Negotiations between CSEA and the state on behalf of more The current CSEA/state contracts expire March 31, 1988. An
than 100,000 state employees represented by CSEA will begin _ update on negotiations will be published in the next edition of
on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at the Old Federal Building in Albany. The Public Sector.
pusic SECTOR
Official Publication of The Civil Service Employees Association, Inc., Local 1000, Vol. 10, No. 23
ee Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO i <a gg49, Monday, November 16, 1987
—_
ied nes
iasuseesieengersmemtne an
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Me om) our eerrnney
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Labor /Management
Achievement
Awards
pages 9, 10, 11
(are
EMERGENCY,
AOADASSISTANCE
PROGRAM
——L LLL Lee
With winter nearly upon us, CSEA and its
insurance provider, Jardine Emett &
Chandler East Inc., can take some of the
worry out of winter driver through the
CSEA Automate Emergency Road
Assistance Program for CSEA members.
For an annual membership fee of just
$19.95, CSEA Automate provides members
with reimbursement for emergency auto
services, participation in a discount travel
program, help in trip planning, travel
accident insurance and access to 24-hour
legal and medical hotlines.
CSEA members may enroll either by
calling CSEA Automate 1-800-833-6220,
Operator 40, and charge the membership fee
to Visa or Mastercard; or fill out the
application at the right and return in to
Automate, P.O. Box 774, Schenectady, N.Y.
12301.
CSEA Automate members are eligible for
reimbursement of up to $35 for on-the-scene
road service including emergency towing,
gas delivery, locksmith’s services and flat
tire replacement. Members are also eligible
for up to $1,000 reimbursement for
emergency transportation expenses resulting
from an accident occuring more than 200
miles from home. Members are
automatically enrolled in Discount Travel
International, a leader in the “‘short notice’
travel industry offering reduced travel
rates.
In addition to hotline access to legal and
medical assistance, members also are
eligible for travel accident insurance.
Members enrolling in CSEA Automate
receive a kit that includes a
membership card, a guide to benefits,
a window sticker, bumper sticker, trip
planning request form and a claim
reimbursement form.
at
Enroll in the CSEA AUTOMATE® program by phone
1-800-833-6220
!
|
1 (OPERATOR 40)
I and che-ge
lor. simply comple
AUTOMATE® P.O, Box 774 Schenectady, NY 12
0 your Visa or Maste
2 form belc
SEA
!Yes! Enroll me in the CSEA AUTOMATE
jEmergency Road Assistance Program® right
laway!
Social Security No. ——
Telephone No.(—)
IMPORTANT BILLING INFORMATION
ANNUAL DUES ARE $ 19.95
1
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Annual membership dues for the CSEA AUTOMATE Emer- |
[gency Road Assistance Program® can be made in any one |
(Check one) ®
I
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|
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Jof the following ways
'c Check or Money order enclosed
OChargetomy: O Visa O Mastercard
No
xpiration Date
|
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1 IMPORTANT TRAVEL/ACCIDENT
I INSURANCE INFORMATION
|
Emergency Road Assist-
000 Travel Ac
[Included | inyourc SEAAUTOMATE £
dentInsur
[Please provide the following information
Benef
Name
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ership will begin on the first day of |
of my application |
nd that the bene- |
and conditions of
tf understand my m
the month irr following recei
and annual membership dues | und
fits and services are subject to the te
[the "Members Only Benefit Guide”
Signature Date
The Public Sector (445010) is published every other Monday by The Civil Service
Employees Association, 143 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12210. Publication Of-
fice: 143 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12210. Second Class Postage paid at Post
Office, Albany, New York.
Address changes should be sent to: Civil Service Employees Association, Attn:
Membership Department, 143 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12210.
Official publication of The Civil Service
AFSCME, AFL-CIO, 143 Washington
Avenue, Albany, New York, 12210
Publisher
. Editor
AARON SHEPARD.
ROGER A, COLE..
COMMUNICATION ASSOCIATES
Employees Association, Inc., Local 1000,
SHERYL CARLIN ..
LILLY GIOIA
ANITA MANLEY
DAN CAMPBELL
Region I
(516) 273-2280
Region II
(212) 514-9200
Region III
(914) 896-8180
Region IV
(518) 489-5424
RON WOFFORD
STEVE MADARASZ
Region VI
(716) 886-0391
Headquarters
(518) 434-0191
ARID 4
KATHLEEN DALY ‘Associate Editor
CHUCK McGEARY Region V
(315) 451-6330.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR November 16, 1987
CSEA came out on top of the ballot across
the state on Election Day 1987.
The union’s political muscle helped
knock out incumbent county executives in
major upstate and downstate races while,
overall, an impressive 80 percent of CSEA-
endorsed candidates were swept into office.
In a closely watched upstate race, CSEA-
backed Assemblyman Dennis Gorski
trounced three-term incumbent Erie County
Executive Edward Rutkowski while
downstate in Suffolk County, CSEA support
helped another assemblyman, Patrick
Halpin, do the same to County Executive
Michael LoGrande.
Both Gorski and Halpin thanked CSEA for
the union’s endorsement and assistance in
their campaigns.
“CSEA, in particular among public
® employee unions, contributed greatly to our
overwhelming victory. I’m looking forward
to a positive relationship with the leadership
and membership of CSEA,” Gorski said
shortly after claiming victory.
Meanwhile, two incumbent county
executives whom CSEA did champion won
re-election: Thomas Gulotta in Nassau
County and Lucille Pattison in Dutchess
County.
Voters also followed CSEA’s lead in a
variety of other local government races.
In Suffolk County, for example, 12 out of
16 candidates for county legislature had the
CSEA label and won. In nearby Nassau
County, nominees for supervisor in the
towns of Hempstead, North Hempstead and
Oyster Bay rode to victory with union
support.
Altogether, CSEA scored 61 wins out of 78
endorsements on Long Island with Halpin’s
stunning upset leading the way.
“Tt was an amazing coup. It took
tremendous effort and was really a victory
for people power over a well-financed
opponent,”’ CSEA Region I President Danny
Donohue said.
Election Day was quiet in New York City
with union activity limited to one race:
William Murphy’s re-election as Staten
Island district attorney.
Moving upstate, Westchester County
NEWLY ELECTED Suffolk County Executive
Partick Halpin, center, receives a CSEA cap
from CSEA Region i President Danny Donohue,
left, as regional Political Action Committee
Chairperson Michael Curtin smiles his approval.
| 7
November 16, 1987
- CSEA uses Election Day to show off its
Political
IL 4 fa
ower
A TIP OF THE (CSEA) HAT — Newly-elected Erie County Executive Dennis Gorski, si
right, tips a CSEA hat to show his appre
are CSEA Region VI Political Action Sp
voters agreed with CSEA’s endorsement and
OK’d a $68 million bond issue to build an
addition to the county jail.
The union backed winners in 95 races out
of 122 endorsements in the Southern Region
with the best showing in Rockland County
(i5 wins, 2 losses), Westchester County
Legislature (15 wins, 2 losses) and Dutchess
County (25 wins, 3 losses).
History was made, meanwhile, in the
Capital District where the union for the first
time got involved in Washington County
politics. The record was one win, one loss
and one race too close to call.
Political action staffer Ed LaPlante
reported that when the polling was over both
Democratic and Republican party leaders
confessed that CSEA’s participation would
boost two-party politics there.
CSEA registered 48 victories in the Capital
Region including all endorsed candidates in
Saratoga County; eight out of nine
endorsements for Albany County
Legislature; and eight out of ten Rensselaer
County races.
Union activists were especially proud of
member Agnes Rodd’s triumph as City of
Amsterdam comptroller.
In the Central Region, CSEA-endorsed
candidates won 68 out of 80 races. Political
action also made a successful debut in
Herkimer County legislative races, scoring
three wins, one loss.
The support of New York state’s largest
public employee union was credited with
giving Democrats a boost to majority party
status in the City of Oneonta and in helping
put Republican mayors Car! Bilenberg
(Rome) and Louis LaPolla (Utica) over the
op.
Other significant wins included all four
ion for the union’s support in his election bid. From left
list Roger Sherrie and Erie County CSEA Local 815
members and activists MariJean Nichols and Barbara Gradewicz.
econd from
congratulations from CSEA Region III
President Pat Mascioli and regional
Political Action Specialist Doris Mason.
endorsed Otsego County legislative
candidates; 14 Onondaga County legislators;
two City of Syracuse council members; and
Broome County DA Joseph Mollen.
