YOUR UNION oa
NEWSLETTER
>
October 2002 * Vol. 7, No. 10
My psychic abilities usually leave a lot to be
desired, but when it comes to predicting County
Executive Tom Suozzi’s reaction to bad news, I'm a
regular Swami.
Revenues down? “Layoffs!”
Expenses up? “Layoffs!”
Can't get my way in Albany? “Layoffs!”
Tom Suozzi's most recent financial forecast is
what | call a return to Gulotta-nomics. There was
absolutely nothing new in his most recent economic
meanderings. And his proposed solutions to fiscal
problems were totally predictable. They were simply
a carbon copy of the last administration.
The forecasts and projections contained in
Suozzi's recent press release once again address
“unexpected” negative fiscal news. And, once again,
Suozzi, like his predecessor, placed the burden for
solving the county's fiscal woes on the backs of
hard-working and dedicated employees.
The thing that makes today’s situation more bitter
is the fact that Suozzi unequivocally ruled out layoffs
when he was courting the CSEA endorsement last
year, which he received. Now it appears to be his
number one budgetary remedy.
And he’s using excuses that just don't make
sense. Now he’s saying that he will have to layoff by
September 2003 at least 200 more workers than
contained in his original projected reduction of 1,200,
if the New York State Legislature does not approve
his sewer and storm water authority legislation.
The way | see it, he’s trying to unburden himself
from a responsibility which is his and his alone. He
wants the state Legislature to take the rap if he has
to go to eliminating 1,400 positions. Question: In his
4-year plan, didn’t Suozzi allow for the possibility
that he would be turned down in Albany? Or did he
take Albany for granted and assume that his
legislation would pass? Now we find out that his only
backup plan was the termination of employees.
Suozzi is now trying to use his threats of layoffs and
thus the plight of county employees as a bludgeon to
line up support for his bill.
The head of any government or corporation
should know that you must expect the unexpected
and be prepared for it. And they should know that if
the outcome of a problem is in some else's hands,
you'd best have a viable and sensible alternative.
Suozzi's only response to bad fiscal news is to
The head of any
government or corporation
should know that you must
expect the unexpected
and be prepared for it.
New Administration, Same Old Song, Suozzi
Makes Scapegoats of Employees
batter his workers with threats of career-ending
layoffs. It's getting to the point where our members
don't know which “Tom’ is sitting at One West Street,
Suozzi or Gulotta. | think it’s time for County
Executive Suozzi to come up with something new.
Yours in solidarity,
Tony Giustino, President
CSEA Nassau County Local 830
Tang
LIHN Settles Differences With the Empire Plan
The Long Island Health Network has resolved
its differences with Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield
insurance. The settlement ends a six-month
impasse which threatened an end to Empire
coverage at LIHN's 11 member hospitals.
The new contract, which is retroactive to
September 1, means that about 800,000 Empire
members on Long Island will continue to have
coverage at all LIHN hospitals, including Catholic
Health Services facilities and Winthrop University
Hospital in Mineola.
The new pact, hammered out on the Saturday
of Labor Day weekend, raises the fees that the
insurance plan pays for hospital services.
In a written statement, Michael Stocker, chief
executive at Empire, said: “We are pleased that
we have reached agreement on a reasonable rate
increase ... We remain committed to helping Long
Island customers and members meet their health
needs.”
LIHN could have lost over 25% of its managed
care patients, or about 20,000 admissions a year.
Empire faced the prospect of losing thousands of
dissatisfied members to other insurance plans in
the upcoming open enrollment period.
As a result of the settlement, health care
premiums are expected to rise this year by an
average of 15% in the Northeast, much of which
will have to be paid by local governments which
offer the Empire Plan as an option in their health
care benefit packages. This will include the
already financially strapped Nassau County
government, which just recently projected as many
as 1400 layoffs due to what County Executive
Suozzi claimed were unforeseen cost increases
and lower revenues.
2 EXPRESS
The
Work Force
PRESS
October 2002 + Vol. 7 No. 10
‘A Monthly Publication of CSEA Nassau County Local 830
ANTHONY P. GIUSTINO, President
Tony Panzarela, Editor
(616) 571-2919 Ext. #13
Ronald G, Gurrieri, Chair, Communications Committee
CSEA Long Island Region Communications Associate 631-462-0030
NASSAU LOCAL 830
Executive Officers:
ANTHONY P. GIUSTINO, President
JANE D'AMICO, Executive Vice President
LES EASON, fst Vice President
GEORGE WALSH, 2nd Vice President
ROBERT CAULDWELL, 3rd Vice President
RAYMOND CANNELLA, 4th Vice President
JEWEL WEINSTEIN, Sth Vice President
RON GURRIERI, 6th Vice President
MARY DELMARE, 7th Vice President
TIM CORR, 8th Vice President
NANCY IANSON, 9th Vice President
RUDY BRUCE, 10th Vice President
NOREEN LINGHAM, 11th Vice President
‘BOBBI EISGRAU, Secretary
KATHLEEN VITAN, Treasurer
Unit Presidents/Executive Board:
JOHN ALOISIO Ill, Treasurer's Office
‘STANLEY BERGMAN, Comptroller's Office
RUDY BRUCE, Department of Public Works
RAY CANNELLA, Civil Service Commission
TIM CORR, Recreation & Parks
VIVIAN CROWLEY, General Services
KENNETH DASH, SR., Administrative Unit
MARY DELMARE, School Crossing Guards
LES EASON, A. Holly Patterson Extended Care Facility
‘BOBBI EISGRAU, County Clerk
RAYMOND FLAMMER, Assessment Department
‘SUSAN GRAHAM, County/Distrct Attorney
CYNTHIA HANCOCK, Nassau Community College
NANCY IANSON, Drug & Alcohol
DAVID JOHNSON, NC Democratic Project Unit
RON KAHL, AMTS
JERRY LARICCHIUTA, Sheriffs Support Unit
LOUIS MINGHINELLI, Health Department
LILLIAN NEUMAR, Police Civilians
JUNE NOLAN, Trafic & Parking Violations
DIANE RUSS, Consumer Affairs
LARRY SCHNURR, Deputy Shenifs
PAUL SIMON, Fire & Rescue Services
MICHAEL TIMMONS, Social Services
GEORGE WALSH, Nassau University Medical Center
PETER WRBA, Probation
JOSEPH WHITTAKER, Fire Marshal
We welcome reader suggestions: Please address your comments to
Tony Panzarella, Editor, Nassau County EXPRESS at CSEA Nassau
Co, Local 830, 400 County Seat Dr., Mineola, NY 11501-4137.
Hooper Endorsement
Acadre of CSEA members provided the backdrop for
County Executive Tom Suozzi’s recent press
conference affirming his endorsement of
Assemblywoman Earlene Hooper for re-election.
During a bitter primary campaign, Hooper’s opponent
had insinuated that she had Suozzi’s endorsement.
Hooper received CSEA’s endorsement in the primary
as well as in the general election.
Nancy E. Hoffman, Esq.
CSEA General Counsel
When you are ordered by the county to perform potentially
dangerous work, do you have any choices? Well, yes but each
choice has consequences. (A) Follow the order and risk injury.
(B) Refuse the order and risk disciplinary charges for
insubordination. The choice is yours alone. No one can make
that choice for you. You must follow your conscience when
confronted with these choices. However, in making the choice, it
should be helpful to be armed with knowledge of your rights and
how the law can protect you.
Federal Law:
While the Occupational Safety and Health Act [OSHA]
prevents an employer from disciplining an employee for filing a
complaint, it does not generally prevent an employer from
disciplining an employee for refusing to perform work because
the employee feels the work is dangerous.
This is especially true if the order
involves normal job activities. According to
an OSHA regulation, the employer does
not violate OSHA if the employer
disciplines an employee for refusing to
perform normal job activities because of
alleged safety or health hazards.
Each situation is different.
Questions relating to
specific situations or cases
in this area should be
directed to the CSEA Legal
CSEA NASSAU COUNTY LOCAL 830 UNION MEMBER NEWS
LEGAL UPDATE
Do You Ever Ask Yourself Can | Refuse Unsafe Work?
employer and carry out the assigned task. This must be done
even if the employee believes that the order violates the
collective bargaining agreement. If the employee believes the
order violates the agreement, he or she must obey the order
now, and grieve the order later, through the grievance procedure.
There is one exception to the “work now-grieve later”
doctrine: obedience to an order that would subject the employee
to an unusual or abnormal safety or health hazard. In other
words, if an employee legitimately fears serious injury or death,
an employee who does refuse to perform the dangerous work
may have a defense to an insubordination charge through the
disciplinary process.
This “safety exception" does not apply if the hazard is
inherent in the employee's job. Also, the exception applies only to
employees actually ordered to perform the work.
In determining whether the “safety exception” applies, most
arbitrators have held that the employee
must believe performing the task would
have created a serious health hazard
and a “reasonable person” would have
reached the same conclusion.
