Governor’s ; Saving taxpayer money ; Are OK for Y2K?
mental health stunner i at Belleayre : Paiee a 1 —
DECEMBER 1999
,
At the
89th
Annual
Delegates
Meeting...
Annual Delegates Meeting
drives CSEA into the future
WASHINGTON — As the new millennium approaches, union and
political leaders should fight to preserve for the future the sizable
gains that have been won for workers over the years.
That was the message delivered to CSEA delegates at the
union’s 89th annual meeting held in October.
In his State of the Union message, CSEA
President Danny Donohue pointed to the
union’s member mobilization effort as a
reminder that the fight to protect working
families is up to every member.
“The issues that we fought for over the
years can never be taken for granted. Every
member must understand how important it is
that they be part of this union. Because, we
may have come a long way, but every benefit,
and every protection we have, are subject to
be taken back if our members are not
Donohue involved,” Donohue said.
Union clout acknowledged
First lady Hillary Rodham Clinton reminded delegates the
minimum wage, employer-provided health
insurance, the 40-hour week and workers’
compensation are a few of the issues unions
have made progress on but warned there is
still work to do.
“Our work can never be finished just as
the union’s work can never be finished,”
Clinton said.
“We've made a lot of progress together,
but that progress
‘| could be reversed if
people who don’t
share those values
hold office into the
next century.”
Vice President Al
Gore told delegates he wants to maintain
the current administration’s pro-union
stance and ensure the dignity of the work
force in America.
“As part of this Clinton/Gore
administration, | am proud that every time
Congress has sent this president an anti-
union measure he has vetoed it, without
hesitation, every single time,” Gore said.
“And with your help, if they try it after the year 2000, I will veto
it. | guarantee it. We won't let anti-union measures come across the
Oval Office desk.”
Clinton
December 1999
Page 2
THE WORK FORCE
Put working families first
Gerald McEntee, president of the
American Federation of State, County and
Municipal Employees (AFSCME), CSEA’s
international union, said it was time the
agenda of working families took center
| stage.
“Everybody has been enjoying this
economy but us, the people who have
sacrificed to make it great,” McEntee said.
“Well I say, sisters and brothers, to (Gov.
George) Pataki, (New York City Mayor
Rudolph) Guiliani, and every politician in
New York and the United States that
AFSCME is coming. And those that aren’t
with us better get the hell out of the way,” McEntee said.
McEntee
Takes issue with Pataki
AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer William Lucy
hammered that point home as he pledged the
international’s continued support with CSEA’s
contract fight with Pataki.
“We will fight with you, march with you, rally
with you, demonstrate with you until you
receive a contract that is fair and equitable
and Pataki can take that to the bank,” Lucy
told the delegates. “Everywhere he goes he
will see the green machine in his face,” Lucy
said about AFSCME’s green logo and contract
activism.
“ Congressman Sherwood Boehlert, a moderate
Republican from Central New York who has
supported a number of issues important to
CSEA, said union leaders and politicians
should work together.
“Government is not the enemy,” he said. “It
should be a partner.”
Other speakers reminded delegates about
the importance of unions in the workplace.
Elaine Bernard, director of the Harvard
University Trade Union Program, said
unionization brings democracy into the
workplace.
“Democracy is the right to have a voice
and participate in decisions that affect you,”
she said. “And there is only one vehicle that
can give you that. And that is the collective voice of the union.”
Delegates also participated in a wide array of workshops, many
conducted by AFSCME and AFL-CIO staff, in addition to the
business sessions of the meeting.
Boehlert
— Ed Molitor
CSEA’s concerns finally heard
SANER POLICY
ALBANY — In a stunning and unexpected shift, Gov. George
Pataki has announced a freeze on any further downsizing of
state psychiatric centers for at least the next year. The
governor’s initiative also includes new funding for other
community-based mental health services, including
transitional housing.
The action comes as CSEA and other advocacy groups have
stepped up public pressure on the administration over its
continued neglect of the mental health system.
While there are many questions about the specifics of the
governor's plan, CSEA president Danny Donohue welcomed
the action.
“There are a lot of problems with the mental health system
and until this point the administration has simply ignored
them,” Donohue said. “Now we are at least seeing some
recognition of the reality of what CSEA has been saying for
years,” he added.
The CSEA leader said he was especially encouraged by the
recognition that the state can’t just keep dumping patients
into the community.
CSEA. has long argued that patients remaining in psychiatric
centers are so severely ill that they cannot easily be treated
outside a hospital setting. The union has also pointed out that too
many discharged patients have fallen through the cracks of the
system because of inadequate and often unavailable community
follow-up care.
“There is a great opportunity here to really improve the system
of care for people with mental illness,” said CSEA South Beach
Psychiatric Center Local President Joel Schwartz, who chairs the
union’s mental hygiene advisory committee.
“I can only hope that the governor is sincere about working with
us to do something meaningful rather than just responding to the
public hammering he’s been getting,” Schwartz said.
The Metro Section
The New York Eimes
Report Faults CareofMan Who Pushed Woman Onto Tracks
CSEA’s persistent criticism of state mental health system problems
along with high-profile tragedies like the murder of Kendra Webdale
by a seriously mentally ill man who fell between the system’s cracks
have forced Gov. Pataki to finally take action.
“I'm encouraged because we have a lot of individuals who need
treatment and the state has an obligation to help them, not just
show them the door,” said CSEA Buffalo Psychiatric Center Local
President Robert Mootry.
“This is long overdue,” added CSEA Pilgrim Psychiatric Center
Local President Jim Wall. “It just makes me very angry that people
had to die before the governor took this action,” he said.
“The problems are still here for all our members and the
patients every day,” said Hudson River Psychiatric Center Local
President Judy Watts Devine. “Maybe we can start to get some
relief.”
Middletown PC workers assaulted on the job
MIDDLETOWN — Inadequate staffing and
younger, more aggressive clients continue to
take their toll on state psychiatric center County jail.
patient pressed charges at the urging of Hewitt
and the patient was taken to the Orange
Although mandated staffing levels call for
two nurses and three therapy aides, Hewitt
pointed out that both nurses work with the
workers as CSEA tries to make these volatile
work places safer,
Two Middletown Psychiatric Center
employees were assaulted during a two-day
span, leaving both physically injured and
emotionally traumatized.
According to Local President Diane Hewitt, a
25-year mental health therapy aide was
working with two other therapy aides on a
ward with 30 patients when one suddenly
lunged at her, tried to strangle her and
knocked her to the floor.
Another patient jumped in to help the
therapy aide, and was injured when the
attacking patient smashed her with a chair.
Both the therapy aide and the second
Two days later, a secure care worker was
bitten by a patient who had recently been
transferred to the secure ward of Middletown
Psychiatric Center from a group home run by
Letchworth Developmental Center, Hewitt said.
“He viciously bit her upper arm and broke
the skin,” said Hewitt, who also advised the
secure care aide to press charges. “The
patient’s brother was very angry that we had
him arrested and he was sent to jail. The
brother bailed the patient out and he was sent
right back here,” Hewitt added.
CSEA lays blame for these assaults at the
front door of the state Office of Mental Health
(OMH),
Hewitt said staffing is woefully inadequate.
December 1999
doctors and are not constantly on the floor
with the patients.
In addition, therapy aides are not replaced
when they leave the job and the dangerous
policy of mandatory overtime to keep staffing
levels up is becoming more prevalent, union
leaders said.
“It’s going to get worse with the holidays,”
Hewitt said about deteriorating staffing levels.
It’s no better in housekeeping, dietary and
maintenance where staffing is low, but Hewitt
said these department workers are
cross-trained so jobs can be filled temporarily,
allowing workers to take vacations and time
off.
— Anita Manley
THE WORK FORCE eeepc}
ISSN 1522-1091
Official publication of
SEA Local 1000, AFSCME, AFL-CIO
143 Washington Ave.
Albany, NY 12210-2303
Danny Donohue, President
STEPHEN A. MADARASZ
Communications Director & Publisher
STANLEY HORNAK
Asst. Director of Communications
RONALD S. KERMANI, Editor
LOU HMIELESKI, Assistant Editor
CATHLEEN HORTON
Graphic Design & Support Services
RALPH DISTIN, Graphic Artist
JANICE NUSBAUM
Communications Production Coordinator
BETH McINTYRE
Communications Secretary
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 web site
can be accessed at www.cseainc.org
Readers:
Send any comments, complaints, suggestions or ideas to:
| Publisher, The Work Force, 143 Washington Avenue,
| Albany, NY 12210-2303.
t
COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATES
SHERYL C, JENKS Long Island Region
(516) 462-0030
Metropolitan Region
(212) 406-2156
Southern Region
(914) 831-1000
Capital Region
(518) 785-4400
Central Region
33-0050,
ern Region
886-0391
Headquarters
(518) 257-1272
ANN CARROLL.
ANITA MANLEY
DAN CAMPBELL,
MARK M. KOTZIN
RON WOFFORD.
ED MOLITOR
The Committee
LONG ISLAND REGION John C. Shepherd
METROPOLITAN REGION Lamont “Dutch” Wade
SOUTHERN REGION Diane Hewitt
CAPITAL REGION Marguerite Stanley
CENTRAL REGION Bruce Damalt, Chair
WESTERN REGION James V. Kurtz
\ABOR COMMUN cy
A
ILA Pesca
rN Hoong wat
suru
T+ AFL-CIOICL'
ree a THE WORK FORCE
In Touch with the
O2 Jan. 5, Gov. George Pataki will deliver his
annual State of the State address at the Capitol
in Albany. CSEA members will be there — and I can
assure you the message we will deliver will be
strikingly different from what the governor says to the Legislature.
Enough is enough. CSEA members will stand up to be counted because
we're sick and tired of the lack of respect and shortchanging this
administration has shown toward us and other working people throughout this
state.
The governor just doesn’t seem to understand that complimenting state
workers about how great they are doesn’t pay our bills or feed our families.
