Official Publication of
The Civil Service Employees
Association
Vol. 2, No. 45
(ISSN
0164 9949)
Wiednesday, September 10, 1980
Veteran labor leader Irv Flaumenbaum
is dead at age 70; union mourns loss
"Trv Fbumenbaurn will be remembered as one of
ihe great oiiiiucio oi our ui:
.said CSEA President
William L. McGowan. "Irving Flaumenbaum was a
great leader of workers," said AFSCME International
President Jerry Wurf.
Irving Flaumenbaum, builder of unions and leader of
workers, died at the age of 70 on August 27. He died as he
had lived for the past 30 years — attending a CSEA
meeting. Mr. Flaumenbaum was stricken with a heart
attack during a meeting of the executive board of the
Nassau County CSEA Local, which he had helped to
organize in the mid-1950's and led as president for a
quarter of a century.
The veteran labor leader had been in the forefront of
the expansion of CSEA to include county and niunicipal
subdivision workers, building the Nassau County Local
from a core of 11 members to more than 20,000, the
largest Local within the giant CSEA. He served as a
statewide officer of CSEA for the past 15 years and at the
time of his death had been president of the 6^0,000member Long Island Region since 1973. Along with CSEA
President William L. McGowan, Mr. Flaumenbaum was
one of two CSEA International Vice Presidents on the
AFSCME executive board, and was re-elected to that
high position just a month ago.
Train wreck
launches a
labor leader
—see page 5
President McGowan led the entire list of CSEA
statewide officers attending Mr. Flaumenbaum's
funeral. AFSCME President Wurf attended a wake for
Mr. Flaumenbaum, and after becoming ill was
represented at the funeral by AFSCME International
Secretary-Treasurer William Lucy.
Nassau County Executive Francis Purcell gave the
eulogy, and the Nassau County Police Department
provided the ceremonies of an inspector's funeral, including a motorcycle-guarded funeral cortege. The line
of cars stretched for more than three miles.
Purcell, in his eulogy, recalled that he had worked
for Flaumenbaum as a delivery boy 47 years ago when
Flaumenbaum operated a pharniacy before joining the
county service. "He was a labor leader who had greater
impact on Nassau County than any other — an impact
th?t will be felt I r many years," Purcell said. "Irving
did not brag about his accomplishments — he was interested in results."
"He got involved trying to help people without their
ever knowing it. . . . Many times he came to me,"
Purcell said.
In an unusual letter composed by Flaumenbaum's
family and read at the funeral, the family alluded to the
many years Flaumenbaum spent a minimum of four
nights a week at CSEA meetings.
"As years went by and we realized that we were
more fortunate than others, we became very proud of
him. We realized that when he was called on to help other
people, it would simply please dad.
"Our Irving," the letter called him. "We were more
than happy to share our Irving with each and e v e r y one of
you."
McGowan summed up comments from union leaders
and public officials when he asserted: "We fought like
cats and dogs sometimes, but Irving was always for the
membership. He taught me always to treat the
membership as a whole."
And Jean Wichmann, a veteran of the Nassau Local
who was there when Flaumenbaum first started organizing
county employees in 1951, said: "He was a pathfinder,
really. When he came into the county, CSEA had 11
members. Irving and his cohorts used to go around every
payday and collect $1 from each employee — that was
before the days of payroll deduction.
"Irving's thought was to benefit everybody. He got
time and leave rules before there was official
negotiating. He got the county to go on Social Security.
He got the county to pick up the employee contribution to
retirement. He was there when CSEA was recognized,
and there was formal collective bargaining.
Mr. Flaumenbaum was born in Brooklyn on
September 9, 1909. A graduate of Columbia University
College of Pharmacy, he was employed as a pharmacist
by the Nassau County Department of Social Services.
A resident of Freeport for more than forty years, he
is survived by his wife, Ruth; three sons and eleven
grandchildren.
AFSCME endorses Carter re-election
WASHINGTON, D. C. - President
Jimmy Carter's campaign for
reelection has won the endorsement
of the International Executive Board
of the American Federation of^State,
County and Municipal Employees,
AFL-CIO.
The Board voted to make the endorsement at a special meeting called
in Washington last week by International President Jerry Wurf.
Following the endorsement, members
of the Board met with Carter and his
top economic advisors.
CSEA P r e s i d e n t -William L.
McGowan, representing CSEA on the
International Executive Board, abstained from the voting on the
Presidential endorsement. He said
that the subject of an endorsement is
expected to be discussed by the
union's Statewide Political Action
Committee this month and with the
CSEA Delegates meeting in three
weeks, an endorsement by him at this
time would be inappropriate.
Mr. McGowan chatted briefly with
President Carter during the White
House meeting. It was the second
time that the two men have met this
year and the first time since
President Carter announced his
program for economic revitalization,
a program viewed by AFSCME as
significantly better than similar
proposals advanced by Republican
presidential candidate Ronald
Reagan.
CSEA's Statewide Political Action
Committee will be asked by President
McGowan to consider a Presidential
endorsement by the state's largest
public employee union. With the
D e l e g a t e ' s meeting beginning
September 29, such an endorsement
would be timely. Political observers
have noted in recent weeks that New
York State will play a critical role in
the President's strategy for reelection. An endorsement by a union
representing approximately 400,000
New York public employees can be
very significant.
Commenting on the endorsement
before newsmen at the White House,
President Carter noted that AFSCME
was the first union to endorse his
election efforts in 1976. Joking with
reporters. Carter said that he had
learned the value of an AFSCME endorsement or the lack of it, when the
International endorsed United States
Senator Edward Kennedy in the
Democratic Presidential Primary.
The President was defeated by
Senator Kennedy in primary elections
in New York, Pennsylvania and
Massachusetts, states with large
AFSCME memberships.
Said AFSCME President Wurf, "We
have had access and continue to have
access to the Administration with
regard to issues and problems
affecting the well being of state and
local governments. And while we
have in the past been critical of some
policies and programs, we have also
at times been pleased with the
direction taken by the CarterMondale Administration.
"We believe their reelection is in
the best i n t e r e s t s of AFSCME
membership and urge all working
men and women to support them."
Annual Delegates Meeting scheduled
for Niagara Falls Sept. 28-Oct. 3
Regional committee ready for delegates
Guide book will
help delegates
NIAGARA FALLS — CSEA delegates arriving
here later this month for the Fall convention will
know just where to find a good meal when the
working day is through — thanks to a 20-page
guide book recently compiled by a Region 6 committee.
Under the direction of Jerry Frieday, who
chaired the committee, the group assembled a
generous sampling of restaurants, tourist attractions, and other information — like how to get
the best look at the Falls themselves — in the
guidebook, which is being sent to the delegates
through the mail.
Jerry explained that she and others in the
region thought it would be helpful if the
delegates, slated to arrive September 28th for
the week-long fall delegates meeting had a ready
reference guide to introduce them to the many
attractions of western New York.
With the help of the local Chamber of
Commerce and the CSEA Communications
Department, who printed the guide, the committee members gathered the necessary information, and compiled it into a practical handbook.
"I'm excited about being here in Niagara
Falls. The last meeting held here was in 1975,"
Jerry said.
"I really hope that our delegates will take advantage of Western New York. For those who
have never seen the area I would think a car is
essential. That's why we felt it was important to
include taxi services and car rental agencies in
the book," Jerry said.
WELCOMING COMMITTEE — Members of the Region VI Delegates Convention Committee stand in.
front of the Niagara Falls International Convention Center, site of CSEA's 70th Annual Delegates
Meeting September 28-October 3. The region committee has been working on a variety of ways to assist
delegates attending the meeting, including the compiling of a special 20-page guide book. Committee
members from left are Janie Raynor, Pat Froebel, Chairperson Jerry Frieday, Robert Smith, Dominic
Spacone, and Diane Zito. Members Anthony Pasqualichio and Amelia Clay are absent from the photo.
"I'd really like to thank the committee for all
their hard work since last March, when we began
the project," she said. "It took a lot of time and
effort to put the guide together. I would also like
to thank Ralph Distan and Melinda Carr for all
their help."
The committee members were: Amelia Clay,
Local 427; Patricia Froebel, Local 003; Anthony
Pasqualichio, Local 832; Janie Raynor, Local
Schedule is listed
for departmental
delegate meetings
ALBANY — The agenda for Departmental Meetings at the upcoming CSEA Statewide Delegates Meeting has been announced by CSEA
Executive Director Joseph J. Dolan, Jr.
On Monday, September 29, several Departmental meetings will be
held simultaneously at the Niagara Falls Convention Center. The
following meetings will be held between 9 and 11 a.m., with the coordinators of the meetings listed:
Office of Mental Health, Paul Burch, coordinator.
