Official Publication of The Civil Service Employees Association Local 1000,
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
AFL-CIO.
(ISSN 0164 9949)
Vol. 8, No. 4
FWtoy, February 22,1985
/
ABRAHAM LINCOLN'S historic Emancipation Proclamation exhibit at the New
York State Musewn in Albany is visited by CSEA Executive Vice President
Joseph E. McDermott, right. E^laining the significance of the exhibit is Edward
Brown, left, supervising exhibit specialist in audio visual design, and Anne Marie
Hakeem, second vice president of Education Department CSEA Local 657. CSEA
and AFSCME members played major roles in putting together and protecting the
unique exhibit. See articles on pages 6 and 7.
CSEATOIAUNCH
FOOD CO-OPS TO
CUT FOOD COSTS
ALBANY — Will CSE A soon be in the business
of helping members cut food costs?
The answer may very well be "yes" if an experimental program, authorized by CSEA President William L. McGowan, succeeds.
Food buying co-ops, which the union leader says
could save as much as 25 percent in costs, will be
tested at selected work sites. K they succeed,
McGowan expects the program to be extended
statewide.
Pilot projects will shortly be underway at these
locations:
REGION I — Suffolk Developmental
Center, Central Islip, Kings Park and
Pilgrim psychiatric centers;
REGION II — aU Staten Island locals*
REGION III — Rockland County
Local 844, Rockland Psychiatric Center
and L e t c h w o r t h D e v e l o p m e n t a l
Center.
M^t)wan expects additional locations in other
CSEA regions "to be announced within several
weeks."
The pilot program is the result of an agreement
with SYSCO Frosted Foods to provide savings to
CSEA members on a wide variety of frozen foods,
meat, seafood, vegetables, cheeses, cold cuts, dry
products and salad oil. Special discounts may also
be available on kitchen utensils and tableware.
CSEA locals would establish committees to run
the co-ops. They would take members' orders and
then arrange distribution once the items were
delivered.
SYSCO Frosted Foods is a division of the SYSCO Corporation which is based in New York State.
Nationally, SYSCO is the largest distributor of
foodservice products. Here in New York State, the
company operates warehouses and distribution facilities in Albany, Syracuse, Horseheads and
Malone.
STATEWIDE OFFICERS
ELECTIONS TO BEGIN
ALBANY—The process of electing CSEA's
statewide officers -president, executive vice president, secretary and treasurer— is about to begin.
Start of the election period has been delayed due
to pending litigation, necessitating some modifications in the procedures and timetable.
All candidates for the four statewide offices will
be required to qualify for a ballot position by petition. To qualify, a candidate must obtain signatures of 1,000 CSEA members in good standing.
The petitioning period will begin Monday,
March 11, when Nominating Petition Request
Forms and official petition forms wM be avaj.
able at CSEA Regional offices and at CSEA neaaquarters in Albany.
Final date for nominating petitions to be
received at CSEA headquarters is Monday, April
15.
Following review of the proposed election procedure at the February meeting of the union's
statewide Board of Directors, the fuU election
schedule wiU appear in the March 8 edition of The
.Public Sector.
A CSEA POLITICAL ACTION COORDINATOR AND A STATE
LEGISLATOR ARE SILHOUETTED AGAINST THE BACKGROUND
OF THE EMPIRE STATE PLAZA IN AN OFFICE OF THE LEC^SLATIVE OFFICE BUILDING IN ALBANY DURING A RECENT L O ^
BYING DAY PROGRAM CONDUCTED BY CSEA THE^UNION^
ATTEMPTING TO MAKE LAWMAKERS A WARE OF
A PROPOSED MAJOR OVERHAUL OF THE STATE'S MENTAL
HEALTH SYSTEM. FOR DETAILS, SEE PAGES 12 AND 13.
iM
ntrodueed
Proposal for setup
of multi-million dollar
training program
A plan for a $5 million training and education
program on occupational safety and health has
been introduced in the state Legislature in
Albany. It would be funded by a surcharge on
Workers Compensation insurance premiums.
"A New York State occupational safety and
health education and training program can
significantly reduce workplace injuries and deaths
as well as reduce the financial burden on employers and insurance carriers," said Assemblyman
Richard N. Gottfried (D-L, Manhattan) and Sen.
John E. Flynn (R-C, Westchester), the sponsors
of the bill. "We must take action to help stop workplace accidents and harmful toxic exposures from
happening."
Nationally, there are 5 million work-related
injuries reported each year and 100,000 deaths
from job-related diseases, the legislators said.
The bill sets up a training and education fund
which would provide grants to employers, labor
organizations, trade associations, educational
institutions and governmental bodies for
training and educational programs, such as
educating workers on preventive health
m e a s u r e s and w o r k e r s ' c o m p e n s a t i o n
procedures.
The $5 million fund provided for in the bill
would come from special compensation
assessments collected annually by the Workers
Compensation Board in their current assessment
procedure on workers compensation insurance
carriers and self-insurers. The fund would be
administered by a State Occupational Safety &
Health Training and Education Board consisting
of three representatives each of the public, labor
organizations and employers.
"While the world is sickened at the news of
2,000 people dying from the industrial disaster in
Bhopal, India, it is equally appalling that every
week in this country the same number of
workers die from job-related diseases," pointed
out the legislators.
The bill is strongly supported by the State
AFL-CIO, the New York State Council on
Occupational Safety & Health and numerous
labor and health organizations.
Syracuse pact nets pay hikes, mere benefits
SYRACUSE — By a margin of better than 3-to-l,
members of the CSEA Syracuse City Unit voted to
accept a new two-year agreement calling for salary
increases, improved dental plan and other benefits
retroactive to Jan. 1.
According to Margaret Dennis, president of the
unit which represents 330 city employee^ in five
departments, the vote was 108 in favor of the new
contract package and 36 opposed.
Terms of the agreement include:
• 5.5 percent increase the first year;
• 5.5 percent in 1986;
• Improved dental plan to include family
members;
• Increased car allowance for employees who use
their personal vehicle for city business;
• Increase in mileage allowance;
• Increase in uniform allowance for meter
readers;
• Improved language in sick leave benefits.
In announcing the acceptance of the new pact
following an information meeting, Dennis said,
"The membership has spoken by ballot and they
overwhelmingly approved the new contract by
better than 3-to-l. It is a fair contract containing
salary increases and additional important benefits,
including an improved dental plan.
The agreement wraps up negotiations begun last
September by a team which included: Linda
Delaney, Nikki Nichols, George Taylor, John
Hoover, Ann Casey, Bill Smorol and a special
thanks to CSEA Collective Bargaining Specialist
Tom Pomidoro.
The contract still must be ratified by the
Syracuse Conmion Council and Board of Estimate,
but both groups are expected to accept the
agreement.
CSEA locals henered for part in feed drive
ALBANY — Three CSEA locals were honored
recently by the Albany Neighborhood Resource
Center and the Council of Albany Neighborhood
Associations for their support of a county-wide
Worksite Food Drive. Receiving recognition for
their efforts were New York State Education
D e p a r t m e n t Local 657, Motor Vehicle
Department Local 674 and Albany County Local
801.
Last year over 60 participating employee
groups raised approximately 24,000 food items
and $4,500 for the Worksite Food Drive. This
drive has become the means of restocking the
Food Distribution Center during the winter and
JUNE ROBAK, CSEA EDUCATION Local 657 president, and Helen Hardiey,
Women's Council, receive a certificate of recognition for the outstanding support
of public employees for the Worksite Food Drive which took place in Albany
County. Presenting the award are Rev. Robert L. Zerbe, president of the Albany
County Emergency Food Task Force and assistant rector of St. Peter's Episcopal
Church, and James Gallagher, president of the Board of Directors of the
Neighborhood Resource Center.
Page 22
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Friday, January 25, 1985
spring seasons. Operated by the Albany County
Emergency Food Task Force, the Food
Distribution Center at 340 First Street is the
central supply point for food pantries throughout
Albany County. While most food pantries have
their own sources of supply, those running short
can get replenished at the distribution center.
CSEA MOTOR VEHICLE Local 674 also received a certificate of
appreciation for its part in the food drive. First Vice President
Suzanne Waltz and PEF's Brian Ginett, center, receive the award
from Rev. Zerbe, left, and Gallagher.
Social Services-sponsored
Awareness Day
liiglily successful
ALBANY — An EAP Awareness Day program sponsored by the
joint EAP committee of the state Department of Social Services attracted a large number of employees to displays set up in the department's facilities at 40 North Pearl Street here recently. CSEA local,
regional and statewide officials also stopped by during the daylong
program to view the exhibits and talk with union members visiting
the displays.
CSEA PRESIDENT William L. McGowan, right, looks over some EAP information material along with Wüliam McMahon, left, Department of Social
Services representative on CSEA's statewide Board of Directors. Looking on
in the background is CSEA Region IV Director John Corcoran.