Additionally, arbitrators generally
require employees to inform employers
Only in extreme circumstances can Department through your of their reasons for refusing to perform
an employee refuse to perform work iq the dangerous work at the time they
because the employee believes the work ee rr Relations refuse the order.
is dangerous. Employees who refuse to pecialist. {As you can see, this two-fold test
perform dangerous work may be protected
by OSHA when (1) the employee is
ordered by his employer to work under conditions that the
employee reasonably believes pose an imminent risk of death or
serious bodily injury, and (2) the employee has reason to believe
that there is not sufficient time or opportunity either to seek
effective correction of the condition by the employer or to inform
OSHA of the danger.
You need to remember when thinking of OSHA that the
regulations do not directly apply at a disciplinary hearing. Also,
OSHA protections apply only to private sector employees. For
Nassau County employees, we need to look elsewhere.
State Law:
The Public Employee Safety and Health Act [PESH]
generally protects New York's public sector employees in the
same way OSHA protects private sector employees. However,
there is one important distinction: New York's public employees
do not have the right to refuse to perform dangerous work. Unlike
its counterpart in Federal Law, neither PESH nor its governing
regulations provide protection for an employee who refuses to
perform dangerous work. Therefore, public employees, including
Nassau County employees, have to look elsewhere for further
guidance.
Disciplinary Arbitration:
Generally, an employee must obey an order by the
under PESH has some of the elements
of the federal OSHA protections. While
the OSHA regulation itself is not directly applicable in the public
sector, arbitrators will likely use the basic standards of OSHA
regulations in addressing safety-related insubordination in a
public sector disciplinary context.
We must remember though, caution should be taken before
refusing to perform work based on health and safety concerns.
Refusal is a last resort to be used only in extreme cases. Just
because you refuse to perform work because you believe the
work would cause a serious injury or serious health hazard does
not mean you will be immune from disciplinary charges. It simply
means that you may have a defense to those charges.
You need to remember that this article contains only general
information. Each situation is different. Questions relating to
specific situations or cases in this area should be directed to the
CSEA Legal Department through your CSEA Labor Relations
Specialist.
Vigil quietly marks union’s loss on Sept. it
NEW YORK CITY — The walk from the New
York Hilton to the south end of Central Park
was brief. But for the many who participated,
it will certainly not be forgotten.
Neither will the lives of the thousands who
were lost on Sept. 11.
Nearly 800 delegates and dignitaries
attending CSEA’s Annual Delegates Meeting
marched behind the CSEA banner to
commemorate the first anniversary of the
largest terrorist attack on the nation’s soil.
There were nearly as many trade union
members who perished that day.
Tourists and residents alike paused as they
watched the long procession of members,
wearing green CSEA T-shirts, walk north
along the Avenue of the Americas. Some
followed the procession into the park. Others
took pictures or videotaped the impressive
gathering.
In a clearing just inside the park marked by
several large rocks that served as a natural
stage, CSEA members and officers mourned
the dead while demonstrating their resolve to
continue fighting hard for the living.
It was a moment
marked by tears and
reflection as the names
of the five CSEA
members who worked
for the Taxation and
Finance Department
were read aloud by
,| CSEA President Danny
9 Donohue.
“We ask you all to
remember the brothers
and sisters that we
lost,” said CSEA
President Danny
Donohue. “Yvette
Anderson, Florence Cohen, Harry Goody,
Marian ‘Marty’ Hrycak, and Dorothy Temple
and the almost 3,000 of our other brothers
and sisters. We will never forget them.”
As candles flickered in the wind, AFSCME
International President Gerald McEntee
congratulated the union for moving its
convention to New York City.
“This union, and you, saw fit to honor this
day and the people involved in this day by
bringing your convention to this city,” said
McEntee. “No finer tribute can be made.”
AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer William Lucy
also offered a remembrance. CSEA
Metropolitan Region President George
Boncoraglio read a closing payer followed by
a spontaneous singing of “God Bless
America.”
After the CSEA vigil many members joined
a larger tribute on the Great Lawn of Central
Park.
CSEA President
Danny Donohue
— David Galarza
Cover and vigil photos by Gary Schoichet
ES See CSEA
Convention coverage
pages 10, 11, 16
Clockwise from top: CSEA members taking part in
vigil; AFSCME President Gerald McEntee; CSEA
members Wally Nash, Secretary Barbara Reeves,
Treasurer Maureen Malone, Central Region
President Jim Moore and Western Region
President Flo Tripi sing “God Bless America”;
AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer Bill Lucy and Metro
Region Director Alan Jennings.
CSEA member George McCroy, in CSEA T-shirt, takes part in a
vigil in Albany’s Empire State Plaza auditorium on Sept. 11,
2002. The state lost 42 workers in the Sept. 11 attacks on the
World Trade Center, while thousands of other state workers
helped in the recovery.
Photo by Therese Assalian
October 2002 THE WORK FORCE [eeepc
ISSN 1522-1091
Official publication of
CSEA Local 1000, AFSCME, AFL-CIO
143 Washington Ave.
Albany, NY 12210-2303
Danny Donohue, President
STEPHEN A. MADARASZ
Communications Director & Publisher
STANLEY HORNAK
Deputy Director of Communications
LOU HMIELESKI
Executive Editor
AMY SCHARF
Associate Editor
CATHLEEN HORTON
Graphic Production Specialist
JANICE M. KUCSKAR
Graphic Production Specialist
BETH McINTYRE
Communications Assistant
The Work Force (USPS 0445-010) is
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.csealocal1000.net
published monthly by The CSEA Publication Office:
Readers:
‘Send any comments, complaints, suggestions or ideas to:
Publisher, The Work Force, 143 Washington Avenue,
Albany, NY 12210-2303.
COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATES
VACANT Long Island Region
(631) 462-0030
DAVID GALARZA Metropolitan Region
(212) 406-2156
JANICE MARRA Southern Region
(845) 831-1000
‘THERESE ASSALIAN Capital Region
(518) 785-4400
MARK M. KOTZIN Central Region
(315) 433-0050
RON WOFFORD Western Region
(716) 886-0391
ED MOLITOR Headquarters
(618) 257-1272
The Publications Committee
LONG ISLAND REGION Jean Ahlert
METROPOLITAN REGION Lamont “Dutch” Wade
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CAPITAL REGION Helen Fischedick
CENTRAL REGION Bruce Damalt, Chair
WESTERN REGION James V. Kurtz
som COMIC, E> E>
Ef
sua
— ‘sno
T AFL CIOICLG +N
McCall is CSEA’s
Choice for
Governor for All
the Right Reasons
Carl McCall’s appearance before enthusiastic delegates
at CSEA’s recent Annual Delegates Meeting was more proof positive that he is
the best candidate for all New Yorkers.
It was McCall’s first public campaign appearance after the Democratic Primary
and the room was electric with genuine respect and admiration between the
candidate and CSEA members.
McCall has worked hard throughout his public life to build an enduring
relationship with CSEA members. The record is impressive: He has protected the
pension fund from raids by governors of both parties and has doubled the value
of the fund’s assets. Additionally, he worked with us to achieve greater fairness
across the tiers of the pension system and, most importantly, he helped us
achieve a permanent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). The COLA had been
sought by this union for nearly a generation.
CSEA knows that working together with fairness and respect to find solutions
to the challenges we face together will be the labor relations approach of the
McCall Administration. He stated that directly to CSEA delegates.
But McCall's true message is about the future of New York and the future of all
New Yorkers.
His commitment is to ensure that every child has the opportunity for quality
education.
He will increase access to quality health care and will stand up to the drug
companies for affordable prescription drugs for all New Yorkers.
Certainly with his Lieutenant Governor running mate Dennis Mehiel, McCall
will also work tirelessly to rebuild the state’s economy by expanding high quality
job growth.
When Carl McCall states that these will be his priorities we can believe it. He is
not only a man of tremendous, proven ability; he is also a man of his word.
Denon
Pere mg THE WORK FORCE October 2
CSEA works to put Schenectady
Family Health Services on sure footing
SCHENECTADY — CSEA is
redoubling its efforts to make
sure Schenectady Family
Health Services
workers have the
resources and
support they
need to provide
quality care and
services.
Workers at the
facility recently reaffirmed
their commitment to working
with CSEA — and accessing
the union’s wealth of
resources — to find solutions
to problems plaguing the
health care provider.
The embattled health care
facility which provides a
range of services for
primarily low-income families
in the city has struggled
through one financial crisis
after another.
he problems
facing
Schenectady
Family Health
Services are common
to many non-profit
health care facilities
across the state that
are trying to compete
with privatized for-
profit entities while
suffering from
increased costs for
services and
decreased federal
reimbursement rates.
The experiences there
mirror situations workers in
similar facilities find
themselves in
across the state.
Poor fiscal
management,
weak cash flow, a
problematic
billing system and
too few revenue
sources kept the facility on
the brink of financial ruin for
years.
Last winter, due to ongoing
cash flow problems, workers
reluctantly agreed to defer a
paycheck.
In March, workers were
reminded again of the clinic’s
financial turmoil when some
of their paychecks bounced,
Finally, in spring, federal
auditors decided to make
some changes.