Dennis Gorski’s big win as Erie County
executive was described by CSEA Region
VI President Robert L. Lattimer as ‘“‘a
significant break with the past.” It also set
the pace in the union’s Western Region
which registered 91 wins in 120 contests.
In other noteworthy races, CSEA won 13
out of 18 matches in Monroe County and 15
out of 16 in Niagara County.
But all eyes were on Erie County where,
in addition to Gorski’s election, CSEA scored
a perfect record — 29 wins in 29 various
contests ranging from county. legislature
and Buffalo Common Council to assorted
judgeships and town offices.
3
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
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By Stephen Madarasz oon Bertha
9 5 i; y Neat site jc. ‘i
CSEA Communications Associate : se pg tl a
ALBANY — Recent Department of Environmental Conservation
(DEC) findings on heavy metal contamination around Ciba-Geigy’s
Glens Falls plant back up warnings about dangers at the site made by ee 8 CONTAMINATE; }
CSEA last March. ui O sites Jf
CSEA’s interest in To date, the state has been unwilling to reportedly
the situation developed accept the evidence of a heavy metal centered on the
out of apparently high danger and schedule appropriate tests for company’s responsibility
cancer rates among the workers who handled the river sludge. _ for plant site contamination.
Department of “These latest test results only confirm rere pete
Transportation (DOT) what's been clear for a long time — Bu ls oe fineites ara te e
employees who worked workers and the community around that rhe al Iso show much higher levels of =
on Hudson River plant are at risk!”’ states CSEA President hi eye talitoxics fiasesliee samples
dredging projects dating William McGowan. ee Ciba-Geigy itself at the Lore
back to the 1950s. A DOT SLUDGE “There’s no excuse for any further oe ie seat d t Ciba ay erenrnniee
survey of workers delay by the state in setting up an x oe arlvreatents ‘d ater cs x SSaa
conducted by the state Health Department independent medical screening for Se Ee aRet the site earlier this year.
last spring found no cause for alarm. workers who were exposed to the toxic
CSEA branded those results a sludge. Only then will we know the full In a related development, CSEA has
“whitewash”’ after reviewing state extent of the health dangers,” he adds. also discovered DEC and U.S.
documents showing that the Ciba-Geigy Ciba Geigy was negotiating with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
plant (formerly Hercules Inc.) dumped state for limited liability as part ofa documents from the early 1980s which
nearly 2,000 pounds per day of planned shutdown of the facility when the indicate heavy metal contamination at the
cancer-causing lead chromate into the latest test results were released by DEC’s — Queensbury landfill due to dumping of e
Hudson over a period of years. Wildlife Pathology Unit. Those talks were materials from the CibaGeigy site.
Onondaga Local signs new pact
SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED — The recent signing of a new Unit; Mike Renshaw, Highway Unit; Dan Herlihy, Administrative
two-year contract for Onondaga County CSEA Local 834 marked the Combined Services Unit; Esther Shippey, Van Duyn Home and Hospital
conclusion of negotiations for 3,700 employees that began in September Unit; Bob Morris, Department of Social Services Unit; and Fred Bauer,
1986. On hand for the signing were, seated from left: Region VI Probation Unit.
President James J. Moore; Sarah Soule, negotiating committee
chairperson; Onondaga County Executive John Mulroy; Local 834 Others who took part in negotiations but were not present for the
President Dale King; CSEA Collective Bargaining Specialist Tom photo are: Bruce Dickinson, Library Unit; Len Foster, vice chairperson
Pomidoro; and Jim Adsitt, Drainage and Sanitation Unit. of the negotiating committee; and Sue Martin, Health Committee
Standing from left ar
Palmer Burbidge, Parks and Recreation representative.
4 THE PUBLIC SECTOR November 16, 1987
For Long Island,
Newsday
October 27, 1987
Hudson Valley—
Ticks
trigger
trouble ,
CSEA members who work outdoors in parts:
of Long Island and the Hudson Valley face a
growing num
disease cosed
is par aad Dr Ra
ain amen arise cane, Aa
Roe on Haft wai Oia pate
vitipac rvughe New
oN
significant risk of contracting Lyme Disease —
an illness caused by tick bites that can trigger
arthritic discomfort and even neurological
problems.
The sometimes crippling disease
carries a variety of symptoms — a
circular rash, fatigue, headaches,
muscular soreness, arthritic joints,
irregular heartbeat, dizziness — all of
which won’t go away and make
diagnosis hard to pinpoint. Often
victims don’t even realize they’ve been
bitten by a tick because the bugs are so
small.
Tf left untreated, Lyme Disease
symptoms can last for years.
Antibiotics usually relieve the
symptoms but there are cases where
they have little or no effect.
Ten years ago there were only a
handful of known cases of Lyme
Disease. Today there are more than
5,000 known victims in 33 states.
Named for the Connecticut town
where it was first discovered, Lyme
Disease appears to be on the rise in
New York state — mostly in the lower
Hudson Valley and Suffolk County. But
there is disagreement among experts
about whether the number of cases are
dramatically increasing or just now
being accurately diagnosed.
There is no disagreement however,
that more needs to be learned about
this problem.
As part of that effort, CSEA members
in the state Office of Parks and
Recreation recently participated in a
study showing that they, and others in
similar work, may be at greater risk of
Lyme Disease than had previously been
thought.
The study suggests the following
precautions be taken to reduce the risk:
*Be aware of tick bites among
outdoor workers
*Check clothes and skin frequently
for ticks when outdoors
*Apply insect repellent to clothing
and bare skin when working
outdoors
November 16, 1987
‘Thought he
had the flu’
EAST FISHKILL — Ed Hickman
thought he had an ordinary case of the
flu, but when the rash started he went
to see his doctor.
What the CSEA East Fishkill unit
president had was not the flu after all,
but the first documented case of Lyme
Disease in Dutchess County.
Hickman, a 12-year town highway
employee does not recall being bitten
by a tick, but in August he began
running a fever. “It was low,” he
explained, ‘“‘about 100 degrees and I ran
it for about a week.”’
Soon he began experiencing pain in
Fete err hi
ra Late at ay rene ae
co :
A Growing Total
‘Numba of Lyne Ougase Casas
in Now Yor State
1000
1204, sole sie tora a Laas enn See
eporing has been cosa at
his wrists and ankles and some
swelling. ‘Then I broke out in a rash on
my arms and back and it spread to my
legs and face.””
“My doctor thought it might be Lyme
Disease and he sent me for blood tests
and started me on an antibiotic,” he
said.
Hickman worries about a
recurrence. “I’ve heard about people
being ill with this, recovering and then
suffering from the symptoms years
later,” he commented.
He’s also concerned that the disease
might be more prevalent than people
think.
“A lot of people have problems and
think they’re sick with something else.
A number of my neighbors are ill and
they might actually have Lyme
Disease.”
Dutchess County Health
Commissioner Dr. John Scott issued a
warning in a recent edition of The
Poughkeepsie Journal , which featured
an article about Hickman. Scott
suggested that hikers avoid deep woods,
thick meadows and overgrown areas.
“Tf you’re bitten by a tick,”’ Scott
explained, “remove it as soon as
possible and save it to show to your
doctor. While control of ticks and Lyme
Disease in the wild is not currently
feasible, antibiotics are very effective
in treatment and early medical
attention is advisable,” he concluded.
*Avoid unnecessary exposure to tick
habitats
*Wear light colored clothes to make it
easier to spot ticks
*Tuck pants into boots or socks and
shirt into pants
*Remove attached ticks and treat tick
bites by prescribed methods
*Seek prompt medical care if any of
the symptoms of Lyme Disease occur
CSEA members who work outside are
not the only ones who should be
concerned. If you spend any time in the
woods of the lower Hudson Valley or
the Long Island seashore, you may also
be at increased risk.
Deer hunters and pet owners whose
animals run in the wild are also
advised to take precautions.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
5
‘How do
feel about the
Teamsters
rejoining the
AFL-CI0??
you
Kay Wise
NYC Local 010
CSEA Region II
“In one way it’s good because the
Teamsters are very large and
powerful, but, on the other hand,
the federal government alleges
Teamster leadership might
possibly have ties to organized
crime. It appears the Teamsters
are looking to team up with a
legitimate organization such as
the AFL-CIO.”
