cvaiuaTion pian^orarorium
needed to iron out wrinkles
ALBANY C S E A P r e s i d e n t W i l l i a m L.
McGowan has won a g r e e m e n t f r o m the Govern o r ' s O f f i c e of E m p l o y e e R e l a t i o n s f o r a n i m m e d i a t e m o r a t o r i u m on r a t i n g s u n d e r t h e controversial Employee Evaluation P r o g r a m for
s t a t e w o r k e r s p e n d i n g c o r r e c t i o n of a b u s e s of t h e
system.
C S E A h a d d e m a n d e d t h e m o r a t o r i u m in
r e s p o n s e t o n u m e r o u s c o m p l a i n t s of d o u b l e
r a t i n g s , s u p e r v i s o r s t h r e a t e n e d by s u p e r i o r s f o r
not m e e t i n g a r b i t r a r y " q u o t a s " , and s o m e c a s e s
w h e r e a r a t e r told e m p l o y e e s t h e y would r e c e i v e
one rating, then gave t h e m a different rating.
U n d e r t h e t e r m s of t h e m o r a t o r i u m , all inc r e m e n t eligible e m p l o y e e s who h a v e a l r e a d y
been evaluated shall receive their i n c r e m e n t adj u s t m e n t as scheduled this month and employees
r a t e d " o u t s t a n d i n g " shall receive p e r f o r m a n c e
a w a r d s in t h e n e a r f u t u r e .
" W e have taken the n e c e s s a r y steps to e n s u r e
that those employees eligible for i n c r e m e n t s and
b o n u s e s b a s e d on t h e f i r s t r o u n d of r a t i n g s
receive the money they deserve," President
M c G o w a n s a i d in a n n o u n c i n g t h e m o r a t o r i u m ,
" b u t w e a l s o m u s t e n s u r e t h a t t h e d i s a s t e r s of
t h e f i r s t r o u n d of e v a l u a t i o n s — w h e t h e r r e a l o r
imagined — don't happen again."
T h e m o r a t o r i u m is t h e f i r s t point of a t h r e e
point C S E A p r o g r a m t o d e a l w i t h t h e e v a l u a t i o n
p r o b l e m . A P r e s i d e n t i a l T a s k F o r c e of r a n k a n d
f i l e m e m b e r s f r o m a c r o s s t h e s t a t e w a s to b e a p p o i n t e d b y M r . M c G o w a n to a n a l y z e m e m b e r
complaints about the program and m a k e
r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s f o r c h a n g e s . T h e union h a s
a l s o n o t i f i e d t h e s t a t e t h a t in i n s t a n c e s w h e r e
c o r r e c t i v e a c t i o n is n e e d e d a n d n o t t a k e n by t h e
s t a t e , t h e union will f i l e i m p r o p e r l a b o r p r a c t i c e
charges with the Public E m p l o y m e n t Relations
Board and take other legal a c t i o n . '
" T h i s p r o g r a m p r o v i d e s $9 m i l l i o n to o u r
Official Publication of
The Civil Service
Employees Association
V o l . 2, N o . 14 (ISSN 0164 9949)
Wednesday, January 16, 1980
Increments
m e m b e r s in t h e s e t h r e e b a r g a i n i n g u n i t s b e y o n d
t h e n e g o t i a t e d s a l a r y i n c r e a s e s , " t h e union
p r e s i d e n t s a i d , " a n d it also, f o r t h e f i r s t t i m e ,
a l l o w s f o r a c c e l e r a t e d m o v e m e n t t h r o u g h t h e inc r e m e n t s t e p s f o r all e m p l o y e e s r e g a r d l e s s of
their ratings. Those m e m b e r s who were
o t h e r w i s e ineligible f o r a n y t h i n g b u t g e n e r a l
s a l a r y i n c r e a s e s a r e n o w eligible f o r $300 c a s h
a w a r d s , so t h e r e is s o m e t h i n g f o r e v e r y o n e in t h e
p r o g r a m . W e w a n t it to w o r k a n d w e still f e e l it
can work but since the s t a t e bungled i m p l e m e n t a t i o n by f a i l i n g t o p r o p e r l y t r a i n i t s m a n a g e r s
a n d t h e n a d d e d i n s u l t t o t h e i n j u r y by c r e a t i n g ,
widespread confusion about 'quotas' , we have
c o n c l u d e d t h a t it is in t h e i n t e r e s t of o u r
m e m b e r s t o s t o p t h e w h o l e p r o c e s s in p l a c e a n d
get these problems identified and corrected
b e f o r e w e go a n y f u r t h e r . "
While t h e P r e s i d e n t i a l T a s k F o r c e is m e e t i n g
a n d t h e m o r a t o r i u m c o n t i n u e s , a p p e a l s t a k e n und e r t h e e v a l u a t i o n p r o c e d u r e s will c o n t i n u e t o b e
p r o c e s s e d , i n c r e m e n t s will c o n t i n u e t o b e p a i d
a n d p e r f o r m a n c e a w a r d s given to e m p l o y e e s
rated " o u t s t a n d i n g " who a r e not i n c r e m e n t
eligible.
T h e union l e a d e r s a i d h e would d i r e c t t h e T a s k
F o r c e t o m o v e a s q u i c k l y a s p o s s i b l e in
evaluating the p r o g r a m ' s failures and drafting
r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s so t h a t t h e n e x t s c h e d u l e d
r o u n d of e v a l u a t i o n s — s e t f o r A p r i l — will n o t b e
needlessly delayed.
coming
A L B A N Y — C S E A m e m b e r s in t h e
s t a t e ' s I n s t i t u t i o n a l , O p e r a t i o n a l a n d Adm i n i s t r a t i v e b a r g a i n i n g units will be
r e c e i v i n g i n c r e m e n t a d j u s t m e n t s in s a l a r y
checks this month.
,
.
^
W h i l e s o m e f a i l u r e s on t h e p a r t of s t a t ^
agencies to file p r o p e r authorizations with
t h e D e p a r t m e n t of A u d i t a n d C o n t r o l m a y
delay s o m e increment a d j u s t m e n t s due this
m o n t h , it i s a n t i c i p a t e d t h a t t h e i n c r e m e n t
eligible e m p l o y e e s on the Administrative
p a y r o l l will r e c e i v e i n c r e m e n t s on J a n u a r y
16 a n d e l i g i b l e e m p l o y e e s o n t h e I n s t i t u t i o n a l p a y r o l l will r e c e i v e i n c r e m e n t s
on J a n u a r y 23.
Any e m p l o y e e s who w e r e i n c r e m e n t
e l i g i b l e b u t w h o d i d n o t r e c e i v e a n inc r e m e n t in t h e a p p r o p r i a t e paycheck,
should c o n t a c t their personnel office.
INTERNATIONAL
CONFAB — A F S C M E I n t e r n a t i o n a l P r e s i d e n t J e r r y W u r f , r i g h t ,
listens as CSEA Region I P r e s i d e n t and A F S C M E International Vice P r e s i d e n t Irving
F l a u m e n b a u m discusses public employee problems. The discussion occurred during a recent
m e e t i n g of A F S M C E ' s I n t e r n a t i o n a l E x e c u t i v e B o a r d held a t t h e H a r r i s o n C o n f e r e n c e C e n t e r
in G l e n Cove, L o n g I s l a n d .
Union freezes political contributions
ALBANY - CSEA President
W i l l i a m L. M c G o w a n h a s o r d e r e d
a n i m m e d i a t e f r e e z e on u n i o n
political contributions
to
legislative candidates contingent
upon t h e a c t i o n s of i n d i v i d u a l l a w m a k e r s in v o t i n g upon G o v e r n o r
Carey's proposed state budget for
t h e c o m i n g 1980 f i s c a l y e a r .
The State Legislature returned
t o A l b a n y l a s t w e e k , a n d soon wjJl
b e d e l i b e r a t i n g on t h e g o v e r n o r s
p r o p o s e d s t a t e b u d g e t w h i c h is exp e c t e d t o c a l l f o r a r e d u c t i o n of
o v e r 3,000 s t a t e j o b s t h r o u g h
a t t r i t i o n a n d t h e p o s s i b l e c l o s i n g of
several psychiatric centers.
The contribution freeze temp o r a r i l y c u t s off a q u a r t e r of a
m i l l i o n d o l l a r s o r m o r e e x p e c t e d to
b e d i s t r i b u t e d by t h e union to sup-
port legislative candidates for
S t a t e S e n a t e a n d A s s e m b l y s e a t s in
1980. I n t h e 1978 s t a t e w i d e r a c e s ,
C S E A c o n t r i b u t e d $250,000 t o h e l p
elect individual legislative cand i d a t e s a n d a n o t h e r $150,000 f o r
various statewide candidates.
CSEA strongly opposes a
r e d u c t i o n in t h e s t a t e w o r k f o r c e ,
by a t t r i t i o n o r a n y o t h e r m e a n s ,
a n d is e s p e c i a l l y a d a m a n t o v e r a n n o u n c e d b u t v a g u e p l a n s by t h e
s t a t e t o s h u t d o w n a n u m b e r of a s
yet unspecified
psychiatric
centers.