The acting CEO stepped
down and a consultant was
brought in to implement a
strict reorganization.
During this time, a satellite
clinic was closed, 10
employees were laid off and
an HIV/AIDS program was cut.
To increase revenue, a
sliding-scale fee policy was
implemented at the non-profit
clinic.
Previously, uninsured
patients would not pay
anything for services.
Workers recently endured
more anxiety when the CEO
admitted that the final payroll
in the month of August was in
danger of not being met due
to limited cash flow.
In the photos above, Schenectady County Family Health
Services workers and their supporters jam a recent county
Legislature meeting, making their case to maintain funding
for child care in the face of revenue shortfalls.
CSEA helps out
Thanks to lobbying efforts
by CSEA, the clinic was
rushed a $75,000 check, a
state disbursement from Sen.
Hugh Farley’s office.
The check would have
taken weeks to wind its way
through the bureaucratic
process, but at CSEA’s urging,
the check was released in
four days, just in time to
make the final payroll.
Unfortunately, the problems
facing Schenectady Family
Health Services are common
to many non-profit health
care facilities across the state
that are trying to compete
with privatized for-profit
entities while suffering from
increased costs for services
and decreased federal
reimbursement rates.
Some facilities have
stopped accepting Medicaid
October 2002
and Medicare.
In the end, it’s the
employees and patients who
suffer. Frequently, layoffs are
enacted as a cost saving
measure and undoubtedly
patient care suffers.
— Therese Assalian
CSEZ
TElicED,
66] love CSEA
and I will
continue to be
involved in my
union even after I retire.19
— Walter J. Harris III,
Mental Health Therapy
Aide, Pilgrim Psych Center
Local member three years
HE WORK FORCE [E=tees}
T.
Fire fails to halt Clinton Correctional farm
CLINTON — A
catastrophic fire earlier this
summer brought to light a
little-known job title in CSEA
— dairy farmer — and
showed how quick-thinking
union members helped save
part of the state’s prized
herd.
The fire hit on June 25 in
the afternoon, tearing
through a dairy barn at the
Clinton Correctional Facility.
In minutes, the barn was
reduced to a smoldering
heap and operations at one
of the state’s top producing
dairy farms ground to a halt.
The state has several
farms across New York that
provide milk, meat, butter
and vegetables to inmates.
CSEA member Tommy
Menard was in the back of the
barn loading manure when he
smelled smoke. Running to
the side of the barn, he saw
smoke pouring from the
building. Grabbing a fire
extinguisher from a nearby
trailer, he sprinted up to the
hayloft, which was in flames.
Realizing the fire was too big
for the extinguisher, he closed
the door to the loft and ran to
call 911.
Menard, with the assistance
of a co-worker and four
inmates assigned to work on
the farm, began moving cows
to safety in the pasture. All of
From left to right, CSEA members Henry Venne, Tommy Menard,
John Roberts and farm manager Bruce Grogan.
the cattle were out before the
structure collapsed. Though
firefighters arrived quickly, it
was too late to save the barn.
The cause of the fire is
thought to be electrical,
authorities said.
Farm Manager Bruce
Grogan didn’t have much time
to recover from the shock of
losing the barn. He was busy
making arrangements for the
displaced herd. By that
evening, the animals were
moved to a local farm where
they will be kept until the new
barn is completed.
Mooving out
“W hen I think of
CSEA, I can only
think of what a blessing it
has been to be associated
with a union that fights so
hard for the
membership.99
Moving 100 head
of cattle proved to
be no little feat.
Local farmers
pitched in by
lending cattle
trailers. The heifers
that stayed behind
are staying ina
second, smaller
barn.
Plans for a new
which will be bigger and more
modern than its predecessor,
should be up by early spring.
“This will give us a great
opportunity to increase
production,” Grogan, a CSEA
member for 18 years said.
When fully operational, the
facility bottles whole milk and
2 percent milk in six-gallon
containers that are shipped to
correctional facilities around
the state. The farm also
makes butter and harvests
hay for feed on 140 acres.
Although challenged, the
CSEA farmers say everyone is
working together, pitching in
and doing a little extra. They
look forward to the day when
the new barn is complete, the
dairy operations are back at
full speed and the cows can
literally come home.
— Therese Assalian
Wyomin
+ Wallkilt
a
*1In total, almost 4,000 acres under farm.
*The-maximum security Clinton Correctiond
5,000 acres in pristine surroundings. _
— Barbara Reilly, secretary for the chief
court officer, Riverhead Courthouse,
Long Island, and a 30-year union member
Perm ey THE WORK FORCE
barn are nearly
done and that barn,
October 2002
-* The farm has 450 acres with more than 250 apimals’ es
Tired of leftovers,
Vestal workers stand
up for what’s right
VESTAL — When it came time for two groups
of non-union workers in town to decide
whether they wanted a union or not, it all
boiled down to a case of the haves versus
the have-nots.
The workers saw that those who had
union representation were doing better,
winning higher wage increases
and getting better benefits.
The non-union workers saw
smaller raises and watched as
their benefits slowly were
diminished by management. As
worker Lora Allen, an
engineering technician for 17
years with the town put it, the
workers were tired of getting
the leftovers.
“The other town workers who had unions
would get consistently higher raises and
consistently higher considerations, and we
would get the leftovers,” she said.
A final straw that pushed the workers to
seek CSEA's help was a salary study the town
commissioned that impacted many workers.
“Most people were very upset with it,” Allen
explained.
“We were basically screwed. The
incentive to want to stay here for any real
reason was gone and it didn’t bode well for
the future. We finally decided it was time to
take the bull by the horns,” Allen said.
The town library, with the lowest pay is
the busiest in the county. “We wanted to go
into the union to try and get some salary
equity,” said Al Kocian, a 25-year library
veteran.
Meetings with a CSEA organizer and area
union officers led to the formation of an
organizing committee.
Cards were distributed and 95 percent of
the workers signed on for union
representation, giving them the solidarity
they needed when management raised issues
such as who would be covered by the union,
and how many units there would be.
“Tt actually went fairly smooth,” said
committee member Larry Hunsinger, a
building maintenance specialist with 16 years
of service. “We knew we had enough
signatures that they couldn’t stop us, so they
just made us jump through hoops.”
Allen
6 We’re very proud to
have these workers join
us and allow us to help
them find a voice in their
employment. 9
Two bargaining units were formed, one of
about 42 general town workers and a
separate unit for about 34 library workers.
The library workers received voluntary
recognition for the union from the town’s
Library Board, while the town workers had
to go to the state Public Employment
Relations Board (PERB) to be granted card-
check recognition.
“It was on the strength of the committee
people that we got the cards and were able
to file for recognition,” said organizer Frank
Antonucci. “We also had great support from
the CSEA elected officials in the area who
were a big help in moving us forward.”
“These workers deserve the respect of all
CSEA members for having the courage to
stand up for what's right,” said CSEA
President Danny Donohue.
“We're very proud to have these workers
join us and allow us to help them find a voice
in their employment. They obviously
a y
CSEA Broome County Unit President
JoAnn Mastronardi, bottom left, and
CSEA Organizer Frank Antonucci, upper
left, meet with Town of Vestal
Organizing Committee workers to
discuss their organizing drive.
recognized that they could do better by
being part of this great union, and we’re
looking forward to joining them in their
fight,” said Central Region President Jim
Moore.
Both units have held elections and are
preparing to negotiate their first contracts.
Kocian was elected president of the Library
Unit and Allen was elected
vice president of the Town
Unit.
“We feel like the hardest
part is yet to come,” said
Hunsinger, who was elected
president of the Town Unit. “I
hope we can hit the ground
running. At least now, they
have to listen to us. They
can’t just decide our future without us
having a say.”
“Their solidarity is the message we need
unorganized workers to understand in
worksites across New York,” Donohue said.
— Mark M. Kotzin
Hunsinger
Bittersweet victory
The Town of Vestal victory is somewhat
bittersweet. Organizing Committee
member Jim Majka, a building codes
inspector for the town who was very
involved in the organizing drive,
recently passed away unexpectedly at
41. Town Unit Vice President Lora Allen
said his co-workers and friends sorely
miss him.
“ here is no union that
protects their
members like CSEA. I'm
proud to call myself a CSEA
member.99
— Bill Taylor, NYC Tax Complaint Agent II,
Long Island State Employees Local, CSEA
member for 26 years
THE WORK FORCE Wate
October 20
Groundskeeper’s touch graces memorial
ROCHESTER — When a joint committee decided on building a
fitting worker memorial at the Monroe Developmental Center of
the Finger Lakes DDSO, they knew just who had the skills to pull
it off — Mike Wrobel.
And the 14-year CSEA member of the Finger Lakes DDSO local
has done it with style. A peaceful environment of beautiful
plants, surrounding a graceful pond — with live goldfish and
flowing fountains — greets visitors near the facility entrance.