6
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
Richard Villeneuve
Gore Mt. Local 060
CSEA Region IV
“By virtue of numbers the AFL-
CIO will be stronger. The
Teamster members are good
people, but the problems in the
Teamsters were usually with the
top leaders who had absolute
power. So don’t judge the
Teamster (members) by their top
leaders judge them as hard
working individuals.”
)
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Royal Headley Mary Starr
DFY Local 562 Orange County Local 836
CSEA Region VI CSEA Region III
“T see it as a strengthening move “Tm glad they did because it’s
for labor as the federal much better that unions join
administration continues its together. Unions should be united
ongoing fight against organized in working toward better
labor. It definitely makes the conditions for employees, instead
overall union movement of squabbling among
stronger.” themselves.”
e
a
@
Jean Barsky
Nassau County Local 830
CSEA Region I
“T feel it’s a good move because
they’re very powerful. I feel
there’s a lot of controversy about
their ethics but I still think they
can accomplish a lot.”
Marion ‘Mel’ Losito
Elmira PC Local 437
CSEA Region V
“T’d feel a lot better about the
Teamsters rejoining if I could be
certain the criminal element in
their union management has been
eliminated.”
November 16, 1987 ®
CSEA’s image shines night and day over the downtown Albany
skyline all this month and next, a beacon of encouragement to
thousands of CSEA members in the capital district.
CSEA’s widely-recognized logo and the message ‘‘Working with
you” is emblazoned more than 100 feet in the air atop the tallest
billboardin the Capital District during November and December.
The image-building billboard, illuminated from sunset to
midnight, measures 14 feet high and 48 feet in length. It took a sign
painter two days to complete, using 12 gallons of paint. A photo of
the finished product graces page 1 of this issue of The Public Sector.
The CSEA billboard is a message to not only the union’s
® membership but to the general public as well, indicating public
Proud to be ‘working with you’
employees improve the lives of the public while serving the needs of
government. It further serves as a show of solidarity to state
lawmakers as contract negotiations open this month between CSEA
and the state on behalf of more than 100,000 state employees
represented by CSEA.
An estimated 45,000 vehicles pass by the giant CSEA billboard,
located on Interstate 787, every workday.
y 7 ALBANY — Longtime CSEA staff
member John P. (Jase) McGraw is the
new director of field operations for the
Committee on Work Environment and
Productivity (CWEP).
yj CWEP is a joint labor/management
program that promotes cooperation as
a means of resolving workplace
problems. It also funds innovative
McGraw’s appointment was
announced recently by CSEA statewide
President William L. McGowan and
Elizabeth D. Moore, director of the
Governor’s Office of Employee Relations (GOER).
His new post with CWEP is ‘‘a wonderful opportunity to
Jase McGraw, new CWEP
@ Director of Field Operations
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
programs to improve employee morale.
a>, McGraw joins CWEP
further cooperative efforts between union and management to
benefit all state employees,” McGraw said.
McGraw is ‘‘a man whose background as both a former
public employee and a former union negotiator makes him
uniquely qualified to hold this job,” McGowan said.
Over the last 20 years, McGraw has held various jobs within
CSEA. From 1983 to 1987, he was marketing director of the
union’s Employee Benefit Fund. For 10 years before that, he
oversaw several CSEA-state contracts as a collective bargaining
agent for the union. He first joined the staff in 1968 as a field
representative assigned to upstate New York. Prior to that, he
was an employee of the city of Troy and the Rensselaer County
Department of Social Services.
‘Jase McGraw will bring a variety of labor management
strengths and experience to CWEP that will complement a
program dedicated to cooperative resolution of
employer/employee workplace issues,’’ Moore said.
Summary of meeting
EDITOR’S NOTE: The Public Sector
regularly publishes a summary of actions
taken by CSEA’s statewide Board of
Directors at the Board’s official meetings.
affiliate on a trial basis with the American
Federation of State, County and Municipal
Employees (AFSCME);
* Approved payment of all normal
Legislative and Political Action Committee;
* OK’d various incidental expenses to be
paid to members of statewide negotiating
teams;
The summary is prepared by Statewide
Secretary Irene Carr for the information of
union members.
By Irene Carr
CSEA Statewide Secretary
ALBANY — CSEA’s statewide Board of
Directors met here on Oct. 7. In official
actions, the board:
* Authorized the CSEA Retiree Division to
e
November 16, 1987
operating expenses until a budget for the
fiscal year that began Oct. 1 is ratified;
* Confirmed members Mark Mandyke and
Terry Williams to serve on the Region V
Legislative and Political Action Committee;
* Added William Burdick, Rosemary
Burdo, Barbara Charles, Corinne B. Daly,
Cindy Egan, Timothy Gerard, Anthony
Muscatiello, Victor J. Putnam, Emil Spiak,
Charles Staats Jr., Suzanne Waltz and
Jeffrey Zabielski to the Region IV
* Approved new job specifications for
CSEA education and training assistants; and
* Noted intent that $50 board fee is
inclusive of all meals for the day it is paid.
Questions by CSEA members concerning
the union’s Board of Directors should be
directed to the member’s Board
representative, local president or to the
office of the statewide secretary. Copies of
the minutes are sent to all Board
representatives and local presidents.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
Wk
RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONIES included one of the future clients of TLC Learning Center at Helen Hayes Hospital. Pat Tomashevski, president
of the center’s board of directors, lends a hand.
Helen Hayes opens
TLC Learning Center
WEST HAVERSTRAW — After an
investment of five years of hard work and
dedication, a day care center recently
opened on the grounds of the Helen Hayes
Hospital here.
CSEA statewide Secretary Irene Carr,
participating in ribbon-cutting ceremonies,
congratulated the center board and
committee members for the work which
culminated in the opening of the TLC
Learning Center. It is the latest in a series
of day care centers for employees opened at
various state facilities.
For Pamela Rodriguez, a keyboard
specialist, and her two sons, ages 18 months
and three years, the center opening is a
great solution to day care problems. her
mother had been babysitting until she found
another solution. TLC is that solution.
“Since I can’t be home with the boys, it’s
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
a good feeling knowing that they’re close by
and I can spend time with them during my
lunch hour,”’ said Rodriguez, secretary for
Local 302. ‘‘Because the fee is based on my
salary, it’s much lower than many
babysitters. However, the center is not just
a babysitting service. It’s a learning center,
too, and they will be learning with qualified
teachers, which means a lot to me.”’
A committee of representatives of public
employee unions, including CSEA, and
hospital management put the proposal
together and kept it moving toward
completion, said Pat Tomashevski,
chairperson of the center’s board of
directors.
The state provided seed money of $22,250
for the center, but internal efforts, including
a raffle and ‘“‘name the center’’ contest
provided additional support.
CARPENTER KENNY LEWIS was one of the
workers who helped put the TLC Learning Center
together. Here he’s shown squaring off a panel.
November 16, 1987
‘ANNUAL L/M AWARDS
ALBANY — ‘“‘Labor/Management cooperation is not a public were nominated. All the winners are listed on pages 9 through 11.
relations thing. It is a working philosophy.” McGowan said labor/management cooperation is an ongoing
William Sullivan, acting director of the state/CSEA process to improve both the workplace and the quality of service
Labor/Management Committees, described the essential cooperation state workers provide. at ‘
between the state and the union during the second annual “Tt has taken time and it will take more time, but we all have to
Labor/Management Achievements Awards ceremony earlier this learn to listen and to hear what the other side has to say,” McGowan
month. said. ‘‘We are partners at times when we don’t want to be partners .