Union
President
McGowan recently met
with
Robert J. Morgado, the governor's
s e c r e t a r y , t o e x p r e s s s t r o n g displeasure over the projected
c l o s i n g s a n d to r e i n f o r c e union insistance that the
"Morgado
A g r e e m e n t " negotiated between
C S E A a n d t h e S t a t e b e a d h e r e d to.
T h a t a g r e e m e n t c a l l e d f o r a n inc r e a s e in t h e s t a f f / p a t i e n t r a t i o
throughout the state mental
hygiene facilities and a p r o m i s e to
r e t a i n in n e w c o m m u n i t y h e a l t h
care centers any Mental Hygiene
employees who might be adversely
a f f e c t e d by any s t a t e facility
closings.
Campaign contributions, always
a n i m p o r t a n t f a c t o r in c a n d i d a t e s '
election bids, a r e
especially
significant this y e a r since political
p a r t i e s will b e t r y i n g p a r t i c u l a r l y
h a r d t o g a i n c o n t r o l of t h e
Legislature. Legislative districts
will b e r e a p p o r t i o n e d b a s e d on t h e
1980 c e n s u s , a n d t h e p a r t y c o n t r o l l ing t h e L e g i s l a t u r e b a s e d on t h e
1980 e l e c t i o n r e s u l t s will h a v e a n
important advantage.
In 1980 all CSEA m e m b e n and their
f a m i l i e s will be going to the polls to
elect a new President of the United
States. With the increasing financial
role of the federal government in s t a t e
and local government finances,
Presidential politics has b e c o m e an
ever increasing focus of attention for
public employee unions.
In a n e f f o r t to monitor the attitudes
of its m e m b e r s in this vital election
y e a r , CSEA is conducting a s t r a w poll
to get an indication of the Presidential
p r e f e r e n c e s of its m e m b e r s a t the outset of the campaign. Your participation
will help CSEA assess the attitudes of
our m e m b e r s h i p to the candidates to
help the union monitor the changes in
attitude of our m e m b e r s , if any, during
the campaign.
To participate, check the boxes to the
left of candidates to indicate if you
recognize their n a m e s . Then pick one
of the candidates which you feel you
would vote for if the election w e r e held
today. Mail your s t r a w poll ballot to:
CSEA S t r a w Poll, 33 E l k S t r e e t ,
Albany, N.Y., 12207. You'll be helping
your union deal with the d e m a n d s of
presidential politics and you'll be helping reflect the t r u e voter strength of
the candidate that you would like to see
b e c o m e t h e next P r e s i d e n t of t h e
United States.
CSEA 1980 PRESIDENTIAL STRAW POLL
Who Would You Vote
For If the Election
Were Held Today?
DEM
REPUBLICAN
YES
•
Ronald Reagan
•
•
•
John Connally
•
George Bush
•
_
WHO
WOULD YOU
VOTE FOR?
•
•
•
•
NO
•
•
•
•
Howard Baker
;
•
•
•
YES
•
NO
A T
cA«c* om
chtck on«
I
OCR
Do You
Rocogniz«
th« Nam«?
WHO
WOULD YOU
VOTE FOR?
• Do You
• Rocogniz«
• th« Nam«?
Ted Kennedy
Jimmy Carter
Jerry Brown
OTHER:
•
OTHER:
Please complete and mail your Straw Poll Coupon to: CSEA STRAW POLL, 33 Elk Str««t, Albany, N.Y. 12207
Calendar
of EVENTS
Court openings
N E W Y O R K - T h e O f f i c e of C o u r t
Administration has announced the
o p e n i n g 6f f i l i n g f o r a n o p e n c o m p e t i t i v e e x a m i n a t i o n to fill
p o s i t i o n s i n t h e t i t l e of
Law
S t e n o g r a p h e r in t h e U n i f i e d C o u r t
Systemjiiroughout,th? State.
The examination
for
Law
S t e n o g r a p h e r , N o . 45-526, w i l l c o n s i s t
of a w r i t t e n t e s t , to b e h e l d on
F e b r u a r y 23, 1980, a n d p e r f o r m a n c e
t e s t s in s t e n o g r a p h y a n d t y p i n g ,
w h i c h will b e h e l d a t a l a t e r d a t e . T h e
m i n i m u m starting annual salary for
Law Stenographer may vary from
$10,714 t o $12,263, d e p e n d i n g on l o c a l e .
F i l i n g will e x t e n d t o J a n u a r y 16,
1980.
Applications
and
ann o u n c e m e n t s c a n b e o b t a i n e d in t h e
courts and court agencies throughout
the State, o r by w r i t i n g or c o m i n g to
t h e O f f i c e of C o u r t A d m i n i s t r a t i o n ,
S t a f f i n g S e r v i c e s U n i t , R o o m 1209, 270
Broadway, New York, New York
10007.
JANUARY
19 — CSEA
President
presidents,
William
Holiday
Inn,
Division presidents,
1:15
19 — Region
IV W o r k s h o p ,
L. M c G o w a n
Batavia.
informational
County
Division
meeting
presidents,
with
9:45
Region
a.m.;
VI
State
p.m.
grievance
procedure,
9:30
a.m.-3:30
p.m..
Holiday
Inn,
Latham.
21 — R e g i o n
III M e n t a l H y g i e n e m e e t i n g ,
1 p . m . . H o l i d a y Inn,
2 3 — Ossining C o r r e c t i o n a l Facility Local 1 6 1 i n s t a l l a t i o n ,
25 —
Binghamton
Local
002,
general
membership
Newburgh.
noon.
meeting,
7:30
p.m..
First
Ward
A m e r i c a n Legion, C l i n t o n a n d G r a c e St., B i n g n a m t o n .
^
26 —
Region
I
workshop.
Safety
and
Health,
9
a.m.-5
p.m..
Holiday
Inn,
Hauppauge.
,
2 6 — S t a t e n I s l a n d D e v e l o p m e n t a l C e n t e r Local 4 2 9 i n s t a l l a t i o n , 8 : 3 0 p . m . , Le C o r d o n
27 _
Bleu, 9 6 - 0 1 J a m a i c a A v e n u e , Q u e e n s .
N e w Y o r k C i t y Local 0 1 0 i n s t a l l a t i o n , 3 p . m . , Theresa's C a t e r i n g H o u s e , M a s s a p e qua.
FEBRUARY
6 — Westchester County
;
^
^
Avenue, White
16 —
Local 8 6 0 Executive B o a r d M e e t i n g , 7 : 3 0 p . m . ,
196
Maple
Plains.
Binghamton 0 0 2 Valentine Dinner-Dance, 6 : 3 0 p.m.. Banquet Master's Restaurant,
Endicott.
EAST MEADOW The recent
e l e c t i o n of o f f i c e r s of t h e M e d i c a l
C e n t e r U n i t of N a s s a u C o u n t y C S E A
L o c a l 830 is b e i n g r e v i e w e d b y t h e
Long Island Region I Election Comm i t t e e , L o c a l 830 P r e s i d e n t N i c h o l a s
Abbatiello notes.
The review w a s c a u s e d by a p r o t e s t
t o t h e D e c . 5,1979, u n i t e l e c t i o n s b y 19
losing c a n d i d a t e s , Abbatiello said.
I n t h e e l e c t i o n , t h e s l a t e of s e v e n off i c e r s a n d 12 b o a r d of d i r e c t o r s h e a d ed by i n c u m b e n t P r e s i d e n t D o r i s
K a s n e r d e f e a t e d a s l a t e h e a d e d by
E s t h e r Phillips.
T h e v i c t o r y m a r g i n s r a n g e d f r o m 18
v o t e s to 54 v o t e s a m o n g t h e 1,022
votes c a s t , h e said. Ms. K a s n e r ' s vict o r y m a r g i n w a s 44 v o t e s , h e s a i d .
Abbatiello said the protest w a s
m a d e to the local Region I and to the
statewide Elections
Committee.
,
Local installation
M A S S A P E Q U A - N e w Y o r k C i t y L o c a l OlO's ins t a l l a t i o n of o f f i c e r s will b e h e l d a t T h e r e s a ' s
C a t e r i n g H o u s e , M a s s a p e q u a , o n J a n . 27, 1979.
T i c k e t s f o r t h e d i n n e r d a n c e a r e l i m i t e d t o 300,
L o c a l 010 P r e s i d e n t J o e J o h n s o n s a i d . H e s a i d t h o s e
i n t e r e s t e d in p u r c h a s i n g t h e $25 t a x - d e d u c t a b l e
t i c k e t s s h o u l d c o n t a c t t h e l o c a l ' s o f f i c e a t (212) 6252008, 625-2257 o r 732-4534.