A large boulder holds the plaque denoting its dedication to
those who have made
the greatest sacrifice
while on the job. Rosai have made
A multi-talented We remember O paeitice while
horticultural artist, the CSET Vite and we
: in public * srkplace
Wrobel is grounds commit to 2 € workp -
supervisor on the for those Setvine yess >
Monroe today and comers. ’
Developmental Workers Memorial
Center campus. His
signature work also
graces the Buffalo
Psychiatric Center,
West Seneca Developmental Center, the former Gowanda
Psychiatric Center, Willard Developmental Center, Rochester
Psychiatric Center and more.
Wrobel’s expertise is also available to help beautify the many
group homes that are served by the DDSO.
“We're proud that our worker memorial garden is the crown
jewel of Mike’s many works,” said Kathy Button, DDSO local
president. “It’s a lovely, peaceful spot that has become quite
popular among visitors and staff.”
“I guess it is the one project that I’m most proud of,” said
Wrobel, who as a youngster, got his “green thumb” working for
his uncle, who was a florist. He also attended McKinley High
School in Buffalo, which offers horticultural training, and SUNY
Farmingdale.
“The memorial garden should look even better next year, as
everything (plants) should double,” said Wrobel. “We have
perennials and annuals planted.”
The project was a joint effort on behalf of CS9EA members.
“I couldn’t have done a big job like this without a lot of help
from the ladies in the
business office, like Pat,
Pauline, Jeanette and Lynn.
They were great, helping on
orders for the many various
items, and change orders that
were part of the task. It was
really a team effort.”
Dedicated April
CSEA President Danny Donohue,
CSEA, and OMRDD were among
the contributors to the Finger
Lakes DDSO memorial garden.
— Ron Wofford
Among the garden’s plantings are
coleus, hyacinths, daffodils, tulips,
dogwood, marigolds, begonias,
snapdragons and geraniums.
Pert THE WORK FORCE October 2002
75, 2002
Mike Wrobel, a horticultural artist, is most proud of the
memorial garden he designed at the Monroe Developmental
Center of the Finger Lakes DDSO. The plaque denotes its
dedication to those workers who have made the greatest
sacrifice while on the job.
66" he great
representation given
by CSEA empowers me each
and every day I come to
work.99
— Frank Benicasa, custodial foreman,
Nassau Coliseum Local
BOCES workers stand
up, win recognition
ELMSFORD — About 140 clerical and
classified workers at Southern Westchester
BOCES stood up for the protection that
comes from belonging to a
union, gaining representation
with CSEA.
The Public Employment
Relations Board (PERB)
recently certified signatures
from the workers, who had
overwhelmingly signed cards in
favor of organizing with CSEA.
The new CSEA members,
who work in clerical, transportation,
community outreach and health care
positions at various BOCES sites
6¢One of our many goals
will be to provide
equality in the workplace
for our membership.99
throughout southern Westchester County,
were seeking to gain respect and dignity
from BOCES administration.
“One of our many goals will be to provide
equality in the workplace for our
membership,” said Marianne LePore,
interim president of the Southern
Westchester BOCES Unit.
As one of the only groups at BOCES who
were not previously unionized, the clerical
and classified employees were suffering
from inequities in pay and
benefits.
To help gain the respect and
equity that other, unionized
BOCES workers already enjoy,
the clerical and classified
employees approached CSEA
early this year to form a union.
“We look forward to working
cooperatively with our
administrators and colleagues as we serve
our member districts and their surrounding
communities,” said Debra Lagato, interim
vice president of the unit.
With the organizing process now
complete, the new unit will focus on
negotiating its first contract.
“As the first collective bargaining unit for
classified staff, we are pleased to be
represented by CSEA through the
negotiations process,” LePore said.
“The success of the Southern
Westchester BOCES employees in standing
up to be recognized demonstrates what
CSEA is all about,” CSEA President Danny
Donohue said.
“CSEA is committed to maintaining our
position as New York’s leading union by
supporting working people work site by
work site to ensure that their voices are
heard as they seek fairness and respect.”
— Janice Marra
In May, 120 workers at Ellenville
Regional Hospital, also in the Southern
Region, won recognition from hospital
management as a CSEA private sector
local. A video about the successful
organizing drive was shown at CSEA’s
Annual Delegates Meeting.
The two organizing victories demonstrate
the workers’ commitment to mobilize and
stand up to gain a voice at work.
| “E offering free
educational programs
for members at no cost to
the taxpayers, CSEA is able
to secure a better contract
for me.99
— Gary Ader, custodial driver,
Longwood Schools, 22-year member
October 2002 THE WORK FORCE Biznry 9
Te
WORK FORGE
CSEA Delegates “Make It Happen”
NEW YORK CITY — As
New York's leading union,
CSEA’s decision to move
its Annual Delegates
Meeting to New York City
made perfect sense.
Symbolically, it was a
tribute to the hundreds of
brothers and sisters who
lost their lives, many while
helping others, on Sept.
11. It also represents the
unwavering commitment
and solidarity of
thousands more in the labor movement
who support and are rebuilding this
great city.
More than 1,000 CSEA delegates
gathered at the New York Hilton for the
92nd Annual Delegates Meeting. Aside
from conducting union business and
networking, the meeting also provided
members with an opportunity to hear
from gubernatorial candidate and
longtime CSEA friend State Comptroller
Carl McCall, U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton,
AFSCME President Gerald McEntee and
Secretary Treasurer William Lucy.
“Thank you for what you have done for me,” said McCall, whose
appearance at the meeting, just one day after the Democratic Primary,
naturally took on the spirit of a rally in support of his candidacy.
“We have gotten to know each other these past nine years and have
become good friends. What we have in common is the understanding
that it is the public service of public employees
that make New York great,” said McCall.
In the afternoon of Sept. 11, 2002, CSEA
President Danny Donohue opened the convention
with a tribute to CSEA’s fallen brothers and sisters.
“We will never forget those men and women who
died. But now we must move forward. We must
dedicate ourselves to making sure that no worker
anywhere in this world, yet alone in this state,
would be put in harms way ever again. That's our
fight.”
Later, U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton
addressed the delegates after spending
Page LO
AFSCME Secretary-
Treasurer William Lucy
Danny Donohue
October 2002
the morning at ceremonies at Ground
Zero.
“| want to express my appreciation
for the work that this union does
every day and for the important
leadership on issues that you
provide,” Clinton said.
Later in the afternoon, hundreds of
members walked solemnly behind the
union banner from the hotel to a
candlelight vigil in Central Park that
was attended by McEntee and
AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer William
Lucy.
e.
CSEA’s candidate for
governor, Carl McCall and Lt.
Governor running mate
Dennis Mehiel acknowledge
the thunderous applause of
CSEA delegates.
Agenda tops workshops
Before the start of the business
session, members attended workshops
moderated by CSEA's statewide
officers on the recently adopted CSEA
Agenda. Many of these workshops were conducted by statewide officers
and included topics such as: organizing workers, quality healthcare,
quality education, maintaining Social Security and collective bargaining.
At one workshop, CSEA Organizing Director Ben Gordon led a
discussion on the vital need to organize workers at private or not-for-
profit agencies that receive the bulk of their funding from government
sources.
“We have a vested interest,” said Gordon
before dividing members into different teams
representing workers, the employer,
politicians and the community for a role
playing exercise. “That's our work and we
don't have enough of it organized.”
‘At another workshop on safety and
health in the workplace, CSEA Metro
Region President George Boncoraglio
spoke about the lingering effects of Sept.
11 and the union's efforts to address the
concerns of members.
“We are holding meetings and monitoring the
members that have been exposed to the debris,” Boncoraglio said.
“However, there are still a lot of unknowns and we will probably not
know for years to come.”
‘Throughout the meeting, delegates were given a warm New York City
greeting by the members of the Metro Region’s Welcoming Committee.
— David Galarza
THE WORK FORCE
‘Above, AFSCME Pr.
escort committee, from left, Clarence Russell, Executive Vice
President Mary Sullivan, Evan Quamina, Betty Egan, McEntee,
Betty Thomas, Jean Ahlert, Robert Mootry and Central Region
President Jim Moore. At left, a color guard enters as part of the
opening ceremonies.
At right CSEA activist Tony Bailous presides as chair of the
union’s Constitution and Bylaws Committee. Bailous, who is
leaving the CSEA ranks due to a promotion was honored by the
convention for his years of selfless service to the CSEA
membership.
Above, CSEA President Danny Donohue and Treasurer Maureen
Malone join U.S. Senator Hilary Rodham Clinton. Clinton told
delegates she especially wanted to attend to thank CSEA members
for the work they do every day throughout the state.
CSEA delegates Meg Shutka, Fred Gerloff and Jimmy Rogers.
October 20
Page 11
Asbestos forces evacuation,
CSEA’s concerns abound
WHITE PLAINS — CSEA is expressing serious
concern that members working in the
Westchester County Department of Health
have returned to their work site after they
were exposed to unsafe levels of asbestos.
Recent testing of asbestos levels showed a
spike in levels of the substance in the air —
levels that are considered unsafe for
exposure.