We have to make him and the members of the Legislature realize the
only way to show the state work force some respect is to put it in our checks.
The governor and all of the politicians in New York also don’t
understand that all workers represented by CSEA will fight for the same kind of
respect.
We have to let them know CSEA members, whether they work for a
county, a school district, or a private hospital, all deserve to be treated fairly
and with respect for the work they do.
It’s vital we stand together on Jan. 5 and make it our day, not the
governor’s. We need all of our members to help send the message that CSEA is
New York’s leading union and a force that cannot and will not be denied, no
matter what the fight.
Details about our activities will follow in the weeks ahead — check with
your Local President. I ask you to start talking with your co-workers now about
participating.
If we are going to make a lasting impression on the governor and the
Legislature, it’s essential for every member who is able to attend and help
show that we’ve got the power!
December 1999
Understaffing, long hours spell
TIGSEN REPRESENTS
trouble for state veterans home
BATAVIA — The valuable work of giving
veterans medical and rehabilitative care is
losing its luster because understaffing and
mandated overtime are plaguing CSEA
members working at the New York State
Veterans Home.
“Many of us who have been here from
the start (1995) of the home have never
been so discouraged as we are with the
current, ongoing events,” said Roxanne
Hunt, a nursing assistant and union
member.
“We have recently had the minimum staff
levels lowered again, but that attempted
remedy is unsafe, and gives those on duty
more patients to be responsible for, so it’s
an increase in responsibility without
compensation. And the sheer exhaustion
mandating causes is dangerous,” she said.
“It creates a lot of stress for those of us
who have small children, to have to try and
make new child care arrangements, after
we are mandated to work overtime,” said
Wanda Donald, another direct care worker.
Forced overtime affects care
“You have the choice of volunteering for
a four-hour shift of OT, but if you don’t
volunteer, you get stuck with a mandatory
eight-hour overtime shift sometime during
the week. They’re using
CSEA member Wanda Donald, a hospital clinical
assistant, compiles a report at the New York State
Veterans Home in Batavia.
66
x
emergency overtime for a
scheduling tool, and it’s not
right,” Donald said.
The still-new, gleaming facility
has a bed capacity of about 126,
with a direct care staff of about
150 to work three shifts in five
cottages, according to Pete
Gingras, CSEA labor relations
specialist.
“There’s also a hiring freeze in
place,” said Gingras.
“There are about eight workers
out on workers’ comp, and
people are being denied vaca
time because of the problem. It’s
rough on all five units, but
especially on the Alzheimer’s
unit, where more intensive care
is required,” Gingras added.
“We've been trying to deal
with it through labor-
management, but they lowered
the staff minimums without any
(union) input,”
he said.
The workers
said the units
were originally required to have six staff
members on duty for days, four for
evenings and two for the overnight shift.
But lately the complement has been four
or five for days, three for evenings and two
overnight.
a a
400 WorKens iw THs WO
No good options
“The options open to us are to call in
sick and risk disciplinary action, and put
ourselves and co-workers at risk, or refuse
(mandatory overtime) and risk disciplinary
action,” said Hunt.
“But refusal of mandatory overtime is on
the rise due only to the reality of the
impossibility of working so many hours in
one week, and still do an outstanding job,”
Hunt added.
Employees said even when new workers
are hired, they sometimes don’t last too
long, often quitting within weeks when they
see the reality of the forced overtime
situation.
“We're mostly worried about the quality
of care dropping,” said Donald. “And we
can only provide good care when we are
not worn thin and threadbare.”
“Sometimes we go home not feeling very
good about what you haven’t been able to
do for the patients. We’re not supposed to
talk to the press about the internal
problems of the home. But if one of my
loved ones were in here under these
conditions, I’d be livid,” Donald said.
— Ron Wofford
; of the Work Force
n awful lot has to be done in one day and we do not always have the staffing we need. It’s
hard job. We try to put personal touches in the lives of the residents and to do that takes
time. We're not always given that time. 99
Angelina DiMeglio, head nurse and 10-year employee of Maplewood Manor
— Saratoga County nursing home
December
CeO Page S
Members can help shape future
of criminal justice system
Criminal justice professionals,
including CSEA members working in
corrections and law enforcement, will
soon have a chance to help shape the
future of the state’s criminal justice
system.
With a project called “Balancing Justice
in New York State,” the League of Women
Voters of New York State hopes to foster
discussion about criminal justice issues
at the community level.
Community discussion groups, which
will start in January, will allow citizens
and criminal justice professionals to
define priorities for the system, explore a
range of sentencing options, and work
together on areas they agree on.
CSEA President Danny Donohue is
encouraging members to become active
in the project.
“Our members who work in the jails,
the courts, probation and parole are what
make this system work,” Donohue said.
“And no one knows better than they do
how to make it work better,” he added.
The league hopes participants will get
involved in criminal justice issues
and be empowered to foster
changes in their communities
across the state.
Beginning in January,
discussion groups will examine
what the goals of the criminal
justice system should be.
Participants will then review
the present tem and the
various correctional approaches
that exist
The final session will focus on
how criminals in our state should
be dealt with while maintaining
the public safety.
A comprehensive report will be
published and presented to the
state Legislature in the spring of
2000.
A similar project in Oklahoma
recently convinced the
deadlocked Oklahoma Legislature
to pass the most comprehensive
GSEA REPRESENTS
criminal
justice
reform
legislation in that state’s history.
Members interested in participating in
the project may contact Rob Marchiony,
project coordinator, League of Women
Voters of New York State, 35 Maiden
Lane, Albany, NY 12207, (518) 465-4162.
E-mail: justice@lwvny.org.
ete Re
200 WorKens iy THis WO
— Ed Molitor
For-profit lockups don’t work
_] For-profit prisons operating in |
some states face serious security |
problems. |
_| One Ohio facility had 40 assaults,
including 20 stabbings and two
inmate homicides last year.
_| A New Mexico for-profit prison
saw four inmate deaths and a guard
murdered last year.
_| A recent survey by AFSCME found
51 percent of the public opposed
(34 percent strongly) to privately run
prisons.
ve of the Work Force )
g
66 y biggest concern is the combination of understaffing, the poor equipment we have, and
the county board’s lack of understanding of what we need. I think some of them are
starting to realize what we need in here in terms of equipment. Some of our equipment is so
outdated that I’m worried we're going to have problems that we won't be able to dispatch the
appropriate agencies because our equipment won't work, 9
Barbara Mann, 911 dispatcher — Otsego County Communications Department
PE THE WORK FORCE
December
1:9.9:9
CSEA to lobby for stiffer penalties
State office bomb threat
shows law should cover
public buildings
A recent bomb threat mailed to the
state Department of Labor
unemployment office in Brooklyn is more
evidence CSEA leaders will use to
demand stiffer penalties for those making
bomb threats at public buildings.
The handwritten threat — “There are
bombs in the building. You will never find
them all. You
are all going to
die!” — rattled
scores of CSEA
members who
work in the
office.
“You never
know,” said Nina Spinelli, a CSEA member
at the Brooklyn unemployment office.
“Some people believed that because
the threat was in the mail, it wasn’t
serious but you never know. When the
place you work receives a threat, it
shakes you. It could be serious, there are
a lot of people who would do something
like this,” Spinelli said.
SEA REPRESENTS
50, eae a
200 Worxens i THIS WOO
Violence on the rise
CSEA members who work in school
districts and in local, county and state
government offices are increasingly °
exposed to violence and threats from the
public, union officials said.
Recent shootings
in school buildings
— including the
shooting rampage in
Columbine, Colo.,
underscore the need
for stronger
protection, union
leaders said.
That’s why CSEA
lobbied hard for
legislation now
awaiting
Gov. George Pataki’s
signature that would
make it a Class E
felony to make a false bomb threat to a
school or placing a false bomb on school
property.
Law needs to cover all public buildings
When state lawmakers return to Albany
in January, CSEA will lobby for legislation
making it a felony to make a bomb threat
on any public property to better
safeguard union members and the public.
CSEA has also long sought a worksite
security standard for all public worksites.
This legislation would require greater
attention on preventative measures.
“Unfortunately, we can no longer take
any chances when dealing with threats,
A Department of Labor employee holds a letter threatening to
bomb an unemployment office in New York City. Although the
threat was unfounded, CSEA members said it shows the need for
worksite security protection.
especially with children,” said CSEA
Metropolitan Region President George
Boncoraglio. “In the wake of the
Oklahoma City bombing tragedy, the
reality of the situation is all too clear. It
can happen anywhere, to anyone,”
Boncoraglio said.
“Bomb threats are not a joke, there is
nothing funny about workplace violence,”
he added.
Stiffer punishments for reporting false
bomb threats to schools are expected to
reduce the number of unsubstantiated
threats school districts receive each year.
— Ann Carroll
eS of the Work Force 5)
g
6 he most difficult part of my job is to remain pleasant and keep my cool when a customer
is getting upset. I want to maintain a pleasant attitude and it’s hard when it gets busy and
you feel hassled and harried.??
Carolyn Norman, state Department of Motor Vehicles — Port Jefferson
December
1999 THE WORK FORCE [ews
Belleayre workers cut
and build, save state
taxpayers millions
HIGHMOUNT — A $5 million state budget
transfusion and the back-breaking work of
CSEA members are improving the state-run
Belleayre Ski Center for the coming season
and saving taxpayers a bundle.
CSEA members have cleared acres for
‘new ski trails and two new lifts in the
searing summer
heat — an effort
that stretched
the $5 million
state budget
allocation into
$12 million in
capital
improvements
because private contractors weren't
needed.
“We have saved the state and taxpayers
millions of dollars using our own workers
for these projects,” said Belleayre
Superintendent Richard Clark, “and they’re
doing a great job.”
Local President Mike Titone said he’s
proud of his Local members and the work
they do.