I n s t a l l i n g o f f i c e r will b e C S E A P r e s i d e n t W i l l i a m
L. M c G o w a n . C S E A E x e c u t i v e V i c e P r e s i d e n t
T h o m a s M c D o n o u g h will b e m a s t e r of c e r e m o n i e s .
G u e s t s p e a k e r will b e K i n g s C o u n t y S u r r o g a t e B e r nard Bloom, Johnson said.
He said cocktail hour s t a r t s a t 3 p.m. followed by
the p r o g r a m at 4 p.m. and dinner and dancing f r o m
4:30 t o 8 p . m .
The other officers to be installed a r e Rose F e u r man, first vice president; Nancy Gonzales, second
vice p r e s i d e n t ; Willie R a y e , third vice p r e s i d e n t ;
Joseph Dec, t r e a s u r e r ; Marie Robinson, financial
secretary;
Madeline Koehan,
corresponding
secretary; and Ruth Joseph, recording secretary.
J o h n s o n s a i d in a d d i t i o n t o t h e i n s t a l l a t i o n , t h e
p r o g r a m will i n c l u d e t h e i n a u g u r a t i o n of t h e
S o l o m o n B e n d e t C a m p a n d S c h o l a r s h i p F u n d o<"
N e w Y o r k C i t y L o c a l 010.
Page 607
Review election
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, W e d n e s d a y , January 16, 1980
42 YEARS O F SERVICE - Isabel M. Paddock, center, was honored recently upon
the occasion of her r e t i r e m e n t a f t e r 42 y e a r s with the Warwick Valley Central
School District. Orange County CSEA Local 836 President Albert Ruggiero, left,
participated in the p r o g r a m honoring Ms. Paddock, as was Naomi Kaplan, right,
President of the Warwick CSEA Unit.
k U l r . J i J A V » ^ .V
Suffolk sets health and safety standards
R I V E R H E A D - C a p p i n g a twoy e a r d r i v e by t h e C S E A, t h e S u f f o l k
County
Legislature
established
Health and Safety standards for
C o u n t y e m p l o y e e s in its f i n a l s e s s i o n
in 1979.
T h e long-sought law w a s hailed by
L o n g I s l a n d a n d S t a t e w i d e C S E A off i c i a l s a s a n i m p o r t a n t v i c t o r y in t h e
u n i o n ' s c a m p a i g n to f o r c e N e w Y o r k
S t a t e to e x t e n d O c c u p a t i o n a l S a f e t y
a n d H e a l t h Act (OSHA) s t a n d a r d s a n d
enforcement procedures for slate and
local g o v e r n m e n t e m p l o y e e s .
" T h e n e w law will b e m u t u a l l y
b e n e f i c i a l to t h e c o u n t y and to
e m p l o y e e s . It will s a v e m o n e y on
compensation and retraining for the
c o u n t y a n d will g u a r a n t e e e m p l o y e e s
working conditions that a r e f r e e f r o m
h a z a r d s , " said Ben B o c z k o w s k i , Suffolk County L o c a l 852 p r e s i d e n t . As
grievance chairman,
Boczkowski
started the CSEA c a m p a i g n for the
l a w t w o y e a r s a g o , a n d w o r k e d closely w i t h t h e b i l l ' s s p o n s o r , L e g i s l a t o r
W i l l i a m C. R i c h a r d s ( R - C - K i n g s
Park).
" W e hope that we can
persuade
MEMBERS OF SUFFOLK COUNTY LOCAL 852's
executive board m e t recently to review and discuss the
e s t a b l i s h m e n t of h e a l t h a n d s a f e t y s t a n d a r d s f o r Suffolk C o u n t y w o r k e r s , c a p p i n g off a 2 - y e a r e f f o r t by t h e union f o r
s u c h c o v e r a g e . L o c a l 852 e x e c u t i v e b o a r d m e m b e r s a r e , f r o m l e f t s t a n d i n g , F o u r t h V i c e P r e s i d e n t R i c h a r d P r o t o s o w ,
R e c o r d i n g S e c r e t a r y J o Ann F l e i s c h m a n . F i r s t V i c e P r e s i d e n t F r a n k K o s t , T r e a s u r e r D o t t y V i c t o r i a , T h i r d V i c e
P r e s i d e n t Ken Horsford, (sitting) Second Vice P r e s i d e n t J a m e s F a r r e l l , E x e c u t i v e Vice P r e s i d e n t Bob K o l t e r m a n ,
P r e s i d e n t B e n Boczkowski a n d S e r g e a n t a t A r m s G e o r g e K u y a v a .
Ready To Retire?
*
Protect your future with Retiree membership in CSEA.
• T a k e a n a c t i v e r o l e in C S E A R e t i r e e s ' l e g i s l a t i v e c a m p a i g n s f o r
p e n s i o n cost-of-living i n c r e a s e s
• S h a r e in a c t i v i t i e s of t h e C S E A r e t i r e e c h a p t e r n e a r e s t you
• C o n t i n u e p r e s e n t C S E A ' s l i f e i n s u r a n c e policies a t t h e low g r o u p
rate
n
• B e c o m e eligible f o r C S E A ' s " S e n i o r S e c u r i t y 55" l i f e i n s u r a n c e
policy f o r m e m b e r s only
• A c q u i r e low h o s p i t a l c a s h - t o - y o u p r o t e c t i o n f o r C S E A r e t i r e e s a n d
spouses
V Send coupon b e l o w f o r a d d i t i o n a l i n f o r m a t i o n on b e n e f i t s of r e t i r e e
m e m b e r s h i p in C S E A
Send the coupon tor membership information.
Local election
1
Retiree Division
{
Civil Service Employees Assn.
Brunswick
pact
B R U N S W I C K - A t w o y e a r cont r a c t c o n t a i n i n g r a i s e s of 50 c e n t s p e r
h o u r in J a n u a r y 1980 a n d f i v e p e r c e n t
in J a n u a r y a n d J u l y 1981 w a s r a t i f i e d
by T o w n of B r u n s w i c k e m p l o y e e s ,
r e p r e s e n t e d by t h e Civil S e r v i c e
E m p l o y e e s Assn.
The increases, say Brunswick
CSEA Unit President Joe Montepare
and CSEA Capital Region Field
Representative Joe Bakerian "bring
t h e town e m p l o y e e s ' s a l a r i e s to a
level competitive with the r e s t of the
county."
O t h e r p r o v i s i o n s in t h e a g r e e m e n t
c a l l f o r a n i n c r e a s e in t h e m i l e a g e
r a t e , additional sick leave accumulation and personal leave and
i m p r o v e m e n t s in t h e v a c a t i o n
schedules.
T h e life i n s u r a n c e policy p r o v i d e d
by t h e c o u n t y f o r e m p l o y e e s will b e
i n c r e a s e d to $10,000 a n d t h e h e a l t h ins u r a n c e plan has been converted f r o m
t h e s t a t e w i d e plan to B l u e C r o s s /
B l u e Shield to i n c l u d e a n u m b e r of i m provements, a m o n g them the dollar
p r e s c r i p t i o n p l a n , e f f e c t i v e in 1981.
33 Elk St., Albany, N.Y. 12207
Please send me a membership form for membership in Retired Civil Service j
Employees of CSEA.
Name
Street
City, State
Date of Retirement
Apt.
_Zip
I
.J
Three-year pact ratified in
C H A T H A M — T h e e m p l o y e e s of t h e
C h a t h a m C e n t r a l School D i s t r i c t ,
r e p r e s e n t e d by t h e C i v i l S e r v i c e
E m p l o y e e s Assn., h a v e r a t i f i e d a
three-year c o n t r a c t with the school
d i s t r i c t , g r a n t i n g t h e m s a l a r y inc r e a s e s of 40 c e n t s p e r h o u r , r e t r o a c t i v e t o A u g u s t 1, 1979, a n d s e v e n
p e r c e n t i n c r e a s e s in t h e h o u r l y w a g e
r a t e s f o r A u g u s t 1980 a n d 1981.
An a d j u s t e d s c h e d u l e of i n c r e a s e s
was established for new employees.
o t h e r , local g o v e r n m e n t s , t o a d o p t t h e
m i n i m u m standards that Suffolk now
h a s , " Irving F l a u m e n b a u m , CSEA
Region I president said. " I t saves
m o n e y on c o m p e n s a t i o n a n d i t ' s good
m a n a g e m e n t , to s a y n o t h i n g a b o u t being h u m a n e and d e c e n t . "
T h e n e w l a w , w h i c h should go into
e f f e c t in m i d - F e b r u a r y , c r e a t e s t h e
position of P u b l i c S a f e t y O f f i c e r , appointed by the. c o u n t y e x e c u t i v e w h o
will e s t a b l i s h and
promulgate
m i n i m u m standards for " s a f e and
healthy working conditions."