Office of Mental Retardation, John McGraw, coordinator.
Department of Transportation, Nels Carlson, coordinator.
Social Services, Jack Conoby, coordinator.
Correctional Services, Robert Guild, coordinator.
Judiciary, Patrick Monachino, coordinator.
Retirees, Thomas Gilmartin, coordinator.
On that same day, the following Departmental meetings will be
held between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.:
State University, Paul Burch, coordinator.
Environmental Conservation, Nels Carlson, coordinator.
Executive, Jack Conoby, coordinator.
Health, John McGraw, coordinator.
Page 2
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Wednesday, September 10, 1980
807; Bob Smith, Local 602; Dominic Spacone,
Local 872; and Diane Zito, Local 832.
"There will be an information booth located in
the lobby of the convention center beginning Sunday at 3 p.m. and continuing until Tuesday afternoon," Jerry said. "If I or any member of the
committee can be of service please feel free to
ask. Region 6 is looking forward to hosting this
convention."
Calendar
of EVENTS
September
9—Installation
of
officers,
Orange
County
Unit,
Orange
County
Golf
and
Ski
Lodge, M o n t g o m e r y , 6 p . m .
1 1 — S a r a t o g a C o u n t y , 8 4 6 S h o p S t e w a r d s M e e t i n g , Solar Building, High Street, Ballston
Spa 5:00.
1 1 — R e g i o n III Political Action C o m m i t t e e meeting, Regional O f f i c e , Fishkill, 7 : 3 0 p.m.
12—14—Region V Fall C o n f e r e n c e , H o l i d a y I n n - A r e n a ,
1 3 — S a r a t o g a County 8 4 6 A n n u a l C l a m b a k e
Binghomton.
1 2 : 0 0 noon Eagles C l u b , Lake Lonely.
1 3 — M e t r o p o l i t a n Region II a n n u a l meeting, 9 - 1 1 a . m . . P l a y b o y Resort, M c A f e e ,
N.Y.
1 3 — L o n g Island Region I legislative a n d political action seminar, 8 : 3 0 a . m . - n o o n . Holid a y Inn,
Hauppauge.
1 5 — S a r a t o g a County 8 4 6 Executive B o a r d M e e t i n g , Solar Building, High Street, Ballston
S p a 7 : 0 0 p.m.
1 7 — B u f f a l o Local 0 0 3 , g e n e r a l membership meeting, 5 : 3 0 p.m., new Buffalo Hilton on
the w a t e r f r o n t .
1 8 — R e g i o n III Executive C o m m i t t e e meeting, H o l i d a y Inn, Fishkill, 7 : 4 5 p.m.
1 8 — R e g i o n V Political Action C o a l i t i o n " m e e t the c a n d i d a t e s night," S h e r a t o n M o t o r Inn,
Liverpool, 7 p.m.
1 9 — L o c a l 3 3 5 a l l - h o l i d a y dinner d a n c e . T o w n a n d Country Restaurant, W a i d e n
and
Union R o a d , C h e e k t o w a g a . Cocktails 6 : 3 0 p.m., dinner 7 : 3 0 p.m.
1 9 - 2 0 — R e g i o n VI meeting, S h e r a t o n Inn East, W a i d e n Avenue, Buffalo.
2 0 — H u d s o n V a l l e y A r m o r y Employees Local 2 5 2 , A n n u a l Banquet a n d A w a r d s Dinner,
C a p r i II restaurant,
1 5 2 W a s h i n g t o n Street, Peekskill, N e w York 8 : 0 0 p.m.
2 0 — L o c a l 5 5 0 picnic, A p p l e w o o d ,
24—Local
352
Labor
Highland.
Department-Buffalo
District
"Get
Involved
Nite"
meeting; C o n t i n e n t a l Restaurant, 2 1 2 Franklin Street, Buffalo, 6 p.m.
2 4 — R e g i o n III D e l e g a t e s meeting. H o l i d a y Inn, N e w b u r g h , 7 : 4 5 p.m.
membership
CWEP panel improves quality of working life
ALBANY — "I know how to improve morale in my department, and increase productivity too!"
State employees who have said that to themselves lately, should say it to
Martin Langer.
Langer is the CSEA Executive Director on the Committee on the Work
Environment and Productivity (CWEP), a panel funded at $2 million a year
to find ways to improve the quality of working life and productivity in the
union's statewide Operational, Institutional and Administrative bargaining
units.
The committee, formerly known as the "Kumquat Committee," was
created in the 1979-82 contracts between CSEA and the state. It has three
subcommittees on the Quality of Working Life and Productivity on Performance and Evaluation; and on Continuity of Employment.
So far, CWEP has approved 10 "small" ($10,000) ^ants and four major
grants for the Committee on the Quality of Working Life. The committee is
using them in several different ways, all aimed at making the working environment more enjoyable for the employees, enabling them to work more
efficiently.
One approved program allows CSEA members to show inner-city
youngsters around Albany's Empire State Plaza, the work location for some
10,000 state workers.
"This will give state-employee volunteers a chance to show the highschool kids the multitude of job opportunities offered by the state, and it
may also give the employees themselves a broader perspective on state
employment," Langer said. Also volunteer experience can be given credit
for purposes of Civil Service job application.
Another Quality of Working Life project involves a series of programs
designed to orient new state employees to their jobs, giving the union's
perspective, as well as management's on early opportunities, benefits.
policies, procedures and job safety. This project is in the early production
stages now.
In the private sector, there is a concept called the "Scanlon Plan" that
allows employees to share in demonstrated financial savings that accrue to
the employer due to the workers' increased productivity. The Quality of
Working Life committee has hired Professor Stanley Altman of SUNY at
Stony Brook to conduct a study to see if such a plan is feasible for New York
State employees.
"Another thing the committee is doing is studying environmental factors — temperatures, proximity of fellow workers, background noise, and a
myriad of other things that can affect the quality of working life and productivity," Mr. Langer said. "A questionnaire is being prepared, for distribution to 15 different state agencies in the near future."
These are just a few of the projects being planned by the Committee on
the Quality of Working Life. Equally important, in Langer's view, are the
ideas he expects to continue to come in from the rank and file, as they learn
about the existence and functions of the committee.
But CWEP does not help union members alone: management and confidential employees will also contribute to, and benefit from, the committee's activities. CWEP's staff director, Carolyn Lemmon, represents
management on the panel.
"Any state employee with an idea for improving the quality of working
life at his work location should send it to the committee," Langer said.
"We're open to all suggestions, and no one knows what's wrong, and how to
fix it, any better than the employees themselves."
Ideas should be sent to M. Langer, c/o CWEP, Suite 2008,99 Washington
Ave., Albany, N.Y. 12110. Or, they can be sent to Prof. Harry Wiener, the
neutral chair of CWEP. Prof. Wiener, who is Dean of Averill Harriman
College at Stony Brook, will address the State delegates during the fall
CSEA convention at Niagara Falls.
Canal worker awarded
^2,300 in back pay
AMSTERDAM — A seasonal employee of the Eastern Barge Canal, who
was forced not only to sacrifice wage increases due him, but to take an actual
cut in salary when he was promoted to a permanent position, was awarded a
back'^^af5^settle^fl5t^t of more than $2,300 by the Public Employment Relations
Board in a grievance, and subsequent demand for arbitration, filed by the Civil
Service Employees Assn.
The employee, Richard Grosse, had been a canal helper since 1973, going
on seasonal layoff each year from December to April. He came back to work in
that position in April of 1977, as usual, and that June was interviewed for and
promoted to the permanent position of canal structure operator, grade eight.
Grosse's salary for the new position was computed by the addition of an increment to his previous salary. As called for in the state workers' contract,
effective April 1977, he then began receiving a series of increases and increments, until April of 1978 when the New York State Department of Audit
and Control informed the canal payroll department that Grosse was being
overpaid.
Audit and Control reasoned that since Grosse was not an incumbent in the
permanent position when the state's fiscal year began March 31, 1977, he was
not entitled to the increments and increases.
Audit and Control reduced Grosse's salary by $1,000 to the minimum grade
eight salary and required him to pay back $900, supposedly overpaid to him,
through payroll deductions.
At the hearing, the PERB Board ruled that the "grievant as a long term
annually rehired employee of the Department is entitled to the salary increase
provided therein,"and ordered that Grosse be repaid a sum of approximately
$2,300.
Audit and Control refused to accept this decision, however, and the matter
went to arbitration in early 1980, where the original decision was upheld.