“The cutting of new ski trails and the
installation of new lifts at Belleayre
Mountain prove once and ‘for all that public
employees can handle any jobs 'given to
them,” Titone said.
Maintenance &
%, Tv at
200 worxens w THis WO
CSEA works so public can play
Belleayre is not just a winter playground.
The facility was also used during the
eee THE WORK FORCE
December
summer for a
concert series
sponsored by the
Belleayre
Conservatory. ‘
CSEA members
set up a tent,
provided
electrical hook-
ups for the
concert series
and maintained it during the summer.
Water for the snow-making machines
comes from a nearby lake on the Belleayre
property.
Again, thanks to CSEA members, the lake
was used as a summer playground for local
residents, keeping some of the seasonal
CSEA members working and income
flowing into Belleayre.
Working hard has its rewards
Clark is quick to credit CSEA members
for their work'and the continued success of
Belleayre.
“They know what has to be done and
they do it,” he said, “I
encourage them to make
decisions so they have pride of
ownership of this facility.
They're the ones doing the
work and'that’s what
motivates them.”
Worksite Representative
Lorraine Jankowski said Clark
Workers check footings recently for a new ski lift tower at the
state-owned Belleayre Mountain ski area.
has a lot of faith in his crew. “He knows he
can take off if he has to, knowing work will
be done,” she said.
Jankowski said there is little employee
turnover.
“They have to like what they do if they
stay for years in a seasonal title,” she
added.
Belleayre employees, Jankowski said,
have a reputation for their skills and work
ethic and are often asked to help in other
state facilities with projects ranging from
installing a new septic system to helping
with electrical work.
— Anita Manley
Dust off those skis!
State-operated Belleayre Ski Center is again offering
special rates to CSEA members who ski or want to
learn,to:ski. The special union rate — $21 for a lift
ticket — is available weekdays, excluding holidays,
during the ski season. Free beginner lessons are
available. Show your CSEA ID card or pay stub.
; of the Work Force J
1999
» (¥ e maintain all the land and structures around the canal and all the waterways that feed
te Wine canal. Our biggest challenge is beautifying things and keeping them clean. Safety is
also a concern, because there are parts of the job that are dangerous. A lot of the stuff we do is
90 feet in the air or 60 feet below the ground.??
Anthony Kline, maintenance assistant — state Canal Corp., Lock 20, Marcy
Marriott’s ‘advice’ unwelcome on SUNY campus
“Marriott has told our CSEA members that the janitors
& make too much money,” said Trentini.
Meanwhile, Marriott is
charging exorbitant fees plus 9A REPRESENTS
expenses and travel for the
consulting work, union
members said.
The workers feel if there
i is money to be spent on
Marriott, administration
should be adding needed
positions to the work force.
Manley Brown has worked in the department for 18
years and believes Marriott is interfering with his ability to
advance up the career ladder.
“I want to get upgraded and use my skills but with
Marriott here I don’t think that we will be best utilized,” he
| said.
“We don’t have enough workers. They take electricians
to do plumbing. It’s ridiculous. We want Marriott to go
home,” said eight-year employee Rhea Hitter.
CSEA Labor Relations Specialist Stephanie Teff said she
and Local President Mary D’Antonio have scheduled a
55 aA
200 WonKeRS IN THIS ous
2
CSEA members at SUNY Old Westbury give Marriott the thumbs down.
From left are Pablo Giraldi, Vivian Barnes, Manley Brown, Rhea Hitter,
Al Conklin and John Anderson. meeting with the new president of the university to
OLD WESTBURY — CSEA member Al Trentini has been working express their concerns about the presence of Marriott and
for the state for 36 years, 29 of which hi b tat S 1 their role at the university.
Waitbary, a fond years) 24 OL Which hays, been'epent arsuNy OW Teff said Marriott has also adversely affected CSEA members on
“] used to love to come to work. the operations side of the university by arbitrarily creating a dress
Now I really dread it,” he said. Fi 3 code where one never existed.
x > We don’t have enough workers. They take “We recently filed an improper
What changed? Mod ‘ es ‘ 1 ) ?
The university brought in Marriott, | electricians to do plumbing. It’s ridiculous. We practice charge against the university
a private out-of-state company to act | want Marriott to go home.” contending that dress code is a
as “advisers” on the job site.
CSEA members in the maintenance
and operations department said
Marriott now is trying to take over the Eight-year SUNY Old Westbury employee
supervisory functions.
mandatory subject of negotiations,”
said Teff.
Rhea Hitter
— Sheryl C. Jenks
re
66 | a in the resource library where we provide videos, sculptures, all types of media for the
teachers. I like the people I work with and the assortment of jobs I have to do. We’ve
moved four times in the last 10 years, packing and unpacking. We had a fire once and had to
replace our entire library collection. I remember unpacking sculptures and having a ton of those
white Styrofoam peanuts all over the place. oe
Ginger Johnson, library clerk — Wappingers Central School District,
Dutchess Education Local and 15-year employee
i : December 1999 THE WORK FORCE [ere
Got powdered
milk?
Have enough
Spam?
Doom, gloom and
civilization in ruins
may be the Jan. 1
horoscope for
pessimists, but
computer-literate
union members insist
they're sleeping late
and leaving the
computer on.
After a year of
frenzied hand-
Pus and
forehead furrowin;
about the potentia
disasters a global
computer system
meltdown could
create, CSEA
members who fix the
bits and bytes have
one thing to say. Be
cool:
From the small
computers in village
hali to the county
and state-operated
mainframes with
enough power to
send rockets into
space, CSEA
members were
preparing for Y2K
problems.
For many, the last
two years have been
consumed with
meetings, reviewing
computer programs,
buying new
mainirames and
making sure digital
havoc and chaos are
kept to a minimum.
CSEA workers helping to assure we’ll be Y2-0 KAY
ORANGEBURG — Mixing bowls large enough to fit two adults
inside, baking pans the size of compact cars and a refrigerator as
big as a house are signs this is not a kitchen for just one growing
family.
But when the hungry family is the ‘Family of New York,’ as a
previous governor liked to say, bigger is definitely better.
Deep in the Hudson Valley, CS9EA members at the “cook/chill”
s i
‘ cil! ~
i
facility are preparing to feed
tens of thousands of hungry
New Yorkers should computers
crash, lights flicker and
refrigerators shudder to a halt
when Y2K knocks on the door
next month.
While no one can predict
| what will happen when we
wake up Jan. 1, state officials
and union members have been
busy taking precautions.
More than a million meals of
chili, macaroni and cheese, beef
stew, sausage and peppers,
turkey chow mein and baked
beans are being cooked and
frozen at this giant kitchen to
feed New Yorkers who may be
without power for days or
weeks because of the Y2K
computer glitch.
“It will be an asset ready to
roll out in case there’s an event,
like the ice storm last year” or
massive power outages caused
by computer catastrophes, said
William Schafer, director of the
state’s Bureau of Nutrition
Services.
If the New Year passed
without meltdown, the
stockpiled frozen food will feed
patients in state psychiatric centers.
Employees of cook/chill came through last winter during an
upstate ice storm emergency by shipping 36,000 pounds of prepared
food to residents who were forced to stay in shelters because they
Above left, CSEA member Michael Ballard stores food in a freezer. Above
center, workers prepare boxes of food for freezing. Above right, Jean
.Dorlais does the mashed potato to the food service beat.
December
Page 10 aa
1:9.9:9
had no power.
“The processing gives the
food a 28-day shelf life,” Head
Cook Merrily Alcorn said.
“The whole idea is to heat
foods at very high temperatures
and chill them within an hour.
It’s a new concept and we're
using equipment no one has
ever seen before,” she added.
Built in 1994 at a cost of $22
million, the 88,000-square-foot
cook/chill building is operated
by the state Office of Mental
Health.
It was the center of
controversy because of the
governor’s plan to privatize it a
few years after it was opened.
CSEA members and local
politicians blocked that move.
— Anita Manley
HERKIMER — Ignore the
prophets of doom —a
combination of good
} planning and hard work
™ should make for a smooth
| transition into the year 2000
\| for Herkimer County's
computer systems, said the
CSEA members in charge.
“We had hundreds of
programs to sift through and
see if there would be
| problems. It took time to go
»| through all of them and
sith
determine where problems
were going to take place and
| how we were going to solve
them,” said programmer
4 Kathy Wright.
Because the county's
programs are all written
in-house, programmer and union Steward
JoAnn Boyer said the county didn’t have
outside companies come in to fix Y2K
problems.
The burden rested on the Herkimer County
Information Services department, and mostly
Above, Herkimer County programmer Kathy Wright has been
hard at work changing lines of code to make sure Y2K doesn’t
shut down the county’s computers. Below, Herkimer County
programmer JoAnn Boyer points to D-Day for Y2K
preparations around the state.
sash
va
Boyer and Wright. “The extra workload was on
us,” Boyer said. To solve the problem, the
workers began early.
“We started working on-it about two years
ago, determining what we wanted to change
and where we were going to have problems,”
Wright said.
“By starting in advance, we didn’t have to
put in a lot of extra time. We just had to put
other things on hold. The year 2000 became
our priority,” she added.
Now, at the threshold of the new year,
Wright and Boyer are crossing their fingers but
said they don’t expect any major problems.
“We're still working on systems, but we’re
pretty sure we’re going to be ready,” Boyer
said.
So what is going to happen as the clock rolls
over on Jan. 1, 2000?
“Who knows?” said Boyer with a chuckle. “I
think they're panicked for nothing. There will
be some problems, but nothing major,” she
said.
“We're pretty sure everything is going to go
OK here. I think they're overreacting myself —
it’s not going to be the end of the world,”
Wright said.
— Mark Kotzin
December 1999
_THE WORK FORCE Woy
Ergonomics standard survives
Congress; fight continues
Labor unions scored a major victory in Congress
this fall by keeping alive the push for a federal
ergonomics standard.
But the fight is not over.