After the latest exposure in early August,
the Health Department closed the building to
expedite the abatement and to calm
employees’ fears.
While CSEA Westchester County Unit
leaders initially applauded the county’s
decision to close the building, union leaders
are still acting to protect the workers.
Unit President John McPhillips and Peter
Costa, chairman of the unit’s Health and
Safety Committee, filed a complaint with PESH
over the county’s handling of the abatement
after several previous tests indicated a spike
in asbestos levels.
Lene 6S:
Above and below, Westchester County Unit
Health and Safety Committee Chair Peter
Costa shows asbestos in the area of county
offices.
“Our members were exposed to asbestos,”
Costa said. “They were told that it was safer
(to work in the building) than it really was.”
About 34 county Health Department
workers, who were the only remaining
employees in the 85 Court St. building, were
moved to other work locations on Aug. 8.
These workers, who operated a public
health clinic in the building, joined county
Department of Social Services workers who
were shuffled from 85 Court St. to other work
sites earlier this year after the employees
expressed their concerns about the asbestos
project.
At press time, PESH has not responded to
the union’s complaint, and the workers
remain in other Health Department locations
across the county.
— Janice Marra
ee ecmnhtinale,
PESH weighs
CSEA security
standard
ALBANY — A workplace security
standard developed by CSEA nine
years ago after the slayings of four
union members at the Schuyler
County Department of Social
Services offices is under review by
a state Public Employee Safety and
Health (PESH) board. (See related
story on Page 14.)
The state’s Hazard Abatement
Board has recommended the
standard be reviewed by PESH.
Once reviewed, the Hazard
Abatement Board can vote to
adopt the
standard, which
would then be
oy
ees tee
io
Be
és
a enforceable by
PESH, said CSEA
= Occupational
Health and
Safety Specialist
John Bieger.
The rule, if adopted, would
apply to public employees and
their work places.
Nine years old
CSEA developed the standard
with the state AFL-CIO nine years
ago.
“After Schuyler County, our
department went out and
contacted every DSS office in the
state and said, ‘We'd like to come
in and discuss security.’
Many localities made changes
but CSEA also helped develop a
statewide standard.
Unfortunately, the state never
moved on the standard until now.
Ironically, in recent months,
terrorism concerns have already
led to implementation of many
measures included in the CSEA
standard.
The standard is being reviewed
by PESH attorneys, then it will be
posted for public comment.
— Lou Hmieleski
Page 12 Ta October 2002
Cruisin’ for a good cause
BEAR MOUNTAIN — Classic
Corvairs and contemporary
Corvettes alike have cruised
Bear Mountain State Park every
Wednesday over the summer for
a good cause.
CSEA members employed at
the park, along with park
management, local automobile
clubs and businesses, have been
instrumental in introducing the
car cruise to a new generation
while also giving back to the
community.
Ray Bombino, Regional Park
Supervisor and former CSEA
member, said members of park
management approached him
nearly two years ago about
generating additional forms of
recreation at Bear Mountain
State Park.
Bombino, in search of an
outlet for family-oriented
activities, thought about hosting
a classic car cruise at the park
and approached CSEA member
Craig T. Young, a three-year
assistant mechanic, to help him
launch the event.
Young, the president of two
local automobile enthusiast
clubs in Orange County, was only
too glad to help.
“We started with seven cars,”
he said. “But through word of
mouth and minimal advertising
in Special Interest News, the
cruise grew over that first
summer.”
Growing attraction
The weekly show has
attracted up to 400 cars per
week along with more than 100
motorcycles, from the Hudson
Valley region as well as New York
City, New Jersey, Connecticut
and Pennsylvania.
“People come here and
remember the park from when
they were kids,” Young said.
“Many of them are now bringing
their own kids here.”
Daniel Corigliano, president of
the Palisades Interstate Park
Local, which covers Bear
Mountain State Park, is also
happy with the car cruises at the
park. “Car cruises are really
popular again,” he
said. “This is an ideal location
and there’s a great variety of
vehicles to see.”
While admission to the show
itself is free, the car cruises
generate revenue from raffles
and donations. Proceeds from
the shows are given to local
CSEA members Daniel Corigliano, le left, and Craig T. Young admire
one of the classics on display at the weekly car cruise at Bear
Mountain State Park. “We started with seven cars,” said Young. The
weekly show has attracted up to 400 cars per week.
schools for scholarships,
community organizations and
families in need.
“We donated funds to Orange
and Rockland County families
who were affected by Sept. 11,”
Bombino said. “We were also
able to give over $1,000 in
scholarships to schools as well
as help local families in need.”
Bombino added that since the
car cruises have grown in
popularity, so have the proceeds
that the park is able to donate.
The park marked the
anniversary of Sept. 11 with an
homage to emergency vehicles.
All proceeds from that evening
will be donated to local
emergency services
organizations, such as volunteer
fire departments and rescue
squads.
— Janice Marra
‘¢%| Union theme permeates
| scholar’s award
Left to right: Lois Gray, Professor of Labor
Management Relations at Cornell University,
Danny Donohue, CSEA President, Paul Cole,
New York State AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer,
Colby Garb scholarship winner and Chuck and
Dori Garb, proud parents, gather before the
scholarship presentation at the AFL-CIO COPE
Convention.
October 2002 THE WORK FORCE
The son of a CSEA member wrote an
essay about the importance of unions,
winning him a union-related scholarship
that will help him to attend Union College.
Colby Garb, the son of Queensbury
Highway Department worker and CSEA
member Chuck Garb, won the New York
State AFL-CIO 2002 Scholarship. He will
receive $8,000 to help defray the expense
of attending Union College in Schenectady.
Applicants were judged on academic
record, essay, personal integrity,
background, motivation, future goals and
an understanding of labor issues.
“Garb’s well-written essay, ‘The People’s
Lobby,’ combined with his excellent
academic record and strong personal
interview left the scholarship committee
with no doubt that he was deserving of the
award,” said Lois S. Gray, professor of Labor
Management Relations at Cornell and
Scholarship Committee Chairwoman.
Garb’s essay contained a strong grasp of
the issues involved with the current labor
movement: “By raising standards around the
globe, not only does the AFL-CIO stand for
the people who are losing jobs because of
shifting production, but it also provides
necessities like minimum wages, health care
and a safe work place.”
Garb’s father is a 27-year member of CSEA.
Garb, a graduate of Hadley Luzerne High
School, was a National Honor Society
member and salutatorian of his class. He is
majoring in political science at Union College.
Numerous CSEA, AFSCME and AFL-CIO
college scholarships are awarded annually.
Page 13
THREA Ne
PSX ET
ee a i
NAVIGATING DANGEROUS WATERS
i en
In 1992, four CSEA members were killed in one of
the darkest days in CSEA’s history. They were killed
simply because they were doing their job. The tragedy
made it clear to CSEA that job sites need to be more
secure and raised awareness of the dangers that
social service workers and public employees face
every day.
CSEA remembers Phyllis K. Caslin, Florence A.
Pike, Denise Miller Van Amburg and Nancy J. Wheeler
for their hardwork and dedication to their jobs and
their union. All four worked in the Schuyler County
Department of Social Services.
One day a gunman, John Miller, came in and
murdered all four women and then turned the gun on
himself. He was angry at the support collections unit
for tracking him down for missed child support
payments.
Then CSEA President Joe McDermott expressed
his concern about the violence that had been directed
J at these employees, stating that violent confrontations
were not uncommon for social services workers to encounter. ““CSEA will honor their
memory by continuing to make every job site in New York safer” said McDermott.
(See page 12 for details about CSEA’s continuing efforts to enact workplace security
protection.)
Also in 1992:
* US. President George H.W. Bush and Russian President
Boris Yeltsin proclaim a formal end to the Cold War.
* Four officers were acquitted in Los Angeles in the beating
of Rodney King and violence erupts in Los Angeles.
*The Buffalo Bills lose the Super Bowl to the Washington
Redskins 37 - 24.
* Johnny Carson retires after a 30-year NBC career as host
of the “Tonight Show.”
* Compact discs surpass cassette tapes as the preferred
medium for recorded music.
* Hurricane Andrew rips through southern Florida and
south-central Louisiana — damage estimated at $25 billion.
* At the Barcelona Olympics, the United States “Dream
Team” wins the gold medal in basketball.
* On Nov. 4, Bill Clinton is elected as the 42nd President of
the United States.
Page 14 QT aT October 2002
i Lt
Across the state, solidarity on Labor Day
Across the state, CSEA members enthusiastically PP soainenthonnteg
turned out for Labor Day events to show their
communities the solidarity that comes from belonging
to CSEA and the labor movement.
Many union members
also took the opportunity
to campaign for
CSEA-endorsed candidate
for governor, Carl McCall.
sel Bes an
Syracuse
Above and below, in Syracuse, CSEA
members were fired up as their
contingent took part in the Sept. 2 Central
New York Labor Federation’s Annual
Labor Day Celebration at the New York
State Fair.