IT WAS THE FIRST EVENT of its kind ever sponsored by Dutchess Local 814
and more than 200 people attended a Family Outing held at Wilcox Park, Pine
Plains. Standing around the barbecue pit were, left to right, Regional Director
Thomas J. Luposello, County Executive Lucille Pattison, Local Executive Vice
President Barbara Babcock, Local President Ellis Adams, County Unit
President Scott Daniels, and Regional President James J. Lennon.
Capital Region
backs Hague
A SECOND GENERATION of Vallees becomes involved
in union activities as John Vallee, third vice-president of
the Capital Region CSEA, left, installs his son, Daniel
Vallee, second left, to the office of President of the
Health Research, Inc. Local, CSEA. Standing next to the
new president also being installed, are Nancy Groome,
local secretary-treasurer and Rose Scott, local vicepresident.
ALBANY - The Political Action
Committee of the Capital Region of
the Civil Service Employees
Association, AFSCME — Local
1000, has endorsed incumbent candidate Joan Hague in the upcoming
Republican Primary for the 110th
Assembly District seat.
Fifteen hundred CSEA members
and their families, who reside in
the primary area, have been informed of this endorsement. CSEA
Capital Region Political Action
Committee based its Primary
decision on interviews with all candidates seeking this position.
CSEA is urging all registered
Republicans to participate in the
September 9th Primary.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Wednesday, September 10, 1980
Page 3
SPubiic—
SSECTOR
Official publication of
The Civil Service Employees
Association
33 Elk Street, Albany, N e w York 12224
The Public Sector (445010) is published every Wednesday
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Second Class Postage paid at Post Office, Albany, New York.
Send address changes to The Public Sector, 33 Elk Street,
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T h o m a s A. d e m e n t e — P u b l i s h e r
R o g e r A. C o l e — E x e c u t i v e Editor
Dr. Gerald Alperstein—Associate Editor
Gwenn M. Bellcourt — Associate Editor
Deborah Cassidy—Staff Writer
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Dennis C. Mullahy—Production Coordinator
^
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A LABOR PRESSK
Published every Wednesday by Clarity Publishing, Inc. Publication
Office. 75 Champlain Street, Albany, N.Y. 12204 ( 518 ) 465-4591
Candidates to
present issues
in Liverpooi
SYRACUSE - A political action
coalition of Civil Service Employees
Association (CSEA) Locals,
representing more than 10,000 state,
coünty and othler public employees in
the Onondaga County area, will hold a
"Meet The Candidates" night Thursday, September 18, at 7 p.m., in the
Sheraton Motor Inn, Liverpool.
According to Robert Vincent, event
committeeman, invitations have been
sent to candidates from the 118th,
119th, 120th, 121st Assembly Districts,
49th and 50th Senatorial Dikricts, and
candidates for county clerk, sheriff,
and judges.
"We invited incumbents and
challengers to present their views on
issues important to public employees.
Considering the large number of
public employees who live in Central
New York, this "Meet The Candidates" night should provide an excellent opportunity to ask questions
and get direct answers from political
candidates," Vincent said.
KEEP CSEA INFORMED ON MAILING ADDRESS
Meeting set
BINGHAMTON - Central Region
V
of the Civil Service Employees
In the e v e n t that you change your mailing address, p l e a s e fill out the below form
Association (CSEA), Local 1000,
and send it to:
American Federation of State, County
CSEA, Inc., P.O. Box 125, Capitol Station, Albany, N e w York 12224.
and Municipal Employees AFL-CIO,
This f o r m is also available f r o m local presidents for CSEA m e m b e r s , but is
representing 35,000 public employees,
reproduced here for convenience.
will conduct its Annual Fall
Conference Sept^hiber 12-14 at the
Holiday Inn-Arena, in Binghamton.
Change of Address for The Public Sector'
According to James J. Moore,
President of the 20-county region, adPlease allow 3-4 weeks for change to take effect.
vance reservations indicate more
My present label reads exactly as shown here (or affix mailing label)
than 300 union officers, delegates and
guests are expected for the three day
! Name
.Local Numberevent.
I Street
Registration is scheduled from 3-8
p.m. Friday, and workshops for state
City
State.
.Zip.
.-I and county employees slated from 8- J 10 p.m.
A full Saturday agenda will begin
with a Political Action Committee
meeting at 9 a.m., followed by a
MY NEW ADDRESS IS:
Retirees Session at 10 a.m.
Street
Also scheduled from 10 until noon
and from 2 to 4 p.m. are Combined
City
Educational Sessions featuring films
State.
.Zip.
and open discussions of the recently
Agency where employed.
legislated OSHA Safety Bill for public
employees.
My social security no. _
.Agency No.
The three-day conference will conclude following a Sunday morning
business meeting at 9.
Delegates breakfast set;
donations go to PEOPLE
PUTNAM COUNTY LOCAL 840 President Millicent ReRosa, right, welcomes,
from left, Eleanor McDonald and Pat Mascioli of Westchester County Local
860, and Southern Region III Director Thomas Luposello to the recent Local 840
annual picnic.
Page 4
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Wednesday, September 10, 1980
ALBANY — Participants at CSEA's Delegates Meeting in Niagara Falls
will have a chance to take time out for breakfast on Oct. 2 with the union's
Department of Legislation and Political Action, and at the same time, help
themselves and their fellow public employees.
The donation for the breakfast will be $5, and proceeds will go to PEOPLE
(Public Employees Organized to Promote Legislative Equality), the political
action arm of AFSCME International.
Only 400 people can attend due to limited space at the Niagara Hilton, so
Ramona Gallagher, CSEA's Political Action Training Specialist, advises
delegates to reserve their places now, by sending a check made out to
PEOPLE to: CSEA Legislative Office, Rm. 2020, 99 Washington Ave., Albany,
N.Y. 12207.
Guest speakers at the breakfast will be Barry Feinstein, President of
Teamsters Local 237 and chair of the Public Employee Conference; and Victor
Gotbaum, Executive Director of AFSCME D.C. 37.
If any tickets are unsold, they will be available at the delegates meeting,
from the Legislative and Political Action Department.
Irving Flaumenbaum
September 9, 1909 - August 27, 1980
Builder of unions,
ieader of woricers
By Bill Butler
It w a s a m i r a c l e t h a t b r o u g h t I r v i n g F l a u m e n b a u m to CSEA.
F l a u m e n b a u m w a s t h e only p a s s e n g e r in t h e
f i r s t c a r to s u r v i v e t h e c e l e b r a t e d Long I s l a n d
R a i l R o a d R o c k v i l l e C e n t r e t r a i n c r a s h F e b . 19,
1950.
Although g r i e v o u s l y i n j u r e d , a n d h o s p i t a l i z e d ,
he lived to begin a n e w life — o n e w h i c h h e lived
to t h e f u l l e s t .
T h e a c c i d e n t led h i m to s w i t c h f r o m c o m m u t i n g to a p h a r m a c y h e o p e r a t e d in Q u e e n s
County to a job with N a s s a u C o u n t y , a n d f r o m
t h e r e to t a k i n g c h a r g e of a n 1 1 - m e m b e r s e e d l i n g
CSEA unit a n d building it to t h e l a r g e s t in t h e
s t a t e with m o r e t h a n 20,000 m e m b e r s .
Over the y e a r s , F l a u m e n b a u m spent an
a v e r a g e of f o u r n i g h t s a w e e k a t t e n d i n g C S E A
m e e t i n g s , and s o m e w e e k s w e r e n ' t a v e r a g e : h e
w a s out all s e v e n nights.
But, he n e v e r spoke of t h e d u t i e s ; h e c o m p l a i n ed o c c a s i o n a l l y if s o m e t h i n g p r e v e n t e d h i m f r o m
attending a meeting.
No one c a n e v e n g u e s s t h e n u m b e r of o f f i c e r s
he had s w o r n in, t h e n u m b e r of m e e t i n g s h e
a t t e n d e d , t h e s p e e c h e s he m a d e — a l w a y s w i t h
t h e t h e m e of s t r e n g t h in unity.
^ e w o u n c j ^ p with a r e c o r d of h a v i n g s e r v e d a s
a s t a t e w i d e o f f i c e r f o r 15 y e a r s , a s t h e only
p r e s i d e n t of t h e Long I s l a n d R e g i o n s i n c e its
o r g a n i z a t i o n seven y e a r s a g o , a n d a s a secondt e r m i n t e r n a t i o n a l v i c e p r e s i d e n t of t h e
A m e r i c a n F e d e r a t i o n of S t a t e , C o u n t y &
Municipal E m p l o y e e s , r e p r e s e n t i n g C S E A L o c a l
1000 a l o n g with s t a t e P r e s i d e n t Bill M c G o w a n .
He w a s a f i g h t e r ; t h e s t o r i e s a r e legion of
p i t c h e d b a t t l e s a t t h e C S E A B o a r d of D i r e c t o r s .