<e OCAL 1000 AFSCME..
gene — Al-tyy
Opponents to the OSHA (Occupational Safety and
Health Administration) standard have promised to
bring up the anti-ergonomics measure again.
“CSEA members should be proud of their efforts to
265.000 meupens STON
stop Congress’ stalling tactics on the ergonomic
standard legislation,” CSEA President Danny Donohue said.
“But the fight is not over. Opponents to a national standard are promising to
renew their attack on this fundamental safety issue, and we need to be prepared to
confront them,” he said.
An effort to add a Republican-backed amendment to a U. S. Department of
Labor funding bill to block the OSHA ergonomics rule failed in October.
The standard has faced a blizzard of opposition from business interests
because it would require preventative measures for repetitive stress injuries, such
as carpal tunnel syndrome.
While many CSEA members now suffer from such injuries, there is no national
safety standard to protect workers.
The amendment was pulled after Senate Democrats, including Sen. Charles
Schumer (N.Y.), threatened to hold the bill up with a filibuster.
However, Sen. Trent Lott (R-Miss.) has made clear he will try to bring anti-
ergonomics measure up again, either as a free-standing bill or an amendment to
another measure.
CSEA members should to continue to lobby members of Congress, particularly
Repetitive-stress injuries are often associated
with clerical workers who spend hours at
keyboards. But others are injured, too. Heavy
equipment operators can suffer from constant
vibration of control levers. Also affected are
health care workers whose work days are filled
with repetitious, back-breaking lifting of
patients.
the floor for a vote.
The shocking facts:
C) Electric shock is the most common cause of injury to people working with
electrical equipment and circuits.
(C1 An estimated 1,200 people die each year because of electric shock; 30,000
are injured.
C) Electrical current always tries to return to its source — if it can’t go through
wires, it will go through your body.
Dos and Don’ts
C) Never cut off the grounding prong on a three-wire grounded plug so it fits into
a two-wire receptacle.
C1 Your employer should have all two-wire receptacles replaced to three-wire
receptacles or install ground fault circuit interrupters or use double-insulated
tools.
L] Do not use three-wire to two-wire plug adapters or “cheaters.”
mber 1999
tabata De dL ALEEL EEE ey
senators, and urge them to oppose any effort to bring anti-ergonomics legislation to
OSHA plans to publish the text of the draft ergonomics standard this month
and begin public hearings on it soon thereafter.
Members may view an outline of OSHA’s proposal on the Internet at:
http://www.osha-slc.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/ergoreg.html
— Lou Hmieleski
Call the governor, urge
passage of DOT pay bill!
As the December Work Force
went to press, legislation was being
sent to Gov. George Pataki that
would authorize the Department of
Transportation to pay a hazardous
duty differential to employees who
work in close proximity to traffic
and are in clear, unavoidable risk to
injury.
The bill has passed the Assembly
and Senate.
CSEA members should call the
toll-free governor’s hot line at
1-877-373-7920, and strongly
encourage him to sign the bill.
The bill number is S-5028/A-7984.
CSE
Local 1000 AFSCME, AFL-CIO
‘Denny Dorchue,Pasdent
THE FIGHT
IS ON!
This special insert to The Work Force documents the
fight and spirit of CSEA's 77,000 state workers in our
continuing battle with Gov. George Pataki for fairness
and respect. Determination? Grit? Mettle? CSEA is
showing what our union is all about!
i
2S STS PERE
SHOW SOME RESPECT SHOW SOME RESPECT
Across New York, CSEA members demand fairness, respect
ed by CS President Danny Donohue he Rochester rally was j 9 me 5 United University Professions because
L and key leaders in the national labor another important ye Pe hall Pacis pie sca if i it offered raises in October and not
movement, the union is pushing into milestone in CSEA’s drive to a a, Ne Ay ; , a | a) April.
overdrive its state contract fight. negotiate a fair contract. 4 x \ Increased health benefit costs would
John Sweeney, president of the national The union’s momentum will é | also have offset the
AFL-CIO, said in hie ——— continue to build as . to es , te ‘Bax @ | raises, union
Rochester recently | 5 members of CSEA and 5 ae eres * leaders said.
that CSEA’s state the Public Employees J x
contract fight is a i Federation (PEF) will
solid example of 5 rally in Albany Jan. 5, the
labor activism and |) > day of the governor's
member's issues to
lauded CSEA’s
continuing
pressure on Gov.
George Pataki to
deliver a fair
contract.
“The AFL-CIO has
State of the State
address,
“We have to make the
governor and members
of the state Legislature
realize the only way to show the
state work
CSEA’s international affiliate, the American
Federation of State, County and Municipal
4 the table, thousands
Le | of union members
across the state are
taking their
*! demands for a fair
contract to the street.
Members relentlessly
s 9 * * {| force some ies 5 a yees dog Pataki as he travels
governor: You gave sey | Te ‘ respect is Plan now to participate in the Jan. 5 across the state on
yourself a big j 4 . to put it in “We’ve got the power” march and AFSC E fund-raising jaunts or
raise, you gave : A) our rally in Albany. Check with your pec gy official business
your appointees a
raise, now it’s time
to give the state
employees who do
the work a fair
raise,” Sweeney
said.
“We shouldn't have to be telling the
governor to responsibly negotiate with his
own employees,” he added.
“It’s time for the governor to pursue a
contract agreement instead of pursuing his
political interests,” Sweeney told the
cheering crowd.
Donohue said,“The governor just doesn’t
understand that complimenting state
workers about how great they are doesn’t
pay our bills or feed our families.”
f checks,”
Donohue
aid.
Checks
members
| write to pay
for their
rent, utilities and
other living costs
will become mini-
billboards for the
contract campaign.
The union is
printing tens of
thousands of small
stickers which
members can place
on their personal
checks,
reminding
their local
merchants
Hof CS
Local president for more
information.
Treasurer
William Lucy
have repeated]y
‘A’s huge economic clout in
the community.
weeney isn't the only national
labor leader who has waded
into the CSEA contract fray.
Gerald McEntee, president of
demanded
Pataki stop the lip
service and start
showing CSEA members|
the respect they
deserve.
CSEA’s leaders, along
with the 24 men and
women on the CSEA
negotiating team, have
worked tirelessly to
forge an agreement in
contract talks.
They have been
bolstered by the suppo:
of C! members in
scores of
demonstrations in every
part of the state.
Weekly negotiating sessions have yielded
major progress on a wide range of issues.
Wages and health benefits remain the
major hurdles,
CSEA negotiators rejected a proposal
similar to the one the state offered the
Scores of members,
wearing bright red
contract T-shirts, meet
Pataki at every stop, demanding a fair
contract,
From Buffalo to Brooklyn, Plattsburgh to
Purchase, the groundswell of support for the
CSEA contract team grows daily, union
leaders report
Locals in every part of the state have been
the sparkplugs of CSEA demonstrations,
rallies, and Speakouts.
The Speakouts — public meetings with
local and state lawmakers — allow union
members and leaders to explain the
difficulties and dangers of their jobs and
build community support for the contract
campaign, union leaders said.
Contract team members said these public
displays have been “extremely effective” in
prompting the state to move on certain
contract issues.
“The big issues have yet to be resolved
and we need the involvement of every one of
our members to obtain positive movement
from the governor,” Donohue said.
Clockwise from top left: thousands of CSEA members take part Syracuse; CS President Danny Donohue leads members in a
in a march across the Brooklyn Bridge in September; AFL-CIO picketing of @Roy
yeeney lauds CSEA members at a Roch
y; a giant zero formed around the state Capitol in Jw
hundreds picketed the governor at the New York State Fair in
|
=
ident John §
as “Peanut Wioma
. Pataki
Old Westbur¥) Loc:
n Schenectady in June; and SUNY
al President Mary D’Antonio is interviewed
n” Laura Gallagher looks on.
he contract fight has also spawned an
unprecedented level of communication
among EA leaders and members
Contract Updates, detailing the latest in
negotiations and
membership
activism, are
regularly mailed
to state workers.
Local union
presidents
receive weekly
contract updates
from the
negotiating team
and are
responsible for
organizing local
protest
demonstrations
and contract
rallies.
“The governor
and all of the
politicians in
New York also don’t understand that all
workers represented by CSEA will fight for
the same kind of respect,” Donohue said.
CSEA members, regardless if they work for
a county, a school district or a private
hospital, “all deserve to be treated fairly and
with respect for the work they do,” the
president said.
Members from the
American Federation
of State, County and
Municipal Employees
(AFSCME) confront
Gov. Pataki in
Montana in June,
letting him know
they’re not happy
w h his handling of
cs contract
negotiations.
AFSCME
demonstrators also
greeted the governor
in Detroit, and are
ready to dog him
anywhere outside New
York.
.. and elsewhere
SHOW SOME RESPECT
ee ee”
Workers in Buffalo let Gov. Pataki know how they feel
at a recent rally.
“Seeing the pictures, reading the
news articles and talking with
members who have been involved in
the rallies helps the negotiating team
remember why we are doing this.
“Spending weeks at a time away
from home trying to negotiate a fair
contract is frustrating. To know the
members are participating in rallies
and pickets makes it easier to meet
with the state knowing they know the
members are supporting us.”
| — Lori Nilsson, chair, Institutional Services Unit (ISU) |
negotiating team |
“Tt was great when I saw all of the CSEA
members circling the Capitol with the
yellow post cards and the hundreds of
members who confronted Pataki at the
State Fair.
“This show of support gives me and the
team energy to continue our fight for a
good contract. It makes all the difference
in the world.”
— Brian DellaPorta, chair of the
Division of Military and Naval Affairs (DMNA)
negotiating team
“Membership involvement keeps us _ |
going. It’s great to know we on the
contract team have the members’
support. We do not feel alone at the |
negotiating table with the state
because we have the power of all of
our members behind us.
“ “It’s a good feeling seeing all of the
rallies and demonstrations, and
seeing members follow the governor
around and be constantly in his face
saying ‘give us what we deserve.’”
