEA
http://www.csealocal1000.or
g/mem_bens/entertainment
_discounts. You can also
visit Working Advantage’s
web site at
http://www.workingadvanta
ge.com for more
information. You can also
order tickets by calling
Union Plus Entertainment
Discounts at (800) 565-
3712, Monday through
Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
IMPORTANT: To receive
the Union Plus discount,
union members must
reference the Union
Privilege Member ID
number of 744387769 when
calling or ordering theme
park or movie tickets.
Represents sso Workers in
ERUCATLON SUEEQKT
SELVICES
“We want to
give back to
the district
and we are
trying to do
something
good.”
CSER Voices
oe Fz too many years,
women haven't been paid
well and had no power. Getting
involved in our union is
allowing us to change things to
improve our job opportunities.
If we don’t make these changes,
it won't get done. Only a
woman can speak for a
woman. 99
— Julie Sandoval,
Developmental
Assistant/Day Treatment,
Hudson Valley
Developmental Disabilities
Services Office and 18-year
CSEA member, speaking at
the recent AFSCME Eastern
Region Women’s
Conference.
August 2005 THE WORK FORCE Page 9
SEA members making houses into homes
WASSAIC — CSEA members
working in direct care at the
state Office of Mental
Retardation and Developmental
Disabilities know that having a
disability is no reason not to
enjoy life.
Since consumers often need a
little extra help, whether it's
shooting basketball hoops or
decorating for a holiday, it is
their hardworking caretakers
who give them a hand.
The staff members’ help
doesn’t end with their work
shifts.
“Not a week goes by that we
don't hear of someone who used
their own money and time to
buy holiday decorations for the
house, or someone who spent
extra time helping a client
prepare for a visit with family,”
said Debbie Downey, president
of the Taconic Developmental
Disabilities Services Office Local,
which includes residences in
Dutchess, Ulster, Putnam,
Columbia and Greene counties.
“Our members go above and
beyond to make sure the
consumers live like everyone
else.”
Mallory residence
The Mallory individualized
Residential Alternative, located
near many of eastern Dutchess
County's pastoral horse farms,
resembles many private homes.
aa |
John Kennedy does a load of wash at the Jamesville home.
Two of Mallory’s five consumers
sit on green-colored couches. A
stack of board games sits beside
a television.
Mallory is just one of the
hundreds of residential facilities
the state has established over
the past two decades that
provides a home atmosphere.
The residences, often located
in residential neighborhoods,
have replaced institution
settings as the bases for
consumer care. Direct care
workers, who staff the
residences 24 hours a day, go the
extra mile to turn these houses
into homes.
“I like Roy,” said one Mallory
consumer about his daytime
developmental aide. “We're going
to Lake George.”
Roy Sherman, the aide, is one
of many state workers whose
dedication to the job doesn’t
stop at the end of his shift.
Thanks to Sherman, that
consumer will get to enjoy a
vacation this year. The man was
supposed to attend a camp in
the Catskills for adults with
developmental disabilities this
summer, but his plans fell
through and Sherman couldn't
bear for his friend to be
disappointed.
“He usually goes to camp, but
he doesn’t fit the criteria
anymore because he needs too
much supervision,” Sherman
said. “From the time he left camp
last year, almost every day he
Roy Sherman of the Mallory
home reviews consumers’ cash
accounts. The consumers each
have money of their own for
their personal use.
said, ‘I'm going to camp next
August.’ It wouldn't be fair for
him not to be able to get out and
enjoy himself.”
Replacing camp will be a two-
night stay in Lake George, where
Sherman and his co-workers
have taken consumers before.
The consumer will enjoy many of
the Adirondack village's most
popular attractions that draw
thousands of tourists each
summer.
“We're going to the movies, on
a boat ride and to the rodeo,”
the consumer said.
Other Mallory workers also
dedicate their spare time to
Page 10 August 2005
THE WORK FORCE
consumers. Another aide, who
enjoys crafts in her spare time,
shares her hobby with residents.
Every holiday, residents
decorate their home with their
handiwork. The consumers’
pride and enjoyment is a
repayment for workers’ efforts.
“In this house, we have the
chance to do things with the
residents that they wouldn't be
able to do in a facility,” Sherman
said. “They get the chance to do
what they enjoy, whether it’s
going for coffee or ice cream or
to the movies. Seeing the smiles
on their faces as they're having
fun is our reward.”
Wiltwyck residence
Many Taconic workers
consider the Wiltwyck
Individualized Residential
Alternative to be the agency's
busiest residence. Located ina
historic Kingston neighborhood,
Wiltwyck is home to 12
consumers and is the largest
house in Taconic’s area.
The direct care aides working
at Wiltwyck run the house with
ease. About 13 aides alternate
eight-hour shifts caring for some
of the region's more demanding
cases, including several respite
cases at a time.
“In my experience, it’s the
hardest house to work in,” said
Elsie Thawe, a developmental
aide who has worked the last
four years at Wiltwyck.
Despite the challenges, CSEA
members work hard to make
Wiltwyck a home. Just like at
Mallory, photos line the walls at
Wiltwyck, including one with the
home's consumers decked out in
formal wear. The residents
recently participated in an
annual fashion show, Thawe
explained, and have dressed up
to attend some local dances.
In one case, former Wiltwyck
house manager Shaune Snyder
said, aides learned that a female
consumer badly wanted to
attend a local Valentine’s Day
dance. With their own money,
workers bought her a gown at a
consignment shop, along with
makeup, nail polish, and even a
camera for the special day.
“They really made the dance
such a special event for the
consumer,” Snyder said.
Bringing fun into their
consumers’ lives is just part of
the job, Thawe said. She said the
consumers look forward to the
day programs they attend, many
of which include employment.
When the consumers come
home, it’s all about relaxation.
Crafts line the dining room table
and sports are broadcast on
television. Many of the
consumers also go out for local
activities, including a recent
carnival.
Thawe said it’s all about
providing as normal an
environment as possible for the
consumers.
“They're people just like you
and me and they deserve the
same things we enjoy,” she said.
— Jessica Stone
Developmental aide Cindy Hatcher helps consumer Marion prepare
dinner at a group home in Jamesville.
Wade Ashe of the Wiltwyck
home prepares medications for
the home’s clients.
More than
16,000 CSEA
members help
provide quality
care and a
feeling of home
to consumers in
group homes.
August 2005 Page 11
Better safety sought
for DMV office workers
COMMACK — CSEA is urging New York
state to improve security at Department
of Motor Vehicle offices on Long Island
and around the state following a rash of
incidents where workers and
the public were endangered.
“While DMV offices are
designed to be customer-
- on
LEADING UNION
customer picked up and smashed a
keyboard on the counter. No one was
hurt that time, but what about the next?
He could have smashed the keyboard in
somebody’s face,” Kalamaras
said.
Last year, in the Huntington
DMV, a customer tried to get
friendly they should also be back in after closing. “He
designed with the workers’ 265,000 Members Strong _- banged on the door to get it
safety in mind,” said CSEA
Long Island Region President
Nick LaMorte.
“The design allows
individuals who need anger management
to lash out at employees with ease, and
that is unacceptable. If the employees
aren’t safe, then neither is the public.”
“The way these offices are set up
now, they are a hazard,” said George
Kalamaras, president of the local, which
represents 300 workers at 10 DMV offices
in Nassau and Suffolk counties.
CSEA members in other regions are
also working to ensure DMV workers’
security on the job. In the Metropolitan
Region earlier this year, President George
Boncoraglio and New York City State
Employees Local members demanded
DMV officials step up security measures
at their offices after an armed robbery at
a Brooklyn office.
“The state has taken precautions at
many buildings where elected officials
work, but my members and the public we
serve deserve no less. When we go to
work, our families shouldn’t have to
worry about whether we’re coming home
in one piece,” he said.
Kalamaras cited numerous recent
incidents where DMV workers were
threatened or endangered by customers.
“In Medford, there was a fight
between two customers and one of them
had a young child” Kalamaras said.
“One of our people took the child
behind the counter to protect him. One of
the customers in the dispute became
very irate and threatening to my
members, actually jumped over the
counter and demanded to get his child
back. No one was hurt, but what if he had
a weapon? It could easily have gotten out
of control.”
“In Amityville DMV, an irate
EAR
Page 12 THE WORK FORCE August 2005
SAFETY and
open and had a confrontation
with a CSEA member who was
ordered to turn people away,”
the local president said. “She
wasn’t hurt, but she was shoved around.
She wasn’t even supposed to be doing
security duty.”
“Our members should be able to do
their jobs and go home safely to their
families,” LaMorte said. “They are clerks.
This isn’t supposed to be hazardous duty.
The state needs to take precautions
before something terrible happens.”
Kalamaras said he has been filing
grievances for his members, calling
attention to the dangers of the DMV
offices, but state officials have not
bothered to respond. To better protect
workers and the public, CSEA is calling
for the following changes:
¢ More on-site security staff that
customers can see on the premises;
¢ Changes in the way that the booths
Long Island State Employees Local
President George Kalamaras stands
outside a Department of Motor Vehicles
office on Long Island. CSEA is urging
stronger protections for DMV workers.
are set up, to limit public access to the
employees behind the counter;
¢ Installation of panic hardware
especially designed for emergency exits.
If doors are locked and there are still
employees inside, they will have a hard
time getting out with the deadbolt locks
now in place.
— Rachel Langert
Stay informed about what state government is doing through
INSIDE ALBAN
CSEA is a longtime, major underwriter of this award-winning public television
program. See the times below for the 2005 broadcast schedule in your area.
Saturday
Binghamton — WSKG 2:30 pm
NYC WNET 1:30 pm
Rochester WXXI 5:30 pm
Sunday
Albany WMHT 12:30 pm
11:30 pm
Buffalo WNED 10:00 am
Long Island WLIW 7:00 am
Plattsburgh WCFE 9:00 am
Syracuse WCNY 1:00 pm
Watertown WPBS 7:00 am
Monday
Long Island WLIW 12:00 noon
Fitness and relaxation the right balance
GUILDERLAND — Capital Region
retiree Doreen McClintock has
found a way to turn her loves of
physical fitness and teaching into a
business that’s helping others.
McClintock is teaching yoga to
Albany area residents and some of
her students are CSEA members
and retirees who want
to get or stay in
shape.
The journey to
teaching yoga was a
natural progression
for McClintock, who
has always been
actively involved in
fitness. In the 1980s,
she taught aerobics
classes at the state
Governor’s Office of Employee
Relations, Department of Labor and
Division of Military and Naval
Affairs.
McClintock retired in 2003 with
39 years of service at the state
Department of Civil Service’s
employee benefits division. She
also served as an officer of the
CSEA Department of Civil Service
Local for 12 years.
“I knew I wanted to do
something for work after I retired,
but wasn’t sure what to do,”
McClintock said.
She soon got her answer after
attending a yoga class. “From that
145,000 Manbors Strong
LYALL, FLED S etd
NEIGRECKS
first class, | knew this was
something | wanted to teach.”
In February 2004, McClintock
went to the Kripalu Yoga Center for
Yoga and Health in Massachusetts
for an intensive, 30-day
certification program in yoga
instruction.
By that summer,
McClintock was
teaching five yoga
classes per week in a
Guilderland church.
McClintock adds her
own personal style to
her classes, mixing it
up with Pilates. She
also gives her classes
an additional dose of
relaxation with
aromatherapy and stone therapy.
“My specialty is relaxation,” said
McClintock. She helps make her
classes more serene and
interesting by lighting candles,
raffling door prizes and giving her
students handouts on diet and
exercise techniques.
McClintock is especially
sensitive to the varied needs of her
students, who range in age from 18
to 72 years old.
“Some are very fit and others
have limitations, but safety is the
most important thing,” McClintock
said. She encourages students to
exercise at their own pace and uses
CSEA retiree Doreen McClintock demonstrates one of the many
yoga poses she teaches to students of all ages.
props like pillows, towels and
chairs to boost comfort and
prevent injuries.
McClintock finds teaching very
rewarding and is proud to help
other people achieve fitness. She
believes yoga can benefit everyone
and has seen great strides in her
students, even those who thought
they wouldn't be able to do yoga.
“There’s so many components to
yoga that you don’t get in other
exercise programs,” she said. “If
you can breathe, you can do yoga.”
— Therese Assalian
Want to try yoga?