But, he fought f o r issues, a n d n e v e r w a s h e a r d to
s p e a k ill of his foe a f t e r t h e b a t t l e w a s o v e r , win
or lose. He believed in unity.
In t h e y e a r s a f t e r helping build C S E A to
s t r e n g t h , h e had to f i g h t r a i d s f r o m o t h e r public
e m p l o y e e unions, a n d h e f o u g h t t h e m a n d won
nine oiit of 10. But, he f r e t t e d t h a t both C S E A a n d
the brother unions w e r e wasting strength
f i g h t i n g e a c h o t h e r i n s t e a d of f i g h t i n g f o r public
e m p l o y e e s , and he s e c r e t l y longed f o r an
a l l i a n c e . H e believed in unity.
But, long b e f o r e r a i d s w e r e t h e p r o b l e m ,
F l a u m e n b a u m and a h a n d f u l of c o - w o r k e r s
defied m a n a g e m e n t t h r e a t s a g a i n s t union
organizing and went around the county offices
e a c h p a y d a y c o l l e c t i n g $1 f r o m e a c h e m p l o y e e
who would s t a n d up a n d join C S E A . T h a t w a s
b e f o r e t h e luxury of p a y r o l l d e d u c t i o n .
E a c h n e w m e m b e r h a d to b e r e c r u i t e d , indoctrinated, cajoled, encouraged and pleaded
with to m a k e a s t a n d .
F l a u m e n b a u m had been " a p p a l l e d
that
e m p l o y e e s h a d no h e a l t h i n s u r a n c e " a f t e r t a k i n g
a j o b a s p h a r m a c i s t with t h e N a s s a u D e p a r t m e n t
of Social S e r v i c e s in l a t e 1950. H e s w i t c h e d
b e c a u s e his i n j u r i e s f r o m t h e t r a i n w r e c k m a d e
it p a i n f u l to s t a n d f o r long h o u r s , a s a d r u g s t o r e
p h a r m a c i s t h a s to do.
Almost immediately, he started organizing
fellow e m p l o y e e s . He b e l i e v e d in unity.
His vigor led h i m to b e e l e c t e d t h e s e c o n d
p r e s i d e n t of t h e f l e d g e l i n g N a s s a u unit — w h i c h
had up to then e s t a b l i s h e d a foothold only a m o n g
t h e V i l l a g e of H e m p s t e a d S c h o o l D i s t r i c t
employees.
T h r o u g h t h e 1950s, m a n a g e m e n t o f f i c i a l l y ignored the growing union. I t ' s only real
r e c o g n i t i o n c a m e in t h r e a t s a g a i n s t e m p l o y e e s
— m a n y p r o v i s i o n a l — n o t t o join. B u t , it g r e w .
F l a u m e n b a u m , o p e r a t i n g w i t h o u t p o w e r to
d e m a n d r e c o g n i t i o n o r a n y r i g h t s to f o r m a l
n e g o t i a t i o n s , u s e d w h a t p o w e r s he could m u s t e r
— c o n t a c t s , c a j o l i n g , p e r s u a d i n g the est a b l i s h m e n t t h a t t h e y o u g h t to do r i g h t by t h e
e m p l o y e e s . Slowly, m a n a g e m e n t c a m e a r o u n d .
It w a s n ' t e a s y . F o r f i v e y e a r s in t h e l a t e 50s
t h e r e w a s no r a i s e f o r t h e e m p l o y e e s . B u t ,
F l a u m e n b a u m p e r s u a d e d o f f i c i a l s to a b s o r b t h e
old e m p l o y e e c o n t r i b u t i o n to r e t i r e m e n t , then to
e s t a b l i s h t i m e and l e a v e rules, finally to
r e c o g n i z e t h e union a n d n e g o t i a t e .
I n s i d e 20 y e a r s , t h e N a s s a u County C h a p t e r
had g r o w n to 20,000 m e m b e r s — l a r g e s t in t h e
state.
F l a u m e n b a u m , m e a n w h i l e , s e r v e d on t h e s t a t e
C S E A B o a r d of D i r e c t o r s , a s s t a t e s e c o n d v i c e
president, then as first vice president, as
p r e s i d e n t of t h e old L o n g I s l a n d C o n f e r e n c e
s e v e r a l t i m e s , a n d a s t h e f i r s t a n d only p r e s i d e n t
of t h e Long I s l a n d R e g i o n s i n c e it w a s f o r m e d
s e v e n y e a r s a g o . With t h e a f f i l i a t i o n of CSEA
with t h e A m e r i c a n F e d e r a t i o n of S t a t e , County &
M u n i c i p a l E m p l o y e e s , h e b e c a m e one of t h e t w o
international vice presidents.
T h e only t i m e h e e v e r lost a n e l e c t i o n w a s a n
u n s u c c e s s f u l bid f o r s t a t e w i d e p r e s i d e n t 10 y e a r s
ago.
F l a u m e n b a u m w a s a n a t i v e of B r o o k l y n , son of
Ben a n d P a u l i n e F l a u m e n b a u m . H e a t t e n d e d t h e
C o l u m b i a U n i v e r s i t y School of P h a r m a c o l o g y ,
and h a d t h i s s u m m e r a t t e n d e d his 50th c l a s s
r e u n i o n . L a t e r , h e w o r k e d in p h a r m a c i e s , and by
a g e 30 h a d his o w n s t o r e in M a l v e r n e , in N a s s a u
County. H e w a s by t h e n m a r r i e d to t h e f o r m e r
Ruth David.
T h e y r a i s e d t h r e e sons, D a v i d , D o n a l d , D e n n i s .
David w o r k s f o r N a s s a u C o u n t y . D o n a l d is a sign
p a i n t e r . D e n n i s is a p r i v a t e i n v e s t i g a t o r . T h e y
also cared for m a n y y e a r s for a niece whose
Danny Donohue
new president
D a n n y D o n o h u e of C e n t r a l Islip is t h e p e r s o n
on w h o s e s h o u l d e r s h a s f a l l e n t h e d i f f i c u l t t a s k of
following in t h e f o o t p r i n t s of I r v F l a u m e n b a u m
a s p r e s i d e n t of t h e 6 0 , 0 0 0 - m e m b e r C S E A L o n g
Island R e g i o n I. As e l e c t e d f i r s t v i c e p r e s i d e n t of
R e g i o n I, D o n o h u e a u t o m a t i c a l l y m o v e d up to
p r e s i d e n t upon t h e d e a t h of M r . F l a u m e n b a u m .
D o n o h u e is y o u n g , well known within t h e
r a n k s , a n d e x p e r i e n c e d in union a f f a i r s . A m o n g
m a n y o t h e r union a c t i v i t i e s , h e is P r e s i d e n t of
C e n t r a l I s l i p P s y c h i a t r i c C e n t e r L o c a l 404,
c h a i r m a n of t h e a c t i v e a n d p o w e r f u l C S E A Mental Hygiene P r e s i d e n t s C o m m i t t e e ; and a
m e m b e r of C S E A ' s s t a t e w i d e B o a r d of D i r e c tors.
T h e P u b l i c S e c t o r will p r o f i l e D o n o h u e in
g r e a t e r d e t a i l in t h e n e x t issue.
Region tour
by McGowan
is cancelled
t h r e e c h i l d r e n t h e F l a u m e n b a u m s c o u n t e d in
c l a i m i n g 11 g r a n d c h i l d r e n .
x
F l a u m e n b a u m loved c h i l d r e n — his or a n y o n e
e l s e ' s . H e loved to b r i n g s m i l e s i o y p u n g f a c e s byd-,
p r o d u c i n g f r o m t h e t r u n k of his c a r s o m e M e t s
b a s e b a l l h a t s or o t h e r s o u v e n i r s , w h i c h h e
s e c u r e d by b e i n g on and off t h e p r e s i d e n t of t h e
L o n g I s l a n d M e t s B o o s t e r club.
T h e B o o s t e r s w a s one of m a n y o t h e r a c t i v i t i e s .
He s e r v e d as both h o n o r a r y and working
m e m b e r of t h e M a r c h of D i m e s , H e a r t F u n d a n d ,
his e v e n t u a l f a v o r i t e c h a r i t y , t h e Stop A r t h r i t i s
C a m p a i g n . T h e s e c h a r i t i e s not only p l e a s e d h i m
f o r t h e i r w o r t h , but a s a m e a n s to p r o j e c t a n ima g e of civil s e r v i c e w o r k e r s in a g e n e r o u s light.
Ruth Flaumenbaum, widow of Irving
Flaumenbaum, has asked to express
through The Public Sector her gratitude for
hundreds of communications from CSEA
leaders and rank-and-file members.