Sullivan, along with CSEA President William L. McGowan, Lt. . ility to sit down, listen and talk ty
Gov. Stanley Lundine, Director of the Governor’s Office of Employee ? oy
@ Relations (GOER), Elizabeth D. Moore and Nancy Hodes, deputy
director of GOER, honored individuals and teams who exemplified
the power of labor management cooperation.
tors than 100 people received awards this year, and 200 to 300
THREE MEMBERS OF THE state-CSEA Committee on Work Environment
and Productivity (CWEP) received one of the special awards for their effort
TAKING THE TIME TO TALK — CSEA President William L. McGowan in the labor/management process. Shown from left are: row one, GOER
chats with Lt. Gov. Stanley Lundine and GOER Director Elizabeth D. Moore Director Moore, Marie Romanelli, Lt. Gov. Lundine, CSEA President
during the Labor/Management Achievement Awards luncheon. McGowan; row two, Greg Szurnicki and Patricia Pfleger.-
Rebecca Council William Manfred
NYS Department of Labor, NYS Departmant of Labor,
Rochester Albany
e John Kavanaugh Vera Lund
NYS Department of Labor, NYS Department of Labor,
Rochester Albany
When the Department of Labor was faced with the crisis
situation of layoffs, these individuals rose up to offer a
helping hand to the many faced with an uncertain future.
Through their efforts, job fairs, EAP workshops, and stress
management seminars were made available to those affected
Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center employees in both Rochester and Albany.
Mary Chapin Melinda Monaghan x
Senior Personnel Food Administrator Statens sna Develepnentalscentex,
omuiecencns John Jackson Ann Ackerson
President, CSEA Local 429 Director of Staff Development
Local First Vice President
A work team represented by Ann and John worked tirelessly
under trying circumstances to ensure that the employees of
Staten Island were given the utmost attention and support
throughout the Staten Island closing and subsequent
transition period. They initiated a number of programs for
the employees and exemplified true labor/management
cooperation throughout these difficult time.
Mary and Cynthia planned, or ed and implemented an EI
program. Facilitates EI team meetings and encourages
employee participation. Melinda reduced food service staff
complaints through participative approach to problem
e@ solving. All work to continue the cooperative
lsbor/management approach.
Kingsboro Psychiatric Center
Ellalanicucey. ectert vires Newark Developmental Center
Executive Director CSEA Local President
Edward Weeks Eousecaaren! oe Martin DeSanto Elaine Fuller
Associate Director Vice President CSEA Local President Therapy Aide 1
Domenick Gentile Bernice Vorreuter Rhonda Armitage
Residential Cooridinator Therapy Aide II
Assistant Di x for F tratt
ssistant Director for Facility Administration oraantpecsace Debbie Gittens
For transforming a previously poor labor/management Therapy Aide 11 Community Assistant Director
atmosphere into an open, cooperative relationship which has Russel) oar eguee SnARon) Gawmcnak.
been instrumental in improving working conditions, and Director, Newark DDSO Coordinator of Professional
eenicdacinocases Thomas Zilenski Services
Deputy Director for Dorothy Hauk
Administration Director for Education and
Robert Moran Training
New York State Division for Youth
Regional Labor/Management Te: Chief of Services
For participation in The Direct Approach conference held in
@ Robert Dunbar William Burroughs a p anaN ‘
Masten Park Secure Center Buffalo Community Home Newani [oo ebb: 19/6 10. 18075 2hay Sars steed much of
their free time to work on this project, which over 300
Royal Headley Nancye Studd
eee people attended. It was an excellent example of management
Masten Park Secure Center Jamestown Community aOR ee acenepi tc teceenen
Catherine Nailor Urban Home a 8o8
Masten Park Secure Center George D. Patterson
Vivianne Raney Ellicot Square Bldg. ‘ ;
Buffalo Youth Nantign a atent Westchester Developmental Center
Development Center Buffalo District Office A
Buffalo Urban Center Masten Park Secure Center BB GOA EEeR: HAP AEE WARS ODSRR AE OF
Marjorie Laury
William S. Jordon Associate Personnel Administrator
Buffalo Youth Development Center
For their joint efforts to initiate worklife enhancement
programs such as stress reduction, and employee recognition
dinners. They have worked to promote better communication
between labor and management, settling complaints before
they become formal grievances
For demonstrating outstanding efforts to improve labor
relations and encouraging a cooperative team spirit in
creating programs that address employees’ needs and
interests at DFY sites in the Buffalo area.
° 9
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
Wayne Jones
CSEA Local President
Joseph Hageman
Vice President
Philip Hahn
‘Treasurer
Candace Termer
Board Member, Grievance Rep.
Linda Hussey
Board Member, Grievance Rep.
Herman Dorsey
Center
Jack Collier
Executive Director
Barbara Nelliat
Director of Institution Human
Resources Management
William Putney
Chief of Mental Health
Treatment Services
Larry Lincoln
Mental Hygiene Treatment
Team Leader
Board Member, Grievance Rep.
Edward Fitzmaurice
Board Member, Grievance Rep.
For their joint efforts in an attempt to resolve issues
locally, and in recognition of the great improvement in the
work environment.
Thomas Sharkey
Associate Director
Phillip Scott
Director, Employee Relations
Charles Thompson
Assistant Director,
Employee Relations
James Cooney
CSEA Deputy Director for
Contract Administration
Tony Bentivegna,
Kings Park PC
Alfred Henneborn
Central Islip PC
Miguel Cruz
Creedmoor PC
Daniel Spring
Binghamton PC
OMH/CSEA Labor/Management Committe
Glenda Davis
Rockland PC
Alexander Hogg
Middletown PC
Margaret Harrison
Hudson River PC
Patrick Hahn
Pigrim PC
Peg Buko-Farber
Central Office
John Loveday
Capital District Pc
Sharon Connor
Hutchings PC
Wayne Jones
Gowanda PC
Joseph Polito
Buffalo PC
Through the joint efforts of both labor and management, the
agency held a working conference in November of 1986 at the
Sagamore. Areas of concern to both sides were addressed in
@ mature atmosphere of cooperation and trust. A conference
report was prepared and is being used as the basis to
address problems within the agency, and as a starting point
for the next joint conference.
Peter Sainola
Park Manager II
Roger Frary
Senior Park Engineer
Michael Mullarney
Keewaydin State Park
Robert Kernehan
General Mechanic
Robert Berry
Park Supervisor
James Becker
Park Manager I
General Park Manager
Lynn DeCarr
Regional Maintenance
Supervisor
Richard Flagg
Electrician
This labor/management preventive maintenance committee has
They engage
in cooperative teamwork problem solving and in training and
reduced maintenance costs and injury to staff.
staff development efforts. Everyone's participation has
been encouraged, recognized, and appreciated in this
cooperative approach.
Attic
Correctional Facility
Ernie Laware
CSEA Local President
Walter R. Kelly
Superintendent
Hubert Speckard
Deptuty Superintendent
for Administration
Jim Hank
Refrigeration Mechanic
For their efforts in developing a labor/management team
Their
R COOPERATION
and row three, Bien Baez.
DURING CEREMONIES for the Labor-Management Achievement Awards,
Elizabeth D. Moore, director of the Governor’s Office of Employee
Relations, top photo, presents an award as CSEA statewide President
William L. McGowan looks on. In the lower photo, Moore, McGowan and Lt.
Gov. Stanley Lundine pose with a team from the state Department of Motor
Vehicles that developed the first agency-wide Employee Involvement
program. Shown are: row one, Moore, Norman Schneider, Lun
McGowan; row two, Dan Wood, Alan Fine, Barbara Stack, Suzanne Waltz;
le,
JOHN WINDS, center, receives his special award from Lt. Gov.
Lundine for his commitment to the Joint Apprenticeship
Committee. At left is Nancy Hodes of GOER, with CSEA
President McGown at right.
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
New York State Racing and Wagering Board
New York City
Marie Vuono
Senior Account Clerk
Ms. Vuono has shown a unique ability to settle disputes at
the facility level and to avert potentially hostile
situations. She corrected health and safety violations
cooperatively with management, and has had an overall
positive impact on QWL.
Department of Labor
‘Albany
Jeanne Lyons
President, CSEA Local 670
For marshalling the resources of CSEA and AFSCME to
successfully lobby Congress for monies to forstall and
eliminate Department of Labor layoffs, greatly improving
the morale of both labor and management at DOL.
Buf
lo Psychiatric Center
Andrew Herbert
Mental Hygiene Therapy Aide
For his outstanding and unceasing efforts in gaining the
trust that now exists between labor and management,
ensuring each has an equal voice in day to day facility
concerns.
aAZMSMO-ZPS FOSPpr
COMMITTEES -
Downstate Corr
ional Facility
Robert Anderson
CSEA Local President
Mr. Anderson has been instrumental in improving
communication between CSEA members and facility management.