Capital Region
members wanting more
information about
McClintock’s yoga
classes should visit the
Capital Region page on
CSEA’s web site at
www.csealocal1000.org/
r4/region4.php.
State legislative session ends with victories for CSEA
ALBANY — The 2005 New York
state legislative session closed with
several victories for CSEA, but the
union continues to fight for a
permanent funding source for the
state’s struggling public nursing
homes.
Aid for public nursing homes
State lawmakers initially agreed
to spend $80 million to aid upstate
private sector nursing homes, but
CSEA’s efforts led lawmakers to
include public nursing homes in
the plan.
Gov. George Pataki and the
legislature could not agree on the
overall state aid by the session’s
June 23 end, but lawmakers are
expected to return later this year
to work on the plan.
CSEA legislative victories
CSEA also successfully fought for
several pieces of legislation that
will increase union members’ work
site safety and protect workers’
jobs and benefits.
Pataki recently signed the
following bill into law:
Employee Safety in Highway
Work Zones:
This bill creates a mandatory
$50 surcharge for violating speed
limits in highway construction or
maintenance work areas.
Surcharges will be deposited in the
Highway Construction and
Maintenance Safety Education Fund
for public service announcements,
education and awareness about
safe driving in work areas.
The following bills are among
those that were passed by the
state Assembly and Senate and are
awaiting action by Pataki. For more
information on bills, visit the
political action page at CSEA’s web
site at www.csealocal1000.org.
CSEA Work Site Violence
Protection
This CSEA driven bill would
require public employers with
more than 20 workers to assess
their work sites for potential areas
for violence, notify workers of
potential threats and work with
employees and employee
organizations to develop corrective
actions. This bill also creates a
complaint procedure for
employees and a follow-up
procedure with the state
Department of Labor if employers
fail to comply. Additionally, the bill
includes language protecting
workers who file complaints from
retaliatory actions.
Disclosure of State Contracting
Out Information
This bill requires the state
Department of Civil Service to
maintain records on the number of
employees the state contracts with
to perform various services, types
of services contracted out and
whether such contracts are for
services substantially similar to
existing state government jobs.
August 2005 THE WORKFORCE Page 13
HEALTHCARE
FACILITIES
THIS IS INTERESTING...
IT SAYS HERE THAT GOV. PATAKI
15 PROPOSING A "SICK Tax."
WHATTA VOU THINK OF THAT?
HELL OOO ! ?
mew YORK!s |
PRIVATE
HEALTHCARE
FACILITIES
Editor’s note: Cartoonist Ralph Distin recently
won an award from the International Labor
Communications Association for the cartoon
“Critical Condition,” which portrays the state’s
health care funding issues. The cartoon originally
ran in The Work Force’s July 2004 issue and is
featured again above as this month’s cartoon.
Also in 1955 ...
50 years ago... At the New York State Fair
Fy Commissioner Falk Takes a Quiz
who, Tike the
Fed fo know how well they'd
Alesonder A. Falk, President of
mission, got an “expert” button F
Piety of civil service quizes, The
2k The Soviet Union and seven Eastern European
countries sign the Warsaw Pact, a mutual defense
treaty.
At the New York
State Fair in 1955, state
Civil Service Commission
President Alexander A.
Falk took a series of civil
service quizzes at the
Civil Service booth at
the fair, as shown in this
photo in the Oct. 4, 1955,
issue of the Civil Service
Leader. Thousands of fair
attendees also took the
quizzes to determine
how well they would do
on actual exams. Falk, by
the way, got an “expert”
button for his high
scores.
2 Rosa Parks refuses to sit at the back of a bus,
breaking Alabama's segregated seating law. Martin
Luther King Jr. leads a 381-day boycott of the
Montgomery bus system, resulting in desegregated
bus service beginning the following year.
2k AFL and CIO merge to become the AFL-CIO.
2 70 mm film is introduced with Oklahoma!
2k Actor James Dean dies in a car crash at age 26.
2k Walt Disney opens Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif.
2 Gunsmoke debuts on CBS and would go on to be
TV's longest-running Western series.
Page 14 THE WORKFORCE August 2005
Women’s conference empowers CSEA
members to build union solidarity
NEW ORLEANS — CSEA activists
recently attended the AFSCME
Eastern Regional Women’s
Conference in the Big Easy to learn
more about how to win hard fights
against anti-worker proposals set by
President George W. Bush’s
administration.
CSEA and other AFSCME affiliate
members learned the latest facts on Stanford
Bush administration proposals that
would harm workers and especially
working women, including Social Security
privatization and Medicaid cuts. A panel
discussion addressed the impact privatizing
Social Security would have on women, and
union members packed workshops on Social
Security and health care cuts.
Social Security insecure
The proposal to allow workers to invest
Social Security savings into risky private
accounts would slash benefits significantly,
even if workers don’t opt for the accounts.
The Bush administration’s plan would
economically devastate many women who
rely on Social Security.
Women total 58 percent of Social Security
beneficiaries age 65 or older and more than
40 percent of these recipients rely on the
program for at least 90 percent of their
income. Because women tend to earn lower
wages than men and are more likely to leave
the job market to care for family, they are also
more likely to be poor without Social Security.
An unhealthy proposal
Union members are also fighting for the
future of Medicaid. Bush is proposing to cut
From left, Buffalo State Employees Local
President Thomas Rogalski and CSEA
Women’s Committee Metropolitan Region
representative Carlotta Williams admire a
tote bag depicting Rosie the Riveter.
and shift about $60 billion of the
program’s costs to the states over the
next 10 years. The cuts threaten
health care coverage for uninsured
people and further burden already
financially struggling states and
public hospitals and nursing homes,
| including Westchester Medical Center,
Nassau University Medical Center and
Mt. View Nursing Home.
About 66 percent of all Medicaid
recipients are workers who can’t
afford or have no access to health insurance.
Twenty five million children also benefited
from Medicaid in 2003.
Women also rely heavily on Medicaid
benefits, totaling about 70 percent of all
recipients age 14 or older.
Elderly women also depend on
Medicaid, the largest source of
funding for nursing home
residents.
Women have power to stop
attacks
The Bush administration’s
attacks on labor threaten CSEA
members’ retirement, benefits
and jobs, and the anti-labor policies are
trickling down to the states. Governors in
Indiana and Missouri have already taken away
state workers’ collective bargaining rights,
and other states could follow their lead.
CSEA and AFSCME members are fighting
against these attacks. CSEA President Danny
Donohue is a member of AFSCME’s 21St
Century Committee, a panel studying ways to
strengthen the union against attacks on labor.
Executive Vice President Mary Sullivan chairs
Right, Binghamton City
School District Unit
members, from left,
Michael Garner,
Sandra Cecelin, Jon
Strope and Theresa
Palmer attend an
AFSCME Women’s
Conference workshop
on Social Security and
retiree benefits.
265,000 Members Strong
[ARBOR LINTS
From left, Audra McDonald, Nancy Davidson
and Alan H. Ramsey, all members of CSEA’s
Health Research Institute Local, learn about
how to fight for retirement security in one
of the conference’s most popular workshop.
All are employed in institute offices in the
Albany area.
the committee’s political action
subcommittee.
Women will be a major voice in
the battle. Women total about 70
percent of CSEA’s membership and
56 percent of AFSCME’s members,
and women fill a significant
percentage of the unions’
leadership positions. With an
increasing number of women
entering the work force, many
union women want to ensure that their voice
continues to grow.
“Women have a lot of power,” CSEA
Women’s Committee Chair Jacqueline
Stanford said. “We have a powerful voice and
more women need to realize that. This
conference really empowers women to go out
and use our voices.”
— Janice Marra
August 2005
THE WORK FORCE Page 15
Summary of June 30 CSEA Board of Directors meeting
Editor's note:
The Work
Force
publishes a
summary of
actions taken
by CSEA’s
Board of
Directors. The
summary is
prepared by
CSEA Statewide Secretary Barbara
Reeves for union members.
ALBANY — CSEA’s statewide
Board of Directors met on June
30. In official business, the board:
¢ Authorized Local 834 to pay
down mortgage principal to
$100,000 and reduce mortgage
term to four years at a 4.5
percent interest rate;
¢ Authorized a five-year lease
for office space at 450 Main
Street, Middletown, for Local 836;
¢ Authorized Local 860 to lease
office space at its building at 595
West Hartsdale Ave., White Plains
to the Westchester-Putnam AFL-
CIO Central Labor Council and to
Pearl Carroll & Associates;
¢ Updated the Financial
Standards Code;
¢ Reclassified various staff
positions, including Legal
Department Secretary I (M/C
Grade 2 to Legal Department
Program Assistant, M/C Grade
2/3), Director of Occupational
Safety and Health (M/C Grade 7 to
M/C Grade 7A), Travel
Coordinator (M/C Grade 4 to M/C
Grade 5), and Administrator of
Central Files (M/C Grade 5 to M/C
Grade 5A);
© Created part-time positions of
Travel Assistant (M/C Grade 2/3)
and Central Files Office Services
Specialist (HSU Grade 5/6/7); and
e Added to the Metropolitan
Region Political Action
Committee Lois Menyweather,
Neil Kirby, Jason Corley, Douglas
Murphy, Alva Heron, Sarah Smith
and Mark Komar.
Questions concerning the
summary should be directed
to CSEA Statewide Secretary
Barbara Reeves, CSEA
Headquarters, 143
Washington Ave., Albany,
N.Y. 12210, 1-800-342-4146 or
(518) 257-1253.
Defensive driving
SEA is offering six-hour
defensive driving courses to
all members and their families for
$19 per person. New York Safety
Program instructors will teach the
courses offered to CSEA members and families
months in the Long Island,
Metropolitan, Southern, Capital and
Western regions. Successful
completion of the course can lead
to a 10 percent discount on annual
premiums and/or a four-point
reduction on driving violations over
the past 18 months.
are listed below. To register or for
Course dates, times and locations
Safety Program at (800) 942-6874.
In the Western Region, register
by calling the CSEA Western Region
office at (716) 691-6555 or the
Rochester satellite office at (585)
courses over the next several collision and liability insurance more information, call the New York 241-1700.