— Antoine (Tony) Bailous, chair of the
Operational Services Unit (OSU) negotiating team
Activists, new and old, tell of
fights past and present
“If I didn’t get off my duff, and we don’t get anything
(at the contract table), then I have only myself to
blame. I’m trying to work in our local to energize
others to get involved . A lot of small voices together
are a lot louder than two or three loud people.”
— Dennis Wischman, Pulaski, state Department of
Environmental Conservation employee and union | —
activist since 1987 |
“T realize my participation is going to make a
difference, and everyone else who’s out there is
going to make a difference. I don’t want to let
myself and the other people down by not
participating. It’s a legitimate fight. I think the
/ union’s working well for us.”
— Ken Warner, Auburn, dental hygienist at
2 Auburn Correctional Facility, and a newcomer
to union activism
“I’m being pleasantly surprised with the support that
comes from my Local. I found out and told my members
at 8:30 the night before Pataki came to Plattsburgh and
I had 15 members turn out at the airport and more
showed up at the inn where Pataki was appearing.
That's just great. This time we’re ready.”
— Betty Lennon, a Local CSEA officer since 1965 and
j president of the SUNY Plattsburgh Local since 1971
“IT remember the contract fight in 1975. Dedication
meant a lot in those years. When there was talk
about a strike, the supervisors told us to bring our
clothes, because if you were on duty you would
not be let out. | was torn between the clients and
the union. People don't realize that what they have
today is because of what we sacrificed years ago
— we took zeroes to get dental coverage.”
\
— Dorothy Killmer, vice president, Taconic
DDSO Local 426, 35-year employee
“Support from the members energizes the team,
strengthens our resolve. We know the members have
taken ownership of the negotiating process, and these
truly are their proposals. They are backing them up and
willing to go out and fight for them.”
— Tom Moylan, chair of the Administrative Services
Unit (ASU) negotiating team
Staying in Capital Home
‘Region of the Decade”
The PEOPLE Cup — the prized symbol of success in signing up
nembers for the Public Employees Organized to Promote
-egislative Equality program — is staying in the Capital Region
‘or another year.
The cup is awarded annually to the region that recruits the most
tew PEOPLE members.
PEOPLE raises money to promote the federal legislative
nterests of the membership. Funds are used to endorse
‘ongressional candidates, communicate the union’s positions and
obby Congress on issues important to labor such as worker
srotection, minimum wage, and strengthening safety and health
yrotections.
The Capital Region PEOPLE Committee recruited 439 new
nembers during the past year.
The NYS DOT Local was cited for recruiting the most, 38 new
members.
The region’s PEOPLE Committee attends membership meetings,
workshops and training events to recruit new participants.
Please see “PEOPLE” on Page 4
1999 President’s Award
presented to Netha DeGroff
Harnetha “Netha” DeGroff, president of state
Division of Parole Local, is the 1999 recipient of
the President’s Award for outstanding service to
the union.
As chair of the Capital Region Program
Committee, DeGroff’s continuing efforts in
organizing workshops and meetings is an asset to
the Capital Region. She is known for her ability
to coordinate events and resolve unexpected
problems
“Netha is the type of person who puts forth
every effort to get the job done. She makes sure
even the smallest of details are seen to. She has
the ability to make it all look easy, no matter how much work is
involved,” explained Region President Carmen Bagnoli.
The President’s Award was. established in 1965 and is awarded
annually.
Message from Carmen Bagnoli, President,
CSEA Capital Region
Communications,
Service, Education and
Action is what CSEA is all
about. ;
Communications — No other union
in the United States communicates with
its members as much as we do.
CSEA has region meetings, local
meetings and unit meetings as well as
workshops and information days.
Our goal is to reach out to all our
members in state, county, city, town,
village, school district and private
sector locations.
We publish an award-winning
monthly newspaper, The Work Force,
and also send to each member our
Capitaland newspaper.
We mail information about many
topics to our leaders and members.
There are also numerous Local and
Unit newsletters.
CSEA headquarters, and many of
our Locals, are on the Internet. (Visit
the CSEA Website at
www.cseainc.org.)
We are looking into expanding our
presence on the Internet.
Service — Negotiated contracts
provide members with guaranteed
wages and benefits. In those places
where contract negotiations are
prolonged, we mobilize employees to
put pressure on employers to show our
members some respect.
Yes, it can be frustrating, but if we
stand together we will prevail. Never
underestimate the power of workers
united.
Education — Training isakeyto +
union building. We had two successful
open houses at the Latham office and
we recently had our first open house at
the Plattsburgh satellite office.
Hundreds of members participated
and learned more about what CSEA
Mas to offer. Our recent region
workshop was a tremendous success,
too. We have bigger and better plans
for 2000.
Action — What happens to one of
us happens to all of us, Our goal is
members helping members. Be it in the
fight for a state contract, county
contract, city contract, town contract,
village contract, school district contract
or private sector contract, the power of
CSEA is with you.
Look at the way we are confronting
Gov. George Pataki. The Capital
Region has gone eye to eye with the
governor more than a dozen times the
past few months.
Thank you, Peanutman, for making
the governor’feel our frustration.
Managers want us to be apathetic. It
makes their job easier. Do the opposite.
Get involved. Make the most of what
we have to offer: Communications,
Service, Education and Action.
May the holidays and millennium be
filled with the best for you and your
family. See you Jan. 5 in Albany.
Yours in unionism,
It was a year of Communication, Service, Edu¢ation and Action in the Capital "pyle. ae ; Be
Region. From Amsterdam to Albany, Hudsofn to Peru, CSEA is out there g i sa ll é¢h County
Fighting for you. @. ¥ Si ;
; ‘, Proud pop brings little
ally! ® one to first labor parade!
:
the dogs — hot dos F
v OMH gone to - fl : 5 q pag
: % > ES
S ; 7 ’ | ell ced m ) ‘
eT eee ra i: ‘in 3 5: tins y
Ee " i 2 ve } a wes «
4 SUNY a
rally line!
' Albany joins the
pickets early.
_ in the season
- “keeping the
pressure*on!
Welcome to Plattsburgh
Gov. Pataki! Have we
got a message for you!!
about!
a a ane
Fell obby. the powers that be!
PS abs
~<a _ } "
4 DMV workers get health and safety training
on CPR!
Children and Family
Services send a card
to Goy. Pataki and
Lt. Gov. too! Have
you sent your card
or a letter yet?
Floyd’s rains
don’t stop picnic
under the tent!
Big top covers part of Region 4 second open
house! Where w y
» hot news!
ie r i — Saying it all!
a 5
Give 'em a brake!) he
i cai
waa
8D Wt wets. 20
bs
2 ° CSEA FRB Mea Ne SR SL OTE rob oA oN oD Qs fA Rib Sel OveN tae 4 Gara alla Lo pyc DeD . 3
CSEA Capital Region Activities Committee
Tentative Tours for the Year 2000
APRIL
Statue of Liberty Island — Contact Martha 868-2003
New York City Car Show — Contact Mary 482-7838 or Jean 674-2216
Washington, DC — Contact Patty 355-7252
MAY
Mystic, CT/Newport, RI and Foxwoods Casino — Contact Martha 868-2003
JUNE
Boston — Contact Patty 3
an Fair Week Nashville, Martha 868-2003
Cape Cod Tour — Contact Patty 355-7252
JULY
Montreal Weekend — Contact Mary 482-7838
Boston — “an 674-2216
Parade of Tall Ships, New London, CT — Contact Martha 868-2003
AUGUST
Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island — Contact Patty 355-7252
8/27-9/1 Wildwood, Cape May and Atlantic City, New Jersey — Contact Martha 868-2003
SEPTEMBER
NASCAR Dover, Delaware — Contact Jean 674-2216
Outlet Shopping Reading, PA/Vanity Fair — Contact Martha 868-2003
OCTOBER
Outlet Shopping Rockvale/Vanity Fair — Contact Martha 868-2003,
Boston — Contact Mary 482-7838
NOVEMBER
Outlet Shopping Poconos/Vanity Fair — Contact Mary 482-7838
Outlet Shopping Reading , PA/Vanity Fair — Contact Patty 355-7252
Outlet Shopping Franklin Mills/Vanity Fair — Contact Mary 482-7838
DECEMBER
Shopping — Contact Martha 868-2003
ow Radio City Music Hall — Contact Mary 482-7838
st Night” Boston — Contact Sallye 370-3613
Additional Tours “TBS” for 2000
Spring
‘TBS
Aug.
CSEA members get 25% break on
CDTA bus passes
Bargain bus passes are now available for CSEA members, thanks to a CSEA
benefit negotiated with the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA).
CSEA members will be able to buy a $34 five-day bus pass for $:
Seven-day passes are also discounted. And should workers have to stay
buses stop running or if they have a family emergency, they will get a free taxi
ride courtesy of CDTA.
Full details with more information about “fares” and “zones” will be mailed
to members who work in the CDTA service area.
ESSAY CONTEST
Sponsored by Solidarity Committee/Jobs with Justice
Open to high school students in
Albany, Schenectady & Rensselaer counties
5 to 10-page essay
Topics include event, person (persons),
organization or industry
associated with labor
Original research encouraged and
Living history interviews
Prizes range from $75 to $150
Deadline Feb. 25
For more information, contact Dan Wilcox at 482-0262
PEOPLE continued from Page 1
Some local government bargaining units have
‘TBS. Puerto Rico — Contact Mary
New York Yan! Baseball — Contact Martha 868-2003,
New York Mets Baseball — Contact Martha 868-2003
Whale Watch — Contact Martha 868-2003
Prime Outlets/Waterloo — Contact Sallye 370-3613
Salem, MA
Poconos Flea Market — Contact Mary 482-7838
Ocean MD
Biloxi, MS Tour/Casinos and New Orleans, LA
For reservations, or if you have any questions, call between
5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Call early. Deposit will hold reservations.