Between his commitment to employees needs, and his dispute
resolution methods, he has helped Downstate strive for
that has responded to the needs the facility.
efforts have resulted in reducing daily stress encountered
in a correctional facility, improving employee morale, an
dncrease in productivity.
Region III Agency Specific Training Committee
Diane Y. Lucchesi
Chairperson, SUNY New Paltz
George Ballard
Department of Transportation
Patricia Taylor
Rockland PC
‘They designed and impleme
Antoinette Yerks
Hudson River PC
Livio Gallazzo
Eastern Correctional Facility
nted training programs which
improved the quality of work life for OSU-represented
New York State Police Labor/Management Committee
Jospeh E. Gillespie
First Deputy Superintendent
Jerome L. O'Grady
Deputy Superintendent
Socrates LeCakes
Assistant Dep. Superintendent
Barbara Shepherd
Photographer I
Richard Barnes
Communications Specialist
Marianne Dygert
Senior Stenographer
Helen Halbritter
Principal Clerk
Gary Dunnes
Staff Inspector
William H. Anton
Director of Personnel
James Cooney
CSEA Representative
Patricia Cavotte
Steno
Gerald Brewster
Senior Lab Tech.
Andrea Christensen
Steno
Nancy Prevosto
Communications Specialist
LABOR-MANAGEN
Achievem
wear’
program
organizational excellence
Harlem Valley Secure Center
Mary Moore
CSEA Local President
Ms. Moore has increased efficiency by reducing overtime at
the facility and generally enhancing the quality of work
life through her dedication to improving labor/management
cooperation.
Department of Public Service
‘Albany
employees. This demonstrated the positive effects
labor/management cooperation can produce for these
employees.
Cecile Ayers
Senior Clerk
For the development of a solid communication network
between labor and management, which has been a key factor
Dennis Haskins
Principal Clerk
As Chairman of the Department's Health and Safety Committee
Region V Agency Specific Training Committee
Mary Lauzon
SUNY Potsdam
Sharon Connor
Hutchings PC
Lt. Clark Mosher
Mid-State Correctional
Sylvia Hall Higgins
Trevor Bilodeau
Department of Transportation
Richard G. Galbally
Auburn Correctional
Ward Bury
Department of Transportation
Bernard Kaplan
in the implementation of many new policies designed to
benefit employees throughout the State.
Division of Mili
Jim Halse
Senior Specification &
Purchasing Writer
Pat Rosencrans
al Affairs
ary and
Major Larry Tousignanta
Labor/Management Specialist
Donna Tuttie
Junior Administrator
November 5, 198
from 1982-1986, Dennis addressed ways to improve office
ventilation, secured ear plugs for Print Shop employees to
safeguard their hearing, and drafted an agency smoking
policy. He also disseminated information on tuition
reimbursement programs, and career advancement classes
Judith A. Remington
SUNY Cortland Department of Transportation
For their tremendous dedication and commitment to assisting
work locations within the Central New York Region. The
training they provide has improved the quality of worklife
for employees and increased the overall effectiveness of
the facilities
Account Clerk
For their dedication to improving the quality of worklife
for employees. Through this committee many workplace
improvements have occurred during the brief period it has
been active.
historical precedent for DMNA
The trust and cooperation they exhibit is an
CSEA Local President
As CSEA local president and convenor of their
labor/management committee, Judy has cultivated a
harmonious labor/management atmosphere that has resulted ir
Empire having fewer grievances filed than any other chapter
within SUNY
John Windus
Principle Stationary Engineer
For his tremendous commitment to the Joint Apprenticeship
Committee. As a regional JAC representative John has
consistently served above and beyond what has been asked of
him. By going out of his way to promote the
labor/management benefits of apprenticeship, John has
greatly contributed to the success of the program in the
New York City Metropolitan area
SUNY College of Environmental Science
Syracuse
\d_ Forestry
Peter DeMola
Maintenance Supervisor
Howard Bruse
Supervisor of Grounds
Michael Kochanek
Maintenance Supervisor
Michael Vattimo
Maintenance Assistant
For developing responsible and innovative ways of dealing
with asbestos removal, helping to protect the health of the
community and save the college time, money and resources.
The voluntary nature of this team has required members to
give up weekends and evenings to accomplish this work,
demonstrating their special willingness to meet the
labor/management challenge of providing a safe and healthy
work environment.
State Univer
Pe
Patricia Lambrecht
Director of Personnel
For working tirelessly to develop training initiatives
which improve the quality of worklife and increase
productivity. Specifically, Pat developed a comprehensive
training program in how to store, handle, and remove
hazardous substances in the workplace. Due to the success
of this program, a consortium of facilities in the area was
formed to utilize these techniques.
Elmira Psychiatric Center
Tom Ward
CSEA Local President
For his dedication to the Joint Apprenticeship Committee
and his leadership role in the Central New York Region.
Tom has lent his time and influence to assure training and
devalopment of apprentices is excellent. This has provided
a well trained staff to management, and the promotional
opprtunities for employees
Department of Motor Vehicles
Dan Wood
CSEA REpresenta
EI Committee
Suzanne Waltz
CSEA Local Pres
Barbara Stack
CSEA State Exec!
Committee Rep:
This team
Motor vehi
Employee 1
Department
program.
commendabl.
Norman R. Schneider
tive Executive Deputy Commissioner
Bion Baez
Deputy Commissioner
ident for Management Services
utive
resentative
represents all involved at the Department of
cles that over the last year developed an
volvement process. DMV represents the first
in New York State to develop an agency-wide EI
‘Such leadership is especially noteworhty and
e.
New York State School for the Blind
Sharon Armstrong
CSEA Local Pres
Robert Seibold
Superintendent
Batavia
Roland Finch
Local Treasurer
Frances Stokes
Keyboard Operator
ident
Shirley Hasenauer
Local Vice President
Florence Condidorio
Education Cooridinator
Patricia Campbell
Head Cook and Healthkeeper
Barbara Schwind
Recreation Therapist
For the innovative and unique recreational park designed
for the sensory impaired. This park is the direct result
of the dedication of all representatives of labor and
management that participated, and reflects positively not
only on the facility, but on the entire State as well.
NYS/CSEA Labor-Management Committee
on the Work Environment and Productivity
(CWEP )
Marie Romanelli
Supervisor, CWE!
Gregory Szurnict
CWEP Representa
Patricia Pflege:
P Representatives
Heh
tive
CWEP Representative
This special award acknowledges the commitment and
tremendous efforts of Marie, Greg, and Pat to the
labor /management process throughout New York State. All
three have greatly contributed to the revitalization of
CWEP in its mission to assist State facilities, address
CSEA employee concerns, and improve the quality of working
life.
The NYS/CSEA Labor-Management Committees would like to thank
everyone for attending today's ceremony
We would also like to
thank Lieutenant Governor Stan Lundine for being a part of our
program.
for all involved go to Lou DalPortc
Daniel J. Cunni
Donna Bullock,
Further acknowledgements for making this day special
Michael J. Monescalchi,
ngham, Karen Loiselle, Brian Ruff, Paul Hebert,
and Jeff Martin
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
16, 1987
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
CSEA Downstate victory
spurs voter registration
By Lilly Gioia
CSEA Communications Associate
BROOKLYN — Beyond the din of bulldozers gouging out the
huge foundation of a new $37 million, eight-story addition to
Downstate Medical Hospital, CSEA Local 646 members broke some
ground of their own, conducting their most successful voter
registration drive ever.
More than 100 CSEA members registered as voters and many
used the opportunity to also sign up as supporters of the PROPLE
political action program.
Tronically, less than a year ago, a report by the Health Systems
Agency targeted SUNY Downstate’s 270 hospital beds for
elimination under a city-wide plan to cut more than 5,000 beds in all
boroughs. Stunned by the possible loss of Brooklyn’s only teaching
hospital and the dramatic health and economic impact on both
community and employees, CSEA took swift and decisive action.
Attacking the plan at public hearings and City Council
meetings, union leaders quickly forged alliances with community
leaders, politicians and faculty to block the plan.
Region II President George Boncoraglio credited the team
effort of union, school and community groups with ‘“‘preserving one of
our finest research and training centers for doctors and health
professionals.