A H e a l t h a n d S a f e t y B o a r d will a l s o
be e s t a b l i s h e d c o n s i s t i n g of m e m b e r s
of t h e L e g i s l a t u r e , t h r e e C S E A
m e m b e r s , other labor organizations,
t h e C o m m i s s i o n e r s of B u i l d i n g s a n d
Grounds and the Health Services
D e p a r t m e n t s . M e m b e r s of t h e B o a r d
m a y bring possible s a f e t y and health
d a n g e r s to t h e a t t e n t i o n of t h e P u b l i c
Safety Officer. The Board m a y also
review safety grievances.
T h e law p r o v i d e s f o r a n a r b i t r a t i o n
p r o c e d u r e if a n e m p l o y e e ' s c o m p l a i n t
is not a c t e d on w i t h i n t w o d a y s . Arb i t r a t o r ' s r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s a r e not
binding, h o w e v e r .
" T h i s is only a f i r s t s t e p b u t i t s
something we felt w e had to establish
to p r o t e c t e m p l o y e e s f r o m d a n g e r o u s
working conditions,"
Boczkowski
said. H e warned however, that the
C S E A will n o t b e " s a t i s f i e d until
OSHA is a d o p t e d in t h e C o u n t y . "
T h e C o u n t y , u n d e r t h e l a w , is now
obliged t o f u r n i s h e m p l o y e e s w i t h
working places that a r e f r e e f r o m
conditions " t h a t
judicially
r e c o g n i z e d a s i n h e r e n t l y d a n g e r o u s or
likely t o c a u s e d e a t h o r s e r i o u s injury."
T h e County is a l s o r e q u i r e d t o k e e p
r e c o r d s of a l l w o r k - r e l a t e d a c c i d e n t s
in e a c h d e p a r t m e n t . " N o w w e c a n a t
l e a s t s h o w t h e C o u n t y in b l a c k a n d
w h i t e t h e e x t e n t of t h e p r o b l e m s , "
Boczkowski s a i d .
starting with those hired a f t e r August
1, 1979.
The district has agreed to increase
its s h a r e f o r t h e c o s t of t h e e m p l o y e e s
h e a l t h i n s u r a n c e p r o g r a m t o 85
p e r c e n t f o r f a m i l y c o v e r a g e a n d 100
p e r c e n t f o r individual in 1980, a n d 100
p e r c e n t f o r e a c h in 1981. In a d d i t i o n ,
t h e e m p l o y e e s now h a v e t h e C o m m u n i t y H e a l t h P l a n option.
O t h e r b e n e f i t s i n c l u d e a sick l e a v e
buy out of 75 c e n t s p e r h o u r f o r a c -
SARATOGA S P R I N G S — The
p r o c e s s of e l e c t i n g o f f i c e r s f o r t h e
S a r a t o g a Spa C a p i t a l D i s t r i c t P a r k s
L o c a l of t h e Civil S e r v i c e E m p l o y e e s
Assn., p l a c e d i n t o t r u s t e e s h i p by
CSEA President William
L.
McGowan last October, has been
s t a r t e d u n d e r t h e d i r e c t i o n of C a p i t a l
Region CSEA President Joseph
McDermott.
Ballots, which w e r e mailed last
w e e k , will b e c o u n t e d on J a n u a r y 22
a n d t h e r e s u l t s will b e a n n o u n c e d
J a n u a r y 25.
The
^^^ placed
into
trusteeship, and M c D e r m o t t app o i n t e d sole t r u s t e e , b e c a u s e n o e l e c t i o n s f o r o f f i c e r s h i p w e r e b e i n g cond u c t e d d u r i n g 1979 a s r e q u i r e d by t h e
CSEA constitution.
Chatham
c u m u l a t e d h o u r s a t t h e t i m e of
retirement, new contract language
f o r l e a v e s of a b s e n c e , p e r s o n a l l e a v e ,
s e n i o r i t y a n d p o s t i n g of j o b v a c a n c i e s
a n d t h e e s t a b l i s h m e n t of f o u r n e w
titles within the b a r g a i n i n g unit
(librarian, bookeeper, payroll clerkconfidential and cashier).
On t h e n e g o t i a t i n g t e a m w e r e T e r r y
Fenolf, Paul Nahaus, E l m e r Keller,
Jeannette Fiero and Ed Borsch.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, V\/ednesday, Jonuary 16, 1980
Page 3
Special notice to
StatB omployoes:
The CSEA Employee Benefit Fund is
notifying all employees in the state's
Administrative, Institutional, and
Operational bargaining units that
Dental Insurance Forms are now
available by mail. To receive your
form as soon as possible, complete
the following information coupon
and send to:
(clip here)
PS 12/26
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT F U N D
1 Pork Place
Albonyi New York 12205
(Pleofe print clearly)
Name:
_
Address:
City
State
Zip
Heart telethon set
R i c h a r d T a r m e y , C h a i r m a n of t h e
1980 H e a r t T e l e t h o n in
the
Montgomery-Schoharie County areas,
h a s issued an a p p e a l to all C S E A
L o c a l s , U n i t s a n d m e m b e r s in t h e
G r e a t e r Tri-County Capital District
to actively s u p p o r t the H e a r t Telethon
s c h e d u l e d f o r S u n d a y , F e b r u a r y 3,
1980 f r o m C h a n n e l 8 C a b l e v i s i o n .
M r . T a r m e y is u r g i n g all C S E A
State, County, and other subdivision
Locals and Units, including retirees,
to p a r t i c i p a t e in t h i s w o r t h w h i l e
e v e n t . b y t u n i n g in a n d , if p o s s i b l e
show some CSEA " H E A R T " with
generous contributions.
o '—itc«««f
c i ^ •J'iV
I i•Mifi
HSRlTY
questions and
answers
Q . My neighbor is no longer
able to work because of a
s p i n a l condition. I suggested
lie apply for disability benefits,
but he d o e s n ' t tiiinlc he h a s
enough social security work
credit. How long does a person
h a v e to w o r k u n d e r s o c i a l
security to be eligible for disability p a y m e n t s ?
A. T h e a m o u n t of work
needed for disability benefits
depends on the p e r s o n ' s age
when he or she becomes disabled. A worker who becomes
disabled before 24 needs credit
for Vh years of work in the 3year period ending when the
disability begins. Workers who
are 24 through 30 need credit
for having worked half the time
between 21 and the time they
b e c o m e d i s a b l e d . At 31 or
older, a worker needs credit for
at least 5 years of work out of
the 10 years ending when he or
' 987-65-4320
M
the union that works for
she b e c a m e disabled. Workers
43 or older n e e d additional
credit d e p e n d i n g on their age
a n d w h e n their disability b e g a n .
Q. My neighbor t h i n k s I
might be able to get SSI paym e n t s because 1 have very little income. T h e onl> a s s e t s I
own are my f u r n i t u r e , household goods, and p e r s o n a l
belongings. Would they count
against m e ?
A. A n i n d i v i d u a l m a y h a v e
resources (assets) worth up to
S L 5 0 0 a n d b e e l i g i b l e f o r SSI.
N o t all r e s o u r c e s a r e c o u n t e d
t o w a r d t h i s S I , 5 0 0 limit. S t a r t i n g N o v e m b e r 1, 1 9 7 9 , p e r s o n a l elTects a n d
household
g o o d s w i t h a total e q u i t y v a l u e
(actual value less m o n e y o w e d )
of S 2 , 0 0 0 or less are
not
c o u n t e d . If t h e total e q u i t y
v a l u e e x c e e d s S2,0()0, t h e e x c e s s is c o u n t e d t o w a r d t h e
resource limit. (Prior
to
N o v e m b e r 1, p e r s o n a l e f f e c t s
a n d h o u s e h o l d g o o d s with a
total m a r k e t v a l u e of S I , 5 0 0 o r
l e s s d i d not c o u n t . ) F o r m o r e
i n f o r m a t i o n , c o n t a c t a n y social
security office.
Q . My d a u g h t e r , w h o is
severely handicapped, attends
vocational t r a i n i n g at a local
institution. Tve heard that
people in public i n s t i t u t i o n s
a r e n ' t eligible for SSI paym e n t s . Does t h i s rule apply to
my d a u g h t e r ?
A . In g e n e r a l , a p e r s o n w h o
is a n i n m a t e of a p u b l i c i n s t i t u t i o n is n o t e l i g i b l e f o r SSI paym e n t s . H o w e v e r , if a p e r s o n is a
resident o f a p u b l i c i n s t i t u t i o n
primarily
for approved educational or vocational training, he
o r s h e m a y b e e l i g i b l e f o r SSI.
For m o r e information, contact
a n y social security office.
KEEP CSEA INFORMED ON MAILING ADDRESS
In the event that you change your mailing address, please fill out the below form
and send it to:
CSEA, Inc., P.O. Box 125, Capitol Station, Albany, New York 12224.
This form is also available from local presidents for CSEA members, but is
reproduced here for convenience.
Change of Address for 'The Public Sector'
Please o i l o w 3 - 4 w e e k s for c h a n g e fo t a k e effect.
M y present l a b e l reads exactly as s h o w n here (or a f f i x m a i l i n g
I
I
Nome
Otficial publication of
The Civil Service
E m p l o y e e s Association
33 Elk Street,
Albany, New York 12224
.Local Number
Ic
State-
Jip.