Make checks payable to CSEA Region 4 Activities Committee
and mail to: Mary Notaro, committee chair, 103 Sand Creek
Rd., Albany, NY 12205. CSEA does not make reservations for
lodging, car rental or air fare. CSEA is not responsible for late
passengers, injuries, lost or stolen personal belongings,
damage to vehicles, inconveniences or delays beyond our
control.
Capitaland is published (wie
Daniel X. Campbell, Communications Associate
Please address your comments to L
Lear Jet Lane, Suite
negotiated PEOPLE payroll deductions into
their contracts.
Members of the Capital Region PEOPLE
Committee are: Maggie McCafferty, Civil
Service, chair; Cheryl Abbot, Education,
vice chair; Maria Messily, EnCon; Grace
Bevington, retiree; Helen Fishedick, Capital
District DDSO,
Also on the committee are: Ron Hill, Tax and
Finance; Thomasine Walsh, Labor; Eugene
Smith, Albany Housing; Joseph Dissent, Tax
and Finance; Rusty Leigh, Gore Mountain;
Dorothy Button, DOT Region I.
Capital Region Third Vice President Jack
Rohl serves as the committee’s coordinator. The
committee also works closely with Statewide
PEOPLE Coordinator Cheryl Rosenzweig.
Capital Region President Carmen Bagnoli
congratulated the committee on its tremendous
success and hopes for a repeat in 2000.
CSE
CAPITAL REGION 4
CAPITALAND
ar to improve communications among.
members of the CSEA Capital Region
men Bagnoli, Region President
nna Natale, Ist Vice President
n Kraykowski, 2nd Vice President
Jack Robi, 3rd Viee Pre
Cindy Egan DerGur
Barbara Stack, Treasurer
Joseph Reedy, Region Director
We welcome reader suggestions
mpbell, CSEA Region Office
n, New York 12110.
(518) 785-4400,
(518) 785-4595 (fax)
WII DASE BENG OE IP ILA de ct Ase Mee Messi s2Lys 2099 AEP 9 pees.
Fecessheew Meee NaredDder
Crime victims’ advocate has been there
GOSHEN — Pat Bodnar knows all too
well what it’s like to be a victim of
crime.
She watched as her husband was
together to save my life,” said Bodnar,
who was injured in the burglary.
Devastated, Bodnar sank into a deep
stabbed repeatedly while trying
valiantly to protect her from a burglar
during a night of terror in 1990.
With
those
frightful
memories
driving her,
Bodnar, an
Orange
County
employee
and CSEA
member,
became a
“Sitting there was pure torture but it was necessary
for me to be able to be a participant in the process.
Each day revealed more of the story of how these
two criminals got together and in concert shattered
many lives during the early morning hours of
August 3, 1990.”
Crime victims’ advocate Pat Bodnar
discussing the trial of her husband’s killer
depression and contemplated suicide.
A reason to live
She discovered, however, a reason to
go on —
the
intruder
had an
accomplice
who was
waiting
outside the
house ina
car.
Bodnar
knew she
crime
had
victims’
advocate.
She’s spent the last 10 years helping
others who are going through the
torturous maze of the justice system.
Recently, Bodnar was ei asa
“Volunteer for the
Millennium” by the 7
Warwick Advertiser
and Photo News in
Orange County
and Ulster Savings
Bank.
A night of terror
Bodnar’s
husband, Alex,
was a New York
City cop who
survived 22 years
on a dangerous
Transit Authority
beat.
Retired and
living in the
suburbs, Alex was
brutally stabbed to
death by a burglar Southern Region CSEA member Pat Bodnar
who broke in while has worked as a crime victim’s advocate for
10 years, helping others through the criminal
the couple slept.
Although
stabbed five times,
Alex managed before he died to
squeeze off a shot from his revolver
that ended the burglar’s criminal
career,
“His bravery, his police training and
his off-duty revolver all combined ~~
justice system.
survived so
she could bring this accomplice to trial
and finally see justice done.
Three months later, the driver of the
getaway car was captured.
Bodnar said the trial was a painful
education.
{ie “Sitting there
was pure
torture,” she
recalled, “but it
was necessary
. for me to'be able
~~ to bea
participant in the
= process. Each
_« day revealed
© more of the story
of how these two
criminals got
together and in
concert shattered
many lives during
the early morning
hours of Aug. 3,
1990.”
When-the trial
ended, the man
was found guilty
and was
sentenced to 81/3
to 25 years in
prison.
After the sentencing Bodnar said, “I
felt as though a great burden had been
lifted from my shoulders, but | also felt
a void,”
In 1993, Bodnar offered her support
to families
of -victims
of a serial
killer who
had
murdered
their
children.
“I wanted
to be there and ‘share their pain’ as a
fellow victim,” she said.
“They related to me,” she said. “I not
only talked the talk, but I have walked
the walk.”
Bodnar said her work as a crime
victims’ advocate is a tribute to her late
husband.
“I feel he is my motivation and my
driving force to see justice done for the
victims of crime,” she said.
Since then, Bodnar has lobbied for
rights for crime victims and continues
to meet with political leaders and crime
victims groups. She also volunteers
with the group Mothers Against Drunk
Driving.
“Although not a victim of a drunk
driver crash,” she explained, “I feel all
victims are connected.”
=\OCAL 1000 AFSCHE » Atop
765.000 Mewpens STROX
Has come a long way
In addition, she volunteérs at local
‘correctional facilities, speaking to
inmates about what a victim or
survivor experiences during a crime.
Bodnar has also received the
American Police Hall of Fame Honor
Award for Public Service and recently
was appointed to the New York State
Attorney General’s Crime Victim's
Advisory Board.
Bodnar’s terrible incident has
spawned some positive actions.
“My being able to help other crime
victims was my way of moving on,” she
said, “and not dwelling on my
misfortune.”
Bodnar said she knows her husband
approves of what she is doing.
“I'm sure my guardian angel, Alex, is
looking down and saying, ‘You have
come a long way, baby.’ ”
— Anita Manley
December 1999. THE WORK FORCE [erm hd
THE FUTURE IS NOW |
Sa"
San) oer
i
| =
Au t LL fap) ee ba! ans
(AINE
CSEA headquarters staff bring home the
silver in fight against cystic fibrosis
CSEA headquarters staff came away with silver
medals recently in the 1999 Bard’s Sports
Challenge, which raised more than $32,000 to
benefit cystic fibrosis research.
Flanked by CSEA President Danny Donohue at
left, are staff members who showed their skills
in a variety of athletic events. From left: Kathy
Cahalan, Janice Nusbaum, Darin Rowlett, Scott
Futia, Steven Keith, Kelly Garceau, Sonia
Roberts-Smith and Team Captain Don Kelly. Ross
Hanna was team coach and Lorri Lemme and
Marianne Kayser were team alternates.
Labor “is the Moses of our day”
Labor’s clout needed to improve migrant workers’ lives
aa: 7
CHESTER — They asked reporters and
photographers not take their pictures or
use their last names because they were
afraid of losing their jobs.
Despite threats from their bosses, these
workers pleaded with state labor leaders
and lawmakers recently to help them
improve their back-breaking working
conditions.
Migrant workers — the “invisible” work
force that plants, picks and packages
apples and vegetables and feeds and cares
for animals on thousands of farms across
the state — said they need labor’s help to
escape the
“slavery” that a OGL 1000 AFSCME « gp,
shackles them. oO ats Mo
They came to
a public forum
to ask New York
State AFL-CIO
President Denis
Hughes, state
Attorney General Elliot Spitzer, state Sen
Nick Spano, Assemblywoman Catherine
Nolan and area labor leaders to change the
labor laws that exclude them from earning
a living wage or protect them from bad
working conditions
265.000 mempens STON
Shocking stories
Their stories of working seven days a
week, 16 hours a day, earhing little more
than $2-3 an hour, and paying for filthy and
overcrowded housing stunned the
politicians.
“My husband works on a dairy farm,”
said a migrant worker, Linda.
“We live in a trailer on the property. He
goes to work at 4:30 a.m., has an hour for
breakfast and an hour for lunch and works
till 8:30 p.m. He gets a half day off on
Saturday and makes about $2.95 an hour. If
we complain, the boss tells us we can
leave,” Linda said.
“We have the right to equal protection
under the law,” she said. “We won't go
away.”
Juan said he worked on a farm where his
boss once kicked him in the back.
“Il was bleeding in my urine,” he said.
“When I went to court, he brought
witnesses who said it never happened.
Now I'm collecting $105 every two weeks
for compensation, but I can’t live on that.”
Afraid of losing job
Talking about workers’
compensation laws as they apply
to farm workers, one advocate
said farms that employ fewer than
10 workers are exempt from state
workers’ compensation laws.
Farm workers who are covered
usually do not file claims if
they’re hurt because they are
afraid of losing their jobs, the
workers said.
“Often farmers will use their
own doctors so they don’t have
to make any reports,” Juan said.
One man, who serves on the
board of directors of an
independent farm workers union,
told Hughes of the AFL-CIO that
one of his co-workers was fired
when he asked for a 25-cent raise.
“Another man was fired when
he refused to allow his boss to
‘trade’ him to another farmer
who would have paid him les
the migrant worker said.
“Another group asked their
boss for access to a phone in
case of an emergency and he
refused,” another farm worker ade
Treated differently
Labor laws about minimum wage.
deductions for housing and meals,
disability insurance, unemployment,
workers compensation and collective
bargaining are different for farm workers
than laws governing public or private
sector workers in traditional jobs, said AFL-
CIO Labor Counsel Geri Reilly.
In fact, some farm workers are not
entitled to overtime pay and none are
entitled to a day of rest.
Various AFL-ClO-backed bills have been
introduced over the years that have been
passed by the Assembly, but rejected by
the Senate.
Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan, chair
of the Assembly Labor Committee, said she
will introduce a bill which would address
all these issues.