THE PUB(.IC,SECTOp,friday, FeVuary. 2?, 1?85
Pa^f 3
SSE(
S P u iblic
SECTOR
Official publication of
The Civil Service Employees Association
Local 1000, AFSCME, AFL-CIO
33 Elk Street, Albany, New York 12224
The Public Sector (445010) is published every other
Friday by The Civil Service Employees Association,
33 Elk Street, Albany, New York 12224.
Publication Office: 1 Columbia Place, Albany, New
York 12207. Second Class Postage paid at Post
Office. Albany, New York.
MICHAEL P. MORAN - PUBLISHER
ROGER A. COLE — Editor
TINA LINCER FIRST — Associate Editor
BRIAN K. BAKER — Assistant Editor
Address changes should be sent to: Civil Service Employees Association, The Public Sector, 33 Elk Street,
Albany, Nev/ York 12224.
«
LABOR
DEL TORO ENDORSEMENT — State Assemblyman Angelo Del Toro, left, smiles as he is greeted by
CSEA Metropolitan Region President George Boncoraglio, right. CSEA statewide President William L.
McGowan has announced that CSEA is endorsing the candidacy of Assemblyman Del Toro for New
York City Council president, the first in a series of endorsements the union expects to make in New
York City elections in 1985.
Any activist can taice CSEA treasurers' training
ALBANY—Treasurers' Training isn't just for
treasurers, declares CSEA's statewide treasurer,
Barbara Fauser, while announcing the schedule
for March training opportunities in Region V.
"Safeguarding and wisely managing union
funds is an important responsibility that should
concern all local and unit officers and activists,"
Fauser maintains. "So while the treasurers' training course is mandatory for local and unit treasurers, I strongly urge others to attend these
sessions. I particularly like to see locals and units
being represented by their presidents, executive
committee members, and members of Audit Committees."
Training is scheduled throughout-the year for
the convenience of members. Fauser and Region
VI Treasurer Jim Kurtz trained 37 treasurers recently in Buffalo; and 46 local and unit officers,
including seven presidents, completed the training last month in Fishkill. That session was conducted by CSEA's Internal Auditor David Knutti
and Assistant Director of Finance Judy
Nassau setriement readied
MINEOLA — CSEA and Nassau County reached a tentative settlement
on a three-year contract, retroactive to Jan. 1, as the Public Sector went to
press.
The agreement, if ratified, will provide raises (plus increments) of 6
percent in both 1985 and 1986 and 5.5 percent in 1987.
Contract highlights include:
• fully paid health insurance;
• binding arbitration to resolve disciplinary cases;
• optical plan for employees effective July 1; and
• improved dental benefits effective July 1.
The accord was reached after a marathon bargaining session attended
by Local 830 President Jerry Donohue, CSEA Collective Bargaining
Specialist George Peak and CSEA attorney Richard Gaba.
More details on the Nassau agreement will appear in the next edition of
the Public Sector.
Kosakoski.
Two sessions are tentatively scheduled for next
month in Region V. Courses will be held March
11 at LeMoyne Manor in Liverpool and on March
12 at the Sheraton Inn Conference Center in
Utica. Registration for each session begins at 6
p.m.
Additional information about the sessions is
available from the Region V Office by phoning
315/451-6330.
City of Newburgh contract ratified
NEWBURGH — CSEA members in the city of Newburgh have ratified a two
year contract which provides for 4 percent in wage increases each year plus
increments.
The CSEA unit consists of 110 members and includes all city workers with the
exception of fire and police department employees.
The new Contract is effective retroactive to January 1.
Negotiations, led by Collective Bargaining Specialist Manny Vitale, have
been going on for about six months.
Carr wants names and numbers
ALBANY — CSEA Statewide Secretary Irene Carr reminds local presidents
to continue sending her updated lists of union delegates which include Social
Security numbers.
The listing, in addition to Social Security number, should include the
delegate's home address and telephone number, office address and telephone
number and CSEA local number. It should be sent to: Irene Carr, CSEA
Statewide Secretary, 33 Elk St., Albany, N.Y. 12207.
Carr also requests that she be kept aware of changes in local officers as
they occur.
CSEA to take part in New York City
conference on Soutii African lalior
NEW YORK CITY - CSEA will participate in
a two-day conference March 1 and 2 to support
the emerging labor movement in South Africa.
The New York City program will welcome three
South African union leaders in their first U.S.
appearance on a nationwide speaking tour. The
three represent nearly 300,000 black workers.
General Secretary Pirishaw Camay will speak
on behalf of the Council of Unions of South Africa
(CUSA) which represents about 100,000
members in construction, food and beverage.
Page 4
chemical, steel, and mining trades. Enuna
Mashinini, General Secretary of the Commercial
Catering and Allied Workers Union (CCAWU)
also represents 100,000 workers, mainly in retail
trades. Mashinini has been arrested and
detained without trial or charge by security
forces in South Africa for her union activities.
A third representative from the Federation of
South African Trade Unions (FOSATU) will also
join the conference. FOSATU, the largest labor
organization in South Africa is made up of unions
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Friday, January 25, 1985
in auto, textile, steel, iron, paper, food, transportation, and jewelry industries.
The South Africans were invited to visit and
provide information on their organizing
struggles by American labor leaders. The New
York conference will also feature workshops on
international labor solidarity, U.S. corporate
involvement in South Africa, and social effects of
a p a r t h e i d . F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n on
participating in the program, contact CSEA's
Region II office.
By Stephen Madarasz
CSEA Communications Associate
NEW YORK aiY—Although the State Division
of Parole CSEA Local 259 had a safety committee for several years, it wasn't until workers started getting sick last summer that the committee's
importance became clearly evident.
The local safety committee and CSEA got
deeply involved lak summer when a number of
problems plagued the offices in Manhattan and
employees began complaining of nausea, dizziness
and loss of memory. Now, because of the union's
activity, major problems have been cleared and
some related minor matters are in grievance
procedures.
Local 259 safety committee member Shii Price,
who was one of several employees hospitalized
with symptoms last summer, says the union's successes in dealing with the problems of last year
have led to a greater trust in the effectiveness
of the committee and the union by members
"They know we can't do ever^hing, but we're a
place for them to go, and the situation gets put on^
paper," Price said.
She said the safety committee, in fact, regular
ly called management's attention to unsanita
and unhealthy conditions through a series
grievances. And while some improvements weri
made as a result, it was when some workers ha
to be hospitalized that management could n
longer ignore the committee's constant messag
that things were not right.
Last summer's incidents have since been traced
to a combination of factors—a freon leak from the
building's air conditioning system, ongoing extermination operations, office painting and bad circulation of air. While none individually violated
any health or safety codes, the committee feels
that through its efforts management now has a
greater awareness of the possible dangers associated with such problems.
Local 259 President Jean Jenkins said of the
serious situation last summer, "we'd never had
anything like this happen before, but fortunately
the safety committee was ready to act." Prior to
that time the committee, Jenkins says, had to concern itself with more mundane problems like requests for more heat and hot water and making
certain the garbage was regularly removed.
Region II Occupational Safety and Health
SHII PRICE is back on the job now, but last
summer she was among several employees
at the State Division of Parole in Manhattan
who had to be hospitalized after complaining of nausea, dizziness and loss of memory.
Specialist Mitchell Brathwaite says the success of
Local 259's committee has made it one of the most
active in the Metropolitan Region. "It's easier to
keep up interest in safety when there's a crisis,
but 259's committee has done a good job of getting information to members. People were scared,
and they let them know what was going on." Local President Jenkins agrees, saying members
now are much more willing to bring complaints
or information to the committee.
Member involvement, Brathwaite says, is the
key to whether or not a local safety committee
succeeds. "All you need is one person to be active
in a worksite, someone to look at conditions and
talk to people." Brathwaite says that in the past
there was often confusion about what safety committees do. "People would contact me, or Albany
(CSEA statewide headquarters) about their
problems, but most safety and health questions
can be handled right in the workplace. It only
takes an individual to become familiar with OSHA
guidelines and be available to co-workers."
Basically the local conmiittee or its representative will review local situations initially to determine if, in fact, dangerous circumstances exist.
If violations are discovered, the committee will
attempt to work out the problem with management without calling in outside help. At times,
worksite representatives will need to call for the
assistance of the regional safety committee or
regional OSHA staff expert to deal with more serious problems or persuade management to take
corrective actions.
Shii Price sees the role of the safety committee
as that of a watchdog. *'Even after everyone got
sick, management was still loose about conditions
in this place. I wish they'd be more considerate
of our health." And so the safety committee's role
is to watch and'take whatever action is necessary
whenever a health and safety issue arises, she
says. "Conditions at Parole may be far from perfect, but they're a lot better than they were," says
Price, and she credits the concern and persistence
of the local safety committee with achieving that
improvement.