State-
Jip.
MY NEW ADDRESS IS:
Street
City
Agency where employed.
Published every Wednesday by Clarity Publishing. Inc
Publication Office. 75 Champlain Street. Albany. N Y 12204 (518i 465-4591
T h o m a s A. d e m e n t e — P u b l i s h e r
Roger A. Cole—Executive Editor
Dr Gerald A l p e r s t e i n - A s s o c i a t e Editor
Oscar D. Barker—Associate Editor
Deborah Cassidy—Staff Writer
Dawn LePore—Staff Writer
John L. M u r p h y - S t a f f Writer
Arden D. Lawand—Graphic Design
Dennis C. Mullahy—Production Coordinator
Pa^e*
lobel)
i Street
M y social security no.
SPttblic
«SECTOR
you
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, W e d n e s d a y , Jarruqry
>6/1980
.Agency No.
The Public Sector (445010) is published
every Wednesday weekly except for
Wednesdays alter New Years. Memorial
Day. Fourth of July and Labor Day for $5
by the C i v i l S e r v i c e E m p l o y e e s
Association. 33 Elk Street. Albanv. New
York 12224.
Second Class Postage paid at Post Office, Albany, TVew York.
Send address changes to The Public Sector, 33 Elk Street, Albany. New York
12224
Publication office, 75 Champlain Street.
Albany, New York 12204. Single copy
Price 25c
Westchester unit may adopt
no contract, no work position
WHITE PLAINS Westchester
County Unit President R a y m o n d J .
O ' C o n n o r is a s k i n g t h e a l m o s t 6,000
m e m b e r s of t h e unit to s u p p o r t a no
c o n t r a c t - n o w o r k position.
O ' C o n n o r is a s k i n g f o r t h a t c o m m i t m e n t in a q u e s t i o n n a i r e m a i l e d t o
the membership. The questionnaire
deals with m e m b e r suggestions for
negotiating the next CSEA-county
contract.
The present contract expires at the
e n d of 1980.
O ' C o n n o r is hoping s u c h a c o m m i t m e n t will p l a c e t h e c o u n t y on
notice that negotiations cannot be
dragged out and the county m u s t
c o m e through with a descent offer.
In a l e t t e r s e n t to t h e m e m b e r s h i p ,
O ' C o n n o r s a i d : " I n o r d e r to
e m p h a s i z e y o u r s u p p o r t , I a s k you t o
e n d o r s e a no c o n t r a c t - n o w o r k
position f o r J a n u a r y 1, 1981. T h i s will
p u t t h e a d m i n i s t r a t i o n on n o t i c e t h a t
w e will not s t a n d f o r d e l a y s o r s t a l l i n g
tactics and that we a r e d e t e r m i n e d to
a c h i e v e a f a i r , j u s t a n d e q u i t a b l e cont r a c t t h a t will p r o t e c t o u r w a g e s f r o m
t h e e r o s i o n of i n f l a t i o n . "
Also in t h e l e t t e r , O ' C o n n o r w a r n e d
" n e g o t i a t i o n s t h a t will begin n e x t
y e a r (1980) a r e going t o b e v e r y
c r i t i c a l to u s a n d c h a n c e s a r e t h e y
will b e e x t r e m e l y d i f f i c u l t . We h a v e a
l o t of w o r k t o do t o i n s u r e t h e
s u c c e s s of t h e s e n e g o t i a t i o n s . "
He sent the letter and questionnaire
in D e c e m b e r so t h e unit, w h i c h is p a r t
of C S E A L o c a l 860, will a r r i v e a t i t s
negotiating positions early. He
p o i n t e d o u t how d e l a y s h e l p e d f o r c e
t h e u n i t to a c c e p t w h a t h a s b e e n t e r m ed a p o o r c o n t r a c t in 1978.
O'Connor said: " M o r e importantly,
t h a t d e l a y c o s t us all d e a r l y , in t h a t
w e w e r e f o r c e d to s e t t l e f o r a p o o r
e c o n o m i c p a c k a g e o r s t r i k e . If w e a r e
going to t a k e s t r o n g a c t i o n in t h e
f u t u r e , let it b e on o u r t e r m s , not
theirs."
In a r e l a t e d m a t t e r , O ' C o n n o r s p o k e
at a public hearing before the
W e s t c h e s t e r County B o a r d of Legi s l a t o r s on D e c . 17. T h e s a l a r y of
t h e 1980 l e g i s l a t o r s w e r e e x p e c t e d to
i n c r e a s e m o r e t h a n 23 p e r c e n t w i t h
t h e a p p r o v a l of t h e 1979 b o a r d . T h a t
approval w a s voted three days later.
O ' C o n n o r , in p a r t , s a i d : " W e
approached the county executive and
t h e B o a r d of L e g i s l a t o r s w i t h a r e quest for an economic a d j u s t m e n t . It
w a s r e j e c t e d by t h e c o u n t y e x e c u t i v e ,
a n d t h e B o a r d of L e g i s l a t o r s r e c e i v e d
o u r r e q u e s t w i t h r e s o u n d i n g silence. . .
" O n e reason for our request for an
a d j u s t m e n t w a s t h a t in t h e n e x t r o u n d
of n e g o t i a t i o n s , it is going to b e diff i c u l t f o r u s to c a t c h up t o t h e c o s t of
living."
W E S T C H E S T E R UNIT P R E S I D E N T R a y m o n d J . O'Connor speaks before the
W e s t c h e s t e r County B o a r d of L e g i s l a t o r s D e c e m b e r 17 d u r i n g a p u b l i c h e a r i n g
on a p r o p o s e d s a l a r y i n c r e a s e f o r m a n a g e r i a l p e r s o n n e l , i n c l u d i n g t h e
l e g i s l a t o r s . T h e p r e s e n t C S E A - W e s t c h e s t e r c o n t r a c t e x p i r e s a t t h e e n d of 1980.
Directory of Regional Offices
REGION 1 — Long Island
(516) 691-1170
REGION 2 — Metro Region
(212) 962-3090
REGION 3 — Southern Region
(914) 896-8180
REGION 4 — Capital Region
(518) 489-5424
REGION 5 — Central Region
(315) 451-6330
REGION 6 — Western Region
(716) 634-3540
Above, A M O N G T H O S E A T T E N D I N G t h e W e s t c h e s t e r County C S E A L o c a l
860 a n n u a l C h r i s t m a s p a r t y l a s t m o n t h w e r e L o c a l 860 F i r s t Vice P r e s i d e n t
C a r m i n e L a M a g n a , P u t n a m C o u n t y C S E A L o c a l 840 P r e s i d e n t Millicent
D e R o s a , L o c a l 860 P r e s i d e n t P a t M a s c i o l i a n d CSEA R r e g i o n III P r e s i d e n t
J a m e s Lennon.
Above r i g h t , T H I S G R O U P AT T H E
Sergeant a t A r m s Anne Reale, Unit
CSEA Collective Bargaining Specialist
J. O'Connor, Westchester Local Third
Treasurer J i m Marino.
LOCAL 860 p a r t y a r e , f r o m l e f t , Unit
S e c o n d V i c e P r e s i d e n t M a r l e n e High,
R o n M a z z o l a , Unit P r e s i d e n t , R a y m o n d
V i c e P r e s i d e n t J a n i c e S c h a f f , a n d Unit
R i g h t , T H E L O C p 860 P A R T Y C O M M I T T E E is j o i n e d by Local 860 P r e s i d e n t
P a t M a s c i o l i , s e c o n d f r o m l e f t . C o m m i t t e e m e m b e r s a r e G r a c e Ann Aloisi,
Pug Lanza and Eleanor McDonald.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Wednesday, January 16, 1980
Page 5
S I L E N T T E S T I M O N Y to
d e t e r i o r a t i n g condition of
Dam 10, the Court Street Dam
on the G e n e s e e R i v e r in
downtown Rochester, is this
"reinforcing rod" (see arrow)
that reinforces nothing except
union c l a i m s t h a t the
structure is unsafe.
R
OCHESTER
-
happen."
That's the description given the safety situation on
Dam 10 of the state canal system by Robert L. Lattimer, president of Western Region 6 of the Civil Service Employees Assn.
Lattimer, who together with Regional Director
Lee Frank recently inspected the Court Street dam (as;
it is more commonly known), said the safety conditions for workers on the deteriorating structure on
the 200 ft. wide Genesee River in downtown Rochesite
are "incredible."
Among the violations are lack of guard rails, loose
railings, rusting support beams under steel mesh
walkways, uneven walkways, lack of lights, and loose
or missing mesh screens.
Dale Hatch, President of CSEA Local 504, to
which the workers belong, said he had given the final
SE NEARBY GATES operated by Rochester Gas and Electric
pany must meet Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
lards, and have adjustable guardrails and life line chain hooks,
the entire a r e a is well lighted. OSHA standards do not cover the
c workers who face constant dangers on the Court Street Dam
by, however.