“J shudder to think how close we came to losing it because a
bunch of bureaucrats with a handful of computer printouts decided
we really aren’t having an AIDS or health crisis in our city and we
are just imagining that our hospitals are bursting at the seams,” he
said.
According to Downstate Medical Center CSEA Local 646
President Bob Keeler, union leaders are “‘optimistic that the new
construction will mean an increase in jobs.”
The new structure at Downstate is expected to be completed in
three years. It will house expanded library facilities, three lecture
halls, the College of Nursing and College of Health-Related
Professions, now located across the street in antiquated facilities at
Kings County Hospital.
“One thing the HSA report did do was alert our members
so that many are willing to get more involved in political
action,” Keeler said. ‘‘I think that’s one of the reasons this voter
registration drive was so popular.”
“I shudder to think how close we came to
losing (Downstate Medical Center)... .”
¥
12
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
Breaking ground ©
ee
4
“Qne thing the HSA report did do was alert
our members so that many are willing to
get more involved in political action.”
November 16, 1987
CSEA President William McGowan and
CSEA Political Action Chairman recently
visited Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan
to thank him for his crucial help restoring
funds for the Department of Labor and
for setting up a new funding program for
the state Barge Canal.
But they didn’t miss the opportunity to
express misgivings about Moynihan’s
sweeping welfare reform. CSEA is
concerned because the proposed overhaul
does little to protect against ‘‘workfare”’
abuses by providing meaningful training
programs or ensuring the rights of public
employees.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING — As The
Public Sector went to press, Congress and
the White House were still haggling over
the federal budget. Negotiations were all
the more tense because of the erratic
performance of the stock market in recent
weeks. With that in mind, we asked a few
New York representatives about the
situation:
Rep. Norman Lent
(R-Long Island)
“The frenzy on
international stock
markets has sent a
message: reduce the
budget deficit or risk
jeopardizing the
nation’s economic
future.
The urgency of the
global financial
crisis will hopetully
force the spendthrift
Democrats to
recognize the budget
must contain
savings of real
Rep. Louise Slaughter
(D-Rochester)
“The crash of 1929
is useless as a
roadmap because
economic conditions
were different then.
But this year’s crash
is a stark reminder
that past policies
have generated
severe economic
imbalances that
must now be
redressed. Cutting
the budget and trade
deficits are the two
most important
steps.”
November 16, 1987
Canals, the deficit,
& Wall Street’s crash
CSEA President William McGowan, left, and Political Action Chairman Joseph Conway,
right, show Senator Moynihan a copy of The Public Sector.
Rep. Ed Townes
(D-Brooklyn)
“T think it’s clear
— the Wall Street
crisis is being
caused by this
administration’s
refusal to deal with
the federal deficit.”
Rep. David Martin
(R-Canton)
“Tt would be
inaccurate to say all
of Wall Street’s
problems relate
)| directly to the
| budget and deficit.
But at this point, in-
vestors will respond
to our actions. The
Democratic plan
calls for $200 billion
in tax hikes versus
| only $1 billion in
budget cuts. I hope
we can come up
with a more
balanced package.”
Rep. Mathew McHugh
(D-Ithaca)
“The most
important thing
government can do
is reach bi-partisan
agreement to
significantly reduce
the budget deficit.
I think it's hopeful
that the President
has finally indicated
some flexibility —
including a new
willingness to
consider additional
taxes along with
Spending restraints.”’
Rep. John LaFalce
(D-Tonawanda)
“One positive
aspect is that it’s
focused attention on
our burgeoning
federal budget and
trade deficit and it’s
urgent that we take
immediate action. If
the international
currency and stock
markets are to
regain their
shattered
, confidence, this
action must be
dramatic and
bipartisan.”
13
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
Labor courses announced .-
The winter term of the Capital District Labor Studies Program
is scheduled to begin Dec. 7 and run through March 14, 1988.
This program is run by the Cornell University School of
Industrial and Labor Relations. Designed for working adults
interested in labor education or labor relations, it is structured to
help working men and women acquire skills they can use in their
workplace, their union and their lives.
Courses are taught by labor relations professsionals with special
interest in adult education on the campus of Hudson Valley
Community College in Troy.
You may choose courses to meet your own needs or enroll in
one of the certificate programs. The courses offered this semester
are:
*Arbitration (3 credits) offered Monday, 6:00-9:25 p.m.
*Labor Law (3 credits) Thursday, 6:00-9:25 p.m.
*Labor-Management Issues (1% credits) 6:00-7:35 p.m.
*New York State and Local Government (1% credits) Thursday,
7:50-9:25 p.m.
aoe
Capital District Labor Studies
Program
NYSSILR, Cornell University
146 State Street
Albany, NY 12207-1605
the Capital District Labor
For more information
visit:
146 State Street
Albany, NY 12207-1605
(518) 449-4161
additional information.
for the $10 non-refundable
The spring courses of
21 to June 13, 1988, will be
Sector.
payable to Cornell University.
Studies Program.
________I wish to apply for admission to the Capital District Labor Studies
Program. A check is enclosed for the $10 non refundable registration fee,
__Please send me additional information about the Capital District Labor
Tuition fees for the courses are: $67.50 for a 1% credit course
and $135 for a 3 credit course. Scholarships are available. Contact
Studies Program Office for more details.
about the programs being offered, call or
Alice Brody, Labor Programs Coordinator
You can also fill out the coupon below and mail it in to request
i If you are ready now to register for one or more of the courses
listed above, fill out the coupon completely and send it with a check
fee made payable to Cornell University.
the program, which will run from March
listed in a later edition of The Public
ADDRESS
Street city
PHONE NUMBER (HOME) (WORK)
zip
|
|
|
|
|
| NAME
|
|
|
|
!
|
UNION (include local number if any)
Autumn
leaves
Building service workers in Orange County took
advantage of the last balmy days of autumn
recently to get county property in shape for
winter.
At right, Marietta Graham, a building service
worker with the Department of Public Works,
rakes leaves in front of the county office building
in Newburgh, while, at left, Orange County CSEA
Local 836 member Peter Montoroula bags them.
A great way to quench
a thirst for knowledge
LEAP is the Labor Education Action Program of CSEA. It
offers tuition-free courses at two- and four-year public and
private colleges, BOCES and various state facilities across
New York. LEAP is available only to CSEA-represented
state employees in the Operational Services, Administrative
Services and Institutional Services units, Health Research
Inc., SUNY Construction Fund and Division of Military and
Naval Affairs. CSEA/LEAP courses are designed to
increase upward career mobility in state service and
improve the quality of life on and off the job.
Labor Education Action Program
14
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
The LEAP office is announcing the end
of registration for the spring semester of
CSEA/LEAP, a program offering more
than 1,300 courses at 77 colleges and
BOCES in the state. To register, pick up a
LEAP 110 application form, available at
state agency training or personnel offices.
The deadline for applications to be
submitted to the LEAP office is Nov. 24.
Applications received after this date will
not be considered.
This is also the last opportunity to e
enroll in “Empowered Learning —
Unleashing Your Career and College
Potential.”’ This eight-week non-credit
workshop is designed to help you develop
action plans for future career and life
decisions.
The deadline to apply for this workshop
to the LEAP office is Nov. 24.
Applicants to the LEAP 110 program
and the empowerment workshop will be
notified by mail at their home addresses
whether their applications have been
accepted or rejected.
November 16, 1987
For 30 years
Serving
the state,
‘the union
By Anita Manley
CSEA Communications Associate
POUGHKEEPSIE — Labor Day 1987 had special significance
for Carole Peets, a longtime CSEA activist. She also celebrated
her 30th anniversary as a state employee on Sept. 7.
“Jt’s appropriate that my anniversary date falls on Labor
Day,” Peets said as she considered her years as a labor activist
and three decades of public service.
Peets gives credit to CSEA for her climb up the civil service
@ ladder. In fact, it’s a ladder she helped design.
Peets began her career as a dictaphone machine operator at
Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora right after graduation
from high school. By 1965, she was promoted to a grade 7 senior
typist and relocated to Wallkill Correctional Facility. In 1977 she
became president of CSEA Local 163 there.
