Official Publication of
The Civil Service Employees Association Local 1000,
American Federation of
State, County and Municipal Employees AFL-CiO.
Vol. 8, No. 10
Friday, May 17, 1985
Ballots mailed for election of statewide officers
Ballots for the election of CSEA statewide officers were mailed
to ali eligible memtiers on May t5. Deadline for return of completed ballots is noon, June 13, 1995, at tiie address on the return envelope. Eligible members who have not received their
ballot may order a replacement ballot on or after May 20 by contacting Brenda LV Smith, Independent Election Corporation of
America, 7 Delaware Drive, Lake Success, N.Y. 11042, telephone
number (516) 437-4900.
iiliiiiiik^^
ALBANY—By a healthy 3 to 1 margin, CSEA
members in the union^s three state bargaining
units have approved new contracts with the State
of New York providing salary increases, incre-
ments, longevity payments and other major
benefits during the nejct three years.
The first raise, 5 percent, is scheduled to become
effective with the first payroll period in June. A
5.5 percent raise'will take effect April 1,1986, and
a raise of 6 percent will become effective April 1,
1987. The salary hikes compound to 17.5 percent
over the life of the agreement
"The ratification vote was a message loud and
clear that our members had confidence in their
negotiating team and in the first rate job they did
at the bargaining table," CSEA President William
L. McGowan said after the May 13 ballot count.
The new agreements cover 97,000 state employees in CSEA's Administrative, Institutional
and Operational bargaining units.
"I have directed the staff and our political action people to do everything possible to speed the
legislative approval and funding necessary to get
this contract finalized as quickly as possible,"
McGowan added.
Overall, members voted to accept the pacts by
a margin of 3 to 1. The votes ran 77 percent in favor of acceptance in the Administrative Services
Unit; 81 percent in favor in the Institutional Services Unit; and 76 percent in favor in the Operational Services Unit.
"We expected membership approval and the
count proved that the membership agreed with us
that this is'a good contract," noted Executive Vice
President Joseph McDermott.
Longevity payments were maintained for most
career employees while newer wwkers would continue to receive increments until reaching the top
of their salary schedule.
In addition, 1 percent wiU be set aside in the second and third years for comparable worth adjustments and to implement classification studies.
The total contract package will cost the state an
extra $400 million.
Sullivan sheriffs ok
big $ boosts in pact
MONTICELLO — Wage adjustments and salary increases over the next
three years are contained in a recently ratified contract for CSEA-represented
employees of the Sullivan County Sheriff's Department.
Collective Bargaining Specialist Manny Vitale said the 86 employees will
receive wage hikes of 7 percent retroactive to Jan. 1; 6.5 percent as of Jan. 1
1986 and 5.5 percent effective Jan. 1,1987.
In addition to the percentage increases, wage adjustments will be paid to
certain employees as follows:
—Deputies earning less than $16,000 this year, will receive an additional $500
this year over and above their salary. Those earning under $17,000 next year
will receive $400. Deputies earning under $18,000 in 1987 will receive $300.
—Sergeants earning under $18,000 this year will receive $300. Those earning under $19,000 in 1986 will receive $300.
—Cooks earning under $16,000 this year will receive $300 and those earning
under $17,000 next year will receive an additional $300.
—Watchmen earning under $11,000 this year are due to receive a wage adjustment of $200 this year.
—Clerks earning under $11,500 this year will receive $200 and those earning
under $12,500 in 1986 will receive $200.
—The department's senior account clerk will receive an adjustment of $200
this year and $200 next year.
The contract also provides for a new five-year longevity step of $125 and
a 10-year step in the amount of $175; a two hour minimum call-in at overtime
rates; an additional $100 in uniform allowance and a Martin Luther King Day
holiday beginning in 1986.
Members of the negotiating team included Unit President Fred Rock, Phyllis
Siegel, Phil Blecker, William Little, Sal Cardile, James Whalen and Brian Cole.
Rock says he's pleased with the contract which increases wages from a minimum of 20.2 percent to as high as 30.9 percent and credited his committee and
Vitale "with a job well done."
CONTRACTS
HARRISON SCHOOL DISTRICT TEACHER AIDES represented by CSEA have
signed a three-year contract providing pay increases of 6.5 percent per year plus
increments, in addition to merit increases for college credits. Seated from left
are School Superintendent Dr. Joseph Carbone, Unit President Marie Scocchera
and Region III Field Representative Larry Sparber. Standing are members of
the union negotiating team, including Mary Verrilli, Jackie Castellano and Connie Mercurio. Harrison is located in Westchester County.
Harrison teacher aides
HARRISON — Merit increases for college credits and a 6.5 percent pay increase, plus annual increments, in each of three years are contained in a new
contract recently ratified by CSEA-represented employees in the Harrison
School District in Westchester County.
In addition, according to CSEA Region III Field Representative Larry Sparber, the contract provides for creation of a seventh step retroactive to the 1984
salary schedule.
Other improvements include addition of another sick day and an emergency leave day to leave accruals.
Retirees are also provided for in the new agreement, Sparber said. They
will receive a lump sum payment for unused sick leave. Former full time employees will also be entitled to full medical insurance coverage for themselves
and their dependents.
The agreement, which is retroactive to July 1,1984, covers about 50 teacher
aides in the school district.
GLOVERSVILLE PACT — Gloversville CSEA Unit President Alex DiGiacomo,
seated right, watches as Gloversville Mayor Eugene D. Reppenhagen, left front,
puts his signature on a new two-year contract covering city employees. Patricia
Alkinburgh and Unit Vice President Steve Kemmer witness the contract signing. The contract provides a 45-cents-per-hour increase in both years, adds two
additional holidays, and "moves us closer to where we should be," said
DiGiacomo.
Elmsford School contract ratified
ELMSFORD — Salary increases and a new 20-year retirement plan are contained in a three-year contract recently ratified by custodial and clerical employees in the Ehnsford School District in Westchester County.
CSEA Collective Bargaining Specialist Donald Partrick said employees will
receive a step increase of $100 plus 10 percent effective July 1; a 7 percent increase as of July 1, 1986 and 7 percent as of July 1, 1987.
In addition, a new step worth 4 percent will be added to the existing salary
schedule in July.
Members of the negotiating team included Unit President Dominic Nacerino, Rhoda Siwek and Anthony Indorola.
2
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
JOHNSTOWN SCHOOL UNIT CONTRACT — Johnstown CSEA School Unit
President Jerry Fries, right, passes the pen to Johnstown School District Superintendent Dr. John McNamara at a recent ceremony marking signing of a
new three-year contract. The agreement provides a 7.4 percent salary increase
plus increments each year, retroactive to July, 1984. Both sides described negotiations as "tough but professional, resolving numerous problems and creating
a better working relationship." CSEA Field Representative Joseph Bakerian
served as the union's chief negotiator.
May 17, 1 9 8 5
IVI SS NG
CH LDREN
IF you care about children, consider these grim statistics:
1.5 million children are reported missing for a period of time each year.
Some 20,000 to 50,000 children disappear each year and their cases remain unsolved,
some forever.
3,000 unidentified bodies are found in the United States each year and hundreds of those
are children.
Missing children are a tragic problem for families in every neighborhood from cities to rural
areas. It is a problem that demands the attention of each one of us.
LESSONS FOR LIFE
As easily as you teach your child not to cross the street without looking both ways, you
can teach your child to avoid being abducted.
TEACH your children ...
• their full name, address, including
state, and phone number, including area
code.
• your full name and work phone
number.
• how to make a long distance phone
call to you and to dial 911 for help.
• whose home or car is safe for them to
enter without your permission.
SAFETY PRACTICES
FOR
HOME, SCHOOL & COMMUNITY
• to phone home to tell you where they
are at all times.
• a code w o r d k n o w n only to you and
the child.
TRAIN them...
• never to go with, talk to or accept gifts from strangers.
from the
Assembly Republican Task Force
on Missing Children
• never to get into strange cars without your permission.
Assemblyman C.D. "Rapp" Rappleyea
Republican Leader
• never to admit over the phone they are home alone.
• never to enter strange houses without your permission.
• never to answer the door when they are home alone.