"I want also to thank everyone for coming and giving us comfort. I especially want
to thank Irving's friends for their contributions in his name to the Arthritis Foundation and other charities," Mrs. Flaumenbaum said.
Because of her bereavement and the
overwhelming number of communications,
Mass cards, flowers and condolences, Mrs.
Flaumenbaum and her family have
received, she asked that their friends understand that she would probably not be
able to make personal acknowledgements.
A M I T Y V I L L E — D u e to t h e d e a t h of R e g i o n I P r e s i d e n t I r v i n g F l a u m e n b a u m , t h e s c h e d u l e d S e p t e m b e r 4 a n d 5 visit by C S E A s t a t e w i d e P r e s i d e n t
W i l l i a m L. M c G o w a n to R e g i o n I w a s c a n c e l l e d . T h e visit w a s p a r t of a
s t a t e w i d e t o u r of all six C S E A r e g i o n s d u r i n g August a n d S e p t e m b e r . T h e
r e m a i n d e r of t h e s t a t e w i d e t o u r will be c o n d u c t e d a s s c h e d u l e d . T h e R e g i o n I
visit is e x p e c t e d to be r e s c h e d u l e d .
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, V^ednesday, September 10, 1980
Page 5
HorneH, Richford, Wayland
DECLARATION OF OWNERSHIP attached to a tiny,
crude shack reveals this eyesore is actually the work
location for a group of Department of Transportation
workers. This miserable little outpost isn't actually the
"property" of the State — it has just rented the
AN EYESORE is the first impression one gets approaching this collection of boards that comprise what "facility" for the past 30 years.
amounts to a shanty near Richford.
Work conditions for many DOT employees
mean woefully inadequate, unsafe shacks
By Dawn LePore
RICHFORD — A crude shack heated by an ancient kerosene stove. No telephone. No bathroom.
No running water — except for the creek that runs
beneath the building. A tarpaper roof that lets in
more rain than it keeps out.
While it would be hard for anyone to imagine that
conditions like these still exist, it is an unfortunate
fact that they do. And that state employees must
work in such a woefully inadequate and unsafe environment is even a sadder and more incredible
fact.
Yet tucked in the steep green hills of the
Southern Tier, that crude shack serves as an outpost for Department of Transportation workers
who report here to work each day, just as they have
for the past 30 years that the state has rented the
ramshackle building from the local cemetery
association which owns it.
"We're forgotten people up here," said Clyde
Morse, foreman of the road crew. "The main shop
in Owego is 20 miles away and radio reception in
these hills is pretty bad. The truck broke down once
and it took six to seven hours before we got any
help."
A few years back, one worker lost part of his
fingers on one hand trying to hook up a snow plow
with only the headlights of the patrol truck to guide
him.
"The nearest phone and restroom is down the
road a few miles at a restaurant, but in the middle
of the night during a winter storm, they're not going to be open," Morse said. "The same goes for
gasoline, unless the men travel the twenty miles
^ack to the Owego shop."
Alternat^ restroom facilities are found behind
the shack, in the pine-forested hillside. The men
get their drinking water where they can. A strap
holds it in a two-gallon jug to the grille on the front
of the truck
"We only got electricity last year," Morse said.
"Before that, we had to use frayed extension cords
THIS IS rUE UNHEALTHY, inadcqiiat« "outdoor restroom"
facilitie« for DOT workers at tke
State DOT outpost at Richford.
Another unsafe and dangerous condition is also visible in this photo —
a piece of wood rests directly
against the stovepipe at upper left.
Page 6
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Wednesday, September 10, 1980
hooked into an old switch box."
Two bare light bulbs now serve to light the tenby-ten foot room that Morse must do his paperwork
in and in which the men try to warm themselves
between shifts plowing snow in the winter. "We're
afraid to keep the heater going while no one's her^
in case it might explode, so when we come in at
four in the morning, we have to freeze until it gets
started," one of the workers said. "And when H
rains, you might as well stand outside, you get just
as wet," Morse pointed out.
Because the location of the sub-residency is so
isolated, it has fallen frequent prey to vandals who
have siphoned gasoline from the two vehicles
assigned to the crew. Once the vandals even stole
the patrol truck and abandoned it several m i l ^
down the road. Because of this, the crew now m u #
store the vehicles off-site.
Although rumors have circulated recently that
the state has plans to buy a newer, better-equipped
building with storage room for the trucks, no one is
holding their breath.
"We've heard that one for the past five or six
years," one man said.
A similar working condition exists in the town of
Wayland, where the state road crew operates out of
another shack-like building. It also has no
telephone, running water or bathroom facilities.e
An antique kerosene heater crowds the ten-bytwelve foot room that is home base for several
men.
Upon inspection by union officials, it was discovered that the heater's stove pipe is not insulated
properly as it exits the building, increasing the
possibility of a fire.
"You can drive all over the state and it's the
same thing," said Harold Towner, president of the
Hornell City CSEA Local 007. "I don't understand
why this place hasn't burned down yet.
"What would it take to throw up a cement
building and dig a hole in the ground or get a
chemical john?"
COMBINATION OFFICE and warming hut for the DOT employees has no
running w a t e r , no phone, no
bathroom, and is inadequately and
dangerously heated in winter by an
ancient kerosene stove. Clyde Morse,
right, is foreman of the men assigned
here, and he shows his "office"
entrance to Harold Towner, left.
President of CSEA Local 007, of which
the men are members.
THIS ANCIENT KEROSENE STOVE
provides heat against bitter cold in
winter months in this tiny 8 by 10 feet
building used by DOT personnel. But
because the stove is dangerous, it cannot be left on unattended, so the men
arrive for work in winter without
benefit of a heated room. Very
similar heating arrangements are
featured at the DOT outpost at
Wayland (see adjacent article).
Hornell revisited — one year later
Toluene still
lying around
HORNELL — More than a year after The Public
Sector reported the improper storage of toluene at
the state Department of Transportation facility
here, nothing has changed.
Barrels of the highly toxic and flammable
solvent are still stored out-doors, exposed to the
heat of the summer sun. A tapped barrel allowing
toluene to spill on the ground with a twist of a nozzle is also still there.
When a Public Sector reporter examined the
situation, she also noted that road salt from a large
storage pile is clearly leaching into the Canacadea
Creek causing an environmental hazard located
directly behind the DOT workshop.
o ß t YEAR LATER, NOTHING'S CHANGED - A year ago The Public Sector
published a special report on the dangerous snfostance toluene. The cMiditions at
Hornell, where many highway employees had become ill from working with tlie substance, was reported 4ii detail. Toluene stored in large drums out in the mp&k were
detailed In photographs taken at that time.-Ose year later, CSEA Hornell City Local
4N)7 President Harold Towner demonstrates that toluene is still stored out in the open
Mid that a simple fiiokof the wrist sends the highly toxic chemical flowing oato and
into the ground. At left is Local 007 Vice President John Wallenbeck.
A HIGHLY VISIBLE TRAIL OF SALT shows how road salt from a large storage pile
l e y h e s into the Canacadea Creek, in the background, at the Hornell DOT facility.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Wednesday, September 10, 1980
Page 7
THEN AND NOW — Josephine Ozzella Slrianni is shown receiving a medal
during a World War II ceremony on April 25, 1944 in Bari, Italy, where she
was attached to the Fifteenth Air Force. In the abover photo, Olean Mayor
William Smith repeats that ceremony informally on August 4,1980 in Olean
with three medals she received 35 years late from the U.S. Department of
Defense.
Local president's ten-year struggle
for WWII veteran status finally over
By Ron Wofford
CSEA Communications Associate
OLEAN m- The tenryear struggle of a World War II veteran to have her
Women's Army Auxiliary Corps service considered active duty has resulted
in a victory for Josephine Slrianni, president of the statewide Environmental Conservation CSEA Local 119.
Her success means her six-months of voluntary service during World
War II will be added to the over 18-months of active duty service as an interpreter in war torn Italy in the coastal town of Bari. This will mean increased retirement benefits when she becomes eligible for retirement next
year, although this active, young-looking, WWII veteran says she has not
decided yet when she will call it quits.
Another immediate benefit, in addition to the many calls of congratulations from friends and co-workers, is the three service medals she
recently received over thirty-five years late from the U.S. Department of
Defense.
"I'm very proud of these" she says of the Womens Army Corps Service
Medal, WWII Victory Medal, and Honorable Service Victory Medal. "I'm
going to have a chain put through them so I can wear them around my
neck." '
Olean Mayor William Smith, who also served in Italy and Africa in
WWII, pinned her medals on in an informal ceremony recently and said,
"Josephine's been one of our greatest citizens and an active positive force in
the community. She's served her time and a lot of other people's time."