Above, generations of the CSEA family took part in a labor
celebration in New York City, held jointly with AFSCME.
The Sept. 2 New York City Central Labor Council’s “Labor
Day 2002 — The State of the Worker” rally was held in
Battery Park.
—
E, AFL- ClO
Region has two Labor
Day parades
regularly, in
Rochester and
Buffalo. Both drew
CSEA marchers,
including Region
President Flo Tripi,
seen here at the
Rochester parade.
Both parades were
held on Sept. 2.
CSEA members also turned
out in Massena for a Labor
Day parade and picnic there.
The Capital Area Labor
Federation and Central Labor
Council’s Labor Parade was
scheduled to take place Sept.
21 as this edition went to
press.
October 2002 THE WORK FORCE [Eerem Bs}
CSEA Constitution, Bylaws and Resolutions, as approved
NEW YORK CITY — CSEA
delegates to the union’s 92nd
annual meeting approved the
following second reading of an
amendment to CSEA’s Constitution
which goes into effect
immediately:
*Broadening the definition of
“associate members” to allow
public and private sector
managers and supervisors who
never had any CSEA membership
status to become “associate
members” solely to participate in
CSEA insurance programs.
Delegates to the 2002 annual
meeting approved the following
as a first reading of amendments
which will not go into effect
unless approved in a second
reading:
*Making changes in relevant
constitutional language as a matter
of housekeeping to reflect the four-
year term of office for the Board of
Directors previously approved by
delegates; and
*Allowing retiree locals at their
expense to send one delegate for
every 100 members to the Annual
Meeting of the Retiree Division
while CSEA continues to reimburse
for one delegate per local, and for
locals with more than 1,000
members, CSEA reimburses for one
additional delegate for each
additional 1,000 members or major
fraction thereof.
Delegates approved the
following changes to the bylaws
which go into effect immediately:
*Allowing retiree local presidents
unable to attend meetings of the
CSEA Retiree Executive Committee
to designate a proxy to ensure
representation at meetings;
*Replacing in Article III references
to “social security numbers” with
“identifying information” to reflect
that with the 2001 election cycle
State Employees NOW is the Time
to Apply for DCA Account and Save!
Don’t miss out on the Open
Enrollment Period for the
Dependent Care Advantage Account.
Apply now for the 2003 plan year.
If you have out of pocket expenses
for child care, elder care or
dependent care there are two ways
to put MORE MONEY IN YOUR
POCKET!
First, is your CSEA negotiated
benefit for the employer
contribution of up to $600. If both
spouses are state employees each is
eligible for the employer
contribution.
Second, is that any money you
have set aside from your paycheck,
up to $5,000 per family, are dollars
not taxed.
The enrollment period runs from
September 16th to November 15th.
Anew paperless process makes
enrolling quick, easy and secure.
Here’s how it works. Just log on to
www. flexspend.state.ny.us
All the information, instructions
forms, and the tax calculator to help
you identify your potential savings
are at your fingertips. You simply
complete the online application
form. You will receive a confirmation
notice by mid December.
If you don’t want to enroll
online, you can call 1-800-358-7202
and speak to a customer service
representative who will ask youa
few pertinent questions and begin
the application process. The
customer service representative will
then mail you a notification form
and a postage paid envelope. You
must verify the accuracy of the
application information, sign and
return the form immediately to
ensure the enrollment process is
completed. If you don’t return this
form your enrollment can’t be
processed.
Remember the DEADLINE to enroll
is November 16, 2002 at midnight.
No enrollments can be accepted
after that date and time unless your
family experiences a change in
status. Don’t miss this opportunity!
2003 Employer Contribution Rates
If Your Salary Is: The Employer
Contribution Is:
OVER $60,000 $200
$50,000 - $60,000 $300
$40,000 - $50,000 $400
$30,000 - $40,000 $500
UNDER $30,000 $600
GSEU EMPLOYEES ONLY $150
the use of full social security
numbers for signing candidate
petitions and/or returning ballots
was no longer necessary; and
*Adding the Veterans Committee
to the list of Standing Committees.
Delegates also approved a
proposal to establish an
honorarium schedule effective for
statewide officers elected to term
of office in 2004. It had previously
been approved by CSEA’s Board of
Directors.
Delegates approved the
following resolutions:
*CSEA Education Department
research and develop a pamphlet
describing labor’s history, its
leaders and how they have
brought about major cultural and
economic changes in our country
and make the pamphlet available
to CSEA members and staff for
distribution to administrators in
public and private schools for use
in curriculums;
*CSEA continue to partner in
coalitions with organizations that
strive to make the workplace and
community a safer and healthier
place;
*CSEA reintroduce the LUTI
(Local Union Training Instructor)
program and incorporate the
National Coalition Building
Institute in its leadership
development, so officers and
activists will continue to have
available comprehensive training
to develop and enhance leadership
skills; and
*CSEA continue to join together
with other labor unions,
community groups, national and
state organizations to effectuate
change in the health care industry
that assures accessible, affordable
and quality health care for all
workers, their families and their
communities.
State workers: Your
health insurance WILL
CHANGE on Jan. 1, 2003
The following information is intended for CSEA-represented Executive
Branch enrollees — enrollees employed by the State of New York covered by
one of the following CSEA collective bargaining agreements: Administrative
Services Unit, Institutional Services Unit, Operational Services Unit or the
Division of Military and Naval Affairs.
Effective Jan. 1, 2003, active CSEA State Executive Branch enrollees will
be responsible to contribute the enrollee portion of 10% toward the cost of
individual prescription drug premium and 25% toward the cost of
dependent prescription drug premium under the Empire Plan and Health
Maintenance Organizations. This amount will be added to the current
enrollee contribution of 10% toward the cost of individual health insurance
premiums (hospital, medical and mental health/substance abuse
components) and 25% toward the cost of dependent health insurance
premium (hospital medical, and mental health/substance abuse
components).
Furthermore, CSEA enrollees who are covered by the Empire Plan should
be aware of the following changes that go into effect on January 1, 2003.
Participating provider office visit copayments will increase from $8 to $10.
Prescription drug copayments will increase from $3 generic/$13 brand
name (no generic equivalent) to $5 generic/$15 brand name (no generic
equivalent). The non-participating provider annual deductible will increase
from $175 to $185.
Since HMO benefits are community rated and are not negotiated by
CSEA, HMO enrollees will receive a side-by-side comparison, from their
individual HMO, detailing any changes in benefits for 2003, in
September/October.
If you have any questions regarding your health benefits, please contact
the CSEA Joint Committee on Health Benefits at 518-785-4774 or 1-800-286-
5242 (JCHB) or you may send e-mail to jchb@cseainc.org.
Page 16 QT October 2002
Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield:
1-800-342-9815 or 518-367-0009
For hospital benefits and claims call
Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield. You
must call prior to receiving the
following types of transplants; bone
marrow, peripheral stem cell, cord
blood stem cell, heart, heart-lung,
kidney, liver, lung and simultaneous
kidney-pancreas. For a list of
participating centers of excellence
contact Blue Cross at the numbers
listed above.
The Empire Plan Benefits Management
Program can be reached at:
Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield:
1-800-342-9815 or 518-367-0009
Enrollees must contact Empire Blue
Cross and Blue shield prior to a
maternity or scheduled hospital
admission; within 48 hours after an
emergency or urgent hospital
admission. Also, for concurrent review
of hospital and skilled nursing facility
(SNF) admissions, discharge planning,
inpatient complex medical case
management and the high-risk
pregnancy program. If you do not follow
| the Benefits Management Program
| requirements services may not be
{ covered or you may be responsible to
| pay a higher share of the costs.
Text Telephone (TTY) lines for
Hearing-Impaired or Speech Impaired
callers with TTY Devices: Empire Blue
Cross and Blue Shield: TTY only -
(1-800-241-6894).
United HealthCare Insurance
Company of New York:
1-800-942-4640
Call for information on benefits
under Basic Medical and Participating
Provider Programs, predetermination of
benefits, claims and participating
providers.
The Empire Plan Benefits Management
Program can be reached at:
United HealthCare: 1-800-638-9918
Enrollees must contact United
HealthCare for prospective procedure
review prior to receiving any elective
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
United HealthCare will also oversee
voluntary specialist consultations and
outpatient medical case management. If
you do not follow the Benefits
Management Program requirements
services may not be covered or you
may be responsible to pay a higher
share of the costs.
Text Telephone (TTY) lines for
Hearing-Impaired or Speech-Impaired
callers with TTY Devices: United
HealthCare: TTY only - (1-888-697-9054).
‘NYS Health Insurance Plan — Empire Plan clip and save
Express Scripts (Prescription Drug
Program): 1-800-964-1888
Some prescriptions that require
prior authorization include BCG Live,
Ceredase or Cerezyme, Drugs for the
treatment of impotency, Enbrel,
Epoetin, Human Growth Hormone,
Immune Globulin, Lamisil, Prolastin,
Pulmozyme, or Sporanox.
Text Telephone (TTY) lines for
Hearing-Impaired or Speech-Impaired
callers with TTY Devices:
Express Scripts: TTY only - (1-800-840-
7879).