Assemblyman James N. Tedisco
Chairman
fax Local may
take an active
role in effort
to help locate
missing kids
ALBANY—Tax and Finance CSEA Local 690 is investigating the possibility of establishing a special
committee on the local level to become involved in
one of the burning issues in society today—missing
children.
Local 690 is checking into the feasibility of the project following a recent Local 690 shop stewards meeting, at which state Assemblyman James N. Tedisco
of Schenectady, chairman of the Assembly Republican Task Force on Missing Children, spoke about the
problem and what is being done to ease it.
Assemblyman Tedisco, who has introduced a comprehensive package of child safety legislation, said
that a major public information campaign involving
television, radio and public speaking programs is
helping make the general public more aware of the
problem of missing children.
May 17, 1985
ASSEMBLYMAN JAMES N. TEDISCO, center, is flanked by Tax and Finance CSEA Local 690 President
Carmen BagnoU, left, and Local 690 Third Vice President Bruce Larsen after Tedisco addressed Local 690
shop stewards about the burning issue of missing children in America.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
3
SPuiblic
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 1 2 2 0 7 . Second Class Postage paid at Post
Office, Albany, New York.
ROGER A. COLE - Editor
BRIAN K. BAKER — Assistant Editor
Address changes should be sent to: Civil Service Employees Association, The Public Sector, 33 Elk Street,
Albany, New York 12224.
^^m^amitujiic^
%
4
• «ft CIOC
/ IC •
The Public Sector
an editor
ALBANY— The Public Sector is seeking
qualified applicants to fill the position of associate editor of CSEA's official publication.
The position requires excellent writing and
editing skills, experience in layout design and
graphics, and a working knowledge of photography. Experience with video display terminal
wordprocessing equipment is desirable.
Minimum qualifications include a college degree in journalism, communication or related
field plus two years of professional writing
and/or editing experience. Six or more years
experience with a professional publication may
be considered for substitution for a degree.
Candidates should submit a resume to:
Director of Employees Relations and Personnel, CSEA, 33 Elk Street, Box 7125, Capitol Station, Albany, New York 12224 not later than
May 28.
Korean War vets
plaiHiing reunfon
Scattered throughout the membership rolls
of CSEA are hundreds, perhaps thousands, of
men and probably some women who are military veterans of the Korean War. That war ended 32 years ago this coming July 27.
That significant date will not go unnoticed for
veterans of what has been called "America's
forgotten war," thanks in large part to efforts
by William T. Norris of the Albany-area community of Waterford. The member of United
Papermakers International Local 17 in Troy is
almost singlehandedly responsible for organizing a Korean War veterans reunion and
memorial service in Arlington, Va. July 25-27,
with special ceremonies at the National Cemetery at 10 a.m. July 27 to mark the 32nd anniversary of the signing of the cease fire in
Korea on July 27, 1953.
Korean War era veterans interested in this
event should immediately contact William T.
Norris, 302 Middletown Road, Waterford, New
York 12188 for details.
4
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
WOMEN IN THE WORKFORCE Conference participants at a recent program at Niagara County Community College included, from left, CSEA statewide Secretary Irene Carr, Candy Saxon of Niagara County
CSEA Local 832, and CWEP Representative Pat Pfleger.
Comp Worth campaign continues
SANBORN—An important weapon in the battle for Comparable Worth is the knowledge of who is against
it and why.
"Once you know who they are," advised CSEA statewide Secretary Irene Carr, "you'll know where
to aim to shoot down tired, old 'the sky is falling' theories that opponents always try using to justify women
being paid less than men for jobs of equal worth."
Carr spoke to participants in a workshop she conducted on the issue of Comparable Worth at a "Women in the Workforce— Issues for the 80s," conference held at Niagara County Community College.
She said "many employers, politicians, sadly, some women, but most of all, the present federal administration" are among those most opposed to the concept of comparable worth. She noted the attorney
general and Civil Rights Commission chairman have both spoken out against the concept. Carr called it
"ludicrous and un-American that in a country built on the concept of equality, we have a commission opposing it. But that won't stop CSEA from continuing to fight for it, because it's right."
She noted that CSEA President William L. McGowan and Executive Vice President Joseph McDermott have both strongly denounced the federal government's opposition to comparable worth. Carr said
CSEA is funding a local government comparable worth study and is a participant in a pay discrimination
lawsuit against Nassau County. The tentative CSEA/state contracts have funds in the second and third
years to help correct inequities discovered in a study of the problem by the Center for Women in Government.
Cacr urged her audience to join CSEA in the fight for pay equity and to "continue to educate yourself
on the subject."
May 17, 1985
to unlock mysteries
of mental retardation
and develo|imental disabilities
By Stephen Madarasz
C S E A Communications Associate
S T A T E N ISLAMD—The answers may not come tomorrow. Or the next
day.
But CSEA Local 4 3 8 members at the Institute for Basic Research here
are part of the cutting edge in finding the causes and treatment of mental
retardation and developmental disabilities. A n d every day the breakthroughs are closer.
"We carry out specific tests for the research areas,"says Lab Technician Melba Anderson. "There's usually a tentative diagnosis, so we pretty
much know what to expect. But we want to get the results back to the
doctors as quickly as possible because the information Is so important."
Anderson spends most of her time studying metabolic disorders.
CJnder the direction of the state Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, the Institute is conducting research on numerous medical problems from Alzhymer's Disease to genetic abnormalities.
In addition to the pure research, a consolidated clinical laboratory
helps pay the bills by specialized analysis of over 6 0 0 , 0 0 0 specimens from
around the state every year. Transportation workers regularly make the
rounds of state and city health care institutions picking up those samples.
"IBR keeps adding laboratories and offering more and more tests,"
comments Medical Technician Avoula Hofsass. "We're really becoming
just like an outside professional laboratory in terms of the services we have
available. It gets busy, but that's what brings in the money to keep the
research going."
Hofsass adds that as the facility grows, some things actually get easier. She points out that more and more high technology equipment saves
workers time and effort and provides increasingly accurate results.
Both Anderson and Hofsass say that the work they carry out in the
labs is challenging but at times does get routine. T o help with that problem, C S E A and IBR have secured a C W E P grant to provide specialized
training.
"People here need a chance to grow along with their work," explains
CSEA m e m b e r Charlotte Rue, who was instrumental in establishing the
program. "Unfortunately there's been difficulty for t h e m in passing the
civil service tests for promotions because the material is so technical, and
they may not have had much exposure to it in their own labs."
Rue says the training will combine lunchtime lectures and 'hands-on'
rotation through various laboratories. "It's a way for people to keep up
their work schedule and also prep for the tests."
Adds IBR Personnel Director Melvin Hicks: "We want to keep good
people here so that we can continue the excellent levels of work being
carried out."
April 19, 1 9 8 5
EACH LAB WORKS AS A TEAM according to CSEA members at the
Institute for Basic Research. Lab Technician Melba Anderson checks
a sample as Lab Aide Lucille McClendon looks on. Over 6 0 0 , 0 0 0
specimens pass through the Institute's Consolidated Clinical Laboratory each year. CSEA people carry out the battery of more than 2 0 0
tests which help pay for the research activities seeking causes and
treatment of numerous developmental disorders.
13
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
CSEA members
set pace for
sandwicb-making,
make bread fer
Marcb of Dimes
SCHENECTADY — What were 50 CSEA Capital Region members doing in Schenectady's Mohawk Mall at 4 a.m. on April 28?
Making 5,000 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and setting what
may be a new world's record, that's what. And the feat is expected
to be considered for entry in the Guiness Book of World Records.
The 50 volunteers made the sandwiches to feed thousands of walkers who participated recently in the Albany and Schenectady March
of Dimes WalkAmerica campaigns. Mohawk Mall was the mid-point
for both walks and was a hub of activity on Sunday from early morning till late afternoon.
Between 4 and 8 a.m., the volunteers from CSEA formed assembly lines to crank out, wrap and bag the sticky concoctions.
After 8 a.m., the volunteers were busy setting up the walker
check-in and reception area. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the workers
checked cards, fed hordes of walkers and explained to the press why
they put together so much peanut butter and jelly.