The conference room at CSEA Metropolitan Region headquarters will be renamed tt>e Frances CXjBose Batiste
Memorial Conference Room at a special ceremony March 1 8 at the regional headquarters, 11 Broadway . Manhattan.
\
The action by the CSEA Region II executive board during its regular meeting on that date will honor the
memory of the late Frances DuBose Batiste, who rose through the union ranks to t>ecome president of the
2 3 , 0 0 0 - m e m b e r CSEA Metropolitan Region.
DuBose Batiste died unexpectedly on March 1 8 , 1 9 8 4 and was regional president at the time of her death.
Several C S E A statewide officers and other union officials are expected to attend the ceremony. Rank and
file members are encouraged to attend and participate in the memorial program as well.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Friday, February 8, 1985
Page 15
nack
History
^ o n t h
Museum members install
exhibit of historic
Lincoln proclamation
ALBANY — The P r e l i m i n a r y Emancipation
Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln
Sept. 22,1862 is currently on display at the New York State
Museum here, coinciding with Black History month.
The exhibit was installed by a team of CSEA members
from Education Department Local 657 and is under the
watch of building security guards and Capitol Police
represented by AFSCME.
Continuing through Feb. 28, the exhibit is a joint
venture of the museum and the New York State Library,
which has owned the rare document since 1865.
The four-page, epoch-making decree has been called
one of the three or four most significant documents ever
-issued in America, along with the Declaration of
Independence, the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
It has been taken out of its air-conditioned vault and put
MUSEUM EXHIBITION SPECIALISTS — These CSEA members were responsible for
on display only once every 10 years over the past several
setting up the Lincoln document, which is taken put of its vault and put on display only once
decades. Extremely sensitive to light, humidity and
every decade. From left to right are Steve Shashot, John Yost, George Betke, Ed Brown, Greg
oxygen, it is placed on pure blocks of cellulose in a doublewalled, glass-fronted steel container from which the air was Brown and John Whaley.
The preliminary document was acquired by the New York State Library
evacuated and replaced with nitrogen.
through an interesting series of events.
The proclamation declared that all slaves in states which were still in
rebellion on Jan. 1,1863 "shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free."
In February and March 1964 the Army Relief Bazaar was held to raise
Thus, it had taken nearly a century, many years of abolitionist agitation and
money for the U.S. Sanitary Commission, a precursor of the Red Cross that
two years of the Civil War to apply the meaning of the Declaration of
helped provide medical care for Union soldiers.
Independence to the nation's black population.
Lincoln donated the preliminary proclamation to the relief fund, and it
The document is written entirely in Lincoln's hand, except for minor
was subsequently won in a lottery by Gerrit Smith, a well-known
revisions by Secretary of State William H. Seward, a former governor of
abolitionist. Smith gave the proclamation to the Sanitary Commission to be
sold to raise more money.
New York, and a formal beginning and ending by the chief clerk.
Three days after Lincoln's funeral train passed through Albany on April
Lincoln's final Emancipation Proclamation was issued on Jan. 1,1863.
The manuscript copy was acquired by the Chicago Historical Society but
25, 1865, the Legislature acting with dispatch purchased the proclamation
lost during the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
for the New York State Library.
CSEA retiree takes pride, overcemes prejudice
PAWLING—Bluford Jackson has officially retired from his 26 years of state service, but the
68-year-old is as active as ever—in politics, health
and human services.
"I think I owe something to society. I can repay
a debt," says the CSEA retiree, a former employee at Harlem Valley Psychiatric Center and
Downstate Medical Center.
Bluford began working in 1951 as a mechanic at
Harlem Valley and later was an attendant and a
patrolman. In 1968 he became head of security at
Downstate. He was instrumental in forming a
CSEA unit there with the late Frances DuBose
Batiste, former Region II president.
These days, Jackson is involved in local politics.
An old friend of former Congressman Hamilton
Fish Sr., he has accompanied Fish on many of his
speaking engagements.
In addition, he is the zoning administrator for
the Village of Pawling in Dutchess County, a
member of the Board of Directors of Health
Shield, a health maintenance organization in
Poughkeepsie, and a member of the newly formed
Dutchess County Human Relations Comission. He
was the first black county commander in the
BLUFORD JOHNSON . . . ''the unions have American Legion and is a member of NAACP.
done a lot to ease prejudice.'*
"The good Lord has blessed me," he said. "I
r
Page 6
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Friday, January 25, 1985
owe a great deal to my mother and father. They
taught me not to use my color or the prejudice of
others as an excuse not to accomplish things in
life."
Jackson was no stranger to acts of prejudice.
He recalled that as a youngster he was not allowed
to accompany his school class on a trip to
Washington, D.C.
While many of his boyhood friends studied nursing at Harlem Valley State Hospital, Jackson
could not be admitted because of his color.
He also remembers an incident that occurred
while he was in the armed services and the men
were offered a bus trip to see a baseball game.
"The sergeant said the soldiers would sit in the
front of the bus and the blacks would sit in the
back. When I went to sit in the front, I was told
I was not considered a soldier."
But Jackson is not bitter.
"The country has been good to me in spite of
everything I was deprived of," he says.
Jackson credits CSEA with bringing black and"
white workers together to solve conmion problems. "The unions have done a lot to ease prejudice," he said. "We can all work together —
but can we play together?"
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proclamation, which is
considered one of the three
or four most significant
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i have in my hands a large piece ef history'
Portrait of a museum
exhibit specialist
ALBANY — Edward Brown's maternal greatgreat-great grandparents were plantation slaves
in Georgia, but the CSEA member says handling
the document that freed America's slaves was in
many ways just another aspect of his everinteresting job at the New York State Museum.
A grade 17 supervising exhibit specialist in
audio visual design, Brown was part of a group of
museum employees who helped prepare and install Abraham Lincoln's Preliminary
Emanicipation Proclamation of 1862 for display
(see accompanying story). The exhibit, which
coincides with Black History Month, runs
through Feb. 28.
"The proclamation means my ancestors were
a little bit freer to do what they wanted to do, like
sharecrop land, and to live where they wanted to
live, such as I do today," said Brown. "The proclamation was supposedly for all blacks, but in
the end it was tor all humankind," he added.
A member of CSEA Education Department
Local 657, Brown heads a team of four CSEA
members who design, maintain and repair
museum audio visual exhibits, including in such
special events as children's programs, festivals,
film series and other video presentations.
"Anything in the building that uses AV, w'e
do," he said, adding that his crew also installs
and maintains much of the museum's security
devices, including video cameras, monitors and
alarms.
They were responsible for dressing and
lighting the fragile, 123-year-old Lincoln decree
and preparing the showcase for security.
In some ways, Brown says, the proclamation
was "just another important historical document. I felt, I have in my hands a very large
piece of history."
A soft-spoken, articulate man, Brown started
working for the museum in 1975 and became a
CSEA member two years later. A native of
Macon, Ga., the son of a career army man, he
lived for several years at a time in France,
England, Switzerland, Germany and Hawaii.
The family finally settled in the Boston area, and
Brown attended East Coast Aero Tech and the
A LOOK AT LINCOLN — Edward Brown gazes at
Museum.
University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He was'
in the Naval Air Reserves for several years,
where he trained in electronics.
He and his wife, a medical records technician,
moved to the Capital Region in 1973. They have
two sons, 13 and 11.
He says he has been interested in discovering
more about his roots ever since attending a family reunion six years ago in his hometown at
which more than 240 relatives showed up.
"My kids are very interested in where we
came from, how we got where we are," he said,
noting that in his spare time he enjoys carving
African statuettes and going to African dance
performances.
But he is not only interested in his black
heritage — he's part Cherokee and Blackfoot Indian, too. And so he counts a rare Indian wampum belt as one of the more fascinating historical
the exhibit he helped set up at the New York State
artifacts he helped set up at the museum.
Located at the Empire State Plaza in
downtown Albany, the museum is one of the
oldest and largest state museums in the country,
and is devoted to exploring the people, history,
art, science and natural environments of New
York state.
Brown says some of the more interesting projects he has worked on over the years have been
a jazz festival series, an exhibit/lecture series on
Irish art and literature, and "all the special programs with the kids."
He enjoys the diversity of his work and says his
job has "taught me a lot about history and
science."
Working on the Preliminary Emancipation
Proclamation with Brown were fellow CSEA
members Gregory Brown, Steven Shashok,
Thomas With, John Whaley, George Betke,
James Jackson, John Yost and Keith Prior.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Friday, February 22, 1985
Page 8
Health insurance, pensions,
day care among 'fringes'
targeted for federal taxes
WASHINGTON - AFL-CIO President
Lane Kirkland has sharply criticized a
Treasury Department proposal to tax such
worker fringe benefits as health insurance,
pensions, day care, education and pre-paid
legal plans as part of "tax simplification."