Class Date (Part2) Day(s) Start/End Times Region —_Location Address City County Registration
8/6/2005 Saturday 1 CSEA/Suffolk 3 Garet Place Commack Suffolk 800-942-6874
8/17/2005 8/18/2005 Wed & Thur 1 CSEA/Suffolk 3 Garet Place Commack Suffolk 800-942-6874
9/14/2005 9/15/2005 Wed & Thur 1 CSEA/Suffolk 3 Garet Place Commack Suffolk 800-942-6874
9/24/2005 Saturday 1 CSEA/Suffolk 3 Garet Place Commack Suffolk 800-942-6874
11/9/2005 11/10/2005 Wed & Thur 1 CSEA/Suffolk 3 Garet Place Commack Suffolk 800-942-6874
11/19/2005 Saturday 1 CSEA/Suffolk 3Garet Place Commack Suffolk 800-942-6874
12/10/2005 Saturday 1 CSEA/Suffolk 3Garet Place Commack Suffolk 800-942-6874
12/14/2005 12/15/2005 Wed & Thur 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. 1 CSEA/Suffolk 3Garet Place Commack Suffolk 800-942-6874
8/13/2005 Saturday 9am. -3 p.m. 2 CSEA/Creedmore Psy. Ctr 80-45 Winchester Blvd. Queens Village Queens 800-942-6874
9/10/2005 Saturday 9am. -3 p.m. 2 CSEA/Creedmore Psy. Ctr 80-45 Winchester Blvd. Queens Village Queens 800-942-6874
10/22/2005 Saturday = 9am.-3 p.m 2 CSEA/Creedmore Psy. Ctr 80-45 Winchester Blvd. Queens Village Queens 800-942-6874
11/12/2005 Saturday 9am. -3 p.m. 2 CSEA/Creedmore Psy. Ctr 80-45 Winchester Blvd. Queens Village Queens 800-942-6874
8/20/2005, Saturday 9. a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 3 CSEA/Local 860 595 West Hartsdale Avenue White Plains Westchester 800-942-6874
8/23/2005 8/24/2005 Tues & Wed 6 p.m.-9 p.m. 3 CSEA/Local 860 595 West Hartsdale Avenue White Plains Westchester 800-942-6874
9/10/2005 Saturday 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 3 CSEA/Local 860 595 West Hartsdale Avenue White Plains Westchester 800-942-6874
9/20/2005 9/21/2005 Tues &Wed 6 p.m.-9 p.m. 3 CSEA/Local 860 595 West Hartsdale Avenue White Plains Westchester 800-942-6874
10/08/2005 Saturday 9am. -3 p.m 3 CSEA/Local 860 595 West Hartsdale Avenue White Plains Westchester
10/18/2005 10/19/2005 Tues & Wed 6 p.m.-9 p.m. 3 CSEA/Local 860 595 West Hartsdale Avenue White Plains Westchester 800-942-6874
11/19/2005 Saturday 9 am. -3 p.m. 3 CSEA/Local 860 595 West Hartsdale Avenue White Plains Westchester 800-942-6874
11/29/2005 11/30/2005 Tues & Wed 6 p.m.-9 p.m. 3 CSEA/Local 860 595 West Hartsdale Avenue White Plains Westchester
12/7/2005 12/8/2005 = Wed & Thur 6 p.m.-9 p.m. 3 CSEA/Local 860 595 West Hartsdale Avenue White Plains Westchester 800-942-6874
8/6/2005 Saturday 9 am. -3 p.m. 4 CSEA/Latham 1 Lear Jet Lane Suite 2 Latham Albany 800-942-6874
8/16/2005 8/17/2005 Tues & Wed 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. 4 CSEA/Latham 1 Lear Jet Lane Suite 2 Latham Albany 800-942-6874
8/27/2005, Saturday 9am. -3 p.m. 4 CSEA/Latham 1 Lear Jet Lane Suite 2 Latham Albany 800-942-6874
9/10/2005 Saturday 9 am. -3 p.m. 4 CSEA/Latham 1 Lear Jet Lane Suite 2 Latham Albany 800-942-6874
9/20/2005 9/21/2005 Tues & Wed 4 CSEA/Latham 1 Lear Jet Lane Suite 2 Latham Albany 800-942-6874
10/1/2005 Saturday 4 CSEA/Latham 1 Lear Jet Lane Suite 2 Latham Albany 800-942-6874
10/11/2005 10/12/2005 Tues & Wed 5:30 p.m. - 8: 4 CSEA/Latham 1 Lear Jet Lane Suite 2 Latham Albany 800-942-6874
10/22/2005 Saturday 9am.-3 p.m. 4 CSEA/Latham 1 Lear Jet Lane Suite 2 Latham Albany 800-942-6874
11/5/2005 Saturday 9am. -3 p.m. 4 CSEA/Latham 1 Lear Jet Lane Suite 2 Latham Albany 800-942-6874
11/19/2005 Saturday 9am. -3 p.m 4 CSEA/Latham 1 Lear Jet Lane Suite 2 Latham Albany 800-942-6874
11/29/2005 11/30/2005 Tues & Wed 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. 4 CSEA/Latham 1 Lear Jet Lane Suite 2 Latham Albany 800-942-6874
12/10/2005 Saturday 9am.-3p.m. 4 CSEA/Latham 1 Lear Jet Lane Suite 2 Latham Albany 800-942-6874
12/13/2005 12/14/2005 Tues & Wed 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. 4 CSEA/Latham 1 Lear Jet Lane Suite 2 Latham Albany 800-942-6874
8/6/2005 Saturday 9am. -3 p.m. 6 CSEA 120 Pineview Drive Amherst Erie 716-691-6555
8/16/2005 8/17/2005 Tues & Wed 6 p.m.-9 p.m. 6 CSEA 120 Pineview Drive Amherst Erie 716-691-6555
8/16/2005 8/17/2005 Tues & Wed 6 p.m.-9 p.m. 6 CSEA 1111 Elmwood Avenue Rochester Monroe 585-241-1700
8/27/2005 Saturday 9am.-3 p.m. 6 CSEA 1111 Elmwood Avenue Rochester Monroe 585-241-1700
Page 16 THE WORK FORCE August 2005
“Achieve Solutions” for New York Empire Plan enrollees
July 1 marked the start of
Achieve Solutions, a new online
service from ValueOptions, the
Empire Plan’s mental health and
substance abuse provider. New
York state Empire Plan enrollees
who would like to read up on
facts about a specific behavioral
health or substance abuse
condition and/or access online
tools can do so under the “for
members” section of the web site.
With more than If you don’t
200 topics and Healt h immediately find
4,000 articles, Benefits ’ what you're
Achieve Solutions
is a password
protected,
confidential online
resource organized so you can
quickly find what you’re looking
for. Just roll your mouse over the
center button in the left column
and choose from a list of topics.
Meningitis vaccine retroactively
covered from May 25
The July Work Force reported
that the Empire Plan’s
vaccination and immunization
benefit was being enhanced to
include the meningitis vaccine
for dependent children and full-
time dependent students.
The New York State Insurance
Department has clarified this
coverage is effective May 25,
2005. United HealthCare (UHC),
the Empire Plan’s
medical/surgical benefits
provider, is implementing this
coverage retroactively from that
date. United is reviewing records
of claims previously received and
reconsidering any meningitis
vaccine claims received after
May 25.
Enrollees who received the
meningitis vaccination after May
25 and are unsure if the claim
was submitted to United
HealthCare should contact their
doctor’s office.
If you would like to learn more
about the Empire Plan’s
vaccination and immunization
benefit, including the meningitis
vaccine, please contact United
HealthCare at 1-877-7NYSHIP
(1-877-769-7447).
Your Insurance Service Team
at JLT Services Corporation is now...
Department
Protecting Your Benefite
looking for, just
click the “Topics:
A to Z” button to
see all the topics
links will be at your fingertips.
If you would like to learn more
about the Empire Plan’s Achieve
Solutions web site, please contact
ValueOptions at 1-877-7NYSHIP
(1-877-769-7447) or on the New
York State Department of Civil
Service web site at
www.cs.state.ny.us.
listed on the site. Once you locate
and select your topic, a collection
of issue specific articles, news
summaries, quizzes, frequently
asked questions and resource
Bon Secours hospital network
reaches agreement with Empire
Blue Cross Blue Shield
After several months of negotiations, Bon Secours Charity Health
System announced June 29 that it had successfully negotiated a new
three-year contract with Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield.
New York state Empire Plan enrollees receiving care at any one of
the three Bon Secours Charity Health System hospitals will see no
disruption to their “in-network” health benefit coverage at those
facilities.
The hospitals, all in the Southern Region, are Bon Secours
Community Hospital in Port Jervis, Good Samaritan Hospital in
Suffern and St. Anthony Community Hospital in Warwick.
PEARL:‘CARROLL
& ASSOCIATES
1-800-697-2732
Same people, same great service
and now with local ownership!
RESPECT THE PAST (2)
CSEA DAY
Take advantage of your CSEA membership
to catch the new look ORANGE at a
reduced rate!
SYRACUSE VS. WEST VIRGINIA
September 4th 1:30 PM
Opening Day Pregame recognition
for CSEA members 1:00 PM
TICKETS
ADULT YOUTH wees 18 ano unoer
see $10
‘Save over 30% with your CSEA membership
Purchase CSEA Day tickets by caling the Region 5 office at
800-558-7975 for an order form, or download fram
www.cscalocal000.org/r5/sufoctbal.php
For Complete Ticket Information
Other great gume discounts 1-888-DOMETIX
Sreandertrm fordvate ~— SUATHLETICS.COM
August 2005 THE WORKFORCE Page 17
EAST MEADOW — John Veneroni works in the
surgery department and in the operating
rooms at Nassau University Medical Center,
and regularly sees the critical need for blood
for trauma patients and those undergoing life-
saving operations.
NUMC is somewhat unique in that it has a
hospital-based blood donor service and out-
patient transfusion service. On occasion,
donors leaving after donations encounter
patients receiving transfusions, who often
thank the donors.
Veneroni assists the physicians in the
operating rooms by setting up all the
equipment needed for the surgeries. He has
type O+ blood, allowing several different
blood types to receive his blood.
He and his wife, Sandra, have three adult
sons. Recently, Work Force Editor Lou
Hmieleski spoke with Veneroni about his
blood donation. Veneroni has contributed
more than 10 gallons over the past 15 years.
WF: How did you come to give your first pint of blood?
JV: As a volunteer fireman, we would have blood drives
and | would donate. Then | found out | could donate
here and it was one of those things, | just went down,
gave blood and a short time later, | got a letter from one
of the doctors saying | had a very important blood type
— CMV negative — which is given to infants and
newborns because it does not contain cytomegalovirus.
WF: How does it feel to be a human pin cushion?
JV: | guess I'm used to it now.
WF: Being O+, your blood can go to several different
recipients. Do you ever think about to whom your blood
is going?
JV: | don’t ask but the staff tell me they call it ‘baby
blood’ — | guess that's their slang term for it.
WF: Ever had a “bad stick” that made you wonder
about coming back?
JV: | can only remember one bad stick — it was one of
Page 18 THE WORKFORCE August 2005
those things. It's the bevel of the needle — if it's not
facing in the right direction, the needle lays up against
the vein and | can feel it vibrating, almost humming.
You move it away from the wall of the vein and the
blood flows more freely.
WF: You have also played the role of Dracula in helping
coordinate blood drives in your community, through the
Carle Place Fire Department. Any challenges over the
years in getting people to donate?
JV: For the blood drive, it's always a challenge because
some people don’t want to give blood. They think it
hurts, some are afraid they'll catch something, some
people say they are too busy. For every person who
doesn't give blood, there’s an excuse for not giving. I'm
able to give right here (at NUMC). | can just walk down
and say, ‘I'll be back in a few minutes.’
WF: Any times of the year that are lean in getting
donors?
JV: It's usually the summer, because people are on
vacation and busy, and around the holidays for the
same reason.
WF: When you do find time for yourself, are there any
hobbies or activities you like?
JV: | like to go fishing in the summertime — that's really
the extent of my hobbies. | like freshwater fishing. |
used to do a lot of fishing in the (Long Island) Sound.
I'd rather go fishing than play golf. You don’t have to be
successful when fishing and still have a good time.
WF: What advice would you give someone who may be
sitting on the fence in their decision to donate blood, or
who may be squeamish about needles and such?
JV: I'd tell them what they probably already know — it
doesn't hurt that much, does not take up that much
time, and you're doing something nice for somebody
even though you never meet them.
John Veneroni, Clinical Technician in the Nassau
University Medical Center Surgery Department, donates
his 80th pint of blood in the NUMC Blood Donor Center
in January. Drawing the blood is registered nurse
Janet St. John, coordinator of the Blood Donor Center.
Veneroni has been donating for the last 15 years.
What is CMV?
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus carried
by more than half of the population. Most people
who have the virus never know it and for the
average healthy person, CMV does not cause a
problem. However, for patients whose immune
systems are not functioning properly (premature
babies, cancer patients and others who cannot fight
infection), CMV can be very serious. Testing for CMV
is not required, but some donated units are tested for
evidence of the virus when it is necessary to provide
blood from donors who have not had CMV.
Celebrate Labor Day with CSEA
with parades, other events
CSEA will participate in Labor Day
events across the state. Additional
events will be added as more details
become available. Check your region
page regularly at CSEA’s web site at
www.csealocal1000.org for more
details.
The Work Force will publish more
details in the next edition as they
become known.
Long Island, Metropolitan and
Southern regions: New York City
Labor Day Parade, Sept. 10. All
members from these regions are
urged to march with CSEA. Further
details were unavailable at press
time. For more information, contact
your region office (listed on Page 4).
Southern Region: Fishkill: The
Hudson Area Labor Federation will
hold a Union Day at the Hudson
ValleyRenegades ball game Sept. 3.
Visit the federation web site at
www.unionvoice.org/hudsonvalley_af
Icio/home.html for more information.
Capital Region: Albany: The
Capital District Labor Day Parade
will be held Sept. 17. Further details
were unavailable at press time. For
more information, contact the
Capital Region office (listed on Page
4).
Central Region: Binghamton: The
Broome-Tioga Federation of
Labor/Central New York Area Labor
Federation will hold its Labor Day
celebration Sept. 1 at the Ross Park
Zoo in Binghamton. For more
information, call Ken Smith at (607)
237-6517.
Massena: Labor Day Parade, Sept.