By the end of the walk, $88,000 had been raised by the walkersincluding a group of about 40 CSEA members—who consumed a record amount of union-made goodies.
TIME TO MAKE THE SANDWICHES - CSEA Capital Region Second Vice
President Barbara SkeUy, right, and OGS Local 660 Second Vice President
Patricia Acker, demonstrate some organizational skills by making 24 sandwiches
in the old assemblyline method.
TOTE THAT CARTON — Executive Vice President Joseph E. McDermott is
on the move, delivering the brown bagged sandwiches to an area where they
were officially checked and counted.
r
CHECKING AND COUNTING — Georgianna Natale
sits amid mountains of sandwiches, making sure
there is the right number needed for a record in the SPREADING WORD — WalkAmerica Media Consultant Howard Shaffer gives a status report on the day's
Guiness book.
happenings to CSEA Capital Region First Vice President Joan Tobin.
6
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
M a y 17, 1 9 8 5
WILLING P U P I L — A b o v e , N a t a l i e Hill, C S E A m e m b e r f r o m t h e c o u n t y D a t a
P r o c e s s i n g D e p a r t m e n t , g e t s her e y e s c h e c k e d for g l a u c o m a by Dr. J o h n
Hardy.
G E T T I N G S T Ü C K — A t l e f t . F a y M a c D o n a l d , r i g h t . E m p l o y e e A s s i s t a n c e Prog r a m (EAP) c o o r d i n a t o r for S t . Lawrence County w o r k e r s , d e m o n s t r a t e s a
d i a b e t e s t e s t f o r Birgit W e a v e r , R N .
Sampling
the fare
at a
health
fair
CANTON—St. Lawrence County employees know
a good thing when they see one.
For the third consecutive year, county workers and
their families have turned out in record numbers for
the Annual Spring Health Fair, sponsored by the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This year, the
all-day event was held in the Harold R. Smith County Office Building and drew more than 150 employees
and family members to a variety of health screening services and information.
Under the supervision of Fay MacDonald, EAP
coordinator, the 1985 fair included testing booths for
diabetes, hearing, blood pressure, glaucoma, and colon cancer. Informative literature was available
from the American Cancer Society, the Heart Association, as well as hospice and other health services.
Testing materials were donated by Kinney Drugs,
a drug firm serving north county communities.
The St. Lawrence County Employee Assistance
Program, one of several hundred underway
statewide, operates with the full cooperation and support of county management and CSEA. The primary function of EAP programs is to tie employees and
family members into health or counseling services
in the community which they may require.
In expressing delight with the growth and popularity of the annual event, MacDonald also paid tribute
to the members of her commmittee.
"This year's health fair was a success because we
had cooperation from the county and the various
Increasing awareness
of diseases and
their danger signals
services that volunteer their personnel and time,"
MacDonald said.
She noted also the value of the event in possibly
averting sickness or disease among county employees.
"By stressing the importance of health care, employees will become evien more aware of various diseases and their danger signals," MacDonald added.
S O U N D ADVICE—Above, Ruth O ' S h a u g h n e s s y , S t . Lawrence County Departm e n t of S o c i a l S e r v i c e s e m p l o y e e , l i s t e n s a s M a r g a r e t R y a n , R N , g i v e s a s sistance.
13
P R E S S t I R E WORK—At right, Bonnie Davey, a volunteer f r o m S t . Lawrence
County H o m e Care and Social Services D e p a r t m e n t , g e t s a blood p r e s s u r e
r e a d i n g f r o m D o n W o o d y , an A u d i t i n g D e p a r t m e n t e m p l o y e e .
April 19, 1985
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
REGION III FIELD DIRECTOR Diane Campion greets Town of Clarkstown President Lee Pound at
the Region III Presidents' meeting.
Region III Presidents' Day
A big success
FISHKILL—"It was such a success, we're going
to do this three or four times a year."
That was Region III President Pat Mascioli's
evaluation of the region's first Presidents' Day meeting and luncheon held here late last month.
More than 100 local and unit presidents attended
the morning-long program which included presentations and displays by regional and statewide staff and
providers.
Among the guest speakers were: Marie Jurenovich
of AFSCME who described the many services available from CSEA's international affiliate; Sean
Turley of CSEA's Education and Training Department; CSE A Attorney Steve Wiley; and School District Affairs Director Larry Scanlon. Also present
were statewide Executive Vice President Joseph E.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
Region III President Pat Mascioli
McDermott and statewide Secretary Irene Carr.
—I
JARDINE INSURANCE REPRESENTATIVE Alan Christianson
describes to Town of Ramapo Unit Predident Betty Schreur. some of
the policies available to members.
8
ä It was such a success,
we're going to do this
three or four times a
j^ear. f
REGION III HEALTH AND SAFETY COORDINATOR Linda Siecardi explains some of
the new programs planned for this year by the Health and Safety Committee. Gathering
information is Greenhaven Prison Local President Diane Cody, right. (In background is
Employee Benefit Fund Representative Paulette Carroll.)
May 17, 1 9 8 5
r
CIVIL SERVICE
EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
Local 1000, AFSCME, AFL-CIO
Thomas H. McDonough Memorial
STATE
womnop
May 1, 2, 3, 1985
Hotels at
Syracuse Square
Syracuse, N.Y.
V
J
An action packed
workshop agenda
SYRACCISE—-A total of 6 2 5 members gathered here for the CSEA State Delegates
Workshop where they discussed everything from the new state contract and public speaking
to political action.
The workshop, held May 1-3 at the Hotel Syracuse, kicked off with the film "Adapt or
Die," a moving documentary showing the life and strife of black workers' attempts to organize
in South Africa. It was followed by a lively session on Civil Service abuses held by Karen
Burstein, president of the state Civil Service Commission.
Burstein's advice was direct: "speak out for yourself'and "don't hesitate to ask questions."
She also told people to stand up for their rights and urged "If you want the job, don't back out."
The first day's business also included sessions on safety and health (see accompanying
story), parliamentary procedures and celebrating labor's achievements (see accompanying
story).
The second day focused on the new state contract. Administrative, Institutional and
Operational bargaining unit meetings were held to give members another opportunity to discuss
specific issues with their negotiators. CSEA President Bill McGowan says "I wanted to make
sure everyone had an opportunity to get their questions answered."
The day's agenda also included workshops on communications, equal opportunity (see
accompanying story), Workers'Compensation, the Public Employment Relations Board, and
using time effectively (see accompanying story).
Melinda Carr, CSEA's assistant director of communications, led a program on "Do-ltYourself Graphic Communications." She explains: "Our purpose was to help people overcome
their fear of fliers. We did it with a hands-on program that taught them how to put together
fliers and other materials to help them reach out to our membership."
At the session on "Participating In Meetings: Public Speaking," CSEA training specialists
Peg Wilson and Anne Rokeach used a novel approach. They pretended to be at a local meeting
where they had to give reports, only they did everything wrong. The idea was to show people
what not to do.
In "Workers' Compensation Update," CSEA attorney William Wallens and Dawn Lyman,
a Workers' Comp examiner, reviewed the new procedures which will go into effect sometime
in 1986.
The workshop concluded with a general assembly of state delegates. They heard reports
by Tom Jefferson, chairman of the State Executive Committee; Joseph Conway, chairman
of the statewide Political Action Committee; and chief lobbyist James Featherstonhaugh.
STATE WORKSHOP COVERAGE
continues on pages 10-12
CSEA STATEWIDE SECRETARY Irene Carr, right, discusses an issue with, from left, Juanita Wilson and Rebecca Council, both of Roch-
April 19, 1 9 8 5
ester State Employees Local 012, and Jaime
Developmental Center Local 431.
Boy of Sunmount
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
13
r
You can
exhibit
pride in
gains by
iaiior on
behalf
of all,
speaicer
reminds
CSEA
memiiers
SYRACÜSE — Throw away your parochial thinking and consider yourselves workers. And be proud
of it, implored Humphrey Donohue to attendees at
CSEA's state workshop here.
"Every worker is part of the world trade unionist
movement, and has the undeniable right to have a
say in his or her working conditions," declared the
veteran unionist, now a regional director for the
AFL-CIO.