"Any revenue attained by taxing fringes
would be directly and exclusively taken out
of the pockets of working people," Kirkland
said.
Kirkland also attacked the Treasury's
proposals to tax fully unemployment insurance and workers' compensation
benefits.
The federation chief said, "In the socalled fringe benefit group now being considered for taxation are widely used programs that fulfill major, demonstrable
needs and social purposes that affect the
great majority of working Americans." He
said such employer-paid benefit programs
"have been subjected to the checks and
balances of the legislative process as well
as the collective bargaining process."
"These benefits," Kirkland continued,
"are not frivolous 'perks' or gimmicks to
shelter income, generate phony losses or
otherwise reduce the taxes of a privileged
few."
Kirkland stressed that the AFL-CIO
"supports just and fair measures to reduce
the deficit and make the nation's tax struc-
ture more efficient and productive. But
merely to increase the taxes of working
people and jeopardize benefits and protections that are essential to their welfare and
that of their families would be unjust and
unfair."
If employee health insurance benefits
were taxed, Kirkland said, "the most likely
effect of scaling back benefits would be loss
of coverage for preventive care, outpatient
diagnostic services, dental care, eyeglasses
and other benefits which, in fact, save
money."
Kirkland noted that pensions already are
taxed when they are received by employees
and their beneficiaries.
He pointed out that unemployment
benefits also are taxed above certain
thresholds, and said "the suffering of
unemployed workers should not be compounded by increased taxation of their
unemployment benefits.''
W o r k e r s ' compensation benefits,
Kirkland said, "are already inadequate to
meet the needs of disabled workers and
their families."
Kirkland urged Congress "to concentrate
on the long list of alternative means to increase revenue through improving, not
sacrificing, equity."
U.S. Chamber of Commerce President
Richard Lesher has also issued a similar
statement opposing taxation of fringes.
—
^^
CSEA routs Teamsters in Lakeshore challenge
ANGOLA — A spirited effort by CSEA loyalists and activists has turned
back a representation challenge in the 192-member Lakeshore Central Schools
Unit of Local 868. The challenge was mounted by the Teamsters.
"Now we can go forward," said Unit President Joyce Tomaka, "and continue to work for improvements on behalf of all our members. CSEA is here to
stay, and I'm glad the majority of our members weren't intimidated by the tactics of the opposition."
"This show of confidence will help give us momentum toward a decent
negotiated contract," noted Jack Schlenker, Local 868 president. "Our record
of accomplishments on behalf of our members can't be beat, but we don't rest
on our laurels. Our members want results, and that's what we're planning for
in upcoming negotiations."
The spectre of subcontracting transportation services had to be defeated
before the unit could complete planning for bargaining, according to Bill
Thomson, field representative.
"The combined efforts of our members, elected officials and field staff was
instrumental in gaining agreement by the district to halt subcontracting ef-
Charlie Jacobson
remembered
IN MEMORIAL — Friends and colleagues of the
late Charlie Jacobson joined together recently for a
memorial ceremony at the Arthur Kill Correctional
Facility on Staten Island. Jacobson, a plumber and
CSEA Local 010 grievance representative at Arthur
Kill, was a member of the union for more than 16
years before his sudden death last November.
Among those participating, from left, were: Robert
Richards, Jacobson's successor as grievance rep;
Ann Marie Delinkolou, alternate grievance rep;
Rose Sutro, president of Local 010; Kenneth
Dunham, superintendent of Arthur Kill; Dorothy
Jacobson; and Charles Bell, CSEA field rep.
Page 8
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Friday, February 22, 1985
forts and continue transportation services as a district operation," said
Thomson.
The effort saved 66 bus driver and mechanic jobs and honed the unit into a
tight-knit core of CSEA members, he said.
Schlenker praised the election campaign input of Thomson and Region VI
Organizer Thomas Mullen, and vowed renewed determination in the processing of member grievances.
"We have an outstanding record at Lakeshore," Schlenker said. "We've
won more than 84 percent of all grievances filed and numerous arbitrations. I
think that's why the employees voted to retain us."
The unit's present contract expires June 30, and Tomaka looks forward to
meeting the school board members, who "were very good in seeing the benefits of
district-run transportation."
"In the subcontracting negotiations, we were working on behalf of the bus
drivers and mechanics," said Tomaka. "Now we'll be pushing for the benefit of all
our members.
By Ron Wofford
CSEA Communications Associate
ROCHESTER — The seldom-addressed potential for assault or harrassment of public employees on the the job received maximum attention in a
recent series of mandated seminars for Monroe County's more than 2,000 employees.
The program included a presentation on managing and surviving potentially violent situations, and an explanation of procedures that will be used
to expedite prosecution should a county employee be attacked.
"The average county employee is a potential target for harrassment or
assault from a frustrated client or consumer, said Florence Tripi, president
of the county employee unit of Monroe County CSEA Local 828.
"For understandable reasons, social services personnel come under attack more often than others," Tripi said. "But workers in the health, environmental, parks, auto bureau and highway department also come in contact with the public. Therefore, it is important to have the knowledge that
allows one to assess the potential for conflict and confrontation in the work
situation, whether in the office or the field."
Tripi said that for these reasons it was a big boost to employee morale
when Monroe County arranged four half-day sessions, allowmg virtually all
employees to attend on county time.
"County Executive Lucien Morin and District Attorney Howard Relin emphasized the county is concerned with avoiding attacks, but will prosecute
to the full extent of the law should any occur," said Local 828 President
George Growney.
Ammunition to avoid and reduce the risk of attacks was provided by a
presentation of James R. Qark, Ph.D., director of the county's Mental Health
Clinic for Socio-Legal Services.
"The first step" in attaining a degree of personal safety is the realization that "we are each primarily responsible for our own protection," said
Clark, who is also a member of Local 828.
"You can't do a good job if you're scared," Clark said during his "Surviving the Violent Situation" workshop.
The psychologist explored a wide range of potential situations. He discussed the role of stress within oneself and the client, body language, dealing with weapons, and pro-xemics, the science of maintaining proper
distance for the situation.
The session also included a sampling of violent behavior theory by Sigmund Freud and other psychoanalysts. A 10-point model for human services
contacts was designed to provide a condensed group of guidelines to follow.
District Attorney Relin outlined for employees the extensive measures
that will facilitate criminal processing by his department in cases involving
assaults upon county employees. The procedures include instructions to supervisors of every departaient to inunediately notify an assistant district attorney or the D.A.'s office administrator to expedite the prosecution. An
assistant district attorney will personally assist in drafting crinndnal information forms and will keep the involved employee informed of the progress
of the case.
"It is the policy of Monroe County to "prosecute such cases vigorously
and effectively in order to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future," declared Relin.
Employees were given printed copies of the procedure at the sessions,
which were developed in cooperation with CSEA and other unions, according to Tripi.
TALKING SAFETY — Gary Brandt, manager of employee health and safety for Monroe County, talks about the subject of safety with John Bieger, CSEA
occupational safety and health representative in Region VI.
Tripi said "we have had positive feedback on this," and said she will propose such a presentation for a future regional conference. "It would also make
a great model for every county in the state to follow,"Tripi said.
KEEP PROPER DISTANCE - Dr. James R. Clark discusses the importance
of knowing proper distance to maintain in any situation.
APPRECIATION — Monroe County Employees CSEA Unit President Florence Tripi presents a plaque of appreciation to District Attorney Howard Relin
for his assistance in conducting the seminars.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Friday, February 22, 1985
Page 65
AT YOUR
SERVICE
T
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT FUND
Part of a series of articles to be
published periodically in the
Public Sector concerning the services available to the membership
from or through The Civil Service
Employees Association.
ADMINISTRAnVE
Thomas P. Collins, C.P.A.
Fund Director
Kathleen V. Barnes
Director of Operations
Jason P. McGraw
Director of Marketing
and Communications
CERTIFIED PUBLIC
ACCOUNTANTS
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT FUNU
Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co.
The CSEA Employee Benefit Fund is administered by a six- member Board of Trustees. The trustees are William L. McGowan, chairman; James J. Moore, treasurer; Irene Carr, secretary; and members
Joseph E. McDermott, Louis J. Mannellino and Elaine Mootry. Following are profiles of the members of the Board of Trustees.
COUNSEL
Paltison, Sampson,
Ginsberg & Griffin, P.C.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
CONSULTANTS
Frank B. Hall & Co.
The CSEA Employee Benefit Fund (EBF) was
formed in 1979 as the result of a negotiated agreement between CSEA and the State of New York. The
unique Fund replaced an insurance program administered by the state and which provided only dental benefits.
Improvements and changes became immediate
under the CSEA- administered EBF as a prescription drug insurance plan was inaugurated and the
previous dental plan's deductible requirement was
dropped. A year later, EBF again improved dental
benefits. Expanded benefits coverage came again in
1981 when EBF offered its Vision Care Benefit program. Increased benefits continued on a regular basis, and last year EBF was expanded again with the
Trustees
introduction of a Personal Legal Plan.