ValueOptions (Administrator for GHD:
1-800-446-3995
You must call ValueOptions before
beginning any treatment for mental
health or substance abuse, including
alcoholism. If you do not follow
ValueOptions requirements, you will
receive a significantly lower level of
benefits. In a life-threatening situation,
go to the emergency room. If you are
admitted you must call within 48 hours.
Text Telephone (TTY) lines for
Hearing-Impaired or Speech-Impaired
callers with TTY Devices: ValueOptions:
TTY only - (1-800-334-1897).
Managed Physical Medicine Program
(MPN): 1-800-942-4640
Call for information on benefits and
to find MPN network providers for
chiropractic treatment and physical
therapy. If you do not use MPN network
providers, you will receive a
significantly lower level of benefits.
telephone numbers
Home Care Advocacy Program
(HCAP): 1-800-638-9918
You must call to arrange for paid-in-
full home care services and/or durable
medical equipment/supplies. If you do
not follow HCAP requirements, you will
receive a significantly lower level of
benefits.
Infertility Benefits: 1-800-638-9918
Certain infertility procedures, called
Qualified Procedures, are covered
under the Empire Plan, ONLY if you
receive prior authorization. You MUST
call for prior authorization, regardless
of the provider of service. Call for prior
authorization and information on
Qualified Procedures for fertility
benefits and Centers of Excellence.
Empire Plan Nurse Line:
1-800-439-3435
Call for health information and
advice 24 hours a day, seven days a
week. To listen to selections from the
Health Information Library, enter PIN
number 335 and a 4-digit code from the
Empire Plan Nurse Line brochure.
Attention Health Maintenance
Organization (HMO) Enrollees:
Contact your individual HMO for
important telephone numbers and
information on services that require
prior approval.
Planning for health care expenses
As enrollees prepare for increased out of
pocket health care expenses for 2003, one
way to offset these expenses is to participate
in the Health Care Spending Account (HCSA).
The HCSA is an employee benefit that allows
enrollees to pay for out-of-pocket health care
expenses with tax-free dollars.
Participation in the Flexible Spending
Account Program for CSEA state enrollees is
voluntary and, if eligible, an enrollee may
contribute any amount from $150 up to $3,000
annually in pre-tax dollars to pay for
medically necessary health-related expenses
that are not reimbursed by insurance.
Enrollees should estimate their out of pocket
medical expenses prior to enrolling in the
HCSA.
Eligible health related expenses can
include: co-payments for prescriptions, office
visits and laboratory costs, deductibles, out-
of-pocket fees paid to non-participating
providers and any dental and vision
expenses, which exceed the coverage
provisions of your policies.
Cosmetic procedures, fees for health clubs,
dance lessons, exercise equipment and other
services that contribute to your general
health cannot be reimbursed from your
account (please refer to HCSA materials for a
full list of covered services and exclusions).
Please remember it is important that
yearly expenses are not overestimated as the
IRS “use it or lose it” rule applies to this
program. Any money left over at the end of
the calendar year will be lost.
The opportunity to enroll in the Health
Care Spending Account will be available
during an open enrollment period. The open
enrollment period for the 2003 plan year
began on Sept. 16, 2002 and concludes Nov.
15, 2002. The program’s plan year will
operate from Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2003.
If you would like to know more about the
Health Care Spending Account program or
would like an enrollment kit, contact the plan
administrator at 1-800-358-7202 or enroll
online at www.flexspend.state.ny.us.
Health insurance
choices for 2003
It is that time of year again, to start thinking about
your health insurance options. The Option Transfer
period will be held once the 2003 health insurance
premiums are approved. During the option transfer
period, CSEA-represented state enrollees will have the
ability to change their health insurance plan for the 2003
plan year. Members will be able to choose from the
Empire Plan or one of the NYSHIP-approved Health
Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) in their area.
The Department of Civil Service will send all enrollees
a copy of “Choosing Your Health Plan.” This document
offers suggestions on how to make the most informed
choice for a health insurance plan for you and your
family. “Choosing Your Health Plan” also includes web
site information on resources (such as the NYS.
Insurance Department and Department of Health) that
measure the quality of HMOs.
As we draw nearer to the option transfer period, the
Joint Committee on Health Benefits will provide
additional Work Force articles, including health
insurance premiums for the 2003 plan year.
October 20 THE WORK FORCE EEG 17
Skills for Success offers fall courses
The NYS and CSEA
Partnership for Education and
Training (the Partnership) will
offer a series of Skills for
Success training courses to
CSEA-represented New York
State employees. Course
offerings are designed to meet
your job skills and professional
development training needs.
You are eligible to
participate if you are: 1) a
member of the Administrative
Services Unit (ASU),
Institutional Services Unit
(ISU), Operational Services
Unit (OSU) or the Division of
Military and Naval Affairs
(DMNA); 2) serving a
probationary period or
traineeship in an ASU
transition title supported by
the Partnership; or 3) ina
Management/Confidential
(M/C) clerical or secretarial
title.
The Skills for Success
training courses are available
at no cost to you or your
agency. Reimbursements to
you for travel, lodging, meals
and parking expenses is at the
discretion of your agency.
Courses are held at convenient
training sites near your
worksite or home.
Choose from over 70
courses in the following
categories:
e Clerical and Secretarial
e Institutional Services and
Health Care
e Labor-Management
e Operations and Maintenance
e Personal Computer
e Personal Development
e Safety and Health.
The Skills for Success
courses will help you improve
your skills, enhance your
knowledge, learn new
technologies and prepare for
the challenges and demands of
your current and future jobs.
Application forms with
directions are available from
your agency’s Personnel or
Training Office and your CSEA
Local President.
EBF looking for a mascot
McDonald’s has a clown,
Toys’R’Us has a giraffe, that
insurance company has a duck,
and now the CSEA Employee
Benefit Fund (EBF) is getting
into the act. The EBF is starting
a mascot search and would like
the CSEA membership to help
out.
The EBF will accept designs
for an EBF mascot to be used
in future print and promotional
materials.
The rules for submission are:
1) The submission must
include and/or connect to the
phrase “Ever Better Future.”
2) Submissions must be
received no later than Dec. 31,
2002. 3) Submissions cannot
infringe upon any already
existing corporate or
organizational copyrights.
All entries become the
property of the CSEA Employee
Benefit Fund.
Prizes will be awarded for:
1st Place: $200 Savings Bond
2nd Place: $100 Savings Bond
3rd Place: $50 Savings Bond.
Send all submissions to:
Patrick Regan, Marketing &
Communications Manager,
CSEA Employee Benefit Fund,
One Lear Jet Lane, Suite #1,
Latham, New York 12110.
PEOPLE PERSON
- The PEOPLE
recruiter for the
month of August
is Frank Balsano
of the Western New
York DDSO. He
recruited 27 new members.
PEOPLE is CSEA and AFSCME’s
political action program aimed
at getting friends of working
families elected to Congress ...
YONKERS JOBS RESTORED —
11th-hour funding from the
state has restored about 50
CSEA jobs at Yonkers Public
Schools that were eliminated
this summer because of a
multi-million-dollar budget
deficit in the district. While
CSEA is pleased to see the jobs
restored, the union is urging
state and local elected officials
to work with labor to
permanently resolve the
issue... MONROE COUNTY
MEMBERS RALLY AGAINST
JOB CUTS - More than 100
CSEA Monroe County members,
augmented by about 100 other
human services advocates,
rallied outside the Monroe
County Office building in
protest against services and
job cuts in the county
executive’s 2003 budget ...
ERIE
CORRECTION
OFFICERS
FACE STAFFING
SHORTAGE —
Mandatory
overtime caused by a
staffing shortage has forced
Erie County correction officers
to frequently work 16 to 18
hours straight and in at least
one case, 24 hours straight.
The correction officers are
fearful that the long hours are
creating a risk to the health
and safety of the officers as
well as the inmates. CSEA Erie
County Local President Mike
Bogulski says the staffing
situation is approaching crisis
situation and is working with
the sheriff on a solution ...
CAPITAL REGION MEMBERS
RALLY AT COUNTY JAIL -
CSEA members held a rally at
the Albany County Jail to call
attention to the county’s union-
busting tactics. The county has
contracted out health care
services at the jail and is
preventing the contractor's
workers from joining the union
..CSEA BOOTH AT STATE FAIR
-A total of 3,115 visitors signed
the guest register at the CSEA
Booth this year at the NYS Fair
in Syracuse. CSEA members
registered 315 people to vote
(up from 291 last year).
Break in membership affects eligibility for
A break in union membership status can have
long-term future implications. Your membership
status affects your eligibility with respect to:
* seeking or holding union office;
signing nominating petitions for potential
candidates;
+ voting in union elections, and;
+ voting on collective bargaining contracts.
Only members “in good standing” can
participate in these activities. To be in “good
standing,” your dues cannot be delinquent.