Josephine Ozzella Sirianni began her quest for recognition of her voluntary service in 1970 with a letter to then-State Comptroller Arthur Levitt
who "regretfully" informed her that the existing laws did not empower the
N.Y. State Employee Retirement System to provide credit for service with
the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps.
The timing of her quest coincided with that of many other women who
served in the war and were seeking similar recognition, most notably the
now-famous group of women who ferried the renowned B-17 and B-29
bombers around to various sites for use by America's combat pilots. Mrs. .
Sirianni states she acquired many allies from these fellow veterans who
have become life-long friends. Still her struggle was far from over. She says
she is also thankful for assistance in her struggle from many officials who
aided her along the way including 39th District U.S. congressman Stanley
Lundine, State Senator Jess Present, Assemblyman Dan Walsh, and a U.S.
congressman from Kentucky, Romano Mazzoli, who told her "It took an act
of congress for us to get those benefits, but it was worth it."
Her status was only clarified as of July, 1980, but the "Act of Congress"
referred to was the G.I. Bill Improvement Act of 1977 which clarified and
upgraded the service of many war-time volunteers to active-duty status, including the bomber ferry-pilots.
A reunion and celebration is in the offing for those who struggled and
will benefit from the G.I. Improvement Bill, and Josephine Sirianni says she
will be there.
But until a date is set, she will continue her active life. Which means frequent trips around the state on behalf of CSEA as a member of the statewide
Labor/Management committee and her demanding role as a statewide local
president.
A veteran of state employment as well as the U.S. Army, she has over 23
years in the Department of Environmental Conservation where she is a
senior stenographer. She was a charter member and secretary of the first
"chapter", as locals were called, in 1972. She has long been an activist for
women's job rights and an advocate for career ladders for women, which
she pridefully acknowledges is now commonplace. CSEA Field Rep Michael
Painter calls her a good president "who inspires all those who work with
her."
Says Sirianni, "I enjoy working with employees and helping them with
their problems and I'll be with CSEA until the day I retire."
Employee Insurance reps available on regular schedule
Effective as of September, 1980, Employee Insurance representatives
from the Employee Insurance Section of the State Department of Civil Service will be at various sites on a regular schedule throughout the State to
provide information on health insurance matters for retirees and preretirees.
On those days and at those places listed below, the insurance reps will
join in a cooperative venture with State Retirement Systems representatives who are also available for counselling retirees and pre-retirees. The
Employee Insurance reps will be available to discuss health insurance
benefits, coverage during retirement, claims difficulties and Medicare as it
relates to the State Health Insurance Program.
The pilot project is presently limited to the days and locations listed, but
may be expanded to other areas in the future.
Page 8
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Wednesday, September 10, 1980
CITY
ADDRESS
MONTHLY VISITING DAYS
Binghamton
State Office Building
Third Wednesday, First Wednesday
Buffalo
Gen. Donovan Office Building First & Fourth Wednesday
Hauppauge
State Office Building
First Tuesday
Utica
State Office Building
Second & Third Monday
White Plains Westchester County Center
Second & Fourth Monday
New York City World Trade Center (55th Fir).
The Chichesters:
Special people behind
the Special Olympics
By CHARLES McGEARY
CSEA Communications Associate
STAMFORD — Ken and Chris Chichester are two
special people with a special mission in life. They are
totally dedicated to the work and goals of Special Olympics.
One only has to talk to them several minutes to grasp
the enthusiasm they have for helping adults and children
with special needs.
Ken Chichester, a member of CSEA Local 813
Delaware County, has been a bus driver with the Stamford
Central School District for seventeen years. His wife, Chris, is also employed
by Stamford Schools and has taught special education for eighteen years.
During their span of married years, they have raised three healthy
children of their own and were devoted foster parents for twelve others.
When asked how they became involved in Special Olympics endeavors,
Ken replied it all started in 1968.
"Chris and I have always been rather active in church work and other community activities," he said.
"We began by helping two people with special needs in 1968, and when we
saw the tremendous need we gradually became more involved. To see the expressions of accomplishment and gratitude on the faces of those we have
helped has been worth every minute of effort," Chichester said.
When questioned about working funds for the projects, Chichester explained that through various drives — bake sales, crafts projects, door to door
soliciting and other ideas — they have raised approximately $10,000 per year
over a twelve-year period.
As she listened to her husband recount the beginning years, Chris
Chichester filled a pause in the conversation with some highlights concerning
the Special Olympics Winter Games started in Stamford five years ago.
"We pretty much had to 'wing it,' " Chris said.
"We had no prior experience in conducting the events, we had no idea
where we would house the athletes and how we would feed them. But we didn't
let anything stop us. We received tremendous cooperation from local churches,
service clubs, fraternal and social groups. From that point it just sort of
became a total community effort," Chris said.
"The results were fantastic," Ken said.
"More than 300 statewide entries participated, and we had almost as many
volunteers as kids," he said with a chuckle.
In describing the preparation and logistics for the project, Chichester explained the Stamford School was used to house and feed the athletes. The food
was donated.
"Each entry was asked to pay a nominal $3.00 for the entire week-end. And
we had sufficient sponsors available for those who could not afford the small
fee," Chichester said.
Those first winter games included such events as skiing, tobogganing,
skating, snowshoeing, with the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation supplying some of the necessary equipment.
The Winter Games continued for three years and then Ken and Chris
Chichester looked for other Special Olympic challenges.
Their current big project is a Soccer Clinic for Special Olympics Area 13
scheduled for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, October 17,18, and 19, in Oneonta.
"So far, we expect more than 200 athletes, plus 50 coaches and volunteers.
Our plans call for a clinic prior to the actual games, to better equip our coaches
and volunteers with the skills to handle athletes with special needs. We prefer
to use the term adults and children with special needs, instead of handicapped
persons," Chichester said.
"The more time we devote to them, the more we realize how much talent
they have. It just takes patience to bring it out," Ken said.
"Please make it clear that this is a team effort. We have been blessed with
abundant help and couldn't hope to conduct the Soccer Clinic without the help
of our many sponsors, including the Holiday Inn in Oneonta. The Inn has
generously agreed to house the athletes and coaches. And the other sponsors
will give us the added support needed to reach our goal," Chichester said.
TEMTH
ANNIVtnSAHV
COORDINATORS CHRIS AND KEN CHICHESTER - get set to kick off their
next Special Olympics project, a three-day soccel^clinic in Oneonta, October
17,18,19. A member of Stamford Unit of CSEA Local 813 in Delaware County,
Ken has been active in the Special Olympics for twelve years.
Both Ken and Chris Chichester were also quick to give credit to other people who have helped them over the years. They specifically mentioned the support of CSEA School Unit President John Kosier, and Richard Little, the supervising principal of Stamford Central Schools who approved the use of school
buses and other transportation when it was desperately needed.
After listening to past accomplishments, it was difficult to imagine how
the Chichesters managed to find additional time for other volunteer work with
the Boy Scouts and church activities. They modestly admitted they somehow
find the time, and still enjoy visiting with members of their family, friends and
neighbors.
When asked about their family^ Chris Chichester proudly mentioned their
son Gary who is following the lead of his parents and is currently a student at
State University of New York at Brockport, majoring in adaptive physical
education.
CSEA proudly salutes Ken and Chris Chichester for their total dedication
to helping those adults and children with special needs. And the countless
hours, days, and years they have given so unselfishly to the Special Olympics.
The CSEA seal and motto "We Serve" could not be more appropriate than
to be associated with Ken and Chris Chichester, two very dedicated public
employees in Stamford, New York.
Editor's Note: For information concerning sponsorship or athletic participation in the Special Olympics Soccer Clinic October 17-19 in Oneonta,
contact Ken or Chris Chichester, Mt. Jefferson Road, Stamford, New York
Phone (607) 652-7125.
r
Schenectady school
workers ratify
two year contract;
major wage increase
plus increments
SCHENECTADY - M e m b e r s of the
maintenance and operational unit of the City of
Schenectady School District Local, Civil Service
Employees Assn., have ratified a two year contract, containing wage increases of eight and one
half percent each year, in addition to increments. The first year increase is retroactive
to July 1, 1980.
Other monetary benefits include an additional
longevity step of $360 after an employee's 20th
year of service, and increase in the travel
allowance from $250.00 to $350.00 per year.
In addition to regular leave for union business,
CSEA members will be allowed one day per year
for a conference workshop, which must coincide
with a teacher's conference day. And if the three
snow emergency days per year are not used up
the employees may select one day in the school
calendar as a vacation day.
Another important clause calls for an
employee assigned to a higher classification to
be paid the higher rate from the first day of the
assignment, if he works in that position for three
consecutive days, rather than five days presently
required.