In an impassioned presentation bordering on
evangelism, Donohue lauded the gains the trade unionist movement has made for workers in the past
century, but said, "we can't let up in our efforts to
improve conditions for all workers, unionized or
not."
Public employees, he said, "have an even more
critical task, because you don't work on a profit
structure. This is why you should be more politically
active than any other workers." He acknowledged
CSEA's strong and growing political activism, and
applauded it.
CIVIL
EMPLOYE]
Local 1000,
:RVICE
Thomas H. Mcl hough Memorial
u
He said the general public is largely unaware of
the gains that organized labor made, which have
contributed greatly to the stability of our society,
"and it's part of our jobs to keep the awareness
burning bright for future generations," Donohue
said.
T
-jm:
Syracuij
, N.Y.
Don't simply let your life happen;
it's easier to find the way there
¥rhen you know nrhere you're going
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
iSSm
May 1,
3, 1985
Hot<
at
Syracui I Square
CSEA TREASURER BARBARA FALSER fsponds
to inquiries from CSEA members at an inf<1 lation
table, one of several sponsored by varioj
union
departments.
10
m
The international trade unionist movement is
seeking "a fair distribution of the wealth, and a job
for every person that seeks to work to support their
family. It's a big task, and we've got to continue to
work hard for it," Donohue said. That will require,
in some aspects, "forgetting about your own particular union membership and looking at the overall picture facing labor and the public in general."
[LOCAL 439 members Lloyd Graham and Betty Humphrey from
Monroe Developmental Center
v.
^
w:'
"As workers, you have a right to share in the
wealth of this land, and as public workers you need
to be aware of the whole political process, beginning with who calls the shots regarding your job status," Donohue stated. "Collective bargaining is the
key, because we all know the 'trickle-down' theory
just doesn't work, as far as we're concerned."
Donohue said "It's important to remember that
the foundation of your struggle was laid down over
the last century by many who had no idea of how
far along we would be today. But we've still got so
far to go, and we can't rest on our laurels, because
there are those who feel we've come too far, already.
If they had their way, we'd be pushed back about
50 years or more."
y
SYRACUSE — When you start to answer the
question, "What do I really want out of life?" the
positive results are immediate. And dealing with that
question may not be as difficult as you think, according
to CSEA Education and Training Specialist Peg
Wilson.
Wilson offered simple advice to help busy activists
balance the pressures of work, union responsibilities,
and personal lives during a session at the state
workshop called "Are you Scattered?" The program
offered advice on how to reduce stress and be more
effective in various tasks by planning what you do.
^ ^ "The hardest thing about getting anything done, is
•
LSSOCIATION
:ME, AFL-CIO
starting. We all procrastinate and that doesn't get us
anywhere,"Wilson said.
She advised her audience to (I) make the decision to
start and stick to it; (2) write reminders to yourself
about what has to be done; (3) start uninspired, for the
perfect moment to do something may never come; and
(4) don't try to do everything all at once.
Wilson said one of the best ways to put her advice
to use is in organizing the direction of your personal
life. "Don't just let your life happen, make conscious
decisions. When you know where you're going, it's
easier to figure out how to get there."
May 1 7 | 1 9 8 5
GRAPHICALLY SPEAKING—Annette Rose, left, and Tammy Howard,
both members of Binghamton State Employees Local 002, try their hands
at using graphics to improve local communication efforts during a workshop conducted by Assistant Director of Communications Melinda Carr.
Workers decide
safety levels
at workplaces
SYRACUSE — People have to care and be involved
and it's really up to the local how safe the workplace
will be.
That was one of the points stressed by CSEA Safety
and Health Director James L. Corcoran Ml to
participants in a workshop called "Bringing
Safety/Health Issues to Labor/Management."
"One of the biggest problems with OSHA standards
is that they are designed for industry and don't always
apply in the places where CSEA members work, such
as offices and health care facilities. That means a lot
of hazards can fall through the cracks," Corcoran said.
But, he noted, management may not be obligated to
correct those kinds of situations unless the local
pushes for action.
"You shouldn't hesitate to bring safety issues to
labor - management meetings," Corcoran said, but
added it's also important to offer solutions to what you
feel is wrong.
Corcoran told members to be as creative as possible
with suggestions, since that improves the possibility
they will be accepted.
Documentation is very critical where safety and
health are concerned, he said. He advised keeping a
written record of potentially dangerous situations and
let management know of them. If management assigns
• a dangerous job, ask them for the direction in writing.
He said it's best to try to work out details with
management informally or in labor-management
meetings. If that doesn't work, he noted, there are other options, including the grievance process. "By
following the grievance procedures, there are various
levels where the issue will be heard. If it's valid, sooner
or later you'll get results."
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
CIVIL SERVICE
E M P L O Y E E S ASSCX:LATI0N
Local 1000, AFSCME, AFL-CIO
Thomas H. McDonough Memorial
STATE
womHOP
JOSEPH HAGEMAN, president of Gowanda Psychiatric Center CSEA Local408, addresses delegates.
DENISE BERKLEY, president of Brooklyn
Developmental Center Local 447, speaks out
on an issue during state workshop.
Human Righfs
still targets
discrimination
SYRACCJSE — State employees attending the affirmative action workshop session at the recent state
workshop here heard reassuring words that the
Division of Human Rights will continue to be a
protective working force against all types of
discrimination,
CSEA Director of Employees Relations and
i^ersonnel Dennis Battle hnoderated the session,
caturing Walter A. Byrne, regional director for the
Division of Human Rights.
Byrne credited Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with being
ttie domiiiaii force in the fight against discrimination.
'He showed us the falseness and hypocrisy of the
rimes. He not only spearheaded the drive for laws
qainst discrimination against minorities, but the
disabled, unemployed and others," Byrne said.
He cautioned "the Human Rights Division can take
the necessary action only if it is made aware of the
illeged violation. The initital step must be taken by the
person or persons involved."
Said Byrne, "Twenty years ago we were mainly
concernc-i with racial discrimination. While that issue
is still
int,we are also learning how to fight the
problem oi :iex discrimination. Based upon a level of
skill, hours on the job, working conditions and other
aspects, in scores of job titles women are at the short
end of the salary structure. And it is up to you and
your fellow employees to help correct the wrongs by
bringing them to the attention of affirmative action
committees or officers."
Battle cited the important strides made by affirmative action committees within the structure of CSEA.
"Affirmative action and comparable worth issues have
rated top priority with CSEA for years. And we pledge
to continue the fight to end discrimination in the
workplace."
12
T H E P U B L I C SECTOR
SARA AND SARAH-Sara Sievert, left, of SUNY Fredonia Local 607 and Sarah Jackson, of Letchworth Village Local 412. Both were members of CSEA's Administrative Services Unit bargaining
team during recent state contract negotiations.
MONROE DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER LOCAL 439 members Anne Lincoln, left, and Bette
Lawrenz look over material distributed to delegates.
M a y 31, 1 9 8 5
SINGING-Alan Keith, at left,
brings a love of music to the boys at
the center. Here, he rehearses a
group for a performance of the
popular song, "We Are the World."
PAINTING—As Region III President Pat MascioU, below right, looks
on. Rose Zito and Mattie Harris
oversee youngsters as they paint
their ceramic creations. (Faces of
youths are not shown to protect their
privacy, at request of Eddie Parker
officials.)
FISHING—Nature lover Norman
Roush, bottom, gives the kids a lesson in how to fish for trout.
at Eddie Parker
Center
By Anita Manley
CSEA Communications Associate
RED HOOK—How do you make a positive impression on troubled
youngsters?
Ask any employee of the Eddie Parker Division for Youth Center
and the answer you'll get is simple: "Give of yourself."
Maureen Garry, acting director of the center, says that the
employees—about 30 of whom are CSEA members—are not just
ordinary workers.
"They're involved with their jobs. They give more than you'd expect
from employees because they bring their own interests to the kids," says
Garry.
The residential center for boys, with its neat white buildings,
resembles a modest country estate. Touring the facility turns up plenty of proof that the approximately 50 boys get much more than custodial
care.
A peek into one room shows about eight youngsters sitting around
a table putting finishing touches on their ceramic projects. A colorful
butterfly, a plaque with bright yellow roses, a ceramic puppy with
sorrowful eyes and a white Siamese Kitten are among pieces they're
working on, maybe as gifts for Mother's Day or a birthday.