If you go on unpaid leave or for any other
reason have a break in your employment status,
your dues will not continue to be paid through
payroll deductions. You must make arrangements
to pay your dues directly to CSEA to continue
your membership status. If you are either laid off
or placed on leave without pay status due to
becoming disabled by accident, illness, maternity
union office, voting privileges
or paternity, you may be eligible for dues-free
membership status for a period not to exceed one
year. If you are called up for active military duty
you may also apply for dues-free status.
Note, however, you must continue to pay dues
to run for office.
Dues-free or gratuitous membership allows
members to continue their insurance coverage
while out of work. It does not protect your right
to run for or hold office. This does not apply to
members who are on leave due to being called up
for military duty. Members on active military
duty, upon return, are considered to have had
continuous membership status for all CSEA
election purposes
Please notify the CSEA Membership 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.
October 2002 THE WORK FORCE [orem ks)
CSEA and vec McCall
Together We Can -—. 7 he be
Make It Happen
A vote for McCall is a vote for:
V Fairness and respect for
working people
V Improving our schools
V Creating job growth and
expanding opportunity
V Ensuring quality health care
and affordable prescription
VOTE
Tuesday Nov. 5
Western Frontier
Official publication of CSEA Western 6
Region
+A supplement to The Work Force *October 2002 Vol. 5 No. 2
CALERA
CSEA Scholarship Awardees and Families Feted at Luncheon
Hosted by Region President Tripi
Region winners of the annual CSEA
Flaumenbaum Scholarships and their parents were
hosted by Region President Flo Tripi at a recent
presentation luncheon in Batavia.
“Congratulations, and best of luck as you continue
your quest for higher education,” said Tripi. “We
hope, as you go through life, you will remember that
this award comes from a union that helped your
parent earn a living wage.”
She was joined in presenting the scholarship
certificates and checks by Jeanette Newman,
Western Region scholarship committee member.
Appropriate unit and local presidents were also
invited.
The $1,000 Flaumenbaum Scholarship winners
are;
James Duchesne, a Geneva High School grad
headed for Union College, whose mother, Frances
Duchesne, is a teacher's aide for the Geneva City
School District, and a member of Ontario County
Local 835, Unit 7851;
Joseph Pasqualichio, a Grand Island High School
grad who will attend Pittsburgh U., whose mother,
Debra Pasqualichio, is a senior court
office assistant, and member of Office
of Court Administration Local 335;
Whitney Kaczor, a Wilson Central
High School grad planning to attend
SUNY Fredonia, whose mother, Linda
Kaczor, is a teacher's aide at Niagara
Orleans BOCES, and a member of
Orleans County Local 837, Unit 7960.
Two other scholarships were
awarded to region members’ children.
Leslie Probst received the $2,500
JLT Award, named in memory of
Charles Foster, who was a business
Officer for the SUNY division in the
1930s. She will attend SUNY Geneseo, F
and is the daughter of Linda Probst, a
principal account clerk for the
Chautauqua County Health Department, and member
of Chautauqua County Local 807, Unit 6300.
Tracy Miller, a junior at the University of Pittsburgh
at Bradford and daughter of Linda M. Brown, a senior
typist at the Cattaraugus Health Department and
member of Cattaraugus County Local 805, received
the AFSCME Jerry Clark Award.
The Jerry Clark scholarship will provide $10,000
for Miller's junior and senior years of study, plus the
opportunity to intern at the International's Political
Action Department during the summer. Miller was
unable to attend the presentation luncheon.
Ste:
Bs:
sea,
From top photo, scholarship winners James
Duchesne, Joseph Pasqualichio and Whitney Kaczor,
are joined by Region President Flo Tripi and Western
Region Scholarship committee member Jeanette
Newman.
| BUFFALO
| NEW YORK
e 9: ie
Celebrating Labor
Labor Day parades in ge
Buffalo and Rochester ie
saw CSEA represented
in both, in keeping
with a long tradition.
CSEA members wore
newly designed T-
shirts, that were worn
by members at Labor
Day activities across
the state.
Page 2
Western Frontier
Western Region Conference
Region Meeting in Geneva on the Lake
“Fighting for Today, Preparing for Tomorrow” was the theme of the
Western Region conference held June 14 and 15 at the Ramada Inn
Geneva, on the northern shore of beautiful Seneca Lake.
More than 125 region delegates heard presentations by Fran
Weisburg, president/CEO of Lifespan on “The New Face of Aging.”
“Writing and Speaking in a Responsible Manner,” presented by
CSEA general counsel Nancy Hoffman, outlined the scope of legal
authority under which CSEA officers and representatives should act.
BUFFALO
ROCHESTER
. SYRACUSE
Ad campaign ALBANY
UTICA
Hey Bills fans! isso
EAN
CSEA's fall advertising campaign is taking to the ELMIRA/CORNING
airwaves on the Buffalo Bills radio network. Bills fans ~=TRUMAMSBURG/
across the state will hear about the important, vital ITHACA
jobs CSEA members perform, day in and day out. Sa
Tune in to any of the following stations to follow the spRINGVILLE
Bills and hear about the great work being performed BRADFORD
by CSEA members in western New York! BATH
LS
ALFRED/HORNELL
WATERTOWN
TORONTO.
‘ST. CATHERINES, ONT
City of Lockport, Monroe
County members picket
against proposed layoffs
Contract negotiations and budget layoffs brought
CSEA members out on informational picket lines in
recent months.
City of Lockport members are locked in a struggle
for a decent contract, and have declared impasse.
They picketed outside Lockport City Hall to let the
public and the employer know they are serious.
Monroe County employees took to the straeets to
rally against proposed layoffs that would total 700, if
the county executive has his way. They rallied with
other human services advocates at a county
legislature meeting, and spoke out at the meeting's
public forum session.
Western Frontier
Page 3
Message From Western Region
President Flo Tripi
Brothers and Sisters in the Western Region,
We in the Western Region have made a strong
commitment to communicate with you, our members. This
special insert, “Western Frontier’ published occasionally, is
part of that effort. We want you to know what the Western
Region is all about and the wonderful things that are
happening here. Please take the time to read about your
—] brothers and sisters in CSEA. We hope that you will be
inspired to get involved in your union in some way.
Over the past two years, we have held a number of events and activities
that have drawn us together. We have had mandated Region Conferences,
held training for Stewards and Grievance Reps, held other trainings to help
prepare our members for taking Civil Service Tests, had computer training to
help our members with new technology. We have had events that are social,
but also bring us together to help our brothers and sisters. We have held our
Annual picnics, held a walkathon and a golf tournament, which helped fund
our Sunshine Fund, the fund that helps so many of our members undergoing
hardship. We have collected and donated food to the Buffalo City Mission
and to the Sisters of Mercy Homeless Shelters. We have donated dollars
and personal items to the Buffalo Shelter for Women and Children. We have
accomplished much through our Western Region Committee structure, and
volunteer activists have given so much of their time, talent and creativity, so
much so, that we believe that we are the Best Region in CSEA.
On Nov. 19, we will be holding a Ceremony to honor our Veterans. | hope
you will consider participating with us in Warsaw.
With all of the events of above, many of our brothers and sisters are
experiencing difficulty. Due to a failing economy and the horrific tragedy of
Sept. 11th, 2001, our state and local governments are now finding budgetary
problems which are resulting in layoffs, downsizing, program cuts, and
putting our members at significant risk. We have been working with our
activists to deal with these attacks on our members. We have been active in
Erie, Niagara, Ontario and Monroe Counties to rally our members and save
our jobs and programs.
We are far from finished. Join the fun, and battle with us. Seek out your
local activists and officers, and join us.
Fraternally; Flo
Support for CSEA-endorsed Carl McCall's race for New
York governor began early, and continues to grow.
Region members and staff have enthusiastically attended
rallies, worked phone banks, and more to show support.
Members should call the region office at
716 886-0391 for yard signs, or to volunteer.
inament Benefits the
ion’s Sunshine Fund
A first-time golf tournament to
benefit the region’s Sunshine
Fund was so successful, it will
become an annual event,
according to planners.
The event was held at the
Batavia Country Club, and had
foursomes from throughout the
region. More than $2,500 was
raised to help fellow region
members in need.
Another Sunshine Fund
fundraiser will be a
Walk-a-thon, planned for
Saturday, Oct.19, in beautiful
Letchworth State Park.
Walkers should call the region
office for registration details.
PRESIDENT
Ms. Florence Tripi
Work: 716-886-0391
IST VICE PRESIDENT
Ms. Kathleen Button
Work: 585-461-892
Fax: 585-442-9415
2ND VICE PRESIDENT
Mr. Henry Hoisington
Work: 716-761-6168
CSEA WESTERN REGION OFFICERS
3RD VICE PRESIDENT
Mr: Steve Hurley
Work: 607 776-9800
ext. 108
Fax: 716-442-9415
SECRETARY
Ms. Dawn Smith
Work: 716-675-7570
Fax: 716-675-7718
TREASURER
Mr. William Stanton
Work: 716-845-3069
Page 4
Western Frontier
CC BY-NC-SA 4.0