CSEA statewide President William L. McGowan
is also chairman of the Board of Trustees which oversees the operation of EBF. McGowan recalls his dissatisfaction with both the level of benefits and the red
tape involved in plans then being administered by the
state. As head of CSEA's negotiating teams, he was
in a position to conduct the historic negotiations
which led to creation of EBF.
"When we negotiated in 1979 to create the Fund,
there were a lot of skeptics,"McGowan remembers.
"But since the day we paid our first benefit until now,
we have shown steady and consistent progress in
providing an invaluable benefit to our members."
Indeed, EBF celebrated its fifth anniversary last
June on an impressive record of accomplishments
and in a sound financial position.
#
STRATEGY SESSION — The top administrative officials of the CSEA Employee Benefit F'und review
strategy for the day-to-day operation of the Fund. From left are Director of Marketing and
Communications Jason P. McGraw, Director of Operations Kathleen V. Barnes, and Fund Director
Thomas P. Collins.
Utilization of the various programs by members
has grown substantially each year and results of the
fiscal year which ends next month will certainly establish even more impressive figures. EBF managment has instituted several cost containm^t
measures to help offset inflationary increases%
medical costs and the Fund continues to provide better benefits with greater economy than ever before.
The Employee Benefit Fund (EBF) provides health care benefits to
CSEA members in the state's Administrative, Institutional and Operational
bargaining units and to CSEA members in scores of local government bar-
Page 10
JAMES J. MOORE
James J. Moore, president of CSEA's Central
Region V, serves as treasurer of the CSEA Employee
Benefit Fund. Moore has
headed up Region V since
1977, and has been a member of the union's statewide
Board of Directors since
1973. He has held a wide
variety of elected and appointed positions within the
union for many years.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Friday, February 22, 1985
IRENE CARR
Irene Carr, statewide
secretary of CSEA since
1976, also serves as secretary of EBF. Very active in
a wide range of union activities, she has held numerous positions within the
union for several years. Ms.
Carr also is chairperson of
the AFSCME Women's Advisory Committee.
Michael B. O'HIgglns
For instance, the Fund administered $34 million
in benefits during the previous fiscal year, which
translated into 1,186,360 prescriptions, 243,875 dental claims and 46,269 vision care vouchers handled.
gaining units through contractual agreemen Detween E B F and employers. E B F presently provides benefits coverag to about 120,000 members
in some 120 bargaining units throughout
w York State.
Benefit coverage
very comprehensive
The CSEA Employee Benefit Fund provides liealth benefits in four
main areas. They are dental, prescription drug, vision care and a personal legal plan. The Fund provides health and welfare benefits in these
areas to CSEA-represented state employees and their eligible dependents in the Administrative, Operational and Institutional bargaining units
and to employees and their dependents in authorities and local government jurisdictions which have negotiated such coverage with EBF. Not
all coverage is available to all employees since the type of coverage varies
from jurisdiction to jurisdiction as negotiated in the individual contracts.
The following is a brief profile of each of the benefit areas available
through the Employee Benefit Fund:
WILLIAM L.
McGOWAN
William L. McGowan,
statewide president of
CSEA, serves as chairman
of the Board of Trustees.
McGowan is also an international vice president of
the American Federation
of State, County and
Municipal Employees AFLCIO, CSEA's international
union affiliate. An active
member of CSEA for more
than two decades, McGowan has held many high
level offices in addition to
serving as statewide president for three terms.
INVESTMENT COUNSELOR
McDERMOTT
Joseph E. McDermott is
CSEA statewide executive
vice president and an international vice president of
AFSCME. He is a former
five term president of
CSEA's Capital Region IV,
and has held a wide variety
of regional and statewide
positions within CSEA during his more than two decades as an active CSEA
member.
LOUIS J.
MANNELLINO
Louis J. Mannellino has
been an active member of
his Department of Transportation local since 1966.
He is president of his local
and has held virtually every
other local office over th#
years as well. Mannellino
has held various regional
offices and has served on
more than a dozen regional
and statewide committees
within CSEA.
ELAINE MOOTRY
Elaine Mootry is a mental
»rgiene representative on
SEA's statewide Board of
)irectors, and has served
president of her West
eneca Developmental
^nter CSEA local. In addion ^ serving on several
egional and statewide
onmiittees, she has been
hairperson of CSEA's Initutional Services Unit
egotiating committee.
PERSONAL LEGAL PLAN
The Personal Legal Plan (PLP) is the newest major benefit offered
by EBF to eligible enrolled members. PLP became available last May,
and like all other areas of EBF, is totally self-insured.
PLP is a two phase plan, with phase 1 providing eligible members
and their dependents free and immediate telephone access to an attorney for advice on certain issues and problems. One simple will per year
for a covered employees and spouse at no cost is available under phase
1 also.
Phase 2 of the plan offers comprehensive personal legal services
when required from qualified attorneys or law firms selected from throughout the state. This phase offers legal representation at rates far less than
normally charged for a wide variety of services, including family law matters, real estate transactions, civil litigation, negligence cases, criminal
matters, estate planning, bankruptcies and landlord-tenant disputes.
PLP is administered by the law firm of Roemer and Featherstonhaugh,
P.C., Personal Legal Plan Division, 99 Pine Street, Albany, New York
12207.
Eligible, enrolled employees can utilize the Personal Legal Plan by call-
ing toll free 800-HELP-PLP. In the Albany area, covered employees may
call (518) 436-9363.
DENTAL COVERAGE
The dental plan is a self-insured program with dental benefits being
provided covered employees and eligible dependents according to a
specific reimbursement schedule. There are about 200 dental offices
throughout New York State that accept the CSEA fee schedule as full
payment for most services. Employees may also use any licensed dentist to provide dental services, but in the event charges are more than
covered in the fee schedule the employee must pay the difference between the scheduled benefit and the fee charged.
The plan has no deductible fee. Since 1983 there has been a
$1,000 annual limit per year per individual for dental benefits.
MEDICAL PRESCRIPTION COVERAGE
The EBF prescription drug program is accepted at more than 3,000
pharmacies throughout New York State. Prescription drugs, insulin,
syringes and oral contraceptives are covered. Under this plan employees
and dependents receive prescription drugs from participating pharmacists at a cost of just $1 for each covered drug. The prescription drug
program is also a self-insured plan, and like all EBF plans, requires enrollment by the individual employee.
VISION CARE COVERAGE
The vision care benefit plan allows eligible members and dependents,once every 24 months, to have an eye examination and obtain
one pair of eyeglasses (lenses and frame). An allowance is made for
contact lenses.
When covered member or dependents use optometrists approved
by EBF and select specific lenses and frames, a special CSEA voucher
is accepted as full payment. If non-participating practitioners are used,
the plan provides for specific fees payable to the member, who is responsible for payment to the practitioner.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Friday, February 22, 1985
Page 11
if
DAY
Political action coordinators
campaign against changes
in mental health system
STAFF MEMBERS OF CSEA's statewide Legislative and Political Action office and regional
political action coordinators get together at a breakfast meeting in Albany prior to lobbying at the
state Legislature. Pictured in background, from left, are: Gus Nielson, Region I political action coordinator; Joyce Dimitri, administrative associate; Robert Haggerty, director of operations; and
Thomas Haley, legislative and political action director.
REGION i n POLITICAL ACTION Coordinator
Doris Mason, above, looks over a copy of "Compassion and Care" with Assemblyman Robert
Connor (D, Rockland). The report, a comprehensive document put together by CSEA and
AFSCME, criticizes recommendations by a
special governor's study panel which proposed
an overhaul of the state's mental health system.
DOUGLAS PRESCOTT (R-C, Queens) takes
some time to talk over the issue with Region II
Political Action Coordinator Lauri Cohen.
Page 12
THE PUBLIC SECTOR. Friday, February 22, 1985
ALBANY — CSEA's Legislative and Political Action office Feb. 5 held a Lobbying Day to help make
the state's politicians more aware of the disastrous
effects for the mentally ill of a proposed major
overhaul of the mental health system.
The union's regional political action coordinators,
recent additions to the political action office, worked
the halls of the state Legislature, meeting with state
senators and assemblymen and criticizing recommendations by a special governor's study panel for
radical changes in mental health services. Primarily, the commission has advised decentralization of
tile services, under which there would be a shift from
state-run facilities to more community residences
gov
that would be governed
by regionally- established
offices or boards.
Prior to meeting with legislators, the political action coordinators met with staff members of the union's political action office.
"We met to brief them on the issue so that they
could properly represent CSEA's position on the matter," said Legislative and Political Action Director
Thomas Haley.
"We wanted to make it very clear to legislators
that CSE A is not against deinstitutionalization of the
mentally ill, but against releasing them into the communitjr without adequate state-run support services," Haley said. "What we are against is the
proposal for community facilities run by private interests for profit instead of the well-being of the mentally ill."