Rochester's Court Street DJ
gnevare migi
ister wofing to
CSEA REGION VI PRESIDENT Robert L.
Lattimer pushes gently on "protective screeq"
at edge of a crumbling concrete walkway that
workers must use. Additionally, a number of
guardrails are loose and wobbly.
UNEVEN STEEL MESH WALKWAY is supported, in
places, by beams which a r e rusting away. There a r e no
lights here nor elsewhere on the more than 300 feet of
walkways, even though the dam must be manned 24 hours
daily. At left are visible some of the tangle of wires which
are strewn all over the aging structure.
DALE HATCH, President of Barge Canal Region 4 CSEA Local 304, performs one of dangerous jobs required of
workers, that of clearing debris from lock gates. He must lean out over water and gate with a long pike pole, and
there are no guardrails or other protective devices to prevent falling into the water. Visible in the background,
the privately-run hydro-electric facility of the Rochester Gas and Electric Company gates have adjustable
guardrails and life line chain hooks for safety.
Page 6
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Wednesday, December 12, 1979
deadline to the state a month ago after having advised
the state of the conditions on the dam for "several
years."
Bill Showman, chief operator of the facility, said
he has detailed the safety conditions in his reports
every week for seven years. He said the only
"improvement" in that time has been the installation
of a gate to keep out trespassing youths. Since anyone
can simply go around the gate, the situation is actually
made more dangerous because now access is by w ^
of the crumbling concrete edge.
Hatch says that the men have offered to correct
sonxe of the problems "if the state provided the concrete," and he had conveyed that message to the state
during "at least three labor-management meetings."
But he said except for the gate installation and "giving
the men two life preservers," there has been no action
on the part of the state.
He said that while the dam may not be in imminent danger of collapse, there is a crack in the w ^ t
wall through which dye poured into the river can seep
in two minutes.
Adding to the unsafe working conditions at the
dam, he said, is the fact that, except for four out of the
twenty-one shifts during a week, there is only one man
working on the sprawling structure. His job is making
sure the gates are operable, removing debris and
other maintenance tasks.
The dam regulates water levels in the canal
system, serves flood control functions on the Genesee
River and provides hydroelectric power to tlfe
Rochester Gas and Electric Co. (RG&E).
Lattimer said that the safety conditions at the
RG&E facility "illustrate what happens when there
are occupational safety laws protecting workers." The
RG&E facility, he said, "is properly maintained, has
adjustable safety railings, chain hooks for life lines
and is well lit all over."
Lattimer has been in the forefront of the CSEA
fight to get occupational safety standards for pubhc
employees.
®
ROCHESTER — As this issue of The Public Sector was going to press, a
hearing was conducted on a grievance filed by the union over unsafe conditions at the Court Street Dam, as described in the accompanying article
and photographs. As a result of that hearing, management has agreed to correct all deficiencies as enumerated in that grievance.
CF OPERATOR BILL SHOWMAN says youths find dam " a n attractive nuisance" and can
y get around gate put up by state to keep trespassers out only a f t e r he and other workers
)lained of problems. But while gate can be easily bypassed, the crumbling concrete edge can be
idly hazard. Showman himself fell into the chilly Genesee River last April from a walkway,
h he says should be barricaded at the "mainland end" in order to be safe. Fortunately, when
'man fell into the river he was able to reach a large log nearby, and he was workine on one of
four shifts out of twenty-one each week when two men a r e working at the same time. A
lasser might not be so fortunate.
ON INSPECTION TOUR of downtown Rochester
dam, CSEA Region VI President Robert L. Lattimer, left, and CSEA Regional Director Lee Frank
stand on one of many crumbling steps on
the multi-level dam. Railing was found to
be "wobbly" and there is no protective
mesh screen. Lattimer called the dam " a
disaster waiting to happen."
I.' ^
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Wednesday, December 12, 1979
Page 611
Win or 'lose on strength
G R E A T G O R G E , N . J . — T h e i m p o r t a n c e of
unity within l o c a l s a n d t h e w i n n i n g of i m p o r t a n t
g r i e v a n c e s w a s s t r e s s e d by a n u m b e r of
s p e a k e r s a t t h e r e c e n t M e t r o p o l i t a n R e g i o n II
Training Workshop.
AFSCME International Secretary-Treasurer
W i l l i a m L u c y said, " G r i e v a n c e s a r e won a n d
^ s t b a s e d on t h e s t r e n g t h of t h e union. T h e y
h a v e p o w e r . We c a n only m u s t e r c o o p e r a t i o n .
We m u s t show t h e m w e a r e t o g e t h e r .
" T o g e t h e r n e s s is t h e key to a s t r o n g union.
Unless we a r e together, we won't even have the
r e s p e c t of m a n a g e m e n t , l e t a l o n e t h e f e a r of
m a n a g e m e n t . H e a d d e d , " R e s p e c t of t h e union
l e a d s to f a i r n e s s by m a n a g e m e n t . "
CSEA Field R e p r e s e n t a t i v e B a r t Brier went
one s t e p f u r t h e r . " T h e C^rievance p r o c e d u r e is
not j u s t a d e f e n s e . I t is a tool you c a n u s e to
j ^ t e r m i n e c o n t r o l of y o u r w o r k p l a c e .
" T h r o u g h a k e y g r i e v a n c e , t h e union c a n
d e m o n s t r a t e its s t r e n g t h t o m a n a g e m e n t a n d
METROPOLITAM
REGIO]^ I I
TRAINING WORKSHOP
Region // training workshop
covers variety of subjects
will e s t a b l i s h t h e r e s p e c t of m a n a g e m e n t . T h i s
will f o r c e m a n a g e m e n t to s e t t l e a t a low l e v e l , "
Brier said.
F i e l d R e p r e s e n t a t i v e Al S u n m a r k a d d e d ,
" T h e g r i e v a n c e is o u r w e a p o n , o u r s w o r d . "
He stressed using proper investigative
t e c h n i q u e s in f i g h t i n g g r i e v a n c e s , i n c l u d i n g
listening to the grievant, finding witnesses and
t a k i n g n o t e s . " T r y to win a t t h e f i r s t s t e p , " h e
said.
L u c y a l s o s p o k e on t h e c u r r e n t political
c l i m a t e , l a s h i n g out a t p o l i t i c i a n s w h o shoot
f r o m t h e hip a b o u t public e m p l o y e e s .
" P o l i t i c i a n s d o n ' t know t h e i r own j o b s let
a l o n e o u r s . If p o l i t i c i a n s would spend o n e d a y in
t h e w a r d s of W i l l o w b r o o k , C r e e d m o o r o r
M a n h a t t a n S t a t e to s e e t h e w o r k w e d o ; o r if
t h e y would w o r k in a n i n s t i t u t i o n a l k i t c h e n
w i t h o u t a i r c o n d i t i o n i n g ; t h e y would s e e t h e
t h i n g s w e do a r e v a l u a b l e t o t h e q u a l i t y of l i f e in
our society," Lucy said.
REGION II F I E L D REPRESENTATIVE Bart Brier
explains the importance of winning grievances to
demonstrate a local's strength.
Below, A F S C M E I N T E R N A T I O N A L
S E C R E T A R Y - T R E A S U R E R William
Lucy, left, spoke to the Region II Training
Workshop about unity. Listening is Region
II President J i m m y Gripper.
CSEA ATTORNEY Richard Burstein explains improvements in the Article 33 disciplinary procedure of the
CSEA-State contracts.
*
G R E A T G O R G E , N . J . — A p p r o x i m a t e l y 150
persons a t t e n d e d the Metropolitan Region II
Training Workshop last m o n t h . a t the Playboy
Club.
T h e p r o g r a m got u n d e r w a y with opening
r e m a r k s by R e g i o n I I D i r e c t o r G e o r g e B i s p h a m .
C S E Ä E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r J o s e p h D o l a n s p o k e on
t h e r e s o u r c e s of r e g i o n a l o f f i c e s a n d of C S E A
h e a d q u a r t e r s , and Region II P r e s i d e n t J i m m y
G r i p p e r s p o k e on l o c a l c o n s t i t u t i o n s a n d b y - l a w s
a n d t h e d u t i e s of o f f i c e r s .
The afternoon program concluded with
AFSCME Education Director Dave Williams
s p e a k i n g on s h o p s t e w a r d s a n d c o m m u n i c a t i o n .
T h a t e v e n i n g , a n i n s u r a n c e p a n e l w a s held
w i t h r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s of B l u e C r o s s / B l u e Shield,
G H I , M e t r o p o l i t a n L i f e I n s u r a n c e Co. a n d T e r
Bush & Powell.
The following sessions s t a r t e d with s t a t e m e n t s
by C S E A D i r e c t o r of M e m b e r S e r v i c e s J o h n
Carey and Collective Bargaining Specialists
J o h n Conoby, R o b e r t Guild a n d N e l s C a r l s o n .