Her contribution to the career ladder for correctional support
staff began in 1980 with her appointment to a Division of Parole
clerical review committee. The committee surveyed division
employees statewide and proposed specifications for transitional
titles.
Peets called CSEA Deputy Director for Field Services Jack
Conoby, then a collective bargaining specialist, a great asset to
the committee. The union’s Clerical and Secretarial Employee
@ Advancement Program (CSEAP) was also a major factor in the
establishment of the new titles, Peets said.
“The CSEAP enabled us to come up with job specifications
that conformed with civil service law,’”’ she said.
The committee took its information to meetings with
management, the Division of the Budget and the state Civil
Service Department. Through those efforts, the position of parole
aide was established.
“Tt was quite a victory for us,” Peets said. “‘We were
charting a new course.”
It became a new course for her as well. Peets took the test
for the new title, passed and was one of the first seven parole
aides hired in the state. The new job brought her to
@ Poughkeepsie.
“Now all the area parole officers and most maximum.
security prisons have a parole aide,”’ she said.
Meanwhile, CSEA’s tuition reimbursement program and
Labor Education Action Program (LEAP) have helped Peets
earn her associate’s degree from Dutchess Community College,
where she graduated with honors in 1983. Then she enrolled in the
Cornell Labor Studies program and earned her certificate in 1985.
In addition, she has taken a number of CSEAP transitional
courses.
Patrick Fitzgerald, her supervisor and a senior parole officer,
praised Peets’ educational efforts.
“Carole has worked for me for a couple of years,” he said.
@ ‘She is a good worker and has gone on to improve herself
academically. Her duties include scheduling preliminary and file
violation hearings. She has to notify the parole officer and the
steno staff. She is a key part of the operation here.”
While Peets was busy building her career, she was also
active in her union. In 1981, her local, Mid-Hudson State
“It was quite a victory for us .. Now all the
area parole officers and most of the maximum
security prisons have a parole aide.”
e
November 16, 1987
CSEA ACTIVIST Carole Peets
“It’s appropriate that my anniversary date
falls on Labor Day.”
ie
Employees 009, was in trusteeship, and she was called on to help.
“IT was asked to take the presidency and I kept
procrastinating,” she said. But she eventually accepted the
appointment from Region III President Pat Mascioli.
She went right to work fortifying the local, no simple job.
Peets appointed a board and with its members cooperated to
build a working local. The job was not simplified by the make-up
of the membership — employees from 22 different state agencies
in seven counties.
“Tt’s a cumbersome, catchall local,’’ she explained.
They must have done well, because Peets and her board were
re-elected.
Then she served on the statewide Labor/Management team
and was winner of one of the Labor/Management Achievement
Awards last year. She helped start an Employees Assistance
Program for the Department of Labor and, in 1984, was on the
Administrative Services Unit (ASU) bargaining team.
And she has served on the Region III Women’s Committee,
the regional Health and Safety Committee and the Education and
Training Committee.
In 1984, she was designated a trainer for the Human Resource
Development Program which is jointly sponsored by CSEA and
the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations (GOMR) and is
certified to conduct training for supervisors.
Last year, former Local 009 Treasurer Juanita Cinclini was
elected president of the local, giving Peets more time to ponder
her own future. Enrolled in management courses at Dutchess
Community College, she said she would like to complete her
bachelor’s degree at Cornell University.
Meanwhile, she is also devoting more time to her two sons,
an electronic engineer and a state trooper, and her
granddaughter.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
Up...
Moving
Port Jervis
OKs contract
A three-year contract covering 35 city
employees who work for the City of Port
Jervis Department of Public Works, City
Hall, Water Dept. and Sanitation Dept. has
been ratified.
According to CSEA Collective Bargaining
Specialist Don Partrick, the new contract,
which is retroactive to Jan. 1, provides for:
*pay increases of 45 cents per hour for the
first year, 49 cents in the second year and
57 cents in the final year
*a 20-year retirement plan
*increased vacation time
*shift differential and double-time pay for
work over 16 hours
Inthe photographat right, Port Jervis Mayor
E. Arthur Gray, seated left, signs the
contract while Unit President Art Stemport
and negotiating team member Worden Kline
look on. Standing are Partrick; negotiating
team members Dave Mills and Bill Blauvelt
and Region III Field Representative Michael
Hogg.
A happy ending
Contract resolves year-long impasse
ITHACA — By a convincing vote margin of 111 to 40, members *no increase in the hospitalization cap
of the Tompkins County Unit of CSEA Local 855 have voted to The agreement wrapped up negotiations that began a year
accept a new three-year agreement, retroactive to Jan. 1. The ago. The general reaction from the members was one of
pact calls for: satisfaction and relief. Ratification followed a year-long ordeal of
*salary increases of approximately 18 percent impasse, picket demonstrations at board of representatives
*improvements in the retirement language in the third year meetings and fact-finding.
Newburgh
pact signed
A new three-year agreement has been signed
by City of Newburgh Unit President Sallie Bauer
following ratification by unit members. The
contract calls for 105 city employees to receive:
*a 5.5 percent pay increase retroactive to
Jan. 1, 1988, 4 percent as of Jan. 1, 1989, and 2
percent on July 1, 1989 e
*increased longevity
*an additional step in the salary structure
*a 20-year retirement plan
*payment for unused sick leave
Seated next to Bauer in the picture at left is City
Attorney John O’Reilly. Standing, from left, are City
Comptroller Harry Patel; negotiating team
members Dorothy Foster, Barbara Higgins, Donna
Rickey and Mike Negron; Region III Field
Representative Jim Farina and Collective
Bargaining Specialist Don Partrick.
e
1 6 THE PUBLIC SECTOR November 16, 1987
By Daniel X. Campbell
CSEA Communications Associate
@ LAKE PLACID — With the help of a hard-
working bargaining team, CSEA members
who work for the Olympic Regional
Development Authority (ORDA), will reap
substantial gains from a new three-year
contract.
Workers at Whiteface Mountain, Gore
Mountain and at all other ORDA sport
facilities in the Lake Placid area will earn:
*18 percent salary increase over the life of
the contract, including 6 percent
retroactive to April and 3 percent each
@ = six months
*improved benefits for seasonal employees
*better vacation, sick leave, injury, leave,
holiday leave and personal leave benefits.
ORDA also agreed to restrictions on
layoffs; thatis, no employees will be laid off
between Nov. 15 and April 15 for the sole
purpose of depriving the employee of
eligibility for health insurance coverage.
Layoffs will only take place if the weather
or operating conditions warrant them.
Bruce Hare, president of ORDA CSEA
® Local 059, and Rusty Leigh, president of
Gore Mountain CSEA Local 060, praised the
new pact as a step in the right direction in
meeting the needs of the workers,
particularly seasonal employees.
“The members rejected the first pact and
gave us our marching orders,” Hare said.
“We told the representative of the
Governor’s Office of Employee Relations
(GOER), Tom Gibbs, to either let us
negotiate a contract with ORDA or leave
because he was trying to have our pact
e shadow the possible state offer.”
Leigh noted that the members at both
mountainsand other facilitiesreally hung
tough on important issues.
“At Gore this was our first contract with
ORDA, sowehadourissuesand Whiteface
had theirs. Yet when the going got tough,
everybody backed the team to get the best
offer,” he said. ‘‘And we believe we did
that.”’
Kelly Weeks, a seasonal worker, was busy
painting a storeroom at Gore Mountain as
he discussed the pact. He said it will help
seasonal workers in all areas.
“Tt doubled some of our benefits and it
may have made management realize we do
make a valuable contribution to the
operation,” Weeks said.
“T think we’ll have to continue making our
point so that we’re not overlooked in the
future,” Leigh added. ‘“‘We have a good
working relationship with management at
Gore and this contract can only improve
that relationship.”
KELLY WEEKS, right, a seasonal worker, works
atGore Mountain. Below, Whiteface Mountain
Local President Bruce Hare, center, talks with
members of the skiresort management.
. CSEA Style
Big gains for ORDA workers
-| W. Babylon school workers sign
WEST BABYLON — CSEA members in the West Babylon
School District recently ratified a new contract which will offer
350 members 21.5 percent increases plus step increases over three
years.
The contract calls for:
*7 percent salary increase the first year and 7.25 percent the
second and third years.