Spano, who heads the Senate Labor
Committee, pledged his support and
reminded farm workers they have an ally in
the AFL-CIO.
December
1999
New York State AFL-CIO President Denis Hughes
addresses a public forum recently on migrant farm
labor in New York state. From left are state Sen.
Nicholas Spano, state Attorney General Elliot
Spitzer, Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan, and
Hughes.
‘The advocacy of organized labor is vital
for you,” Spano said
“We will work on a strategy to improve
your wages and your working conditions,”
said Attorney General Spitzer. “We need to
hear from you so we can understand the
magnitude of the problem.”
Cycle must stop
“We have to stop this cycle,” said Oscar,
a Mexican farm worker addressing Hughes.
“| hope you are not just saying words.
I've had experience with workers who have
been treated like animals. There are bosses
who are good to workers also,” Oscar
added.
“It took a lot of courage for these people
to come here,” said Espasio, an organizer
for the independent farm workers, also
addressing Hughes.
“Labor law exclusions are a sign that we
are treated like slaves. You are the Moses
of our day,” Espasio said.
— Anita Manley
THE WORK F
Check health insurance options
Members who are considering changing
their health insurance options for 2000 or
wishing to examine available benefit plans
should first review the Health Insurance
“CHOICES” brochure.
This publication was mailed to all agency
health benefit administrators, who are
usually located in the personnel office, in
early November.
It describes the
Empire Plan and the
New York State Health
Insurance Program’s
(NYSHIP) approved H PAyTA
HMOs across the state.
Members and their
families who participate in Kaiser
Permanente/CHP and Healthsource HMO of
New York should review the “CHOICES”
publication and choose a different health
carrier because these two HMOs are no
longer offered to state employees after
Jan. 1.
Additionally, Aetna U.S. Healthcare will
not accept new enrollments for 2000.
Members and dependents who are
currently enrolled in and wish to remain
CSE
Joint COMMITTEE ON
covered by Aetna U.S. Healthcare do not
need to take any action.
Rates not approved yet
As of press time, the 2000 Empire Plan
premiums had not been approved by the
state Division of Budget.
As soon as the 2000 rates are approved, a
Rates & Deadlines Guide will be mailed to
each enrollees’ home so
an informed decision
can be made about
health insurance
choices for the coming
year.
Members will have 30
days from the date the 2000 rates are
approved to make changes.
Members who are not changing health
insurance options do not have to take any
action.
Members who want to change health
insurance options must submit a signed
Health Insurance Transaction Form PS404
to the agency health benefits administrator
by the deadline specified in the 2000 Rates
& Deadlines Guide.
@ If you have a possible Workers’
Compensation or Social Security Disability
case, SIMPLY CALL 1-200-342-4146 TOLL-
FREE and select the proper menu options.
Your call will be answered by the firm of Fine,
Olin and Anderman, FC., through its statewide
network of offices staffed by attorneys who
specialize in Workers’ Compensation and Social
Security Disability Law.
WORKERS COMPENSATION
LEGAL ASSIST ANCE PROGRAM
The CSEA WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
LEGAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
covering Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disa
If you are Injured on the job or sustain a job-related illness. CSEA’s Workers’ Compen
Legal Assistance Program can help you navigate the maze known as Worke!
you become disabled, the program can help you obtain S
The Program Services Are Absolutely Free, And So Is The Call
mpensation. IF
ial Security Disability benefits.
@ Brochures describing the program in detail
and intake forms to assist you in compiling
correct and complete information before
making the initial call will be available from
CSEA Region 0 3, CSEA Local and Unit
Presidents and CSEA Labor Relations
Specialists,
@ All calls will be accepted, no cases
turned down and there is no cost to C:!
members and their dependents for the
program services,
1-800-342-4146
Follow the menu options
for instructions
to access the program
ill be
Preece THE WORK FORCE
December
1999
Free $2,000 Term
Life Insurance
Continued
CSEA will continue to provide $2,000
of free life insurance coverage to all
actively employed CSEA members.
Since November 1997, the $2,000
term life coverage has paid a total of
$600,000 to families of deceased CSEA
members.
Free coverage continues through
Oct. 31, 2000 and is one of the many
benefits of membership.
CSEA-sponsored insurance programs
are available exclusively to union
members.
For additional information about any
of the CSEA-sponsored insurance
programs call Jardine Group Services
toll free at 1-800-929-6656.
Break in membership affects
eligibility for union office, voting
privileges
A break in union membership status can have
long-term future implications. Your membership
status affects your eligibility with respect to:
* seeking or holding union office
signing nominating petitions for potential
* voting in union elections, and;
* voting on collective bargaining contracts.
Only members “in good standing” can
participate in these activities. To be in “good
standing,” your dues cannot be delinquent.
If you go on unpaid leave or for any other
reason have a break in your employment status,
your dues will not continue to be paid through
payroll deductions. You must make arrangements
to pay your dues directly to CSEA to continue
your membership status. If you are either laid off
or placed on leave without pay status due to
becoming disabled by accident, illness, maternity
or paternity, you may be eligible for dues-free
membership status for a period not to exceed
one year.
Note, however, you must continue to pay dues
to run for office. Dues-free or gratuitous
membership allows members to continue their
insurance coverage while out of work. It does not
protect your right to run for or hold office.
You must notify the CSEA Membership
Records Department at 1-800-342-4146, Ext, 1327,
of any change in your status and what
arrangements you are making to continue your
membership in CSEA.
Big union on campus:
Give CSEA bigger
role in decisions,
SUNY trustees told
CSEA wants a bigger role on the
State University of New York (SUNY)
campus committees to address
security and building repair problems,
among other issues, union leaders told
the SUNY board of trustees recently.
Crumbling facilities — contributing
to declining morale among CSEA
workers on campuses — and security
problems also were among the
concerns CSEA has for its more than
10,000 members who work in the state
university system, the trustees were
told.
“We continually get the impression
that the views of our members are not
held in high regard when it comes to
campus search committees or other
campus committees because our
members are not asked to serve on
these committees,” CSEA Labor
Relations Associate Robert Dillon told
the trustees.
Dillon singled out the Health Science
Centers — in particular the Health
Science Center at Syracuse — as
suffering from the lack of maintenance
and security.
“A well-run campus takes into
consideration the collective view of all
representative groups on campus, not
just the whims of the administration,”
Dillon said.
“Without this collective decision
making, the chances of having an
efficiently run campus are nothing
more than a pipe dream,” he added.
Dillon proposed each SUNY campus
give unions advance notice of any
plans to contract out work, offering
both sides a chance to discuss
concerns and alternatives.
Also suggested was including CSEA
members on campus search
committees and other committees
where employee concerns are
addressed.
Dillon also called for the hiring of
more employees into state-funded
positions.
“State employees are dedicated civil
servants; hiring from outside
contractors destroys the morale of
employees,” Dillon said.
«LOCAL 1000 AFSCME «4p,
CHECK THE
CALENDAR — CSEA
members in the Cohoes
Department of Public Works, proud
of their victory against subcontracting
and their new role in city politics, are
pinning their success to the walls. The
unit has printed an anti-contracting out
calendar with a dozen photos showing
some activities the members used to
inform Cohoes taxpayers about the
issue ... MAN OF THE YEAR — CSEA
Long Island Region President Nick
LaMorte has been honored as “Alumni
Man of the Year” by Hofstra University
... CHECK’S IN THE MAIL — Three
state transportation department
workers will receive more than 50
hours of overtime pay as a result of a
grievance filed by CSEA. John Culligan,
Thomas Florio and Gerald McDonald
should have been assigned after they
volunteered to work in Plattsburgh
during the ice storm emergency in the
winter of 1998, but workers with less
seniority were sent. The arbitrator said
“the state must fill such temporary
assignments based on a voluntary list
by seniority”... NUMBER ONE —
Dutchess County CSEA members made
up the top team in a recent March of
Dimes walk-athon. Team co-captain
Donna Borquist said 80 walkers from 17
county departments raised more than
$6,500. Borquist’s co-captain and
co-worker John Vacca was the top
walker, raising the most money for the
team ... HEALTHY MEMBERS — The
CSEA Town of Hempstead Local hosted
a health and benefit fair recently. The
turnout was excellent and members
enjoyed the opportunity to learn more
about what CSEA membership entitles
them to ... ANGELS AMONG US —
CSEA Nassau Local AMT Tim Jaccard
continues his incredible efforts on
“Cig
behalf of infants who
are either murdered or
\
265,000 MEMBERS sTRONG abandoned after birth.
Jaccard recently held a fund-raiser
to help pay for the cost of the burials
and cemetery plots ... EDUCATING
THE MASSES — Armed with the latest
state contract negotiation news, the
CSEA Capital Region Downtown
Committee staffed a union information
table at the busy bus turnaround area
of the Empire State Plaza ... NO SHOW
PATAKI — Gov. George Pataki was a no-
show, but CSEA and Public Employees
Federation (PEF) members at the state
Department of Transportation in
Poughkeepsie were out in force for a
ribbon-cutting ceremony in front of
Marist College on busy Route 9. State
Sen. Steve Saland took a message from
state workers back to Pataki ... PEOPLE
PEOPLE — The PEOPLE raffle at this
year’s Annual Delegates Meeting was
for a personal computer equipped with
a Pentium II processor. The raffle
winner was Lorraine Morris of the
Onondaga County Local. The raffle
raised a total of $3,185 for the federal
political action program. Meanwhile,
the PEOPLE recruiter of the month for
October is Kathy Walsh of the Nassau
County Local. PEOPLE is CSEA and
AFSCME’s Political Action Committee,
working to elect supporters of working
families to Congress ... ROCHESTER
CLC HOSTS SWEENEY — AFL-CIO
President John Sweeney recently
visited Rochester to honor the
Rochester Central Labor Council for its
grassroots political action activities.
CSEA is actively involved in the council.