Haley said that coordinators reported "mixed
r,esponses" regarding opinions of the lawmakers on
the matter.
Board off
Directors
Meefing higklighH
EDITOR'S NOTE: The Public Sector regularly
publishes a summary of actions taken by CSEA's
statewide Board of Directors at the board's official
meetings. The summary is prepared by statewide
Secretary Irene Carr for the information of union
members.
By Irene Carr
CSEA Statewide Secretary
ALBANY — Meeting in Albany on Jan. 10, the
statewide Board of Directors overruled the report
of the Legal Committee in three instances, granting
legal assistance in each ease.
It was announced that the State Workshop will be
held in Syracuse May 1-3 and that the Local Government Workshop is scheduled for June 7-9 in Albany.
The Local Government Executive Committee
received a report from CSEA's Research Department on the Civil Service Abuse Study. The Board
then recommended that within 90 days they be furnished with a report of the disposition of and/or
recommendations for the resolutions of problems
identified within the report.
Two appointments to the union's statewide
Political Action Committee were approved: Joan
Newman, representing Region III, and Keith
Zielko, representing Region V. Sal Grieco was named as a member of the Region III Political Action
Conmiittee.
The Board also recommended that the statewide
Treasurer send a definitive status report to the appropriate unit or local president and treasurer
when financial records are taken for an audit at
headquarters. The report should be provided every
30 days while the books are being held.
Questions by CSEA members concerning the
union's Board of Directors should be directed to
that member's board representative, local president, or to the office of the statewide secretary.
Copies of the secretary's Board minutes are mailed
to all board representatives and local presidents.
REGION II COORDINATOR Lauri Cohen with Sen. Howard Babbush (D, Kings).
EDWARD LAPLANTE, political action coordinator in Region IV, right, holds a quick meeting in the
hall of the Legislative Office Building with two lawmakers, Assemblyman Arnold Proskin (R-C,
Albany-Saratoga) and Assemblyman Richard Miller (R, Broome).
S
M
YEARS OF
^PROGRESS
OSEQ
ASSEMBLYMAN PAUL HARENBERG (D, Suffolk) and Region I Political Action Coordinator Gus
Nielson discuss the mental health issue and CSEA's stance.
During the World War II years, CSEA continued to grow and obtain substantial and important gains for public employees. In 1941,
CSEA was a strong backer of the law creating
the Fite Commission to develop rules and procedures to bring all public employees in the
state under the merit system. CSEA's president and counsel were both members of
that commission. In 1942 CSEA won statutory protection relative to leaves, increments, reinstatements, etc. for employees
entering military service. In 1943 CSEA was
instrumental in gaining overtime pay for
work beyond 48 hours, and in 1944 CSEA began
supplying members a regular weekly
newspaper, the forerunner of today's Public
Sector. In 1945 the union won increases in
state emergency pay ranges, and secured a
measure permitting 10 percent additional pay
for hazardous work.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Friday, February 22, 1985
Page 13
Region IV
PALS meet
and greet
legislators
Sen. Howard Nolan (D. 42nd District) and Joan Tobin, Region IV first vice president.
LEGISLATIVE
ALBANY — CSEA political action liaisons in
Region IV were busy renewing old acquaintances
and establishing new ones during the recent legislative breakfast held here.
"This is a great opportunity to get an early pulse
of the tempo that the session will be operating under," said John Francisco, CSEA Region IV Political Action Committee chairman.
"We have an early opportunity to introduce our
positions on numerous items without any type of
political,pressure."
A dozen elected Assembly and Senate representatives attended the breakfast, and C. Allen Mead,
Region IV president, was busy table hopping to
make sure all of the officials were aware of the
region's views on a number of topics — from
CSEA's opposition to recent proposals to revamp
the existing mental health system, to its support
for a permanent agency shop law.
"This breakfast is a tradition which has proven
its worth and must be continued," said Mead.
PAL Carol Strokes. Region IV PAC Chairman John Francisco, center, and Sen. Hugh Farley (R. 44th)
ABOVE: Edward LaPlante. left, political action coordinator. Glenn Harris (R. 109th), center, and
Assemblyman Neil Kelleher (R. lOOth).
LEFT: Assemblyman Robert D'Andrea (R. 108th) and C. Allen Mead. Region IV president.
Page 14
THE PUBLIC SECTOR. Friday, February 22, 1985
Sanford T. Tanksley, left, representative to Assemblyman Michael McNulty (D. 106th).
Region IV President C. Allen Mead and Assemblyman Andrew Ryan (R. llOth).
Assemblyman Richard Conners (D. 104th) and Region IV Director John D. Corcoran
Jr.
BREAKFAST
ABOVE: Assemblyman Larry Lane (R. I02nd), PAL Gloria
Rutkey, and Assemblyman Jim Tedisco (R. I07th).
Assemblyman Paul Tonko (D. 105th) and PAC Chairman John
Francisco.
RIGHT: Assemblyman Arnold Proskin (R. 103 rd) and Region
IV Third Vice President Barbara Skelly.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Friday, February 22, 1985
Page 15
Profiles of some of the members of your unien's
negotiating teams in the CSEA/state contract negotiations
SARAH JACKSON
Administrative Services Unit
"I have a great concern for people and
it is a real challenge for me to be
part of seeking and approving what I
think is best for all my sisters and
brothers," says Sarah Jackson.
A state worker and CSEA member for
22 years, Jackson is chairwoman of the
Administrative Services Bargaining Unit.
Secretary of her local, she is a member
of the statewide Board of Directors and
the CSEAP and Education committees,
and chairs the Human Relations Committee. She has trained in labor history and
labor law.
Jackson is just as involved in conununity service. She is first vice president of
the New York State Board Association of
Community Action, chairwoman of the
Board of Directors of Rockland Community Action Council, chairwoman of the
Spring Valley NAACP Membership Committee, and past chairwoman of the Women's Auxiliary of the First Baptist Church
of Spring Valley.
This is her first time on the negotiating
team. "I feel I can be an asset because
of my leadership ability," she says.
CSEA S NEGOTIATING TEAMS
ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES
UNIT
Negotiating
Team
Region I — Elizabeth Holt and Barbara Reynolds
Region II — Elliot Bernstein and Ann Worthy
Region III — Carole Peets and Sarah Jackson
Region IV — Lee Johnson and Dann Wood
Region V — Chris Carletta and Claire McGrath
OPERATIONAL SERVICES UNIT Negotiating Team
Region VI — Sara Sievert and Dawn Lyman
Region I — Arthur Loving and Lou Mannellino
Collective Bargaining Specialist Jack Conoby
Region II — Benjamin Hayes and James Wilson
Region III — Jack Cassidy and Richard Riley
Region IV — Milo Barlow and Leroy Holmes
Region V - Tom Ward and Chuck Eynon
Region VI — John Wallenbeck and Thomas Petrone
Collective Bargaining Specialist John Naughter
INSTITUTIONAL SERVICES UNIT Negotiating Team
Reqion I — Joseph Nova and Anthony Ruggiero
Region II — Joel Schwartz and Miguel Cruz
Region III — Jeff Howarth and Beatrice White
Region IV — Joel Falkenbury and Dominick Ruggieri
Region V — Madeline Harrison and Ruby Meyers
Region VI — Elaine Mootry and Kathy Pontillo-Button
Collective Bargaining Specialist Jim Cooney
MADELINE C.
HARRISON
r
Institutional
Services Unit
"I have been actively involved in CSEA for the
past three years and in that time I have become
a staunch supporter of CSEA and the value of
negotiating for our members," says Madeline C.
Harrison.
A union member for five years and currently a
shop steward, Harrison says she believes she is
in tune with the needs of her co-workers.
She says she has been successful at settling
negotiations over safety, clothing requirements
and training with her supervisors.
Page 16
THE PUBLIC SECTOR. Friday. February 22, 1985
CHARLES J. EYNON
Operational
Services Unit
President of his local, Charles J. Eynon has served
as an AFSCME delegate and has been involved in
EAP, helping to negotiate the EAP language into the
contract at the last round of negotiations.
Previously he was president of Binghamton State
Employees Local 002, and served as vice chairman
of the OSU negotiating team during the 1982-85 contract talks.
"I see the need for some real important language
changes in the operational contract," he says, noting that current language inadequacies have "cost
us many grievances."
J
Two new prep books available
for political subdivision
tests for welfare examiner
and caseworker job titles;
stress management tapes now
available for all members
New exam prep booklefs
availableffercaseworkers,
social welfare examiners
ALBANY — CSEA is now making available two new exam preparation booklets to workers in the political subdivisions. The new booklets, one for caseworkers and the other for social welfare examiners,
add to two already existing instructional series on secretarial and custodial skills.