On the negotiating team were unit President
Ronald Teller, David Ralston and Fred
Maioriello.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, V^ednesday, September 10, 1980
Page 9
Constitution and By-Laws
Changes in the Constitution and By-Laws of the Civil Service
Employees Association have a direct effect opon the day-to-day operation
of the union, and therefore upon the membership itself.
Traditionally, the largest block of time devoted at CSEA conventions
is given over to consideration of such changes. This will undoubtedly be
true at the upcoming meeting of the union delegates.
As the official publication of CSEA, "The Public Sector" has a legal
obligation to publish proposed changes prior to delegate sessions. More
Report
Revision of Constitution and By-Laws
Committee
Seventieth Annual Delegates Meeting
Niagara Falls Convention Center
Niagara Falls, New York
September 28-October 3, 1980
Key: Italics—\ew
Material
Hrarkels Removal of Old Material
The Constitution and By-Laws Committee has met once
since the Special Delegates Meeting in March, 1980.
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE P R E S E N T E D TO THE
DELEGATES BY THE COMMITTEE FOR A SECOND
READING AND IF PASSED, WILL BECOME PART OF
THE CSEA CONSTITUTION:
(1) The following amendmoits to Article VI, Section 1
and Article VII, Section 1 are the result of a recommendation submitted to the Committee by Sue Bucrzinski,
Board of Directors Repres«itative, Montal Hypene,
Region 5. If these amendments pass a second reading, it
will be necessary to amend Article IV, Section 5(b)3 of
the Constitution as noted below:
"ARTICLE VI
STATE DIVISION
Section 1. STATE EXECUTIVE COMMXTTEE. The
power and authority to transact business relating to state
employees shall, except as provided herein, vested in a
State,^Executive Committee. The State Elxecutive Committee shall consist of the officers of the Association, and
one representative from each State Departmoit. The
Judiciary, the State University, the Waterfront Commission and state public authorities as one unit, shall be
d e e m e d State Departments. The Faculty Student
Associations and Teachers' Retirement System shall as a
unit be deemed a State Department. In addition to the
foregoing, each State Department vnth more than 3,000
members as of January 1 in the year of an election, shall
for the term of office beginning the following July, be entitled to one representative on the State Executive Committee for each 3,000 members or major fraction thereto.
The State Executive Committee shall elect from its
membership one member to be known as the Chairperson
of the State Executive Committee. The State Elxeoitive
Committee may create one or more subconmiittees to
perform such duties as the State Executive Committee
shall delegate. Each department repres«itative shall be
elected by ballot by the members in that person's
department in the manner prescribed in the By-Laws. No
person shall be eligible for nomination unless that person
shall have been a member in good standing of the
Association on or before June 1st of the year preceding
the year in which the election is held. They shall hold office for a term of two years or until their successors shall
have qualified. Commencing with the term of office
beginning July 1,1983 and each term thereafter, the term
of office shall be three years. Vacancies in the office of
the State Department representatives including termination of employment with the Department may be
filled for the remainder of the term by members of the
Association employed in such departmoit at a special
election to be called by the Board of Directors within
fourteen days after the first meeting of the Board subsequent to the time that such vacancies occur under rules
established by the Board. No statewide officer shall be
eligible for nomination to or serve as an elected member of
the State Executive Committee except for the 1981 elections
in which case a member may be a candidate for statewide office^ (Region President) and a candidate for member of the
State Executive Committee: however, a member elected to
both positions shall be ineligible to serve in both capacities.
"ARTICLE VII
COUNTY DIVISION
Section 1 COUNTY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. The
power and authority to transact business relating to
employees of the political subdivisions of the state shall,
except as otherwise provided herein, be vested in a
County Executive Conmiittee which shall consist of the
officers of the Association and one representative frwrn
each County Division Local, and one County Educational
Local Representative from each CSEIA Region elected by
the County Educational Local members within each
region. In addition to the foregoing, each County Division
Local with more than 10,000 members as of January 1 in
Page 10
importantly, however, we feel an obligation to the membership to present
such proposed changes for informational rather than legal, purposes.
The membership has a right and a need to know what major changes
are being considered that affect them directly. Therefore, we are
publishing the report of the CSEA Constitution and By-Laws Committee
to the upcoming delegates meeting in order to (1) meet our legal
obligation, and (2) keep the membership informed of events that are important to them.
the year of an election shall, for the term of office begin- ARTICLE REMAINS THE SAME.
Explanation: The Statewide Officers unanimously
ning the following July, be entitled to one additional .
representative. The County Executive Committee may / recommended to the Committee that consideration be
create one or more subcommittees to perform such given to changing the effective date for submission of
duties as the County Executive Committee shall delegate. names of delegates from June 1 s t to July 15th. Many
The representatives of a County Local shall be elected by locals elect their delegates at the same time officers are
such local for a two-year term of office to be coincidental elected, which is usually during the month of June. If a
with the term of office for members of the State Ex- report must be given to Headquarters by June 1st, it will
ecutive Committee. Commencing with the term of office probably thereafter have to be amended since delegates
beginning July 1,1983 and each term thereafter, the term will be elected after June 1st and before July 1st. Based
of office shall be three years. The County Executive Com- upon this, the Committee finds merit in the proposed
mittee shall elect from its membership one member to be amendment and recommends adoption of same.
known as the Chairperson of the County Executive Com- THE FOLLOWING ITEM IS P R E S E N T E D TO THE
mittee. No statewide officer shall be eligible for nomination DELEGATES BY THE COMMITTEE AS A PROPOSED
to or serve as an elected member of the County Executive AMENDMENT TO THE BY-LAWS. IF PASSED AT
Committee except for the 1918 elections in which case a THIS MEETING, THE AMENDMENT WILL BECOME
member may be a candidate for statewide office (Region EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.
President) and a candidate for member of the County ExThe following amendment to Article IV, Section 3(a)
ecutive Committee; however, a member elected to both
was referred to the Committee by CSEA Comptroller
positions shall be ineligible to serve in both capacities."
David Stack on behalf of John Eiss, Erie County Local
815:
"ARTICLE IV
"ARTICLE IV
ORGANIZATION OF THE ASSOCIATION
FINANCE
Secüon 5. OFFICERS.
Section 3. R E F U N D AND REIMBURSEMENT.
(b) NOMINATIONS.
(a) REFUNDS TO LOCALS. Each duly organized local
3. Such e5e^tion shall be by secret ballot. The names of
of the Association which has complied with all of the
the committee members selected by the various Regions provisions of the mandated Model Local Constitution
shall be filed with the Secretary and Executive Director shall receive from the Treasurer an annual payment of
of the Association not later than January 1st. The
twenty-five percentum (25%) of the membership dues and
Nominating Committee shall select at least two nominees twenty-five percentum (25%) of the agency shop fees
for the offices of President, Executive Vice President,
collected from the employees in such locals after the net
Secretary and Treasurer. The State Division members of
per capita payment to AFSCME, based on the June 1st
the Nominating Committee shall also select at least two
(voting strength) audit, has been deducted. The expense
nominees for each position on the State Executive Com- of the delegates to regular or special meetings of the
mittee. In all cases an incumbent shall be one of said Association shall be paid by the local from such funds as
MHninees if the incumbent consents to become a can- hereinafter provided."
didate. No nominee shall be eligible as a candidate for
Explanation: The above amendment was submitted to
more than one statewide office. (However, a position on
the Committee by Comptroller Stack after it was brought
the State Elxecutive Committee or County Executive
to his attention by Mr. Eiss that the current language in
Committee shall not be deemed a statewide office.)"
the Section is technically incorrect. Refunds to locals are
REST OF SECTION REMAINS THE SAME.
made on the basis of both membership dues and agency
fee payments. The current provision in the Section
Explanation: The Committee concurs with Ms.
Bucrzinski's reconmiendation that no member of the provides that refunds should be "based on the June 1st
voting strength". Because voting strength is determined
Board of Directors of CSEA should hold two voting seats.
For the following reasons, the Committee recommends by membership only, it does not allow for reimbursement
based upon agency shop payments which, of course, is the
adoption of these amendments:
intent of the overall Section. The Committee concurs
with Comptroller Stack's recommendation and presents
(a) CSEA is paying for full-time officers;
this technical change to the Delegates with an affir(b) It is unlikely that an individual can act effectively in
mative recommendation.
both a statewide officer position and as a departmental
representative on the Board of Directors at the same
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS:
time;
At its August 6,1980 meeting, the Committee discussed
(c) An individual elected to a statewide officer position
is not as closely in touch with departmental problems as several items which were tabled for further investigation
is someone working within the department on a daily and consideration. These items are listed below:
(a) Organizing non-public employees;
basis;
(b) Retirees' amendment regarding voting;
(d) Elxcept for the election in 1981, the timetable for
(c) Consolidating the offices of Statewide Secretary and
future elections will be in step to allow an individual to
resign from his or her current position to accept a new of- Treasurer
(d) Special meetings of the Board and/or State Exfice.
ecutive Committee;
(e) Educational programs at conventions.