Three instructors—Mary Robinson, Mattie Harris and Rose Zito—
oversee the class. They all have years of experience in the craft and
bring a ton of talent to the kids, says Garry.
Outside, Norman Roush has the attention of another young audience.
Roush, an outdoor enthusiast who teaches nature studies, is dressed in
hip boots and demonstrates how to fish for trout in a pond on the
property.
How good a fisherman is Roush. "He caught two yesterday,"says
one boy.
Another instructor, Alan Keith, is surrounded by about 10 boys, all
of whom want to pose for a picture with him. Keith, who sings with his
church choir, is rehearsing the boys for an upcoming performance of
the song, "We Are the World."
Break dance music blasts from another corner of the grounds where
Lucy Widget is choreographing a number with some of the children.
Garry says Widget also teaches the kids skits that they occasionally
perform for parents and staff.
Garry emphasizes that it is not mandatory that the children
participate in the classes, "but they do and they like doing it." Maybe,
she says, it's because the "enthusiasm of the staff is contagious."
There are no barbed wire fences surrounding the Eddie Park Center. There are no armed guards. What a visitor sees here are a lot of
employees displaying a lot of love for their jobs and the children who
they care for.
For the youngsters, the stay here is short. Garry says that about
six months is average. "It's a drop in the bucket of a child's life," she
says.
But the brief time with a dedicated staff can make a difference in
those lives, says Garry. "No one has ever come back, to thank us,
though," she said. "That only happens in the movies."
May 31, 1 9 8 5
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
13
First totally union-run EAP pro|ect
open for business in Schuyler County
WATKINS GLEN - Schuyler County CSE A Local
849 has established what is believed to be the first
totally union-run Employee Assistance Program
(EAP) in New York state.
Local 849 President Mark Houck recently announced the Schuyler County program is now "open
for business" with RN Barbara O'Day serving as
EAP coordinator.
According to Houck, the Schuyler County program
is unique because, unlike other EAP programs
throughout the state, this one has no direct management input other than the support and best wishes
of the Schuyler County Legislature and management
officials.
"The program has been in the planning stage for
nearly one year. With the help and cooperation of
EAP Statewide Director Jim Murphy, and other
EAP coordinators throughout Region V, we think we
have put together a workable program," Houck said.
He noted the program was set up to serve more than
100 county employees and their families, and noninstructional employees of the Odessa-Montour Central School District.
Houck described EAP Coordinator O'Day as "not
only a dedicated county employee, but as a registered nurse she offers that added dimension of medical knowledge and experience to a program that
measures success by maintaining confidentially and
employee confidence."
Schuyler County Legislature Chairman Phillip
Smith has publicly endorsed the new program with
a memorandum to other legislators and county
department heads, calling upon them to "recommend the voluntary program to county employees
as a means for improving their lives as well as job
performance."
Houck said Schuyler County employees and members of the Odessa-Montour Central School CSEA
Unit, or family members, who may have problems
related to marital stress, financial strain, alcohol or
drug abuse, legal problems, or health concerns may
obtain information and guidance with complete confidentiality by contacting EAP Coordinator O'Day at
(607) 535-2704.
SCHUYLER COUNTY CSEA LOCAL 849 President
Mark Houck and Barbara O'Day, RN, recently announced the establishment of an EAP program for
CSEA members and their families in Schuyler County. O'Day will serve as coordinator for the program,
which has no direct management input and is believed to be the first totally union-run EAP in New
York state.
signings across the state
m
AN EAP AGREEMENT has been signed to cover employees at the Altona Correctional Facility.
Present at the signing, seated from left, were EAP Committee Representatives Julie La Valley and
Wayne Rabideau, Superintendent William Donahue, and Council 821660 President Ed Landry. Standing from left are Steve Burso, Elsie Jarvis, Elder Butchino, Syd Haley, EAP Field Rep Peter
Nardiello, Richard Chase, Gary Hamel, James Sipe and Tom Ryan.
EAP FOR DAAA — An Employee Assistance Program
agreement was signed recently to cover employees of the
Department of Alcohol and Alcohol Abuse. Signing the agreement were DAAA Director Robert Shear and CSEA Mental
Hygiene Central Office Local President Margaret BukoFarber.
14
EAP IN THEIR FUTURE—Members of New York City CSEA Local 010 and management officials from the state Department of Health joined together recently to sign a policy statment establishing an Employee Assistance Program at that agency. Among the participants were, seated
from left, Local 010 President Rose Feuerman Sutro; DOH New York City area administrator Florence Frucher; and DOH Regional Health Director Andy Kfieger. Representatives of the Ic^al and
management, background, observed the signing ceremony.
T H E PUBLIC SECTOR
May 31, 1985
Kingsboro cover-up
CSEA members scapegoats in patient death case
BROOKLYN—Out of tragedy at Kingsboro Psychiatric Center has come even more suffering.
According to Local 402 President Robert Nurse, the
Center's management—already under fire for allowing
substandard conditions—is seeking to dismiss and discipline several MHTAs as part of a cover-up in the death
of a patient.
In the most shocking element of the case, CSEA is
charging that MHTA Velma Mitchell, a probationary employee with 10 years of state service primarily as a typist, has been set up as a scapegoat to hide mismanagement
in patient care. The actions stem from a pre-Christmas
incident reflecting a number of supervisory lapses.
Nurse claims that although management's story fits
its own purposes, he has been able to piece together enough
information to show a very different picture.
At about 5:30 in the evening on Dec. 20,1984, an asthmatic patient was returned to Kingboro following treatment for her condition at City Hospital. Within 12 hours,
the patient was dead.
From what Nurse has been able to learn, in that time
period, the professional staff virtually ignored their
responsibilities.
"For starters, there were no papers on the treatment
the patient received at City Hospital. She was dumped on
the MHTAs. A doctor should have examined the patient
but that didn't happen until after she died."
However, Nurse also says there is evidence to indicate
the patient received an unauthorized injection during the
midnight shift. While there is no record of the injection,
a missing syringe has raised suspicions. In addition, the
registered nurse on duty at the time, the nursing administrator, and the overall supervisor for the area have all resigned.
But Nurse says the management didn't stop there.
They began a rash of interrogations to place blame on
CSEA members who had contact with the patient. Nurse
.insists that much of the testimony gathered was based on
opinion and often relied on the recall of the mental patients. He adds that following the initial inquiry, management went around again seeking testimony to match its
own version.
For instance, Mitchell and others were asked to write
their statements and then, under threats and coercion,
were forced to change the facts. Management then turned
around and charged them with making false statements.
In one of the cases, management is charging an ordained minister with lying and impeding the investigation.
In another, a diabetic employee is being charged with
drinking on duty even though that would be suicidal.
But Nurse claims the most excessive pressure and
penalty has been brought against Mitchell. He indicates
that shortly after the incident, the MHTA Training Council decided that her performance was inadequate even
though her previous evaluations had been satisfactory. She
has been demoted to a grade 5 typist, but the state is still
pushing for termination.
Comments Nurse: "It's clear that care was not assigned and that all these people are guilty of is doing their
jobs."
All the cases are now heading for arbitrations.
i Care was
not assigned.
All these people
are guilty of
is doing
their jobs, p
One-year pact approved by Waffertown workers
WATERTOWN—A new one-year agreement
calling for an increase in wages and improved
benefits for more than 130 employees has been
overwhelmingly ratified by members of the City of
Watertown Unit of Jefferson County Local 823.
Don Knight, unit president, said members
approved the new package by a vote of 62 to 5.
Terms of the agreement, effective July 1, include:
• an increase in salary of six percent, plus
longevity payment for employees at the 6, 12, or
"The contract vote clearly indicates the members
18-year mark;
are pleased with the one-year package. It's a good
• improvements in the contract language contract with improvements city employees can
regarding retirement benefits and group enjoy," Knight said.
In addition to Knight, members of the CSEA
hospitalization;
bargaining team included: Pat Lyman, Dick Oakes,
• new language regarding the posting of job Art Roslin and Mike Blair. Tom Pomidoro, CSEA
collective bargaining speicalist, served as chief
openings;
negotiator for the unit.