C o n o b y s p o k e on t h e n e w a d v a n c e m e n t
p r o g r a m for clerical and secretarial employees
f r o m p r e v i o u s l y d e a d - e n d j o b s . " T o m a k e it a
reality r e q u i r e s work f r o m the local level," he
said.
C a r l s o n r e c o m m e n d e d e a c h local t a k e a d v a n t a g e of t h e n e w C S E A - S t a t e c o n t r a c t s to est a b l i s h local s a f e t y c o m m i t t e e s . H e s a i d p u b l i c
e m p l o y e e s h a v e a 30 p e r c e n t g r e a t e r c h a n c e of
b e i n g i n j u r e d on t h e j o b t h a n p r i v a t e e m p l o y e e s .
" T h a t should m a k e you d a m n m a d . " C a r l s o n
said.
4
H e s a i d t h e S t a t e " i s i g n o r i n g t h e s a f e t y of i t s
METROPOLITAN REGION II President J i m m y Gripper greets Suffolk County Board of Directors Representative E ^ Garcia at the
Region II Training Workshop.
employees
welfore . .
Fight."
. . T h e r e is n o l a w p r o t e c t i n g y o u r
S a f e t y is n o t a p r i v i l e g e . I t is y o u r
CSEA Attorney Richard Burstein and Regional
A t t o r n e y T e d R u t h i z e r t h e n s p o k e on c h a n g e s in
t h e d i s c i p l i n a r y p r o c e d u r e — A r t i c l e 33 — of t h e
new contracts.
After AFSCME International S e c r e t a r j ^
•peeasurer William Lucy addressed the
w o r k s h o p , M a r t i n L a n g e r , e x e c u t i v e d i r e c t o r of
the Work E n v i r o n m e n t and Productivity Comm i t t e e , s p o k e on t h e e m p l o y e e e v a l u a t i o n s .
Langer said most problems with the
e v a l u a t i o n s w e r e c a u s e d by t h e S t a t e not p r o p e r ly t r a i n i n g i t s s u p e r v i s o r y e m p l o y e e s a n d " a l l
p r o b l e m s c a n be r e s o l v e d . " H e s a i d t h e O f f i c e of
Employee Relations ordered some supervisors
to r e d u c e t h e i r r a t i n g s .
In t h e a f t e r n o o n , F i e l d R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s B a ( g
B r i e r a n d Al S u n d m a r k a n d C S E A A t t o r n e y
P a u l i n e R o g e r s s p o k e on g r i e v a n c e s , a n d J o s e p h
C o n w a y s p o k e on t h e L e g a l A s s i s t a n c e P r o g r a m .
Conway announced this w a s the last t i m e he
would s p e a k a s c h a i r m a n of t h e L e g a l C o m m i t t e e . H e h a s b e e n a p p o i n t e d c h a i r m a n of t h e
Legislative and Political Action C o m m i t t e e .
The afternoon session concluded with the
w o r k s h o p s p l i t t i n g into t h r e e b a r g a i n i n g u n i t
g r o u p s f o r e x p l a n a t i o n s of t h e c o n t r a c t s — Conoby w i t h t h e A d m i n i s t r a t i v e U n i t , Guild w i t h t | y
Institutional Unit and Carlson with the
Operational Unit.
At t h e s a m e t i m e C S E A T r e a s u r e r J o h n
G a l l a g h e r a n d A s s i s t a n t S u p e r v i s o r of G e n e r a l
A c c o u n t s J o s e p h A. S a l v i n o c o n d u c t e d a
Treasurer's Seminar.
The workshop concluded the next morning
w i t h a n a d d i t i o n a l s e s s i o n by L a n g e r a n d conc l u d i n g c o m m e n t s by C S E A E d u c a t i o n D i r e c t o r
Thomas Quimby.
STATE INSURANCE FUND CSEA LOCAL 351 is represented by, from left, Frances and
Norman Satz and Jim Byrnes at the Metropolitan Region II Training Workshop at the
Playboy Club. Most of the 20 locals in the region were represented at the workshop.
Left, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE
Work Environment and Productivity Comm i t t e e Martin Langer spoke on the
evaluations of State Employees. He also
answered questions about the evaluations
f r o m those attending the Training
Workshop.
REGION II FIRST VICE PRESIDENT
F e l t o n King, l e f t , of S t a t e n I s l a n d
Developmental Center Local 429 speaks
with George Boncoraglio, center, of South
Beach Psychiatric Center Local 446 and
Tyrone Daniels of Local 429 during a break
at the Training Workshop.
J h o N G THE MANY PERSONS attending the Region II Training Workshop is Charles
Bell, left, of Creedmoor Psychiatric Center Local 406.
MANHATTAN DEVELOPMENT CENTER LOCAL 443 sent a number of persons to the
Region II Training Workshop including, from left, Walter Nash, Patricia Cooper and Mattie
Bethel.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Wednesday, January 16, 1980
.
...
, I iej iIkAV
hi llßL
J j j .11 . , 1
Page 9
<
SQ . -I
PUBLIC EMPLOYEES...
Where would YOU Be
Without Them?
CindlChrlstlano
Motor Vehicle License inspector
The car in front of you is signalling to make a
left turn. As you cautiously approach it, the
driver suddenly nnakes a right-hand
turn directly
in your path. You hit the brakes, narrowly avoiding a crash. What you don't know is that riding
in that car is Cindi Christiano. who has |usl
flunked that driver from getting a New York
State Driver s license
These are the kinds of risks Cindi must take
every day as she road tests potential holders of
all classes of driver's licenses. And she's tough.
They better know how to drive or they don't get
the license.
Cindi Christiano. a public employee, helping
keep unqualified drivers off the road. Because
your life is at stake.
Public Employees,
without them''
where
would
you
be
PUBLIC EMPLOYEES...
Dan Sharren-Lab Technician
Mercury is great for thermometers. But it's
deadly in drinking water. Not to mention chromium and lead. That's why water samples from
all over New York are continuously analyzed to be
sure you're drinking what you think you're drinking and not laeing slowly poisoned;
As a lab technician, Dan Sharron literally has
your life in his hands He must be accurate and
precise. Because if there are pollutants in your
water supply they can kill more than just fish.
Dan Sharron, a public employee. Helping keep
water pure. So when you turn on the tap, there are
no deadly surprises.
Public Employees, .where would you be without them?
''Public service is the most
dangerous
profession in New York State, and it is
unconscionable
to allow workers to be
injured,
maimed
or killed
in occupational
accidents that are
preventable by reasonable safety
standards."
—CSEA P r e s i d e n t W i l l i a m L. M c G o w a n
Lois Evans-Therapy Aide
it's enough to break your heart. This beautiful
child is mentally retarded. You're trying to c o m
municate with him. Nothing* You're frying to
teach him how to walk. Nothing To talk. Again,
nothing. But y o u don't quit, because deep in the
child's big brown eyes you can sense a precious
human being trying just as hard as you are.
You're Lois Evans. Therapy Aide in the Department of Mental Hygiene And you're not about to
Page
10
let this child become another forgotten person.
You use every ounce of skill at your comnnand to
help him grow as much as he is capable. Because
if you don'r, who will?
Lois Evans, a public employee. Helping those
who literally cannot help themselves.
Public Employees...where
without them?
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Wednesday, January 16, 1980
would
you
be
mmmm
the union that works for
you
Installation, party
mark the holidays
REGIONAL ATTY. CHARLIE
SANDLER is surprised a s West
Seneca Developmental Center
CSEA Local 427 President Elaine
Mootry presents him with a watch in
recognition of 30 years of service to
CSEA 9nd its m e m b e r s during the
Local 427 annual dinner and party
last month in Cheektowaga. Ms.
Mootry also is the Region 6 Mental
Hygiene representative on CSEA
statewide Board of Directors.
GLENN WORTHY was sworn in as
a member of the local's Board of
Directors.
W E S T S E N E C A - N e w o f f i c e r s of W e s t S e n e c a D e v e l o p m e n t a l
C e n t e r C S E A L o c a l 427 w e r e s w o r n in by C S E A R e g i o n VI P r e s i d e n t
Robert L a t t i m e r during the local's annual Christmas dinner and p a r t y
last month.
Installed w e r e P r e s i d e n t E l a i n e Mootry, Vice P r e s i d e n t s D e b r a
L e e a n d E v e l y n H o f f m a n , R e c o r d i n g S e c r e t a r y Bill K ä m m e n » - ,
C o r r e s p o n d i n g S e c r e t a r y B a r b a r a Biniecki, T r e a s u r e r D o r o t l ^
H a r t n e t t . Also, D e l e g a t e s J o a n n e B u s s e , M a r g e B o u r k n ^ , A m ^
Clay.
I n s t a l l e d a s m e m b e r s of L o c a l 427's B o a r d of D i r e c t o r s w e r e R a y
Girard, D a v e F r a n z , Mel Muck, Phil Heimburg, Cathy Nailor, M j » y
B u s s e , G l e n n W o r t h y , M a r t h a L o m b a r d o , R i c h a r d M a r k s a n d Joan
Weaver.