*uniform allowances
*establishment of a comparable worth study committee
*$100 per year longevity increase
*improvements in contract language for promotions, training
programs and grievance procedures.
The negotiation committee was chaired by Patricia Murphy,
president of the Non-Teaching Unit; Tony Cacciola, president of
the Chief and Head Custodial Unit; and Helen Simpson, president
of the Paraprofessional Unit. The team members were: Minnie
Ficken, Matt Kennedy, Arthur Layman, Edna Kingsmore, Marge
Steiger and Muriel Vincent. CSEA Collective Bargaining
Specialist Irwin M. Sharfeld was chief negotiator. The units are
part of Suffolk County Education CSEA Local 870.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR 1 7
November 16, 1987
CSEA member’s W.W. II tale —
WHITE PLAINS — Ed Carafa remembers
Europe, but not as a tourist. Like many
young men of 40 years ago, his memories
are of war.
As others did in wartime, Carafa had to
find inner strength and bravery under fire.
It was on a battlefield in southern Italy that
he proved a hero by rescuing his seriously
wounded commanding officer.
Looking back, that act of courage takes on
particular significance because the man
Carafa saved was named Bob Dole — the
same Bob Dole who is today the U.S. Senate
Minority Leader and Republican
presidential candidate!
For Carafa, vice president of the CSEA
Westchester County Unit, the memory is
vivid.
The incident took place shortly after Lt.
e
A he der fi
®
Dole and Carafa: Linked by fate?
Dole started up the ravine and the guns 40 years when the 10th Mountain Division
opened fire. ‘‘He was hit pretty bad and he (Light Infantry) was reactivated at Fort e
Bob Dole arrived as commanding officer of
Carafa’s platoon and they were ordered to
attack a German machine gun position near
Mt. Belvedere.
“There was a wide open field,’ Carafa
recalls. ‘‘Some of the men ran into the field
and it was mined. There was a house on the
left. The company commander told us to try
to flank the house. We talked about it with
Lt. Dole and he said he’d take it and I
should cover him.”
+ ce ee ~~
8) Fala BEE 3
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
called to me,” Carafa explains.
Although frightened for his own life,
Carafa crawled to Dole and pulled him to
safety.
Dole, of course, recovered — although his
war wounds left him partially paralyzed
even to this day — and the rest is history,
still in the making.
Last February, Carafa had the
opportunity to see Dole for the first time in
Drum, N.Y.
“He came over and hugged me and
thanked me for saving his life,” Carafa
says.
There was no real choice of action for
Carafa who did what he had to do in going
to the aid of a fellow soldier. But at the time
he never even imagined that the man he
was helping might one day run for President
of the United States.
ee as ees
EDITOR’S NOTE — Kings Park Psychiatric Center is
just one of several state facilities recently reviewed
by a labor/management task force on overtime
problems.
That group is now preparing its
recommendations, but, as this story explains, a fresh
approach is already under development at Kings
Park. And CSEA officials there are optimistic it will
mean improved working conditions.
By Sheryl Carlin
CSEA Communications Associate
KINGS PARK — Permanent employees at the
Kings Park Psychiatric Center will be moved around
much less frequently since CSEA Local 411 President
Tony Bentivegna filed an improper practice charge.
“Permanent people were being redeployed from
one building to another on a regular basis. It was
getting ridiculous,”’ Bentivegna explains.
The administration is now working out a ‘‘floater
pool” which CSEA recommended some time ago.
“With a floater pool, the therapy aide trainees,
those newly hired, will be used to float once they’re
employed nine months. They’ll be sent where they’re
needed during their probation period. It will become
part of their training,” he says.
According to Bentivegna, one of the most
positive aspects of the floater pool will be that once
each person passes probation, they will be
permanently assigned to a building.
“This agreement will eliminate the need to
redeploy permanent grade 9s,’ comments CSEA
Field Representative Larry Borst. ‘‘The director at
the facility believes this floater pool will bring the
redeployment down to zero.”
“Kings Park is the only mental health facility
which has a work-location plan as part of its
labor/management agreements,”’ he adds.
November 16, 1987
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recelving the on han fficers: (front ro"
celebrate receiving nat hand were Jocal attic cate
Among the CSE ener ‘Anne Congel, president Donna
Helen Hanion,
Humeniuk.
yh
ith other s
i left to right) Secretary
nolding plaque with Judith
Complaints about a foot-care program in the Erie-Niagara
counties area have prompted CSEA Region VI President Robert
Lattimer to withdraw CSEA sanction of the plan.
In a letter to local and unit presidents, Lattimer said CSEA is
notifying the ‘‘Union Foot Doctor’ to remove CSEA’s name from
all brochures and newspaper advertising.
The plan’s adds falsely intimated that an agreement existed
between the listed unions and the foot-care program and that all
treatment would be covered by insurance and/or the union-clinic
agreement. :
Lattimer emphasized the CSEA withdrawal in no way
diminishes any benefits provided to members through existing
negotiated contracts.
bucks for Alberta Principe, a
member of the CSEA
Brookhaven White Collar Unit.
On a recent CSEA-sponsored
trip to Atlantic City, Principe
played the one-armed bandits
and cashed in for $500!
carry that much change
home.
Pocket change yielded big
You need big pockets to
~€SEA Local 419 member
Gerald Williamson
If the shoe fits
Thank CSEA
It wasn’t the latest Paris fashion
that drew CSEA Local 419
Operational Services Unit (OSU)
members to the union office at New
York Psychiatric Institute this fall.
But it was a chance to pick up
clothing that can’t be beat for work
style, comfort and price.
The occasion was the arrival of this
year’s latest in work clothes and
shoes provided under the OSU
contract.
According to Local President Tony
Bailous there was a lot of
anticipation this year because the
local membership took an active role
in suggesting uniform design.
November 16, 1987
THE PUBLIC SECTOR 1 S
+
The letter below was received by The Public Sector e
In pra ise of pu blic em ployees from Jerome J. Thomas, director of highway
maintenance of the state Department of
Transportation (DOT). The letter applauds the
ss Herculean efforts of DOT employees during and after
the devastating snowstorm of Oct. 4. CSEA President
William L. McGowan earlier congratulated public
employees for their conduct during the storm
emergency, saying “l am so proud of the unselfish
dedication to duty demonstrated by CSEA members
under adverse conditions.”
Editor, The Public Sector:
The Public Sector did well to highlight the early season
snowstorm that hit the eastern part of New York State on October
4, 1987. Not only was it newsworthy as a story but, even more
appropriately, it was a perfect example of how necessary the public
employee is for modern society to function safely and effectively.
It was most unfortunate that much of the public (public
employees included) had to experience the hardship of closed roads
and streets, loss of electricity, water and heat. However, it
provided an excellent example of what the usually 2%
unheralded public employees do in emergencies, ’
as well as in the normal course of their duties.
The New York State Department of
Transportation is especially proud of
its highway maintenance
employees, who not only
successfully handled this
major snowstorm on
a Sunday about
two months 5
before the y ; on Scr en al e
snow :
and ice
season normally begins, but also worked for several weeks
afterwards — with long hours of overtime — removing thousands of tree
limbs which blocked state and local roads and streets.
Public employees from other State and local agencies likewise
worked long and fatiguing hours alongside NYSDOT maintenance
employees. Ihey also well deserve the thanks of the public and their
agencies’ top management.
As in past natural disasters (remember Long Island's 1985 hurricane and
Buffalo's 1977 and 1985 blizzards), NYSDOT highway maintenance
employees from all over the state left their homes on very short notice and
came to the storm-stricken area and worked long, continuous hours.
NYSDOT tree removal crews came from Buffalo, Rochester, Hornell,
Syracuse, Binghamton, Utica, Watertown and our Warrensburg Residency to
reopen roadways and assist in restoring utility services.
Nature has provided the public with an eye-opening example of the
value of public sector employees. Modern society cannot function without
quality government, and quality government automatically means dedicated,
responsive and responsible public employees. The people of New York State
are most fortunate to have the best in government and the very best in
public employees.
On behalf of Commissioner Franklin E. White and the entire DOT
executive and managerial staff, | salute our highway maintenance colleagues
for coming through once again.
Jerome J. Thomas, P.E.
Director of Highway Maintenance
New York State Department of Transportation
20 THE PUBLIC SECTOR November 16, 1987