• bimonthly labor/management meetings.
A fair and
a forum
in Region V
BINGHAMTON—Occupational safety and
health issues and the spectrum of services CSEA
offers its members will be the feature attractions
when more than 200 Region V officers and guests
gather for the -Thomas H. McDonough Summer
Conference, May 31-June 2, at the Holiday InnArena, downtown Binghamton.
Registration for the weekend event will be from
3 to 8 p.m. Friday. The first general session, on
Friday night, will concern asbestos.
A resource fair on Saturday will include
information booths showcasing the array of CSEA
services. Representatives from the following
services and organizations have been invited to
participate: School District Affairs, Education
and Training, Communications, Research,
AFSCME, CSEA Treasurer's Office, Field
Services, Retirement, as well as insurance and
health care providers.
May 31, 1 9 8 5
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
15
CSEA's
LE6ISIATIVE
CSEA"has poured nearly SO proposed bills Into the State Legislature hopper
this legislative session, and the vast majority of the bills are moving through
various committees on their way to final consideration before the 1985
legislative session comes to an end. The legislators traditionally recess
during the summer months and most bills will not receive final attention
until later this year. CSEA's proposed bills cover a wide range of areas
of interest and importance to the union's rank and file membership.
Following is a thumbnail sketch of CSEA's 1985 legislative program.
AGENCY SHOP
S.1422 A.5066
This bill would make agency shop permanent and uniform for all public
employees in New York state.
ABOLISH MINI PERBS
S.1300 A. 1943
This bill would abolish mini-PERBs other than the New York City Office of
Collective Bargaining.
LIMITED RIGHT TO STRIKE
A. 1866
Several states, including Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon,
Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, allow public employees, other than those engaged
in essential services, the right to strike where both parties have participated
in impasse procedures which have been unsuccessful. This bill is modeled after
the Hawaii approach, and would provide a right to strike for public employees
who do not have resort, by law or agreement, to an impasse resolution
procedure which culiminates in final and binding arbitration.
OMH, OMRDD, SUNY FILL LEVELS
S.1732 A.2411
Would require the agencies to maintain established fill levels or ratios or to
provide explanation for failure to do so.
MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES
S.3722 A.5023
Under this bill, penalties against individual employees would be mitigated where
a public employee strike was caused by an employer improper practice or other employer provocation.
LOBA FOR POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS
S.2782A A.3648A
The final resolution of an impasse in negotiations would be resolved with a
system of last offer binding arbitration. This bill is particularly designed for political
subdivisions and would be utilized as an optional method to finally resolve an
impasse.
U-GRADES
S.2940 A.3831
This bill would prevent the Chancellor of the State University from unilaterally
changing positions in the university from the classified service to the unclassified
service in derogation of the constitutional concepts of merit and fitness.
ELIMINATION OF 2 FOR 1 PENALTY
A. 1885
Would eliminate the penalty of two days for every one day on strike.
PUNITIVE DAMAGES (Nassau County)
S.4893
Would allow Nassau County to indemnify employees in punitive damage claims.
PUNITIVE DAMAGES (general)
Would allow political subdivisions of the state of New York to indemnify
employees in punitive damage claims.
EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT
This proposed constitutional amendment would guarantee equal rights for
women in the New York State Constitution.
SALARY IMPLEMENTATION BILL
Would implement proposed salary agreements between CSEA and tlie state
of New York (Executive Branch) in the Operational, Institutional and
Administrative Services Units.
SALARY BILL
Would implement proposed agreements between CSEA and OCA for
employees represented by CSEA.
SECTION 75 REVISIONINDEPENDENT HEARING OFFICER
S.248 A.265
This bill would require the selection of an independent hearing officer as part
of the procedure by which an employee of the state or political subdivision with
permanent status may be terminated for incompetence or misconduct.
MUNICIPAL HOUSING AUTHORITIES
S. 1188
Would delete the requirement that salaries negotiated for employees of municipal housing authorities be approved by the local legislative body.
SECTION 75 REVISION—PROTECTION
FOR NON-COMPETITIVE POSITIONS IN
POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS
S.3817 A.5291
This bill would extend tenure protection to employees of political subdivisions
with at least five years of continuous service in the non-competitive class.
SECTIONS 75 AND 76 REVISIONS
S.3882 A.5423
This bill would make both Civil Service Law Section 75 and Civil Service Law
Section 76 consistent in dealing with restoration and compensation of
employees who have been suspended and later acquitted and restored to his
or her position.
LAYOFF UNITS
S.3964 A.5684
The bill would provide that the layoff unit in a political subdivision with a
population of fewer than 50,000 shall be all of the departments or agencies
in the political subdivision, rather than the single department or agency as is
the present case. A political subdivision could 'elect out' by filing an appropriate
resolution..
MHIS
A.6460
Would cover-in attorneys in the Mental Health Information Services who were
working in New York City when the Laws of 1980 grandfathered-in Unified
Court System employees.
COMMUNITY SERVICE BOARDS
S.810 A.3695
Would allow employees of the Department of Mental Hygiene to serve on
Community Service Boards.
VETS MEDICAL LEAVE
S.2799 A.3645
Would provide veterans of World War II, Korea and Vietnam to attend
appointments for treatment and care related to service-connected disabilities
at VA hospitals or other similar medical facilities without charge to leave credits.
VDT SAFETY
S.3241 A.6707
Provides minimum safeguards and protections for operators of video display
terminals, including alternative work schedules, protection for pregnant
employees, and also establishes general specifications for terminals and
furniture.
EQUAL PAY FOR EQUAL WORK
S.3980 A.5680
This bill would amend Civil Service Law, Section 115, to make New York state's
public policy of equal pay for equal work applicable to the political subdivisions
as well.
16
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
NO LIABILITY FOR THE ACTS OF OTHERS S.4814 A.5570
Would prohibit the imputation of damages against a labor organization, officer
or member of a labor organization for any activity unless it is clearly shown
that the individual organization, officer, or member actually participated in the
illegal activity.
RIGHT TO APPEAL PRE-HEARING
DISCIPLINARY SUSPENSION
S.3953
Would give officer or employee who believes he or she is aggrieved by a post
hearing official reprimand the right to appeal reprimand if, in addition, the
individual is further required to forfeit wages which were suspended pending
the outcome of the Section 75 hearing.
CIVIL SERVICE STATUS—
NY-NJ WATERFRONT COMMISSION
Would give Civil Service status to employees of the New York-New Jersey
Waterfront Commission.
TOXIC TORTS STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS A. 1676
Would increase the statute of limitations for toxic substance exposure to two
years from the date of discovery or death or cause thereof, whichever is later.
May 31, 1 9 8 5
PROGRAM FOR
PARITY BILL
This bill would eliminate the advantage under the present Education Law that
encourages the contracting out of transportation services by school districts
by giving private contractors a more favorable state-aid formula.
CONTINGENCY BUDGET
S.452 A.5070
Would provide for a local school board to adopt an alternate budget procedure
to provide for continuation of cafeteria services and transportation services after
a regular budget has been defeated by voters.
BUS SEATS
Would require motor vehicles seating II passengers or more and used in the
business of transporting school children to be equipped with padded seat backs
at least 24 inches in height, rather than 28 inches in height.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
This proposal would guarantee public employee and retiree voting membership
on the Board of Trustees for the Employees Retirement System.
SUPPLEMENTATION-AGE 55
S.5308 A.7353
Would include 1982 and before retirees in supplementation, increase the
percentages presently provided for, and increase the base pension amount
from $10,500 per year to $15,000 per year,
SUPPLEMENTATION—AGE 62
S.5307 A.7354
Would include 1982 and before retirees in supplementation, increase the
percentages presently provided for, and increase the base pension amount
from $10,500 per year to $15,000 per year.
SUPPLEMENTATION (AUTOMATIC COLA INCREASE)
Would provide for automatic cost of living increases for all retirees based upon
the consumer price index.
VETS BUY-BACK—WORLD WAR II
Veterans of World War II would be allowed to purchase up to three years of
credit in the Retirement System.