5. CSEA members should meet at 10
a.m. at the corner of Willow Street
and Liberty Avenue. Parade begins at
11 a.m. CSEA t-shirts will be
provided to members who march.
There will be a free picnic at Springs
Park following the parade.
Ithaca: Midstate Central Labor
Council/ Central New York Area
Labor Federation annual picnic, Sept.
5 at Stewart Park in Ithaca from 11
a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring a side dish to
pass. For more information, call
Brian Goddell at (607) 257-7199.
Syracuse: The Central New York
Labor Federation will observe Labor
Day Sept. 5 with festivities at the
New York State Fairgrounds in
Syracuse, including a Blessing of the
Workers at the fair’s Indian Village at
10 a.m. At 10:30 a.m., CSEA members
should assemble near Gate 6 for the
parade (look for the CSEA banner),
which will begin at 11 a.m. Free t-
shirts will be given to the first 250
members who participate. At 11:30
a.m. there will be a rally at Chevrolet
Court, followed by a luncheon and
awards ceremony at the Empire
Room at 12:30 p.m. Tickets for the
luncheon are $15 and can be
purchased by calling the federation
at (315) 422-3363, ext. 11. Local or
unit presidents can order free fair
admission tickets and parking passes
for those participating in the parade
by calling Communications Associate
Mark Kotzin at the Central Region
office at (315) 433-0050.
Western Region: Rochester:
Labor Day Parade, Sept. 5. People
who wish to march in parade are
asked to line up from 9 a.m. to 10
a.m. off East Avenue. No more details
were available at press time.
Contact Stephanie at the Rochester
Labor Federation at (585) 263-2650.
Buffalo: Labor Day Parade, Sept.
5. There will be a Labor Day Mass at
9 a.m. and the parade begins at
noon. Meet at Stevenson & Abbott
Roads in South Buffalo, near the Irish
Center. The parade will be followed
by a picnic at Cazenovia Park.
Activities for kids include a splash
pad and bounce houses. For more
information, contact Mary Martino
at (716) 887-2623.
Niagara Falls: The Niagara Falls
Labor Council will hold a Mass on
Sept. 4 and a picnic on Sept. 5. More
details will be available on the CSEA
Western Region web page.
Steuben County: The Steuben
County Labor Council is planning a
Labor Day event. Further details will
be available on the CSEA Western
Region web page.
PEOPLE PERSON —
The PEOPLE recruiter
of the month of June is
Gloria Smith of the
Upstate Medical Center
Local in the Central
Region. She recruited
10 new PEOPLE
members. PEOPLE is
CSEA and AFSCME’s
political action
program. It is responsible for raising
money and collecting voluntary
contributions from the membership
so CSEA can effectively promote our
interests at the state and federal
level ... SOUTHOLD GETS
CONTRACT — CSEA members in the
Southold Unit ratified a tentative
contract with the town after more
than two years without an
agreement. The union reached the
agreement with the town after a very
long, difficult and public contract
campaign ... FIRST CONTRACT —
The Southern Westchester BOCES
Unit has overwhelmingly ratified its
first contract after two years of
difficult, hostile negotiations. When
workers organized a union with
CSEA in 2002, their pay was based on
merit, with about 150 workers
earning various salaries. The two
main highlights of the contract are
an incremental salary schedule and
binding arbitration ... FAIR
CONTRACT FIGHT — CSEA
members employed at the Geneva
LEADING
265,000 Members Strong
GSEA
VODAY
City School District
recently marched to the
district’s business
offices to demand a fair
contract from school
officials. Western
Region President Flo
Tripi and other region
activists joined Geneva
unit members in the
march to show
solidarity. The unit has been working
without a contract for about a year
and negotiations are at an impasse.
Main contract issues include health
insurance and wages ... SENECA
COUNTY LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS —
The Seneca County Local recently
awarded $500 scholarships to
Matthew Horton and Matthew
Sparrow. Horton, of Seneca Falls, will
attend the College of Charleston in
Charleston, S.C. this fall. His mother,
Sue Horton, is a CS9EA member
employed as a senior clerk in the
Seneca County Probation
Department. Sparrow, of Romulus,
will attend ITT Technical Institute in
Liverpool. His mother, Denise
Sparrow, is a CSEA member and
senior typist in the Romulus School
District's guidance and special
education offices. The local awards
two annual scholarships to the
children of CSEA members who are
graduating high school seniors and
will attend college in the fall.
NR
UNION
Grooming for a home_run
Onondaga County Parks Department employee and CSEA member John
Klamm tends to the baseball diamond at the Alliance Bank Stadium, home
of the Syracuse SkyChiefs, the AAA affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. CSEA
members employed at the parks department maintain the stadium, and the
union is a team sponsor.
August 2005 THE WORK FORCE Page 19
CSEA members save $4.00 off admission on Sept. 3 and 4, 2005 during CSEA Weekend.
It’s FUN UNLIMITED!
AUGUST 25 - SEPTEMBER 5, 2005
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK
Clip one coupon at right
for each CSEA member and family member
and bring coupon(s) to any fair gate for a
half-price admission on
Saturday and Sunday,
Sept. 3 and 4, 2005, only.
The New York State Fair
is at the Empire Expo poche
Center located off not be
Exit 7 of 1-690, accepted,
3 miles west of Additional
Syracuse. coupons will be
Hours of operation are available at
10 a.m. to yaar CSEA
region office.
10 p.m. daily.
Saturday, Sept. 3 and Sunday, Sept. 4, 2005, is CSEA
WEEKEND at the New York State Fair in Syracuse.
CSEA members and their family members will receive
$4.00 off admission that weekend, compliments of
CSEA and the New York State Fair.
CSEA will maintain a booth in the Center of Progress
Building on the fairgrounds throughout the entire fair,
so stop by and visit the CSEA booth at any time.
The coupons for $4.00 off admission however, are only
good during CSEA Weekend,
Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 3 and 4, 2005.
(\ SAVE SAVESAVE SAVE'SAVE SAVESAVESAVE/)
v7 CSEA member admission $6.00* AY
NY
SAVE
6X $4.00
CSEA members and family members each get
‘one admission for $6.00 when purchased at
any gate with coupon. One coupon per person.
*Adult admission.
Children 12 and under admitted free.
NAME
Local 1000 AFSCME, AFL-CIO | appress
Danny Donohue, President
Coupon is valid for CSEA weekend only ~
Saturday and Sunday Sept. 3 and 4, 2005, rae
CSEA LOCAL
Bs) SAVE $4.00 (CO savesave:
(\ SAVE SAVE'SAVE SAVE'SAVE SAVE-SAVESAVE//)
v7 CSEA member admission $6.00* AY
NY
SAVE
6X $4.00
CSEA members and family members each get
‘one admission for $6.00 when purchased at
any gate with coupon. One coupon per person.
*Adult admission.
(s) Saturday and Sunday Sept. 3 and 4, 2005.
SE as, Children 12 and under admitted free. J
oe |. >
Coupon is valid for CSEA weekend only - PHONE
CSEA LOCAL
Vs
Local 1000 AFSCME, AFL-CIO
Danny Donohue, President
\
CSEA members and family members each get SAVE
‘one admission for $6.00 when purchased at $ 4 00
any gate with coupon. One coupon per person. ‘"
“Adult admission.
Children 12 and under admitted free.
NAME
ADDRESS
Coupon is valid for CSEA weekend only ~
Saturday and Sunday Sept. 3 and 4, 2005.
Ws) SAVE $4.00 (AS
PHONE
CSEA LOCAL
Local 1000 AFSCME, AFL-CIO
Danny Donohue, President
CSEA members and family members each get
‘one admission for $6.00 when purchased at (] $ 4.00
any gate with coupon. One coupon per person. "
“Adult admission.
Children 12 and under admitted free. U
NAME
ADDRESS
Coupon is valid for CSEA weekend only ~
Saturday and Sunday Sept. 3 and 4, 2005.
Ws) SAVE $4.00 (ASewrewe
PHONE
CSEA LOCAL
YOUR UNION
NEWSLETTER
KX)
August 2005 * Vol. 10, No. 8
Greetings to all CSEA Local 830 members. | am writing my first newsletter
column to you as the new Local 830 President and | can tell you, it is a great
honor. | fully understand the privilege | was given in being elected to this
position. | am grateful for the trust and confidence, and my team and | are fully
prepared to work hard for the next four years. As | have stated many times since
the ballots were counted: “We asked our members to elect us and you did your
job. Now it's time to do ours.” We will, and this | assure you.
| would like to commend our Local Election Committee, especially
Chairwoman Susan Graham and Co-chairman Stephen Cohen. Both Sue and
Steve worked extremely hard during a very difficult election to help CSEA
preserve integrity and honor. The entire process was handled with the utmost
professional care and together along with the entire election committee they
made all of CSEA proud. Thank you Sue, Steve and the entire committee.
During the campaign, my slate and | made many stops to talk to our
members. | discovered a great deal about the day-to-day problems we all face
as county workers. | made some promises on the campaign trail and | intend to
keep them. As my new team and | settle down into our new positions, we are
learning just how monumental the task at hand is. Our union is large, diverse
and in need of a major tune-up. That's why you elected us and | am very mindful
of that.
Today, we find our union still fighting to secure what | like to refer to as our
‘right to work.’ That might seem like a simple statement, but in reality it
encompasses a great deal of work and anguish on our side. Over the past few
years it has become apparent that CSEA positions were frequently
subcontracted out. In many cases this is a direct result of the attrition of
employees by the Suozzi administration. Although Mr. Suozzi likes to tout that he
has reduced the county work force to the lowest levels in many years, what he
doesn't tell the public is that in their place he uses private contactors at
exorbitant cost, as well as out-of-title union workers to perform duties they should
not be doing. In many instances, we see members of other unions performing
our jobs at higher pay rates than what the county would have to pay our
members.
It's a big problem in Nassau County, and | will spend a great deal of time
working on it. If you take a look at our Recreation and Parks Unit, you will see
what amounts to the execution of a union work force. At one time Nassau County
was known for having the most pristine and beautiful parks in New York state. At
that time we had 1,200 full-time workers in our Rec & Parks Unit. Today, we have
barely 200 full-time workers and it shows. Although the county claims to be
EXPHESS
Message from CSEA Local 830 Presiden
Our New President Pledges:
“Four Years of Fighting for CSEA Members”
revitalizing the parks system, a closer look shows a department in desperate
need of full-time maintenance and repair. Hiring private contractors to perform
Band-Aid work is a terrible practice and our parks are a testament to that. As |
write this column, | wonder why our county administration wants to give away
nine county parks in North Hempstead. | know one of the reasons is because we
no longer have the staff to properly maintain them. That in itself tells the story.
There is a lot of work ahead and | want to start working right away. | will try to
work closely with the county executive to get so many of our deserving members
the promotions they have been waiting for. As | have stated already, | believe the
county needs to begin to hire more workers in various departments.
As Mr. Suozzi has stated, he tackled the financial problems he inherited four
years ago and now he can concentrate on the other areas in his plans. That's
true, and we believe the county is in much better fiscal health than it was four
years ago. Now | will urge the County Executive to look closely at the various
departments that need more employees and begin the hiring process.
Please see Message continued on Page 3
Message continued from Page 1
We will also be looking into the real estate consolidation plan as it unfolds. As
you know, we have many concerns about parking, safety, work space and
working conditions at the 60 Charles Lindbergh Blvd. location for Social
Long Island Region
President Nick
LaMorte
congratulates new
Nassau County Local
President Jerry
Laricchiuta.
CSEA NASSAU COUNTY LOCAL 830 UNION MEMBER NEWS
Services. We also need to find a resolution regarding the CB
operators’ vertical upgrade, which | thought was a done deal when it
was passed in the legislature recently. It appears that there are
some language problems with the initial agreement and as of this
writing the CB operators have not received their raise.
We also have many issues at the Public Benefit Corporation. In a
recent meeting with CEO Kane of NUMC, we asked about the
newly announced affiliation with North Shore University Hospital. |
want to make sure that this affiliation in no way bears a negative
effect on my members. History has shown that CSEA members are
often the first to be sub-contracted and | have told the
administration that we will not tolerate this practice. | also am
hopeful that we may be able to alleviate some of the pressing
issues between the nurses, doctors and other health care providers
at both NUMC and A. Holly Patterson.