The new "Social Welfare Examiner Series" contains review work
in the areas of supervision and administration, interviewing, and understanding social and human relations problems.
Principles and practices of social casework, interviewing and supervision are included as part of the preparation in the "Caseworker
Promotional Exam Series."
Still available through the CSEA Education and Training Department are the "Secretarial and Typing Series" and the "Custodial
Series."
The former booklet is for secretaries in the counties and municipalities and for non-teaching school district personnel. Designed for
employees holding typist, steno, and secretarial titles, it contains review
work in areas of supervision, secretarial and typing practices, spelling,
punctuation, and capitalization and usage.
The series for custodians contains review work in supervision, cleaning, building operations and maintenance as well as in ability to read
and follow written instructions.
Each booklet is available for the price of $1.50 from the union's Education and Training Department. Use adjacent coupon for ordering.
Region lY workshop set
LAKE GEORGE — A workshop dealing with such
topics as domestic violence, legal rights of battered
women, rape, sexual abuse, self defense and legalities will be held March 8-10 at the Ramada Inn, Lake
George, under sponsorship of the CSEA Region IV
Women's Committee.
A discussion on alcohol and drug abuse and its relationship to domestic violence will be held Friday
night, March 8.
Saturday's program will include discussions by experts of the effects of domestic violence on children,
the legal rights of battered women, and related
subjects.
Sunday's program will discuss rape, sexual abuse
and self defense.
Information about the workshop can be obtained
by contacting the CSEA Capital Region office, (518)
489-5424.
ALBANY — CSEA is offering members a
cassette tape that individuals can use to teach
themselves how to combat the effects of stress
through relaxation. The audio tape can be
ordered for just $2.50 by completing the coupon
below.
The relaxation tape was developed for CSEA by
Cornell's School of Industrial and I^bor Relations,
and is an extension of stress management workshops CSEA has been conducting at meetings
around the state.
One side of the cassette tape is especially
tailored to assist people in controlling stress related to taking exams. The other side of the tape consists of a 30-minute program of breathing
exercises and other relaxation techniques. Both
sides should be useful in helping overcome the effects of stress in a variety of conditions.
ORDER FORM
ATTN: CSEA Education Department
33 Elk Street
Albany, N.Y. 12207
Please send me the booklet{s) indicated. I understand the price is $1.50
(includes postage) for EACH booklet ordered.
_ Secretarial and Typing Series
Custodial Series
Please send me
of $ 2 . 5 0 each.
_ Social Welfare Examiner Series
_ Caseworker Promotional Exam
Series
relaxation program(s) on cassette tape at the price
I have enclosed a check or money order in the amount of $
to cover the cost of this order.
Please send booklet(s) to:
Name
:
Address
City
State/Zip
Social Security Number
CSEA Local
EMPLOYER
PLEASE NOTE: The relaxation tape is available only through CSEA's
Education Department. Non-CSEA members can obtain the exam prep
booklets directly from Cornell Universitv at the same price bv contacting: Cornell ILR, 112 State Street, Suite 1200, Albany, New York 12207.
CSEA efforts get upgradings
for 3 Suffolk local members
HAUPPAUGE — Three employees of the Islip
Career Center of BOCES II have received approvals for upgradings which will represent an annual mcrease in pay of at least $600 apiece.
The employees, members of Suffolk County Local 852, will be upgraded to the title of Warehouse
Worker IL Currently, they work at the center in
Laborer and Driver/Messenger positions.
BOCES II Unit President Yvette Warren says
that CSEA petitioned the Civil Service Department for the upgradings last fall after receiving
complaints from the workers that they regularly
were performing tasks not included among their
job specifications.
''Their duties called for them to move furniture,
stocks and supplies," explains Warren. "However, these workers found themselves doing a lot of
inventory and clerical work like record keeping
and filing. They felt there was a lot more responsibility to the job than there was supposed to be
for what they were getting paid."
The Civil Service Department agreed that the
three workers were performing some duties not
in their job descriptions. Recently, it selected an
existing title it believes better fits their responsibilities.
The Civil Service Department decision for an
upgrading must go now to the BOCES II board for
approval. According to Warren, the board is expected to approve ihe upgradings.
''Each of the workers upgraded will receive up
to $630 more a year in addition to regular raises
which they are entitled to through the contract,"
said Warren.
Region I President Danny Donohue noted that
the BOCES workers' upgradings is an example to
others who find themselves with added responsibilities.
"A lot of these blue collar titles are getting additional workloads and responsibilities. When a title no longer fits the kind of work actually
required, then employees deserve and should go
after an upgrading and a title change," said
Donohue.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Friday, February 22, 1985
Page 17
Kids o n r
f o r life
I.D. safety program
registers 300 children of
Broome D. C. employees
BINGHAMTON — The Human Relations Committee at Broome Developmental Center recently completed an identification program for
children of employees that photographed, fingerprinted and registered approximately 300 youngsters in two Saturday sessions, according to Sue
Smacher, committee chairwoman and an officer
of CSEA Local 449 at the facility.
"We were absolutely delighted with the employees' response to the program, and also want
to express our appreciation to management officials here at Broome D.C. for their cooperation,"
Smacher said.
The two-day event, sponsored by CSEA, t'EF
and AFSCME Council 82, was conducted Feb. 2
and 9 in the main lobby of the OMRDD facility in
Binghamton.
Employees learned of the program through a
facility-wide campaign that included posted fliers
and extensive CSEA coverage .to area
newspapers, radio and television stations.
"The fliers explained the program and recommended that the employees make reservations to
bring their children either Sat:urday. Thanks to
Sandi Slodki, Carl Stecker and other committee
members we were able to handle nearly 300 children. After the first session we learned we needed an extra fingerprinting kit to reduce waiting
time. The younger children may aot understand
the purpose of the program, but they surely enjoyed the refreshments," Smacher added.
The photographs and fingerprints were turned
over to the various agencies in the BinghamtonBroome County area for future use in the event
of an accident or missing person.
CSEA locals interested in an I.D. program
may contact Sue Smacher at Broome Developmental Center, (607) 770-0472.
SAY CHEESEI was a fim
session for 1 l/2-ye^>old€toriioii
Gottlieb as his mcliier^ Susan,
took his I.D. p i c t u r ^ ^ t t l i e b is
a therapy aide at ^toome Developmental Cental f
Brentwood school members win early retirement
HAUPPAUGE — CSEA-represented workers and other non-teaching employees of the Brentwood Union Free School District have secured an early
retirement option as a result of recent actions by CSEA's law firm and
representatives of Region I.
The school district offered the retirement incentive plan to members of
CSEA and three other employee unions in the New York State Employees
Retirement System Feb. 6 as the Brentwood Teacher Aides Unit of Suffolk
Educational Local 870 went into a new round of negotiations. The offer came
after some heavy petitioning and on the heels of threatened legal action by
CSEA.
The controversy began last November when the Board of Education of
the Brentwood School District elected to participate in the early retirement
plan but chose then to extend the option only to teachers, principals and supervisors in the New York State Teachers Retirement System. CSEA moved
to have its members included at that time on the ground that the program
must be instituted on an "all or nothing" basis according to Field Representative Jim Walters.
"As soon as we found out the teachers and adminstrators were getting
the retirement option, I checked with the school district to make sure it was
considering giving it to all of the units. We understood that the option was
an all or nothing proposition and therefore not negotiable," said Walters.
However, Walters said he discovered through conversations with
representatives of the school district that their opinion differed. In December, he made a formal request to the superintendent of the Brentwood School
District for the inclusion of CSEA members. A denial came in the superintendent's response at the end of January. The difference of opinion centered
JBLIC SECTOR. F r i d a y February 22, 1985
X
around interpretation of statutory language in Chapter 665 of the Laws of 1984
which concerns how employers can institute the option.
"I went to the law firm then, and had some legal papers drawn up," said
Walters, who worked with CSEA Attorney Steven Wiley to file notices of claim
for seven Brentwood workers represented by CSEA. Named on the claims
agair-^t the school district were: Madeline Agricola, Fran Bisculca, Josephine
Chidichimo, Leonora Resseque, Teresa Stango, Marie Visco and Rose Waye.
The school district's favorable response that it would offer the retirement
option to all units came within a week.
"It's been our position that the structure and language of the optional
early retirement bill clearly dictates that an employer cannot choose between
groups of employees" when it offers the beneht, says Wiley.
"In the event that any situation contrary to this should come to our attention, we are legally prepared to deal with it, as we have in the case of Brentwood," he said.
Walters said he and union members in the school district were pleased
and impressed with the quick turnaround in the district's decision.
"It's basically because of the speedy action of CSEA and its law firm that
the district decided to move on this issue," says Walters. "This was something it otherwise would have used as one of the plums in negotiations."
Region I President Danny Donohue called the resolution of the issue "an
important win.
"What we've done in this case is send out the clear message to employers in the school districts and municipalities that if they're going to give the
retirement option to one groups of employees, they're going to have to give
it to CSEA members, too," said Donohue.