Sweeney also used the occasion to
encourage CSEA state members in their
contract fight.
December 1999. THE WORK FORCE \atte UA
CSEA’s
Based on the actions of the delegates at the
1998 CSEA Convention, our election cycle has
been changed. Elections for statewide officers and
region officers, as well as for the Board of
Directors, will be held at the same time. CSEA
members are urged to carefully read the election
information on this page and related stories in
future issues of The Work Force.
Elections for the following positions will take
place between Jan. 18 - Feb. 8, 2000.
Statewide Officers:
President, Executive Vice President, Secretary,
Treasurer
Region Officers:
Region 1: President, Executive VP, 1st VP, 2nd VP,
3rd VP, Secretary, Treasurer
Region 2: President, Executive Vice President, Ist
VP, 2nd VP, Secretary, Treasurer
Region 3: President, Executive VP, Ist VP, 2nd VP,
3rd VP, Secretary, Treasurer
Region 4: President, Executive Vice President, Ist
VP, 2nd VP, 3rd VP, Secretary, Treasurer
Region 5: (unopposed/elected): President,
Executive VP, 1st VP, 2nd VP, 3rd VP, Recording
Secretary, Treasurer
Region 6: President, 1st VP, 2nd VP, 3rd VP,
Secretary, Treasurer
Statewide Board of Directors:
Representatives of the State Executive
notice of election
Check the CSEA bulletin boards at your
workplace for more election details.
Committee and the Local Government Executive
Committee
CSEA Election Schedule for Statewide Officers,
Region Officers, Statewide Board of Directors
Jan. 18: Ballots mailed
Jan. 25: Replacement ballots available
Feb. 8: Deadline for receipt of ballots (8 a.m.).
Ballots counted.
Election results will be announced after the
ballot count. Candidates will be notified by mail
of the results. Election results will be published
in the March 2000 edition of The Work Force.
Voting Eligibility Date
Only CSEA members in good standing as of
Dec. 1, 1999 will be eligible to vote in the
election.
Terms for
CSEA Statewide President, Executive Vice
President, Secretary, Treasurer:
The statewide president, executive vice
president, secretary and treasurer terms.will
start July 7, 2000 and shall be for a single term of
three and three-quarter years, ending March 1,
2004.
Officers for CSEA’s Six Regions:
With the election year 2000, region officers
will serve four-year terms, commencing March 1,
2000.
Statewide Board of Directors:
The board of directors terms will begin July 1,
2000 and will run for a single term of three and
three-quarter years, ending March 1, 2004.
Election Oversight
The election process will be overseen by the
union's Statewide Election Committee. The
balloting will be conducted by an independent
election agency approved by the union’s
statewide Board of Directors.
Any CSEA member may obtain
information about the election
process by calling the Election
Committee at CSEA headquarters
1-800-342-4146 ext,.1477
*
AFSCME DELEGATES
ELECTION YEAR 2000
In addition to our own elections, the year 2000 also
has an ASFCME Delegates election. The approved
schedule for that election is as follows:
Jan. 18
Jan. 25
Feb. 8
March
Ballots mailed
Replacement ballots available
Ballots due/8 a.m.; Tally commences
Results published in The Work Force
INSIDE
ALBANY
Albany Area
Binghamton
Buffalo
Long Island
1999 Inside Albany (www.insidealbany.com)
INSIDE ALBANY broadcast schedule
WMHT
WSKG
WNED
WLIW
Saturday
Monday
6:30 p.m.
5:30 a.m.
4p.m.
10:30 a.m.
ll am.
12 p.m.
Saturday
Sunday
Sunday
Monday
New York City WNET Saturday
Sunday
1:30 p.m.
6:30 a.m.
9am.
5:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
6 p.m.
Based on the actions of the delegates at the 1998 CSEA
Convention, the balloting for the AFSCME Delegates
election will take place at the same time and as part of
the CSEA elections for statewide officers, region officers
and board of directors. Members are urged to carefully
read the election information contained in The Work
Force throughout the year 2000 election cycle.
WCFE
WXxXI
WCNY
WPBS
Plattsburgh Sunday
Rochester Saturday
Syracuse Saturday
Watertown Saturday
page 18 EO ear 1999
December
Excerpts from Vice President Al Gore and Hillary Rodham Cli inton
66 Thave always been pro-union, pro-worker, pro-
collective bargaining, pro organized labor, and I
always will be. I think it is part of insuring the dignity
of the work force in America.
“Ss years ago it was popular for those in
political office nationally to take pot shots at
public employees. I had a different belief. Public
employees are not part of the problem; they are part of
the solution. We don't have bad people working for
government; we have good people trapped in bad
systems.
if fe ought to get rid of striker replacement, we ought to change the
labor law, we ought to get rid of the unfair principles and have a
level playing field in basic fairness.
66 Py all means, let’s pass the health care Patient's Bill of Rights. I think
that life or death medical decisions ought not be made by HMO
bureaucrats sitting around a computer terminal.
ight now, at the summit of America’s economic prosperity, we can't
see every opportunity that will come our way, or every challenge
that we are going to confront. But we can see where we have been, and
how we got to where we are. And we can see the need to work together,
joining our hands and hearts and heads in a common cause to bring about
change that works for all working families, and to make America and New
York in the 21st century what they are supposed to be.
a @ oe of my favorite old labor slogans is
‘agitate, educate and exasperate’ because
we have to educate people about why working
conditions matter, why respect for workers
matters, why the benefits matter to working
women and men.”
66 ne fight for a minimum wage, the fight for
unemployment insurance, the fight for a
40 hour week, all of those issues organized
labor won for themselves but stays on the front
line fighting to make sure every American worker has the same
opportunities. And I thank you for that.
‘ “At much progress as we have made together, we still have
work to do. We need to build on what we have achieved and
make it possible that even more Americans can benefit.
‘ e labor movement started because people deserved to be
treated with dignity and be given a quality of life that every
human being deserves. Politics is the way we all come together to
make decisions that we think will maybe leave this world a better
place.
Bay let's think not in partisan terms, let’s not think as
Republicans or Democrats. Let's think as New Yorkers, as
Americans, as human beings what it is we want to give back and
what a difference we can make. And I think if we do that, the best
years of this union, the best years for New York and the best years
for America are still ahead.
CSEA Constitution, Bylaws and Resolutions, as approved
treatments;
WASHINGTON DC — CSEA delegates at the union's
89th annual meeting approved the following
amendments to CSEA’s Constitution:
* Changing the Purpose and Policy Article
(Constitution Article Il) to conform with the new
direction and profile of the union as a union committed
to better representing its members and organizing
unorganized workers.
« Changing the operative dates from January of the
election year to the preceding September for
determining the number of board seats in both the
State Executive Committee and the Local Government
cutive Committee and changing the commencement
date for the board’s term of office from July to March
(Constitution Articles VI and Vil). Both changes were
necessary to reflect the delegates’ action last year to
place 10 CSEA officers and the board of directors on the
same election cycle and changing their terms of office
from three to four years.
Additionally, the delegates approved on a first
reading the following amendments:
« Reducing the maximum number of valid signatures
and Social Security numbers required on a nominating
petition from 450 to 300 for candidates for both the State
cutive Committee and Local Government Executive
Committee. (Constitution Articles VI and VIN)
* Restructuring the Retiree Executive Committee so it is made
up of all Retiree Local presidents (Constitution Article IX), and
eliminating language in the Delegates Article (Constitution Article
X) made unnecessary due to this restructuring
* Transferring the responsibility for delegate number ce
certification from the Membership Committee to the Office of * CSEA and AFSCM
Statewide Secretary. (Constitution Article X). Finanein
Medic
workers to be used by all states.
publications.
following resolutions requiring:
* CSEA continue to lobby
‘on a bill which would prohibit loc.
The delegates approved the following change to the
Bylaws:
+ Renaming the Public Sector Committee the Publications
Committee to reflect the name change of the union's major
publication from The Public Sector to The Work Force, and'thie
Bill of Rights:
THE FUTURE
committee's additional oversight responsibilities for other union
Delegates at the 1999 annual meeting approved the
ate lawmakers and the governor
overnment emplo:
reducing health insurance benefits or increasing costs unless
esponding change is negotiated for current employees.
lobby Congress to make the Health Care
Administration, which administers both Medicare and
id, develop a national registry of convicted nursing home
A and AFSCME support these additions to a national
sure medical decisions are made by doctors;
* Give patients access to specialists and emergency
December 1999
* Keep patient's medical information private;
* Ensure patients are not forced to change
doctors in the middle of treatment;
* Ensure HMO accountability by making it
possible for patients to sue an HMO when they
are harmed.
* CSEA and AFSCME lobby for a bill
reauthorizing the Older Americans Act
through 2002, using the language of the 1992
Act and including the “New Family Caregiver
Support Programs” as outlined in Senate Bill S-
10.
* CSEA lobby state lawmakers to pass a bill
establishing minimum standards in the law to
register and bond telemarketers and prohibit
access to consumers’ financial accounts.
‘A strive to educate school boards
about the benefits of buying equipment and
school apparel that is union made, assuring
the quality of the goods and that employees
were paid fair wages and worked in safe,
healthy environments — not in sweatshops or
Is NOW
by child labor.
* CSEA commit its political action resources to promote the
passage of pay equity legislation in New York State
* CSEA continue to lobby and work with various components
of the health care industry, CSEA affiliates such as AFSCME and
the United Nurses of Americ ed organizations
and other unions to support staffing ratios legislation
EA work with other groups to support the passage of
bias-related crime legislation (A,1573/S.1038) that would create a
new crime “bias-related violence or intimidation” and provide
increased sentenc and work in coalitions to ensure its
passage
Delegates referred to the 2A Constitution & Bylaws
Committee a proposal that CSEA rebate 100 percent of the
Local's portion of the Unit’s rebate provided that the Local has
filed all the required paperwork.
rs from
THE WORK FORCE [earemh:)
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