AMONG NEW OFFICIALS of Local 427, shown at dinner party following being installed, a r e Corresponding Secretary Barbara Biniecki and Vice President Debra
Lee.
Right, T H E HOT DOG WAGON has
become a t r a d e m a r k of Nassau County
CSEA ^ a l 830 p a r t i e s , and J.ocal
P r e s i d e n m e h o ^ s AblMitiello servilfca hot
dog to CSEA Region I President Irving
Flaumenbaum, left, during the local's
Christmas party last month.
F a r right, AMONG THOSE ATTENDING
the Local 830 annual Christmas party
were, front row from left. Village of
Freeport Unit President Bob Ford, Collective Bargaining Specialist George Peak,
and Field Representative Mike Aiello.
Standing from left a r e Floral P a r k Unit
P r e s i d e n t Phil Berlingieri, Local 830
President Nicholas Abbatiello, Regional
Atty. Richard Gaba, and Field Rep John
O'Sullivan.
Above, A CASUAL POSE is struck by these people attending the CSEA Region III annnal Christm a s party last month at the Holiday Inn, Newburgh.
Left, THIS GROUP adopted a slightly more formal pose as the roving photographer m a d e tlM
rounds of the Region III party.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Wednesday, January 16, 1980
Page 11
Lift suspensions
N E W Y O R K CITY - T h e illegal
s u s p e n s i o n s of t h e g r i e v a n c e
c h a i r m a n a n d t w o shop s t e w a r d s of
Downstate Medical Center CSEA
L o c a l 646 w e r e r e s c i n d e d on D e c .
17, 1979, a c c o r d i n g t o M e t r o p o l i t a n
R e g i o n II D i r e c t o r
George
Bispham.
Grievance Chairman Lloyd
G r a h a m and s t e w a r d s J a y H e l s g o t t
and Al M i r a b i l e w e r e r e m o v e d
f r o m suspension w i t h o u t loss of p a y
by D o w n s t a t e V i c e P r e s i d e n t
Howard D o r f m a n following a
m e e t i n g with union o f f i c i a l s on
D e c . 17, B i s p h a m said.
Attending t h e m e e t i n g f o r t h e union w e r e B i s p h a m , t h e t h r e e
s u s p e n d e d m e m b e r s . L o c a l 646
President Frances
DuBose,
s t e w a r d s R u p e r t M a y e r s a n d Anita
Schiowitz, and CSEA Field
Representative Bart
Brier.
Management people
included
Downstate
Assistant
Vice
P r e s i d e n t for F a c i l i t i e s a n d P l a n n ing J a m e s McAvedy a n d P e r s o n n e l
Director Larry Kram, Bispham
said.
He said t h e p r o b l e m s s t a r t e d
w h e n McAvedy i n s t r u c t e d s u p e r v i s o r s in t h e m a i n t e n a n c e a n d
o p e r a t i o n a l a r e a s of t h e m e d i c a l
c e n t e r to r e q u i r e e m p l o y e e s on
l e g i t i m a t e union a c t i v i t i e s to
obtain passes. Employees who
violated t h e d i r e c t i v e w e r e to b e
c h a r g e d with insubordination, h e
said.
B i s p h a m said this w a s a violation
of t h e CSEA-State c o n t r a c t s .
G r a h a m w a s suspended on D e c .
10 a n d H e l s g o t t and M i r a b i l e w e r e
s u s p e n d e d on D e c . 12, he said.
B i s p h a m m e t with t h e p e r s o n n e l
d i r e c t o r , K r a m , on Dec. 13, and
w a s told t h e suspensions w e r e with
pay and Vice P r e s i d e n t D o r f m a n
would r e t u r n f r o m v a c a t i o n on D e c .
17.
Below, T H E F A C E S O F T H E S E D O W N S T A T E M E D I C A L C E N T E R
o p e r a t i o n a l and m a i n t e n a n c e e m p l o y e e s shows t h e c o n c e r n those
e m p l o y e e s h a v e f o r o u t c o m e of t h e m e e t i n g b e t w e e n CSEA and the
hospital m a n a g e m e n t on Dec. 17. Region II D i r e c t o r G e o r g e B i s p h a m
said had the t h r e e suspensions not been r e s c i n d e d , t h e e m p l o y e e s w e r e
" p r e p a r e d to w a l k . "
At t h e Dec. 17 m e e t i n g , B i s p h a m
said he told D o r f m a n
the
m a i n t e n a n c e and
operational
e m p l o y e e s w e r e " p r e p a r e d to
w a l k ' ' unless t h e suspensions w e r e
l i f t e d and McAvedy w a s kept out of
labor r e l a t i o n s .
B i s p h a m r e p o r t e d D o r f m a n said
t h e suspensions w e r e in e r r o r ,
l a b o r r e l a t i o n s would be l e f t to t h e
p e r s o n n e l d e p a r t m e n t and CSEA
g r i e v a n c e - r e l a t e d a c t i v i t i e s would
not be i n t e r f e r e d with by
management.
Following the meeting with
m a n a g e m e n t , t h e r e s u l t s of t h a t
meeting were announced at a
m e e t i n g of t h e o p e r a t i o n a l and
m a i n t e n a n c e e m p l o y e e s who w e r e
e l a t e d by t h e r e s u l t s , B i s p h a m
said.
" W e s e r v e d notice on any adm i n i s t r a t o r in this region t h a t w e
will not t o l e r a t e m a n a g e m e n t int e r f e r e n c e with the internal
o p e r a t i o n s of our u n i o n , " h e said.
N e w supervisor named
AN IRANIAN FlAG IS BURNED
a s p a r t of a r a l l y on D e c e m b e r
20 sponsored by t h e D e p a r t m e n t of P u b l i c Works Unit of N a s s a u County CSEA
Local 830. T h e r a l l y w ^ s to show support of A m e r i c a n s being held h o s t a g e in
I r a n and to p r o t e s t that h o s t a g e a c t i o n . In this photo, D P W Unit P r e s i d e n t
R a l p h Spagnolo holds a n A m e r i c a n f l a g while P a r k s and R e c r e a t i o n Unit
P r e s i d e n t T h o m a s G a r g i u l o , Local 830 P r e s i d e n t Nicholas Abbatiello and o t h e r
m e m b e r s burn the Iranian flag.
B E R L I N — T h e h i r i n g of a n e w t r a n s p o r t a t i o n
s u p e r v i s o r in t h e Berlin C e n t r a l School D i s t r i c t is
being hailed by t h e Civil S e r v i c e E m p l o y e e s Assn.
a s an opportunity to f o s t e r b e t t e r r e l a t i o n s b e t w e e n
l a b o r and m a n a g e m e n t .
T h e new s u p e r v i s o r , D o u g l a s C a r t e r , r e p l a c e s a
s u p e r v i s o r with w h o m t h e union h a d " a v e r y poor
r a p p o r t , " says Joseph Bakerian Capital Region
CSEA field r e p r e s e n t a t i v e .
P r i o r to hiring C a r t e r , d i s t r i c t o f f i c i a l s held
s e v e r a l discussions with t h e C S E A a n d told union
r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s it would t a k e t h e i r f e e l i n g s into account w h e n c o n s i d e r i n g c a n d i d a t e s f o r t h e position,
B a k e r i a n continued.
W e l c o m i n g C a r t e r to t h e school d i s t r i c t his f i r s t
d a y , Shirley Sweeney, p r e s i d e n t of t h e B e r l i n
School D i s t r i c t CSEA unit, w a s quoted a s saying
" t h e union is looking f o r w a r d to being a b l e to bring
c r i t i c a l p r o b l e m s to t h e s u p e r v i s o r and t h e b o a r d of
education."
B a k e r i a n noted t h a t t h e r e w a s a d e v a s t a t i n g
e m p l o y e e m o r a l e p r o b l e m u n d e r t h e f o r m e r supervisor " d u e to his p r a c t i c e of i n d i s c r i m i n a t e l y applying seniority and showing f a v o r i t i s m when assigning e x t r a r u n s and o v e r t i m e . "
Page 12
LOCKING A R M S IN A SHOW O F U N I T Y following D o w n s t a t e Medical
C e n t e r CSEA Local 646's s u c c e s s f u l e f f o r t to h a v e t h e suspension of t h r e e
local o f f i c i a l s r e s c i n d e d a r e , f r o m l e f t , CSEA F i e l d R e p r e s e n t a t i v e B a r t
B r i e r ; Local 646 P r e s i d e n t F r a u c e s D u B o s e ; M e t r o p o l i t a n Region II
D i r e c t o r G e o r g e B i s p h a m ; and shop s t e w a r d s Anita Schiowitz, R u p e r t
M a y e r s and Al M i r a b i l e . Mirabile is one of t h e t h r e e illegally suspended
local o f f i c i a l s . (Photos by J o s e p h Schuyler)
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Wednesday, January 16, 1980
/