As we move forward into the summer and fall | expect to become
more comfortable with my new position. | plan on visiting all the
departments in our Local before the end of the year. We are
planning our annual picnic as we speak as well as our Installation of
Officers Dinner in the fall and our annual holiday party in December.
As | promised, we need to appoint new committee chairs and we
are looking for our members to get involved in working on these
committees as well. To add on to this, | am going to fulfill another
pledge | made which will call for three new committees. We will
have a new COMMUNITY OUTREACH COMMITTEE, which will
use its resources to get our message out each week to the Nassau
County residents. Anew LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMITTEE and a
CRIMINAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE will be formed to better deal with
some of the issues our peace officers deal with as well as those
civilians who work in law enforcement agencies.
| most of all want to thank our members for coming out and
voting in this last election. You have made us stronger by using and
exercising your legal right to vote. With your record-breaking voter
turnout, you sent a strong message to many people. What you also
inadvertently did was to tell us all that you are all alive and well, and
very strong and determined when need be. You're a force to be
reckoned with and that translates into strength. Be proud of yourself
and know that your new union leadership is there for you.
Yours in unionism,
Jerry Laricchiuta
CSEA Local 830 president
EXPRESS 3
Laricchiuta and Slate Sweep to Victory
Congratulations to our new CSEA Local
830 President Jerry Laricchiuta and his
entire slate for a sweeping victory in our
union elections. After a long and sometimes
heated campaign, Laricchiuta was declared
the winner on June 13 when the American
Arbitration Association, under the watchful
very special committee.
“| think Susan, Steve and the entire
committee made our union look good and
because of this hard work this tough
election went off in a most professional
manner,” Laricchiuta said.
Sweeping to victory with Laricchiuta
eye of the Local Election Committee,
counted more than 4,300 ballots. Every
member on Jerry's slate won so we now
have a completely new Nassau Local 830
Executive Officers Board.
“It was a lot of work and a lot of fun
getting around to see and speak with so
were:
Diane Russ, Executive Vice President
Ron Gurrieri, 1st Vice President
Robert Cauldwell, 2nd Vice President
Debra Imperatore, 3rd Vice President
Scott Mulholland, 4th Vice President
Tim Carter, 5th Vice President
many of our members during the
campaign,” Laricchiuta said. He also wanted
to “tip his hat” to his opponent and wish her
well in her endeavors.
When asked about the entire election
process, Laricchiuta wanted the members to
be thankful for the hard work that the Local
Election Committee did. Both Susan
Graham (District Attorney's Office) and
Stephen Cohen (Medical Examiner's Office)
did a tremendous job as co-chairs of this
Earl Stroughton, 6th Vice President
Debbie O'Connell, 7th Vice President
Barbara Lang, 8th Vice President
Robert McLaughlin, 9th Vice President
John Aloisio, 10th Vice President
Peter Kiernan, 11th Vice President
Beth Luttinger, Treasurer
Mathew Weyer, Secretary
is *
CSEA Long Island Region President Nick LaMorte, left, swears in the Nassau
Local officers from left to right, Nassau County Local 830 President Jerry
Laricchiuta, Executive Vice President Diane Russ, 3rd Vice President Debra
Imperatore and Treasurer Beth Luttinger. Not pictured are: 1st Vice President
Ron Gurrieri, 2nd Vice President Robert Cauldwell, 4th Vice President Scott
Mulholland, 5th Vice President Tim Carter, 6th Vice President Earl Stroughton,
7th Vice President Debra O’Connell, 8th Vice President Barbara Lang, 9th Vice
President Robert McLaughlin, 10th Vice President John Aloisio, 11th Vice
President Peter Kiernan, Recording Secretary Matthew Weyer, Delegates Lynne
Kramer, Douglas Mayer and Kelvin Lewis.
2 EXPRESS
The
Work Force
a
Nassau County Local 830
LAFYEE SS
August 2005 + Vol. 10 No. 8
‘A Monthly Publication of CSEA Nassau County Local 830,
JERRY LARRICHIUTA, President
Tony Panzarella, Editor
(616) 571-2919 Ext. #13
www. csealocal830.org
CSEA Long Island Region Communications Associate Rachel
Langer (631) 462-0030
NASSAU LOCAL 830
Executive Officers:
JERRY LARICCHIUTA, President
DIANE RUSS, Executive Vice President
RON GURRIERI, 1st Vice President
ROBERT CAULDWELL, 2nd Vice President
DEBRA IMPERATORE, 3rd Vice President
SCOTT MULHOLLAND, 4th Vice President
TIM CARTER, Sth Vice President
EARL STROUGHTON, 6th Vice President
DEBBIE O'CONNELL, 7th Vice President
BARBARA LANG, 8th Vice President
ROBERT McLAUGHLIN, 9th Vice President
JOHN ALOISIO, 10th Vice President
PETER KIERNAN, {1th Vice President
MATHEW WEYER, Secretary
BETH LUTTINGER, Treasurer
Unit Presidents/Executive Board:
CHUCK ALBERS, Fire & Rescue Services
JOHN ALOISIO Il, Treasurer's Office
ROB ARCIELLO, Deputy Sheriffs
STANLEY BERGMAN, Comptroller's Office
LISA SINAGRA-TURPAK, Public Safely
ROBERT CAMPO, Public Works Department
RAY CANNELLA, Civil Service Commission
TIM CARTER, Health Department
ROBERT CAULDWELL, Social Services
STEPHEN COHEN, Medical Examiner's Office
CAROL CONTI, County Clerk
CAROL CROSTON, Nassau Community College
VIVIAN CROWLEY, General Services
KENNETH DASH, SR., Board of Elections
MARY DELMARE, Crossing Guards
LES EASON, A. Holly Patterson
ROBERT GILIBERTI, Senior Citizens Affairs
SUSAN GRAHAM, County/District Attorney
NANCY IANSON, Drug & Alcohol
DEBRA IMPERATORE, Police Civilian
RON KAHL, AMTS
JERRY LARICCHIUTA, Sheriffs Support
PILAR MILLER-LEWIS, Assessment Department
JOHN RINALDO, Parks, Recreation & Museums
MARLA ROWE, Probation Department
DIANE RUSS, Consumer Affairs
EARL STROUGHTON, Nassau University Medical Center
JOSEPH WHITTAKER, Fire Marshal's Office
(CSEA NASSAU COUNTY LOCAL 830 UNION MEMBER NEWS
CSEA Elder Law Plan — for you and your family
Why Was the Plan Created?
time.
You and your family have worked a long time to own your
home, put away retirement money, and provide for children and
aging parents. In the blink of an eye, your life savings, the family
residence, and your children’s inheritance can be threatened.
Events such as illness or disability requiring long-term care can
happen to you, your spouse, your child or your parent at any
As a CSEA member you are entitled to legal consultations,
guidance, document preparation and, where needed,
representation pertaining to estate planning and Medicaid
eligibility. The events and circumstances in each person's life set
the stage for decisions that have to be made.
This is where the experience and knowledge of attorneys
to quality legal advice
and services at discounted fees. It is in your best interest to
consider using this Plan now before something happens that you
did not plan for.
Available services include:
+ Low cost wills, powers of attorney, health care proxies
tailored to protect family assets and homesteads
+ Reduced fee trust agreements, deeds, Medicaid eligibility
services
* Crisis related consultations
+ Non-crisis related consultations and pre-crisis planning
* Ongoing annual trust services
+ Information and publications
+ Educational seminars
who specialize in elder law, estate planning and
Medicare/Medicaid eligibility becomes invaluable.
What Can the Plan Do for Me and My Family?
The CSEA Elder Law Plan attorneys will:
+ Meet with you to review your present situation and make
Tecommendations as to what you should do immediately.
+ Prepare necessary legal documents such as Will, Power of
Attorney, Health Care Proxy, Family Trust, Living Trust.
* Counsel you with respect to estate tax planning strategies,
IRA and pension fund planning, guardianships, long-term
care insurance options, asset protection in face of
catastrophic illness.
+ Represent you in the Medicare/Medicaid application
process, probate and estate administration.
How Much Will it Cost?
All Elder Law Plan attorneys
have agreed to discount their
regular fees by 20 percent for CSEA
members and their family. Fees vary
depending on the geographic area
of the participating attorney.
Without the benefit of the CSEA
Plan discount, these services would
cost you much more.
Plan attorneys will provide you
We welcome reader suggestions: Please address your
comments to Tony Panzarella, Editor, Nassau County
"—] EXPRESS at CSEA Nassau Co. Local 830, 400 County
Seat Dr., Mineola, NY 11501-4137.
Legal Assistance Program
Why Should | Take Advantage of the Plan?
Whether you are over 50 or not, life’s events can threaten
your savings, your home, and your plans for the future at any
time and without warning. As a CSEA member you have access
with quality services and expertise
consistent with the other plans in
the CSEA Legal Services Program.
Salary Discrimination in the Work Place Based on Gender is Illegal
Editor’s Note: This is one in a series of
discrimination articles appearing regularly to
provide valuable information regarding important
areas of protection available through the CSEA
Legal Assistance Program (LAP). The Legal
Assistance Program covers employment and
labor issues involving disciplinaries, contract
grievances and arbitrations, court litigation and
agency proceedings. Get more information about
legal services in the LAP by calling CSEA
Headquarters at 1-800-342-4146, extension
1443, or by visiting www.csealocal1000.org, and
clicking on the legal programs and services menu
item.
This article provides an overview of salary
discrimination in the workplace. In future articles,
other areas of discrimination will also be dealt
with in more detail.
Salary Discrimination: The Equal Pay Act
Under the Equal Pay Act (“EPA’), it is illegal
for an employer who is subject to the Fair Labor
Standards Act ("FLSA’) to pay different wages
based on the gender of the employees who
perform substantially equal work. It is also illegal
for a union to encourage an employer to violate
the EPA.
For an EPA claim to be successful it must be
shown that the jobs are “substantially equal” and
that they are located in the same work location.
The jobs do not have to be identical. Whether
the jobs are “substantially equal” will depend on
the actual work performed rather than the duties
listed in written job descriptions.
Unlike other discrimination laws, the EPA does
not require proof that the employer intended to
discriminate.
Employer Defenses to Equal Pay Act Cases
After an employee establishes that male and
female employees are paid different wages for
equal work, an employer must show that the
salary difference is justified by either a merit
system, a seniority system, a system that
measures earnings by quantity or quality of
production, or a differential based on any other
factor other than gender.
Collective Bargaining Agreements and the
Role of the Union
The fact that a contract contains unequal rates
of pay for equal work of substantially similar jobs
does not constitute a defense for either an
employer or the union to an EPA claim
Contracts that provide for unequal rates of pay in
conflict with the EPA would be viewed by the
courts as null and void. It is totally inappropriate
for a CSEA local or unit to knowingly enter into or
renew a contract that continues known wage
differences that violate the EPA.
Enforcement of the Equal Pay Act
The EPA can be enforced through a complaint
with the U.S. Department of Labor (“U.S. DOL”)
or through a lawsuit in federal or state court.
Generally, EPA claims must be commenced
within two (2) years of the date of the alleged
offense. However, if it can be shown that the
employer willfully violated the law, a three (3)
year time frame is allowed. If successful, an
employee can receive back wages for a
maximum of two (2) years, or three (3) years in
the case of a willful violation.
4 Express ‘CSEA NASSAU COUNTY LOCAL 830 UNION MEMBER NEWS
The New Team at Local 830
Office Secretary
Lucille Barbera
Newly elected Executive Vice
President Diane Russ, who was
also re-elected as president of
the consumer Affairs Unit.
Administrative Assistant Tim Corr
oth Vice President +4
[Tim Carter, who = : v
u A also serves as id jee
President Laricchiuta . a csvient of the Vice President and
poses with Alice Groody, a Health Hi Administrative Assistant
member of the office staff. Department Unit Barbara Lang
(CSEA NASSAU COUNTY LOCAL 830 UNION MEMBER NEWS
EXPRESS 5
Office secretary
Linda Taylor
7th Vice President
Debbie O'Connell, who
will also serve as chair of ff
the Grievance Committee|
Debra Imperatore,
3rd vice president
and police civilian
junit president
Election Committee
member Kevin Hamil
‘4th Vice President and
‘Administrative Assistant
‘Scott Mulholland
president and re-elected
‘president of the county
Judy Smolen, secretary to the president jtreasurer’s office
6 EXPRESS CSEA NASSAU COUNTY LOCAL 830 UNION MEMBER NEWS
MAMMOGRAPHY
SCREENING PROGRAM
Fact Sheet
The “Mammography Screening Program” is a benefit negotiated by CSEA for all Nassau
County government employees, regardless of insurance carrier or coverage. This benefit
allows you to go to the Nassau University Medical Center BREAST IMAGING CENTER on your
work time and with no out-of-pocket cost to you. You will stay as long as it takes to get a
proper diagnosis and you will meet personally with the doctor to discuss the results.