1985
died on or after April I, 1979 to continue individual coverage and exhaust any
accumulated and unused sick leave up to 165 days.
TIER I AND II REOPENERS
Would allow employees who were on the payroll prior to the cutoff date for
eligibility in the lower tier and who, through no fault of their own, were both
eligible for membership and reasonably believed they had properly applied for
membership, to file to become members of the lower tier.
UNIVERSITY OF BUFFALO
S.486 A.512
Would allow employees who were employed by the University of Buffalo prior
to its acquisition by the State of New York to purchase retirement credits from
the State Retirement System for the time of employment by the University, with
electing employees contributing both individual and employer contributions together with appropriate interest.
HEART BILL
S.482A A522A
Would provide a presumption that diseases of the heart occurring in correction
officers were caused by employment for retirement system accidential disability
hearings.
HEALTH INSURANCE-25%
OF COST FOR DEPENDENTS
S.2853 A.3722
Would provide that the surviving spouse of a retiree who had family coverage
in the health insurance plan would be allowed to continue coverage after the
employee's death, at no more than 25% of the full cost.
CORRECTION OFFICER 25 YEAR PLAN
Would provide, on a local option basis, a 25-year, half- pay retirement plan
for correction officers of political subdivisions.
SOUTH AFRICAN DIVESTMENT
S.970 A. 1468
Would amend the Retirement and Social Security Law and other laws to require
the divestment of monies of the State of funds invested in or held in entities
doing business in or with the Republic of South Africar
VETS BUY-BACKWORLD WAR II, KOREA, VIETNAM
S.2381 A.3109
Veterans of World War II, Korea and Vietnam would be allowed to purchase
up to three years of credit in the Retirement System.
POLICE/PEACE OFFICER STATUS
Would confer police officer status upon investigators employed in the
Enforcement Division of the Department of Taxation and Finance, and peace
officer status upon tax compliance agents employed by the Department of
Taxation and Finance.'
VETERANS IDENTIFICATION RECORDS
S.2476 A.3370
Would require employers to keep accurate records and aid in the computation
of fiscal notes for veterans' bills.
TIER III AND TIER IV REVISIONS
S.2885 A.5236
Would authorize and direct participating employers in retirement systems to
pick up the 3% contribution required of members whose date of membership
in the system is on or after July I, 1976.
HEALTH INSURANCEUNUSED SICK LEAVE
S.510 A.633
Would allow an unremarried spouse of an active employee of the state who
INCREASE RETIREE COMPENSATION
S.2107A A.2912A
Would increase the amount of allowable compensation earned by retired
persons without that person losing retirement benefits.
'right over might' against budget butchers
CSEA drew budget battle line
at Camp Cass and won the war
It was a rather unlikely place, perhaps to some
people, for a battle to be waged over the state budget.
Indeed, few lawmakers had ever heard of it before,
and it was, after all, a mere small, single line change
in the governor's massive budget proposal.
But by early April, Camp Cass had become a familiar name and when the new state budget was passed
with that single line change restored, Camp Cass and
the fight CSEA put up to retain it came to symbolize
a victory of right over might in the state's political
process.
The state Division for Youth's Camp Cass is located
May 17, 1 9 8 5
*
iteivs.
in the rural area of Albany County, in the town of
Rensselaerville. The camp operated as a noncommunity based facility and was a model of fiscal and
programmatic efficiency. Camp Cass always ran at or
above capacity yet always showed a budget surplus
annually. It has an uncommonly excellent youth/staff
relationship and grievances among the 53-member
staff are virtually non-existent.
But to the budget butchers at DOB and DFY, however, Camp Cass was simply a low profile, expendable
budget item.
CSEA opened a broad-based campaign to halt the
closing of the camp, armed with well-researched
reasoning and facts. The union's political action team
worked with Assemblyman Paul Tonko, who
represents the area the camp is located in, and
launched a letter writing campaign to the governor and
legislative leaders.
In the end, the Camp Cass budget item was restored
under the intense pressure generated by CSEA's
campaign of political action. Saving Camp Cass from
the casualty list was among the most rewarding of
victories because of what it came to symbolize.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
17
Prep booklets can
help you achieve
career advancement
through promotions
Career advancement and civil service promotional exams are never far from
the minds of public employees. And for public workers in either the state or local government arena, CSEA is offering self-study booklets that should help individuals improve their test scores in a wide range of civil service exam areas.
A dozen booklets are available to help individuals prepare for state exams.
And CSEA has available four exam preparation booklets for employees in local
political subdivisions.
And the union is also offering something that should prove beneficial to
everyone—cassette tapes designed to help people combat the effects of stress
through relaxation.
All of the items are available from CSEA's Education Department for CSEA
members. As indicated, non-CSEA members can obtain the exam prep booklets directly from Cornell University at the same price. Each booklet costs $1.50,
while the cassette relaxation tape, available only through CSEA's Education
Department, cost $2.50 each.
Interested individuals should use the proper order form below and mail the
completed form to CSEA, Education Department, 33 Elk Street, Albany, N.Y.
12207.
Relaxation fapes
cassette offer
local Government
prep booklets
State Examinations
prep booklets
CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES ASSN.
ATTN: EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
33 ELK STREET
ALBANY, N.Y. 1 2 2 0 7
CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES ASSN.
ATTN: EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
3 3 ELK STREET
ALBANY, N.Y. 1 2 2 0 7
CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES ASSN.
ATTN: EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
3 3 ELK STREET
ALBANY, N.Y. 1 2 2 0 7
Please send me the booklet(s) indicated. I
understand the price is $ 1.50 (which includes
postage) for EACH booklet ordered. I have
enclosed a check or money order, payable to
CSEA, for $
to cover the cost
of this order.
Please send me
relaxation
program(s) on cassette tape at the price of
$2.50 EACH. I have enclosed a check or money order, payable to CSEA, for $
to
cover the cost of this order.
Please send me the booklet(s) indicated. I
understand the price is $ 1.50 (which includes
postage) for EACH booklet ordered. I have
enclosed a check or money order, payable to
CSEA, for $
to cover the cost of
Secretarial and Typing Series for
Counties, Municipalities and NonTeaching School District Personnel
this order.
Please send tape(s) to:
Basic Math
NAME
Arithmetic Reasoning
Understanding and Interpreting
Tabular Material
Custodial Series for Counties,
Municipalities and Non-Teaching
School District Personnel
ADDRESS
Social Welfare Examiner Series
SOCIAL SECURITY #
Caseworker
Series
CSEA LOCAL
Supervision
EMPLOYER
Purchasing and Payroll Practices
Promotional
Please send booklet(s) to:
Exam
CITY
STATE/ZIP
Understanding and Interpreting
Written Material
Preparing Written Material
Basic Algebra
NAME
Concepts
and
Principles
of
Normalization for the Mentally
Retarded/Developmentally Disabled;
Therapeutic Approaches
ADDRESS
STATE/ZIP
CITY
Principles and Practices in the
Treatment
of
the
Mentally
Ill/Emotionally Disturbed
SOCIAL SECURITY
CSEA LOCAL
How to take an Oral Exam
EMPLOYER
Evaluating Conclusions in the Lights
of Known Facts
Please send booklet(s) to:
NAME
'
STATE/ZIP
PLEASE NOTE: Non-CSEA members can
obtain the exam preparation booklets directly
from Cornell University at the same price by
contacting: Cornell ILR, 112 State Street,
Suite 1200, Albany, N. Y. 1 2 2 0 7 . The
relaxation tapes are available ONLY through
CSEA's Education Department.
18
T H E P U B L I C SECTOR
Social Security
CSEA Local
Employer
M a y 31, 1 9 8 5
Closing of office
at Port Jorvis is
cause for concern
PORT JERVIS — It's not just the employees, it's the claimants we're worried about," say workers at the Unemployment Insurance office here.
Employees were informed recently that at the end of the April 26 workday, the office would be closed and employees transferred to offices in Monticello and Middletown. Claimants, all 500 or so of them, were to be assigned
to the Middletown Unemployment office 20 miles away.
CSEA Region III Field Representative Felice "Flip"Amodio says it is frustrating that local elected officials can do nothing to reverse the situation. "They
all say their hands are tied," he remarked.