Two CSEA leaders address concerns about
training, wage scales in Mid-Hudson area
FISHKILL — A shortage of vocationally trained
workers and inadequate pay scales in local
government have created a serious problem in the
Mid-Hudson Valley, according to two CSEA officials there.
President Pat Mascioli and Director Diane
Campion of CSEA Southern Region III addressed
these concerns in a special edition of the Middletown Times Herald Record at the request of
the local daily newspaper.
While educational institutions in the area offer
the specialized training necessary to sustain the
local computer industry, say Mascioli and Campion, "a by-product of all our institutions of higher
learning is a workforce too well-trained and too
technically-oriented to meet the demand for blue
collar, clerical and basic service employees.
"It becomes more difficult to attract these employees to public service because of salary competition from the private sector."
In the special edition, titled "Mid-Hudson at
Work," the two cited a reluctance to reward public employees for their services.
They also attacked the attitude of those local
government officials "who prefer to balance their
budgets on the backs of employees rather than
looking to top-heavy administration.
"Public employment will continue to expand out
of necessity. The state prison system is expanding locally. State officials are also being forced to
look at the plight of the homeless and the deinstitutionalized mentally ill," they said.
"The shortage of a workforce to address these
problems is a critical one," they concluded, "one
that the taxpayer will bear when government finally realizes that in order to properly train and
maintain a quality employee, one must offer quality wages and benefits and be willing to invest in
these people."
^A by-product of all our institutions of higher learning is a workforce too
well-trained and too technically-oriented to meet the demand for bluecollar, clerical and basic service employees.^
#
ROCHESTER SATELLITE OFFICE
BIN6HAMT0N SATELLITE OFFICE
Suite 218, Executive Office BIdg.
BInghamton Plaza
33 W. State Street
BInghamton, NY 13901
607-772-1750
MAYVILLE SATELLITE OFFICE
P.O. Box 225
Mayvllle, NY 14757
716-753-5290
UTICA SATELLITE OFFICE
PLAnSBURGH SATELUTE OFFICE
CANTON SATELUTE OFFICE
Broad Street Professional BIdg.
53 Broad Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518-563-0761
P.O. Box 488
Canton, NY 13617
315-386-8131 or 8132
C.M.C. Building
3699 W. Henrietta Road
Rochester, NY 14623
716-334-7140
289 Genesee Street
Utica, NY 13501
315-735-9272
WESTCHESTER SATELLITE OFFICE
222 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains, NY 10601
914-946-6905 or 6906
Nassau local VP to speak at workshop on 'fair play'
HEMPSTEAD — Nassau County
r
CSEA Local 830 Executive Vice
President Rita M. Wallace will be
among an impressive list of
panelists participating in "A Conference on Fair Play at Work" on
Saturday, March 16 from 8:45 a.m.
to 1 p.m. at Hofstra Law School,
California Avenue, Hempstead.
The conference is being sponsored
by several groups, including the
New York Civil Liberties Union,
Nassau County Human Rights Commission, and the Long Island Federation of Labor.
Participants planning to attend
should complete the registration
form at right.
ADVANCE REGISTRATION FORM
Name
..
Address
WORKSHOP PREFERENCE
..
Please number all four workshops in your
order of preference.
Zip
Organization
Daytime Phone (
•
)
What the Boss Can and Cannot Do
• When Equal Opportunity isn't Enough
There will be a $5 pre-registration fee p a y a b l e by March 9.
Registration at the door will be $7.50. Please detach and
return check or money order payable to:
• Making Fairness the Law
• Equal Pay for Comparable Worth
NYCLU Nassau
210 Old Country Rd.
Mineola. New York 11501
For more information call (516) 741-8520
THE PUBLIC SECTOR, Friday, February 22, 1985
) 1 i
Page 19
UNION ON OFFENSIVE TO REVERSE
A PAIR OF NEGATIVE SITUATIONS
IH RENSSELAER COUNTY:
TROY- A resolution strongly backed by CSEA,
urging the state to retain the current system of
service delivery for the mentaUy ill and disregard
recommendations contained in a report by the
Select Commission on the Future of State-Local
Health Systems, has been passed by the Rensselaer County Legislature.
The Rensselaer County resolution calls upon the
state to conduct additional studies before implementing any phases of the commission's
report. CSEA's local and regional political action
organizations had urged the Rensselaer County
Legislature to take action rejecting the report.
CSEA has been battling the findings of the commission's report, claiming implementation would
in effect destroy the system and eliminate many
state and local jobs without any improvments to
the mentally ill.
The Rensselaer County resolution notes,
"although the report presents an analysis of the
historical and current problems and issues
regarding the organization of services, policy issues, funding issues, and systems management issues, it does not give specific solutions."
The resolution further states that "even though
many of the objectives of the report have been accomplished in Rensselaer County under the Unified Services format, it is critical that these gains
which have been made in the County as well as
many other jurisdictions throughout the State
should not be compromised by premature implementation of new and sweeping legislation
which does not preserve the strengths of the current system."
Additionally, according to the resolution, "the ing in opposition to implementation of any portion of
commission's findings relate only to mental health the conunission's recommendations. The union's
and not to the other mental hygiene disabilities theme is echoed in the statement by Marty
groups," and therefore "unilateral implementa- Langer, CSEA's .consultant on mental health istion by OMH would fragment in Rensselaer sues, who has said time and time again, "We canCounty an integrated services and management not let the state use this report to walk away from
system."
its constitutional responsibility for mental health
CSEA officials have been appearing before lo- care and foist it and all of its problems onto the
cal and county groups all across the state work- counties."
CSEA CAPITAL REGION PRESIDENT C. AUen Mead, second from left, congratulates Rensselaer
County Legislator Paul Mindiole, chairman of the county health conmiittee, after the county legislature passed a resolution calling for more study of a report on revising mental health services before
implementation. Among those who worked to convince members of the legislature to take that action
were Rensselaer County CSEA Local 842 President Marianne Herkenham, left, and Ed LaPlante, right,
CSEA's political action coordinator for the Capital Region.
IN WESTERN
111
i t K a i K n i i NEW
iiKww YORK:
WWKWL;
CSEA gains wide support in bitter battle
against Worlcers' Comp hours change
BUFFALO
PFALO — A bitter battle which began last
{«1 New
K I a u t York
VAOIT City against
nnnJMc>4 night
ni/vk^- working
montht in
hours for Workers' Compensation Board employees has spread across the state to western
New York, where CSEA activists say they plan to
take to the streets to conduct information picketing in protest of the work hours change.
Pat Froebel, a steward in CSEA's Buffalo State
Employees Local 003 and a WCB employee, says
CSEA is joined by members of other udons Reeled as well as representatives of several private
firms that do business with the WCB in adamantly opposing the change to night hours. She says
she has gathered a long list of signers from those
groups to petitions stating strong opposition to the
change.
"We also have signatures of many claimants
who are opposed to this change," Froebel said. "In
fact, we haven't heard of anyone speaking out in
favor of the move, which was unilateral and is a
Page 20
violation
violation of
of the
the CSEA-state
CSEA-state contract,
contract, article
article 32
32
« « v i A n n others."
"
among
Froebel^ays claimants, employees, attorneys,
insurance carriers and self-insured employers
have all signed the petitions, along with members
of ten other area labor unions.
The Board began initiating hearings on week
nights earlier this month, and employees assigned
the extra hours are receiving time off the following day under the plan. Even before the new
schedide took effect, angry protests erupted
among WCB employees in New York City, who cited the plan as unacceptable and a violation of the
union's contract.
Workers supporting CSEA's fight against the
change have mounted a pair of heated demonstrations in New York City, and according to Froebel,
"we're not stopping with the filing of a grievance
and the petitions. We plan on joining the initiative
of our brothers and sisters in New York City in informational picketing to further inform the public of the hazards of this order. And our Local 003
THE PUBLIC SECTOR. Friday, February 22, 1985
President, Kathy
Kathy Fetzer,
Fetzer, is
is planning
planning to
to testify
tes
President,
betnwa a
n state conunission
a a v m s v i A n that is
j n investigating the
fore
entire WCB program."
That hearing, by the Temporary State Commission on Workers' Compensation and Disability Benefits, was scheduled for Feb. 21 in Buffalo,
as this issue of The Public Sector went to press.
Froebel said many CSEA members planned to
use their lunch break that day to carry signs into
the hearing area to show displeasure with the
hours change. And, she said, an advocacy group
for claimants called "Victims of Compensation"
has "declared war" on the WCB.
"The hardships on working mothers and disruption of workers' personal lives by this unilateral
order are unbelievable," says Froebel. "And
what's so disgusting, so far only about 35 percent
of the scheduled night hearings have been held because the claimants aren't showing up. So
there's a big waste of taxpayers' money going on
here."