1. Call the NUMC Breast Imaging Center at (516) 572-5700 any weekday afternoon to schedule an
appointment. Identify yourself as a county employee. Appointments for county employees will be
held on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
2. When you call, you will reach the CSEA Mammography Program “Hotline” Voice Mail System.
Please leave your name, daytime phone number and best time to be reached. A scheduler from the
Breast Imaging Center will promptly return your phone call and schedule your examination.
3. Fill out a departmental time and leave slip; check “other,” and write “mammography screening.”
Submit it to your supervisor.
4. Mammography screening will be given with no out of pocket expense to you. Your insurance
company will be billed. If you have insurance, bring your insurance card with you, and an employee
ID card if you have one. Also bring your prior mammographic films with you, if you have any.
5. Aparking map is available upon request. Designated parking spaces on the map will be free of
charge or you may park at your own expense in the paid parking lot. Inside NUMC, follow the rose-
colored “Breast Imaging Center’ signs.
6. Upon returning to work, you will be required to submit documentation to your Department. The
documentation will be supplied by NUMC at the time of the examination.
7. You will be excused with authorization and will be granted leave without loss of time or
pay for travel and examination.
CSEA NASSAU COUNTY LOCAL 830 UNION MEMBER NEWS
Veterans Corner
ExPReESS 1
“Children of the Fallen” Formed on Long Island
By Edward G. Aulman
Nassau County Veterans Service Agency
Leonard Wahl, father of Sgt. Gregory Wahl who
died last year in Iraq and left a wife and young
daughter, has started an organization to benefit the
children of Long Island's killed in action from the
war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Fifteen service people
have died in Iraq from Nassau and Suffolk
counties, several have left very young children. The
group hosted a Memorial Dinner Dance in July.
Lynbrook Loses a Son
Jeffrey L. Wiener grew up in Lynbrook. He died
May 7 in Iraq serving with the Marines as a Navy
Corpsman. The volunteer firefighter was a “great
guy” according to Mike Ciaramella, who worked
with Wiener at the Nassau County Police
Ambulance Bureau from 2000 to 2002. HM2
Wiener joined the Navy Reserve after leaving
Nassau County and when he was activated he
found himself fighting in the same country his
brother, also a Marine, had served. Jeffrey Wiener
leaves a wife, Maria Theresa, and two daughters;
Theodora, 2, and Mikayla, 6. A fund has been set
up for the family. Donations can be sent to Maria
Theresa Wiener c/o Washington Mutual Bank, P.O.
Box 65, Yapank, N.Y. 11980 Attn: Krisha E. Kurtz.
Veterans Benefits Book
It may not be the “anything you ever wanted to
know about Veterans Affairs benefits” source book
but the Federal Benefits for Veterans and
Dependents is an excellent handbook and will
answer most questions about veterans’ benefits.
The handbook can be downloaded free from the VA
web site at http://www.va.gov/opa/feature/. In
addition to health care and burial benefits, veterans
may be eligible for programs providing home
guaranties, educational assistance, training and
rehabilitation, income assistance pensions, life
insurance and compensation for service connected
illnesses or disabilities. In some cases survivors
may also be entitled to benefits.
Hire a Hero
Plans are being made for the 2005 Stand Down
for Homeless Veterans. November 14 is the likely
date. We are in search for a location at this time.
The Auxiliary of the Nassau County American
Legion has made a contribution that will fund this
year’s event. As part of the Stand Down,
transportation will be provided to any veteran who
wants to attend the Hire a Hero Job Fair at the
Javits Center in New York City Nov. 3.
Nassau County Salutes Veterans
Five distinguished Nassau County residents will
be recognized on Aug. 6 for their service to
veterans. County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi will
present the Distinguished Service to Veterans
Award to: Herbert A. Friedman, Bellmore; Michael
Guerriero, West Hempstead; Aaron Reiff, Port
Washington; Joel Tuchfeld, North Merrick; and
Raymond O'Connor, Seaford. The presentation of
awards will precede a United Service Organization
concert and featured performance by “The Return:
The Ultimate Beatles Tribute Band.” This year's
salute remembers the 30th anniversary of the end
of the Vietnam War. Color Guards are welcome.
The activities begin at 6:45 p.m.
VJ Day Remembered
The Cradle of Aviation Museum will celebrate the
end of World War II by providing all veterans and
guests with free admission to the museum on Aug.
14. Aceremony will take place at noon with a
special plaque commemorating the role that Long
Island residents played here and abroad to support
the war effort. The plaque will be presented to Ed
Aulman, director of the Veterans Service Agency for
Nassau County and it will also be displayed on the
Cradle of Aviation’s Aerospace Honor Roll.
Displays of military artifacts and military history
will also be part of the day's activities providing
veterans and their families with an exciting day.
Employees of the Month
honored as the June
Antoinette Edouard, right, hospital aide at Nassau University
Medical Center, and Jonathan Johnson, custodial worker at A.
Holly Patterson Extended Care
Facility, both of Roosevelt, were
the Month” at their respective
facilities. Edouard was recognized
for being conscientious, trustworthy 5
and reliable in her current role as an |
aide in the medical intensive care
unit. Johnson was recognized for
consistently arriving to work early,
for his outgoing nature with the
residents of the nursing home and
for being conscientious in making
sure the facility is always clean.
“Employees of
8 ExPRESS
(CSEA NASSAU COUNTY LOCAL 830 UNION MEMBER NEWS
A Message From Long Island Region President Nick LaMorte
Greetings Brothers and
Sisters,
Now that the political waters
are calming down, and with so
many newly elected officers
taking the helm, especially at
the local level,
| would like to ask that we all take a moment to
reflect on this truth:
We are all one union. We are all CSEA.
It doesn’t matter whether you have held elected
office for one month, one decade, or if we've never
held any office in the union. It doesn’t matter
whether we work in a library, a government office, or
out of a boat or a truck, we face common
challenges and we must face those challenges
together. In the words of President Abe Lincoln:
“A house divided against itself cannot stand.”
No matter who we are, we are all stronger when we
stand united. That's why I'm so proud of the way
that Jerry Laricchiuta and your new local officers
have conducted themselves so far. They
understand that all members of the local belong to
this union, and that it is only by working together, in
solidarity, that we can advance this union forward.
They understand that our entire union can be
defined by the way each member is served. As
officers, we must realize that this is an awesome
responsibility. | am confident that they are up to the
challenges that lay ahead.
It is up to all officers, shop stewards and
representatives of this union to understand and
make real CSEA's Mission Statement through the
work they do every day:
As working men and women — every one and
everywhere — we are our greatest resource.
We organize and represent workers to ensure our
voice is heard, our place at the table is kept and the
American dream is ours in the 21st century.
As a labor union, we hold these values as our
working principles:
Honesty: We are honest with ourselves and each
other.
Inclusiveness: Every group, every idea is welcomed.
Full Participation: We encourage and expect full
participation in all union matters.
Respect: We respect each other and honor our
differences.
Diversity: We celebrate our diversity and use it to
strengthen us.
Open Communications: We listen and provide for
open communication across all parts of our union
and in all directions.
Accountability: We are accountable for our actions
and decisions.
Fiscal Responsibility: We conduct our business in a
fiscally sound manner.
As a labor union, we are committed to union
democracy and we follow these values with integrity.
CSEA exists to serve our members. As long as we
Advice From the State Comptroller
Update Your Beneficiary Designation
It doesn’t matter whether you have
held elected office for one month,
one decade, or if we've never held
any Office in the union. It doesn’t
matter whether we work in a library, a
government office, or out of a boat or
a truck, we face common
challenges and we must face
those challenges together. In the
words of President Abe Lincoln:
“A house divided against itself
cannot stand.”
maintain that perspective, everything else should
fall into place. So, Let’s get to work!
In solidarity,
el lent
Long Island Région
The New York State Comptroller's Office (OSC) is advising members of the
NYS Retirement System to take steps to protect their beneficiaries.
“No one likes to think about dying, but if you were to become terminally ill,
there are things you can do to protect your beneficiaries after your death,” said
Comptroller Alan Hevesi.
“While we understand that this is a difficult time for anyone going through it,
and contacting us might not be high on a priority list, don’t forget that we will play
a critical role in the lives of your beneficiaries if you were to pass away,” Hevesi
said.
If you have not updated your beneficiary designation in a while, or are not
sure who you have designated, OSC suggests that you check your most recent
Member Annual Statement or contact OSC directly.
There are many reasons you might want to change your beneficiary, such as
marriage, birth of a child, divorce or separation or the death of the original
designee. To do so, complete a Designation of Beneficiary form, available on
the OSC website (www.osc.state.ny.us), or from your employer.
“Remember, the law requires us to pay any benefit due to the person listed
on the Designation of Beneficiary form, even if you filled it out years ago,” Hevesi
said.
In addition to verifying your beneficiaries, Hevesi suggests that you contact
OSC to find out other benefits to which you may be entitled or what other
services OSC can provide for you. Hevesi said it is important that you designate
power of attorney to someone, if necessary.
The bottom line is, the more informed and prepared you are, the better you
can provide for your loved ones after you are gone.
CSE Long Island Region o
-E6ng Island Ragone
Suffolk Municipal President Bill Walsh swears in the unit presidents of the local.
AKE RONKONKOMA — Nearly 200 Suffolk Local and unit officers,
guests, vendors and friends of the union gathered at Windows on
the Lake for the installation of the officers who will lead the local and
its three dozen units for the next four years.
Newly installed President Bill Walsh said that the job of the union was to serve its 3,000-plus members.
“Our mission in putting this executive board together is to try to give our members everything they deserve,” he said. “We will try to
give our members 110 percent. We're going to reach out and touch every single member.
Please see Installation, continued on Page 3
rl re
ft 1
The officers of the Suffolk Municipal Local 852 are sworn in by Long Island Region
President Nick LaMorte.
Installation
continued from Page 1
“That's our purpose, that's our goal
and we'll achieve it.”
Walsh has served as president of
the Brookhaven Blue Collar unit and
as an officer of the local since 1989.
He is a member of the Long Island
Region Political Action Committee and
a former committee chairperson, and
a past recipient of CSEA’s Local
Government Mission Achievement
Award.
Long Island Region President Nick
LaMorte, who installed the officers,
said he was very pleased that the
local had brought an experienced
union leader to the forefront. “It's just
great to see Bill in action,” LaMorte
said. “In Southold, where they were
without a contract, Bill showed
leadership, integrity and honesty. [See
Southold contract story on Page 8.]
He will be the cornerstone of a union
that will serve every member.”
Suffolk Muncipal Local President Bill
Walsh presented a thank you gift to 852
office manager Maureen Sullivan for all of
her hard work.
In his talk, Walsh paid tribute to
Executive Vice President Irv Bitman,
who just stepped down from the local
presidency, and extended the local's
best wishes on his impending
retirement from the Town of
Huntington. Bitman, president of the
Huntington unit, has been a CSEA
activist for more than 20 years.
The local president presented a
plaque to CSEA Labor Relations
Specialist Stephanie Engster, who
worked with several of the units, and
is transferring to another CSEA region
upstate.
Walsh presented flowers to
Maureen Sullivan, the local's office
secretary, saying, “Without Maureen
Sullivan, this local doesn’t exist.”
He also announced the
appointment of members to several
Suffolk Local committees.
This is the first in a series of profiles that are being done to introduce you to the new
local presidents in the Long Island Region.
Mangual To Lead CSEA Local
Manny Mangual has been elected to
lead one of the locals in the CSEA
Long Island Region. Mangual now
represents about 900 members of the
CSEA Pilgrim Psychiatric Center
Local, which includes clerical,
housekeeping, maintenance, food
service, nursing and other CSEA-
represented support staff at Pilgrim
State.