A serious concern is the claimants. Employees say that many of their clients
have complained that they have no way to get to Middletown.
"Unfortunately," Amodio says, "public transportation from Port Jervis to
Middletown is not even worth talking about."
Meanwhile, the employees are being moved to other area offices until June
1, but Amodio worries that some will not have jobs after that date if they lack
seniority.
Senior Employment Service Clerk Doris Richards says the claimants have
been transferred to Middletown, but there are no provisions to increase the staffing there. "The staff has been overworked all winter." she commented. "And
it's not going to get any better."
SENIOR E.S. CLERK DORIS RICHARDS and Senior U.I. Claims Examiner Connie McCormick sort through files that are being packed in preparation for the
closing of the Port Jervis Unemployment office. While the two employees are
being temporaiily transferred to another office, they say they are worried about
how the claimants will get to their newly assigned office 20 miles away. Meanwhile the mayor of this Orange County city said in a recent local newspaper
interview that he hopes to make arrangements to provide city office space for
an unemployment service office that would be open one or two days a week.
Student protests
against Apartlieid
supported by union
NEW YORK — The demonstration's over for now at Columbia University,
but it won't soon be forgotten. And CSEA has expressed its support for the efforts of Columbia University students in focusing the world's attention on the
struggle for social justice in South Africa.
In a letter to the students who occupied the school's administration building for three weeks, Region II President George Boncoraglio voiced the Region's
endorsement of the actions. "We stand with you in voicing strenuous objection
to the practice of Apartheid in South Africa and all of its dehumanizing effects."
The students were seeking Columbia's divestment of business holding in
companies doing business with the racist regime. Boncoraglio added: "You have
demonstrated that the 'conscience' of America will always be aroused by injustice and oppression."
The letter was delivered to the students at a rally marking the end of their
sit-in. Region II's African task force is preparing a series of programs about
problems on the African continent to be presented later this spring.
REGION II PRESIDENT George Boncoraglio reviews his statement of
support for Columbia University students who demonstrated against the
practice of Apartheid in South Africa.
Wappingers Falls School District guilty off IP charge
WAPPINGERS FALLS — The Public Employment Relations Board has upheld CSEA in an Improper Practice charge filed on behalf of the Wappingers
Falls School District Unit.
According to Region III Field Director Diane Campion, the School District
was charged with failing to continue the terms of an expired agreement when
officials refused to pay employees their yearly increments. In addition, the school
district changed their policy on granting religious holidays, which according
to CSEA is a mandatory subject of negotiation.
In his decision. Administrative Law Judge David P. Quinn pointed out that
although the employees were working without a contract and were in the midst
of negotiations, the school district was still obligated to continue to pay increments and longevity payments after the expiration of the contract. "A failure
to provide unit members increments and longevity payments in accordance with
May 31, 1985
an expired contract constitutes a violation," he stated.
Citing testimony by Unit President Mary Jane McNair that the school district had, as a past practice, granted leave for religious holidays, Quinn said
he found that the district "unilaterally altered its practice of approving requests
for personal leave for religious observances."
"The district is ordered to restore its practice of approving unit members'
requests for paid personal leave for religious observances, to revoke its memo
of September 5,1984, to the extent it deprives unit members of the benefit of
that practice, and to negotiate in good faith with the union," said Quinn.
McNair remarked that in December, the school board president wrote in
a local weekly newspaper column that she was very much aware of the
"Triborough Decision" which confirmed that a local government body must continue to carry out the terms of an expired contract.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
19
ORDA gets
order
to hike
workers'
salaries
CSEA wins
baffle
in
arbifrafor's
two-year
ruling
FAVORABLE DECISION—From left, CSEA Steward Tom Cooper, Local 059 Vice President Bruce
Hare and CSEA Field Representative Charles Scott review arbitrator's recent ruling calling for wage
hikes for ORDA employees. .
ALBANY—Because of CSEA's determination, 47 Olympic Regional
Development Authority employees will be receiving a 5 percent salary
increase retroactive to April 1, 1983.
The raise hike comes after two years of litigation for fulltime, seasonal
and former state employees now in a bargaining unit in the Olympic Authority.
"This arbitration is a classic illustration of both parties involved in long
and difficult negotiations, reaching an agreement with all good faith and intent
and then suddenly discovering that what they believed they had agreed to
was not what they had written," Arbitrator Joel Douglas stated in his decision.
In 1983, ORDA was created by transitioning under one new management
entity a variety of state and municipal employees who were involved in
running the Olympic sports facilities in the Lake Placid area.
In its negotiations for these workers, CSEA attempted to merge several
previous agreements into a new interim agreement with uniform provisions.
One main point of this new agreement was a reference to a salary increase
in the contract for the 1982-85 CSEA Operational Services Unit. CSEA believed
that all of the ORDA employees should receive a 5 percent increase because
of the inclusion of this clause.
However, neither ORDA nor the state agreed with the union's
interpretation, causing CSEA to file a grievance.
CSEA Capital Region Director John D. Corcoran Jr. noted that the
testimony of ORDA Local Vice President Bruce Hare was critical to the
positive determination by the arbitrator.
In order to see that his award is properly administered and that employees
eligible for the raise increase are identified, Douglas has retained jurisdiction
in the award process.
CSEA was represented by Field Representative Charles Scott and
Attorney Richard Burstein of CSEA's law firm, Roemer and
Featherstonhaugh.
Calls for investigation
incited by assaults,
fights in DFY facilities
JOHNSTOWN—"It's not a question of treating
kids anymore— it's can you control them before
they hurt you?"
That's how Dominic Ruggeri, president of Local
559, expresses a deep personal frustration over the
increasing violence at the Division for Youth's
Try on School. Because of numerous complaints
from union members there, three Capital Region
legislators have called for an independent
investigation of the administration of the Fulton
County-based operation.
Public concern over a high number of staff
assaults, injuries, fights and escapes have
included five facilities run by Try on: Try on Girls
Secure Center, Tryon Boys Secure Center, Tryon
School for Boys, Camp Nueva Vista, and Higher
Horizons. The issue surfaced when The Leader
Herald, a local newspaper, published information
and statistics, compiled by Ruggeri, on violent
incidents which have taken place.
The information, which decribes problems only
at the Boys Secure Center and Camp Nueva Vista,
paints a dismal picture of daily violence in the
schools.
For instance, since November 1983, there have
been 228 job- related injuries to CSEA-represented
20
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
staff, according to Ruggeri who obtained the
information in a piecemeal basis from the Tryon
facility's medical log.
In three of four cottages there have been 104
assaults on staff in the last nine months alone. In
one year, there were 539 restraints of youths by
staff and 316 fights between youths. In addition,
during the past year, 26 aides were hurt as a result of these incidents.
The Boys Secure Center, which opened last fall
and houses 30 juvenile offenders, has a rough record. There have been more than 60 fights, 10
assaults on staff, more than 20 restraints and 10
job-related injuries to staff since the center
opened.
But the statistics for Camp Nueva Vista are
even more shocking. The camp has 58 residents.
According to incomplete figures, there have been
i It's not a question of treating
kids anymore — it's can you
control them before they hurt
you?)P
157 restraints, 77 fights and 36 assaults on staff in
just over a three-month period. In addition, 13 staff
members have been hurt.
It is Camp Nueva Vista which seems to concern
Ruggeri the most. "The administration is letting
the kids do whatever they want without concern
for the staff. The kids run the show—not the staff.
And the division doesn't care about the safety of
the staff and the welfare of the people who work
for them," he said.
Ruggeri said that because of the violence there
is also concern about the lack of employee morale
at the Tryon facilities.
"It used to be a joke when a person said, 'It's
a shame that somebody has to get killed before
we get more staffi^.' Now people are just waiting
for it to happen and are hoping it doesn't happen
to them."
Based on the information provided by Ruggeri
and the reports in The Leader Herald, state Sen.
Hugh Farley, Assemblyman Glenn Harris and
Assemblyman James Tedisco have all requested
that Gov. Cuomo appoint an independent
investigator to look into the actions of the Tryon
administration and the whole DYF, if necessary,
to determine the cause of the recent upsurge in
violence.
May 31, 1 9 8 5