THE FOLLOWING ITEM IS P R E S E N T E D TO THE
The Committee wishes to thank all the members of the
DELEGATES BY THE COMMITTEE AS A PROPOSED
A M E N D M E N T TO T H E CONSTITUTION. T H E Association for their support and continued interest in the
PRESENTATION TO THE DELEGATES AT THIS activities of the Committee.
MEETING CONSTITUTES A FIRST READING OF
THIS AMENDMENT.
The following amendment to Article VIII was submitted to the Committee by the Statewide Officers by
memorandum dated May 15, 1980:
"ARTICLE VIII
DELEGATES
Members of each local shall elect from their
membership one or more delegates to represent the
members of the local at all meetings of the Association,
except that the local president shall, by virtue of that office. automatically be designated as a delegate. Prior to
< June Isi) July 15th of each year, each local shall file with
the Secretary of the Association an accurate list containing the names and addresses of its delegates for the ensuing year, and names and addresses of alternate delegates
may be submitted to the Secretary thereafter." REST OF
THE PUBLIC SECTOR. Wednesdoy, September 10, 1980
Submitted by,
REVISION OF THE CONSTITUTION
AND BY-LAWS COMMITTEE
Mary Ann Bentham, Chairperson
Carol Craig
Ed Ochenkoski
Nick Dellisanti
Ray O'Connor
Marie Romanelli
Kirk Scott
John Francisco
Nick Cimino
Amelia Clay
Coney ward gets emergency attention
LARGE CHUNKS OF CEMENT - fell from the ceiling of the Coney Island
Hospital without prior warning. Local 446 President George Boncoraglio,
left, and first Vice President Joe Matons, right, issued a formal complaint
and emergency repairs are underway.
BROOKLYN — Formal union complaints that a psychiatric ward at Coney
Lsland Hospital is unsafe for both patients and employees has led to the start of
corrective action by management following a recent meeting between CSEA
officials and hospital administration personnel.
Union officials charged that chunks of cement ceiling fell without prior
warning, that heavy dust clogs the air, and that conditions are generally
overcrowded. As such, union officials said, the employees, members of CSEA
Local 446, often became ill on the job and were in constant danger due to the
problems. The employees are assigned to South Beach State Psychiatric
Center but work out of a psychiatric ward floor of the Coney Island Hospital administered by the New York City Health and Hospital Administration.
Although employees say ceiling material has fallen for several years, they
say the problem became critical only in recent weeks. As the situation became
more acute, many workers expressed fears of patients or themselves becoming injured.
As a result of the condition. Local 446 President George Boncoraglio and
CSEA Field Representative Bart Brier met with Coney Island Hospital Executive Director Robert J. Bradbury and city structural engineers. Bradbury
said he was aware of the condition, has construction men working overtime to
rectify it, and would let an additional contract on an emergency basis, thereby
bypassing usual bidding delays.
In response to the workers' complaints. South Beach administrators
crowded the floor's available space into half of what it had previously occupied. Coney Island Hospital then called in construction men to scrape the
cement surface of the ceilings to the bare beams on the evacuated portion of
the floor. Resulting heavy dust, however, caused a number of workers to take
sick-time off, and increase their concern for their patients welfare.
Bradbury said at the meeting with CSEA officials that completion of the
project would be a top priority. Boncoraglio, however, said members of his
local would not return to portions of the floor that have had the loose cement
removed until an engineer representing CSEA certifies the work site to be
safe.
"Its a terrible shame that our members have to work under these conditions," Boncoraglio said. "We intend to pursue this matter with the South
Beach administration until our members will have a work atmosphere that is
safe; a clean facility at which they can take care of their patients."
"Herbie" the bicycle speaks up about
safety at Dutchess County Fair
RHINEBECK - It looks like any other bicycle, and financed by donations as well as an annual fund
raiser. It's been in operation since 1976, and has at
but it talks, and "Herbie" is his name.
least 100 "bookings" each year, from scout groups
"Herbie" belongs to a mobile crime prevention to public schools to senior citizen senters.
unit which is a project initiated, and sustained, by
Programs are individualized to each group, or as
the Dutchess County Deputy Sheriff's Unit of
Boice
says, "you have it, we cover it." He notes
CSEA. "Herbie" talks about bicycle safety, and he
sometimes causes quite a stir when the un- that its focus has expanded in recent years and,
suspecting pass by, laughs Deputy Roy Boice who "while we were mostly geared toward children, we
adds, in a more serious tone, that the "cp" unit ex- now go before all different groups, with
ists because, "the deputies care very deeply about everything from short courses in babysitting to
safety tips for older Americans."
their community."
All the displays, signs, upkeep, and even "HerRecently, the mobile unit spent six days at the bie's" voice are done by the deputies themselves, THE SHERIFF'S UNIT - was the first sight to
Dutchess County Fair where an estimated 35,000 on a voluntary basis, which prompts CSEA Unit meet the eye when people entered this year's
people checked it out, and learned about such things President Dennis 0'Keefe*to observe, "these men 135th annual Dutchess County Fair.
as drug abuse, door locks, burglary prevention, safe are performing a necessary community service in
driving, vandalism, and, of course, bicycle safety. attempting to educate people on how to avoid
A special guest was "Echo" the bloodhound.
becoming victims of crimes as well as by working
The mobile unit is staffed strictly by volunteers with our young folks."
"HERBIE" - rests in the background as
Deputies Roy Boice and George Brazzale talk to
a curious youngster.
"ECHO" THE BLOODHOUND - makes an
appearance accompanied by Deputies Charles
O'Hern and Roy Boice.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Wednesday, September 10, 1980
Page" 11
PROMISES, PROMISES. • • Ulster County keeps on
promising to correct overcrowded conditions
By Stanley Hornak
CSEA Communications Associate
KINGSTON - Thus far this year.
Ulster County officials have received
36,949 tourist inquiries, but there's
one place they would rather not have
you visit, and that's their own county
office building.
The union has been trying to have
working conditions there improved
for employees of the Social Services
unit, but the county just hasn't moved
fast enough. They hold out promises,
but nothing more. So it was decided to
go "public."
Section President Nancy Jaffer
took her union representatives, including a photographer, on a tour of
the facilities Aug. 15, and county officials didn't like that one bit. She explains.
"We didn't take pictures of clients,
out of respect for their confidentiality. Nevertheless,
when
management saw us, they became
very uptight and made us destroy the
film."
"Later," Ms. Jaffer noted, "the
county attorney indicated that we
could take pictures, after hours, and
with the c o n s e n t of the Commissioner. We then went to him for
his OK, but were told, he was out for
a few minutes. We came back again,
twenty minutes later, and were told,
he just went to the infirmary. Shortly
thereafter, when we were in the lobby, the commissioner came sneaking
out of the elevator, and he was really
surprised to see us. We immediately
asked for permission to take pictures,
but he flatly refused."
Anyone walking into the offices
notices right away that they are far
too overcrowded, there are numerous
fire hazards, and that the noise level
is intolerable. To make matters
worse, a state mandated welfare
management computer system is being installed, and that's taking up
even more space. There is no room to
interview clients, confidentiality
can't be maintained, and as one
employee adds, "that's a special
imtfi.
THIS IS A TYPICAL SCENE^n a 4th floor office of
the Ulster County office building. Employees of the
Social Services unit there work with no room to
spare. Every inch is occupied by bookcases, files
and oversized furniture.
problem when we're working with
senior citizens."
The county has no sense of urgency.
Nine months ago, the public health
nurses were supposed to be moved
out to give DSS more room, but it still
hasn't happened. There is talk that
trailers may be set up to provide additional space, but that will still mean
employees working, in less than
satisfactory conditions, with the added problem of having fewer parking
, spaces in a section of the city where
there aren't already enough convenient places to park.
Ms. Jaffer sums it all up by asking,
"What does the county have to hide?
Why are they acting like we live in a
police state? After all, we are public
e m p l o y e e s working in a public UNION OFFICIALS point to the lack of an alternate exit out of this 6th
building . . . "
floor office as a prime example of a fire hazard.
''What does the county
have to hide? Why are
they acting iiice we
iive in a poiice state?
After aii, we are public
empioyees woricing in
a pubiic buiiding . .
Page 12
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Wednesday, September 10, 1980