Mangual has risen through the ranks at CSEA, holding numerous positions like
Shop Steward, Delegate, 3rd Vice President and Executive Vice President since he
started working for the state in the 1970's at Kings Park Psychiatric Center. He
came to work as a Mental Hygiene Therapy Aide at Pilgrim in 1985. So he knows
what challenges the workers encounter every day.
“MHTA’s are responsible for the direct care of clients in their daily living routines,”
he said. s“Their duties can include bathing, feeding and grooming, depending on the
client's level of development. But the eventual goal is to help them become
independent, contributing members of the community,” said Mangual.
Mangual, the son of a garment worker and federal employee, said he believes
firmly in union building, because it gives a voice and lends strength to individuals
that they would not have otherwise, in determining the terms and conditions of their
employment. “Democratic unions helped make this country great,” said Mangual.
“Union participation, like in CSEA, promotes equitable treatment and opportunities
for any person to get ahead,” he said.
“Manny doesn't hesitate to tell it like it is,” said CSEA Long Island Region
President Nicholas LaMorte. “He's a sharp, energetic guy who fights hard for our
members. He has been a mentor, as one of our leaders in the internal local union
training instruction program, called LUTI, where we help train the union leaders of
the future. So | know that the CSEA members in Local 418 are in very good hands,
and | look forward to working closely with him,” said LaMorte.
Like most activists, Mangual remembers clearly what spurred him into union
activism, shortly after he came to work at Pilgrim. “I had a grievance and | ended up
having to represent myself. The then president felt that he had advised me enough
for me to handle it on my own, but | didn’t feel like | had the knowledge | needed to
do the job. And | decided | never wanted to feel that way ever again,” he said.
Despite all the training he has undergone, Mangual said, “The more | learn, the
more | know | need to learn!”
So he wants to encourage CSEA members to learn all they can about how CSEA
works, because an educated union member is a strong union member. “I believe
that all members need to be responsible for educating themselves as to their
contractual rights and their union. After all, this is the member's union, and their
participation will only make us stronger,” he said.
“| want the state to recognize that our members have valuable skills, and make
important contributions to the community by offering certification programs and
opportunities for advancement. As mental health care evolves, | want to make sure
the members can evolve along with it, so that our people who already do an
excellent job, can continue to provide essential services in the future,” said Mangual.
“As state employees, we are one of the state's finest resources. We just want
respect on the job,” he said.
3
Long Island Reporter
PHOTO OF THE MONTH
SOUTHAMPTON — Hayley Elizabeth Curtis, daughter of
Gregg Curtis, a member of CSEA’s Town of Southampton
Unit, has been awarded an Irving Flaumenbaum
Scholarship Award for college study.
London, Conn., and major in liberal arts.
She was valedictorian of her class at Hampton Bays
High School.
The union annually awards 18 $1,000 scholarships to
Flaumenbaum scholar headed for Connecticut College
graduating high school seniors who are the children of
CSEA members in New York state. The awards honor the
memory of Irving Flaumenbaum, who served as president
of the Long Island Region and international vice president
Hayley, 18, plans to attend Connecticut College in New _ of the American Federation of State, County and
Municipal Employees.
Gregg Curtis, an eight-year town employee, works in
the parks department.
Curtis and Cheryl, his wife, are also the parents of two
sons, Travis, 22, a Marine Corps corporal stationed in
Iraq, and Connor, 13, a student at Hampton Bays Middle
School.
Holding bouquet, Hayley Curtis walks to the podium to
give this year’s valedictory address at Hampton Bays
High School.
G teetings Brothers and Sisters,
Now that the political waters are calming down, and with
so many newly elected officers taking the helm,
especially at the local level, | would like to ask that we
all take a moment to reflect on this truth:
We are all one union. We are all CSEA.
It doesn’t matter whether you have held elected office
for one month, one decade, or if we've never held any
Office in the union. It doesn’t matter whether we work in
a library, a government office, or out of a boat or a truck,
we face common challenges and we must face
those challenges together. In the words of President
Abe Lincoln:
“A house divided against itself cannot stand.”
No matter who we are, we are all stronger when we
stand united. That's why it's so important that the newly
elected reach out to those who did not win, because
they do have a wealth of knowledge and experience to
offer, which can help the officers serve our members.
Our entire union can be defined by the way each
member is served. As officers, we must realize that this
is an awesome responsibility.
It is up to all officers, shop stewards and representatives
of this union to understand and make real CSEA’s
Mission Statement through the work they do every day:
As working men and women — every one and
everywhere — we are our greatest resource.
2
Long Island Reporter
Message from Long Island Region President
Nick LaMorte
We organize and
represent workers to
ensure our voice is
heard, our place at the table
is kept and the American dream is ours in the
21st century.
As a labor union, we hold these values as our
working principles:
CSEA exists to serve our members. As long as we
maintain that perspective, everything else should fall
into place. So, Let's get to work!
Honesty: We are honest with ourselves and each other.
Inclusiveness: Every group, every idea is welcomed.
Full Participation: We encourage and expect full In solidarity,
participation in all union matters.
Respect: We respect each other and honor our
differences. Nick LaMorte, president
Long Island Region
Diversity: We celebrate our diversity and use it to
Strengthen us.
Open Communications: We listen and provide for open
communication across all parts of our union and in all
directions.
Accountability: We are accountable for our actions and
decisions.
Fiscal Responsibility: We conduct our business in a Nie ni
fiscally sound manner.
As a labor union, we are committed to union democracy
and we follow these values with integrity.
=== Inside Reporter
Several Long Island elections certified
— CSEA%s statewide Election Committee has certified the results of officer elections in 10 Long
Island Region locals.
The elected officers will serve four-year terms that began July 1 and end June 30, 2009.
Certified election results from other locals will be reported as they become available.
Long Island State Employees Local: President: George Kalamaras, Executive Vice President:
Cynthia Turk, 1st Vice President: Gail Carroll, 2nd Vice President: Andre Sigmone, Recording
Secretary: Joseph Payton and Treasurer: Sandra Richardson.
Long Island Judiciary Local: President: unfilled, 1st Vice President: Patrick Annunziata,
Recording Secretary: Linda Luhrs and Treasurer: Dennis Downer.
Long Island Developmental Disabilities Service Office Local: President: Daryl Wilson,
Executive Vice President: Veronica Oliver, 1st Vice President: Peter Marriott, 2nd Vice President:
Edward Hand, 3rd Vice President: Michaelle Jackson, Recording Secretary: Tyrone Rose and
Treasurer: Gloria Cannon.
Long Island Department of Transportation Local: President: Bill Stodolski, 1st Vice
President: Jill Mallon, Recording Secretary: Stacey Pagan and Treasurer: Lou Farino.
State University of New York at Stony Brook Local: President: Carlos Speight, Executive
Vice President: Debbie Nappi-Gonzalez, 2nd Vice President: Joseph Longo, 3rd Vice President:
Aldoray Cowell, 4th Vice President: Ramon Valdez, Recording Secretary: Jimmy McPherson,
Treasurer: Louise Melious and Delegates: Martin Catapano, Keith Krejei and Richard Tuckosh.
State University of New York at Old Westbury Local: President: Mary D'Antoni, 1st Vice
President: Laura Gallagher, 2nd Vice President: Tommy Noble and Secretary-Treasurer: Karen
Carlen-Murray.
Nassau Local: President: Jerry Laricchiuta, Executive Vice President: Diane Russ, 1st Vice
President: Ron Gurrieri, 2nd Vice President: Robert Cauldwell, 3rd Vice President: Debra
The officers of LIDC Local 430 prepare for a meeting at the Long Island Region office.
From left to right, Pete Marriott, 1st vice president, Michaelle Jackson, 3rd vice
president, Ronnie Oliver, executive vice president; Darryl Wilson, president; Gloria
Cannon, treasurer; Eddie Hand, 2nd vice president, Tyrone Rose, secretary.
The officers of Pilgrim Psychiatric Local were sworn in by CSEA Long Istand Region
Imperatore, 4th Vice President: Scott Mulholland, 5th Vice President: Timothy Carter, 6th Vice
President: Earl Stroughton, 7th Vice President: Debra O'Connell, 8th Vice President: Barbara Lang,
9th Vice President: Robert McLaughlin, 10th Vice President: John Aloisio Ill, 11th Vice President:
Peter Kiernan, Recording Secretary: Matthew Weyer, Treasurer: Beth Luttinger and Alternate
Delegates: Lynne Kramer, Kelvin Lewis and Douglas Mayer.
Suffolk County Local: President: Bill Walsh, Executive Vice President: Irv Bitman, 1st Vice
President: Pat Fisher, 2nd Vice President: Meg Shutka, 3rd Vice President: Matt Hattorff, 4th Vice
President: Bill Parente, 5th Vice President: Dave Clark, 6th Vice President: Nick Zambelli, 7th Vice
President: Richard Vacchio, Recording Secretary: Jeanne McCarthy, Corresponding Secretary:
James McDowell and Treasurer: Debbie Trapp.
Oyster Bay Town Local: President: Augie Buckhardt, Executive Vice President; Bobby Rauf,
‘st Vice President: John Andersen, 2nd Vice President: Alex Bard, 3rd Vice President: Rocco
De’Rienzo, 4th Vice President: Bette James, th Vice President: Martin Edie, Recording Secretary:
Barbara Huben and Treasurer: Pat Kabelka.
Nassau County Municipals Local: President: John Shepherd, Executive Vice President: Kathy
DiBari, 1st Vice President: Eleanor Arnost, 2nd Vice President: Steve Cuomo, 3rd Vice President:
Dan LoMonte, Recording Secretary: Madeline Horne, Treasurer: Michael Delasant and Delegate:
Oi ster "
yster Bay Local elections
JERICHO— The new slate of Oyster Bay Town Local officers was sworn in by Region President
Nick LaMorte at a ceremony at the Milleridge Inn on July 16.
din Oro
President Nick LaMorte. From left to right, Carol Guardiano, treasurer, Louie Giordano,
secretary, Dink Smith, 1st vice president, Catherine Custance, executive vice president,
Manny Mangual, president. Not pictured, Herman Wiliams, 2nd vice president.
The officers of the CSEA State Employees Local 016 at their first meeting of the new term.
From left to right, in front, sitting: Treasurer Sandy Richardson, 1st Vice President Gail
4 Long Island Reporter
Attending the installtion on behalf of the Longwood Public Library unit
are, left to right, Debbie Antolini, Dianne Roberts, Rose Walls and Kitty
Grinnell.
The officers are President Augie Buckhardt, Executive Vice President Bobby Rauf, First Vice
President John Andersen, Second Vice President Alex Bard, Third Vice President Rocco
De’Rienzo, Fourth Vice President Bette James, Fifth Vice President Martin Edie, Treasurer Pat
Kabelka and Recording Secretary Barbara Huben.
‘Among those attending the installation were three Oyster Bay Town Council members,
Anthony Macagnone, Mary McCaffrey and Chris Coshignano.
Region President Nick LaMorte, left, swears in the officers of Oyster Bay Town Local, President
Augie Buckhardt, Executive Vice President Bobby Rauff, First Vice President John Andersen, 2nd
Vice President Alex Bard, 3rd Vice President Rocco De'Rienzo, Sth Vice President Martin Edie,
4th Vice President Bette James, Treasurer Pat Kabelka and Recording Secretary Barbara Huben.
After the swearing-in
ceremony, LaMorte, left,
chats with Buckhardt, Rauf
and Andersen.
Carroll. Standing in rear, Secretary Joe Payton, 2nd Vice President Andre
Sigmone, Executive Vice President Cynthia Turk and President George
Kalamaras.
president, and Joe Cannone, right, 1st vice president. With them is Labor
Relations Specialist Jimmy Wall
wen
The officers of the Town of Hempstead 880 being swom into office.
From left to right: Delegate Michael B. James; Treasurer Robert Murphy:
Recording Secretary Anne Marie Howe; 4th Vice President A.J. Smith; 3rd
Vice President Claudette Harrison; 2nd Vice President Joe Arena; 1st Vice
President Gary Steckler; Executive Vice President Charlie Selitto; and
President Bill Flanagan.
Long Island Reporter 5
SUNY Old Westbury holds annual
picnic and officer installation
OLD WESTBURY — Friday, July 15, was
a little too warm and a little too humid. It
was not your great summer day, but it
was still good enough for the 100
members of the SUNY Old Westbury local
and their families to enjoy the union’s
annual picnic on the campus.
The picnic had everything a picnic
should have. There was lots to eat —
burgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob,
salads, cans of soda from ice-filled
buckets and watermelon for dessert. A
disk jockey spun records. Retirees
brought children and grandchildren, and
sat talking with people they had worked
with for years. For the kids, there were
sack races and hula hoops to twirl, a
chance to run around on the grass and
water pistols to shoot off.
Region President Nick LaMorte mixed
business briefly with pleasure when he
installed the local's officers: President
Mary D'Antonio, First Vice President
Laura Gallagher, Second Vice President
Tommy Noble and Secretary-Treasurer
Karen Carlen-Murray.
Then it was back to the picnic.
Recreation
‘Tough town’ has tougher union
CENTRAL ISLIP — It's a tough town.
Clockwise from top right, two-year-old Liliana
Fucci watches as her aunt, Laura Gallagher,
standing, third from right, and other SUNY
Old Westbury local officers are sworn in by
Region President Nick LaMorte, left. Erin, 7,
Gallagher's daughter, also watches the
swearing-in of President Mary D'Antonio,
Second Vice President Tommy Noble and
Secretary-Treasurer Karen Carlen-Murray; local members
who work in the college’s Maintenance Department enjoy
picnic fare. From center foreground, clockwise around table,
are Nick Mangra, Napoleon Farfan, Bill Kimmins, Tommy
Noble, Scott Fisher, Frazier Hughes, Ed Sperling and Joe
Scutifero. With them, standing, is Mary D’Antonio, president
of the local; the Long Island Region PEOPLE Committee,
chaired by Rutha Bush of LIDDSO Local 430, left, was busy
signing up people for CSEA’s voluntary political action fund-
raising campaign. Victor Watson was one of the SUNY Old
Westbury local members who joined during the picnic; The
picnic gave retirees a good reason to come back to the campus and chat with old
friends. Enjoying the picnic are, from left, Millie Marsicano, who works in the library
and has 15 years of service at the college; Lucille Schettino, who worked in the Music
at SUNY Old Westbury, and Marilyn Zaiff, who retired and then returned to the
campus to work part-time in the Registrar's Office.
across-the-board increases.
That's what one member of the Central Islip Public
Library board told the CSEA unit when the board refused
to provide the step increases called for in the library's
contract with the union.
“We thought we were going to get what they agreed
to,” said Grace Perez, president of the unit, which is a
part of Suffolk Municipals Local.
Instead, at the beginning of the third year, the directors
disregarded the contractual steps in the agreement and
gave across-the-board increases to the 50 unit members.
“It's a tough town,” one director told the union, “and
you have to take what you can get.”
At the beginning of the contract's fourth year, the
directors again disregarded the agreement and gave
The union responded by taking the
library to court. Paul Levitt, CSEA Suffolk
regional attorney, is representing the library
unit. A hearing in State Supreme Court is
scheduled for late July.
“It is a tough town,” said Perez. “We're
fighting back.”
Jackie Scannella, vice president of the
unit, said that everyone in the unit is sticking
together in fighting to uphold the contract. Members
include librarians, principal, senior and library clerks and
maintenance employees, full- and part-time.
The unit's other officers are Debbie Ambrico, secretary,
and Diane Pedraza, treasurer. Ken Brotherton is the
Above, leaders of the Central Islip Library Unit of Suffolk Municipals Local
are, left to right, Diane Pedraza, Jackie Scannella, Debbie Ambrico and
President Grace Perez.
CSEA labor relations specialist who works with the unit.
6
Long Island Reporter
©)
id=the=RKe gion
Calendar of Upcoming Events: August 2005
3 -NYS Partnership Meeting with State Local
Presidents Only — 6 p.m.
6 - Defensive Driving — 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
9- PEOPLE Committee Meeting — 5 p.m.
45 Women’s Committee Meeting — 5:30 p.m.
47 - Defensive Driving — 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
48 - Defensive Driving — 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
25 - Local 430 Shop Steward Meeting —
5:30 p.m. — Ronnie Oliver 495-1802
30 - Political Action Committee Meeting —
5:30 p.m.
City of Long Beach unit
Training for on-the-job safety
and health hazards saves city $$
LONG BEACH — Eight members of
CSEA's City of Long Beach unit
recently took a 10-hour training
program that increased their
knowledge of on-the-job safety and
health hazards.
Subjects covered in the course
included electrical safety, personal
protective equipment, excavation and
trenches, flammable/combustible
liquids, blood borne pathogens and
the state's Public Employees Safety
and Health (PESH) regulations.
Conducting the class sessions
were David Guiliano, CSEA
occupational safety and health
trainer/coordinator, and Komilla John,
the CSEA occupational safety and
health specialist who serves the Long
Island Region.
The union members work in the
city's water purification, water
transmission and sewer departments.
The program was set up through
an agreement by the city and the
union and financed by a state
Department of Labor grant, which
saved the city money. “Since the city
improved the existing medical plan,
we figured we could save the city
some money and bring the training
here,” said Colleen Silvia, president
of the CSEA unit that represents 200
employees of the city. “We want to
thank Charles Theofan, the city
manager, and Garrett Rooney, the
assistant city manager, for providing
comp time and released time and the
use of the facilities.”
The next occupational health and
safety class is planned for January
2006, and Silvia said she expects the
class to be larger.
Above, looking over manual for the
course are, left to right, Michael
Abramson of the sewer department and
Mike Longin and Dennis Johnson of
water transmission.
William Ryan, right, takes
notes during OSHA class.
At rear are Ron Ebright,
left, and Billy Notholt.
Suffolk Co-op Library Service Local plans
for negotiations
BELLPORT — Negotiators for the 70 members of Suffolk Co-
operative Library Service Local have presented the union's proposal
on a contract reopener to the library management.
“The management will review the proposal and get back to us,”
said James Baletta, president of the local and one of the negotiators.
“The library has a board meeting on July 20. A few days after, we
should have some feedback as to their reaction.”
Bargaining for the union members also are Treasurer John
Richardson, Vice President Eileen Milewski and Recording Secretary
Terese McCormick.
The reopener is part of the local’s contract with the library, which
runs until Dec. 31, 2007.
Local members include librarians, clerical and maintenance
workers, technicians, drivers and Internet specialists. They provide a
number of essential coordinating services to 56 public libraries in
Suffolk County and library users throughout the county.
Above, CSEA members
taking the class are,
seated, left to right, Ron
Ebright, Billy Notholt,
Tyrone Lyons, Rodney
By Hirschfeld, William Ryan,
Michael Abramson, Dennis
"| Johnson and Mike Longin.
_| Standing at rear, left to
tight, are Colleen Silvia,
president of the City of
Long Beach unit, David
Guiliano, OSHA
trainer/coordinator at
CSEA headquarters in
Albany, and Komilla John,
Long Island Region
occupational safety and
health specialist.
7
Long Island Reporter
‘= ar re 5
CSEA members from the towns of Riverhead, Brookhaven, Smithtown and Huntington,
the villages of Greenport and Lake Grove and the Southold School District were among
fellow unionists who demonstrated in support of the Southold members. Bill Walsh,
kneeling, fifth from left, is president of Suffolk Municipals Local.
SOUTHOLD — After a difficult and very public campaign that stretched for more than two
years, the 160 members of the CSEA Town of Southold Unit have ratified a new five-year
contract by a better than 2:1 ratio.
During the 30 months they worked without a contract, members held numerous
demonstrations, addressed the town board, and contacted local media with press
releases, paid advertisements and letters to the editor to gain community support.
“The hard work of public employees in Southold was recognized
by the public, who showed support for the membership and helped
us get a fair and equitable contract,” said Tom Skabry, one of the
negotiators and a unit vice president. “And with the help of (Long
Island Region President) Nick LaMorte and Bill Walsh, president of
our local, we were able to muster our brothers and sisters from other
CSEA units.”
After the long battle, the unit gained a greater sense of solidarity. a
“The past is past and now we're moving forward together,” Skabry » 4
sald: Tom Skabry
The contract provides a 10 percent across-the-board wage
increase retroactive to Jan. 1, 2005, a 3.5 percent boost in 2006 and 3.75 percent raise in
2007. The agreement expires Dec. 31, 2007.
The town has agreed to fully pay the Employee Benefit Fund costs for dental and
optical coverage, up from the prior 70 percent/30 percent split.
Akey sticking point, aside from wages, was health insurance. The town wanted the
unit to move from the current self-insured plan to mirror any future changes in the Empire
Plan, thereby relieving the town of the responsibility to negotiate with the union over future
health insurance changes and drastically increasing members’ possible medical costs.
In a compromise, the members agreed to mirror the Empire Plan but with cost
containment safeguards and a cap in place to protect the workers. Any other changes
must be negotiated through a labor/management committee that was established to
monitor and discuss future health insurance changes. The town board and the unit's
executive board must approve any such changes.
The negotiators were Mike Caprise, unit president; Robert Harney, Christine Stulsky,
Brian Weingart and Skabry.
The unit represents all town employees except elected officials, managerial
employees, seasonal workers and police officers. Members of the unit are highway,
buildings and grounds, solid waste, police communications and clerical workers,
Nutritionists, town planners and bay constables. Four members of the highway department
maintain the roads on Fishers Island, which is in Block Island Sound, 10 miles from the
easternmost tip of the North Fork.
In its recent election, the Southold members elected Harney as president, Christine
Fogarty as secretary and Claire Glew as treasurer. Skabry was re-elected vice president.
APPROVED
North Hempstead ratifies contract
MANHASSET — Members of the Town of North Hempstead Unit of Nassau Municipals
Local recently ratified the terms of a five-year agreement with the town.
The pact provides a 3 percent increase retroactive to Jan. 1 of this year, 3 percent
more next Jan. 1, 2 percent on Jan. 1, 2007, 2 percent July 1, 2007, 2 percent on Jan.
1, 2008, 2 percent that July 1, 2.5 percent on Jan. 1, 2009 and a final 2.5 percent July
1 of that year.
With steps and compounding, President Dan LoMonte estimated the value of the
pact at 25 to 27 percent over the term of the contract.
The agreement extends health care coverage to domestic partners of employees,
similar to that provided by Nassau County for its employees.
“We revised the grievance procedure to make it more user-friendly,” said LoMonte,
“and we got rid of mediation and went to advisory arbitration.”
He said that one extremely important gain in the agreement guarantees retiring
members fully-paid health insurance for retirement. The retirees’ spouse or domestic
partner will have part of the cost of the coverage paid after the retiree’s death.
The unit represents 300 members who provide essential services to residents of
some of the wealthiest communities in Nassau County. Members maintain the town’s
highways, parks, beaches and golf courses, staff the town’s offices, serve as bay
constables, enforce town codes, review building plans and work with senior citizens.
Negotiating for the unit members were Sandra Lavenziano, Kevin Williams, Anne
Zwirlein, Barry Diaferia and LoMonte. CSEA Labor Relations Specialist Jim DellaRocca
assisted the bargaining team.
The town's negotiators were Rick Finkel, the town attorney, Helene Beckerman and
Chris Senior, deputy supervisor.
Negotiations started in March of last year and went well despite some problems
with language. “We never had a bad session, always positive,” said LoMonte. “Both
sides were very well prepared and it just took a while to get general consensus, as it
often does.”
He said that the union is still negotiating with the town on schedules of parks
department workers. “It's an ongoing problem we're trying to resolve,” said the unit
president. “We hope to make some progress on it.”
Oyster Bay slates blood drive
OYSTER BAY — The Town of Oyster Bay Local is participating in the community's
next blood drive, which will take place on Thursday, Aug. 18.
Collections will be made at four sites. The hours are 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at
the Sanitation Division, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Town Hall North in Oyster Bay,
from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Department of Public Works’ war room on Miller
Place and 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Town Hall South in Massapequa.
Donations traditionally trickle off during the summer, and donors are needed to
help replenish depleted supplies.
Donna Antetomaso chairs the union participation. Town Council Member Joe
Muscarella and Maryann Hughes, his secretary, are in overall charge of the blood
collection. More information is available by calling Hughes at (516) 624-6304.
8
Long Island Reporter
