Effect on drug coverage varies
Employees w h o receive prescription drug
coverage through the CSEA Employee Benefit Fund are unaffected by the new Empire Plan
which goes into effect Jan. 1. 1 9 8 6 .
PLAN
Employees and retirees w h o currently receive prescription drug coverage through their
GHI or Statewide Options will continue to re-
Official Publication of The Civil Service Employees Association Local 1000,
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
AFL-CIO.
NEW YORK CITY—About 1,200 elected delegates are expected to participate in the historic 75th annual meeting of the Civil Service Employees
Assn. Oct. 20--25 at the Marriott Marquis here.
The union's 75th anniversary theme
will be woven throughout the annual
meeting activities. CSEA traces its
founding to an October day in 1910
when fewer than a dozen state workers,
concerned about their rights as working people and how to protect them,
gathered together beneath a staircase
in the State Capitol in Albany to discuss
the situation.
Federal mediator
seeks fo resolve
contract dispute;
unions hit bricks
The long and honored history of
CSEA is also a common theme woven
throughout the traditional annual meeting messages from CSEA's statewide
and regional officers to the delegates
and membership. Those messages are
published on pages 10-18 of this edition of The Public Sector.
Coverage of the 75th annual meeting
will be published in the next edition of
The Public Sector.
Mediation efforts continued this w e e k in an
attempt to settle a strike by approximately 1 8 0
CSEA staff employees that began Oct. 7. Federal Mediator Jra Lobel met with CSEA management and representatives of the striking Headquarters Staff Union and Field Staff Association but failed to resolve the dispute, which
primarily revolves around salary and management rights issues.
Dozens of CSEA management personnel
have kept CSEA's statewide headquarters in
Albany and the union's six regional headquarters open, providing services to the member-
ceive prescription drug coverage under' the
new Empire Plan.
Employees who receive prescription drug
coverage through their local Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) are unaffected by
the new Empire Plan.- Questions on HMO
prescription drug coverage should be directed
to the appropriate HMO.
(ISSN 0164 9949)
Vol. 8, No. 21
Friday, October 18, 1985
CSEA Graphic Artist Ralph Distin has harpooned virtually everyone from the President and governor on down with his satirical editorial cartoons in The Public Sector over the years. A selection of some
of his best art work will be on display during CSEA's 7 5 t h annual delegates meeting. For a glimpse of a few of them, see
pages 8 and 9.
ship throughout the strike which was nearing
the end of its second week as this edition of
The Public Sector went to press. CSEA closed
a half-dozen small satellite offices around the
state to consolidate essential membership
services through regional headquarters for the
"duration of the contract dispute.
The old contract expired Oct. 1 and the strike
began after both staff unions had declared an
impasse in negotiations and last-minute mediation efforts by Lobel failed to head off the Oct.
7 walkout.
J
LEAP offers sfate workers
many tuition-free courses
Labor Education Action Pi*ogram
^ „,
LEAP, the Labor Education Action Program of the Civil Service Employees Association, offers tultlon-free courses at two and fouryear public and private colleges, BOGES, and various state facilities across New York state. LEAP Is available to CSEA- represented
state employees In the Operational Services, Administrative Services and Institutional Services Units only. The courses are funded under Article 14 of the OSU, ASU and ISU contracts.
—
a
»
»
^
-
"
"
'
"
"
^
i
S e « « ® ' « o » t y e « « ? " « a r s e r v i c e s
12
Attendance rules
waived due to
Hurricane
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
The Civil Service Commission has voted to
waive attendance rules for employees in New
York City and the counties of Suffolk, Nassau
and Westchester who were unable to report
for work when Hurricane Gloria hit that area last
month, according to CSEA Chief Counsel
James W. Roemer Jr.
a n «
Attorney Roemer said employees in that area
who were unable to report to work due to the
hurricane will not have to charge that time to
personal leave accruals, while employees in the
affected area who did report for work for any
portion of that day will receive appropriate compensation time off.
October 18, 1985
at South Beach PC
'They're grabbing power to search
whoever they want
whenever they want'
CSEA Communications Associate
By Steve Madarasz
ST AJEN ISLAND—It's humiliating enough to be stripped of your civil
rights, but it's worse when the offender announces it to the world.
Without warning last May, South Beach Psychiatric Center posted
a sign at its entrance stating that anyone entering or leaving the grounds
could be subject to a search without any justification. CSEA contends
the policy is a violation of civil rights and constitutes an improper practice.
The union has been fighting for the sign's removal since that time.
"This is a very basic issue" insists Region 11 President George
Boncoraglio. "South Beach says they have the right to do this for the
'protection of the patients and employees' but they're really grabbing
the power to search whoever they want, whenever they want."
Boncoraglio believes that unless there are grounds for suspecting
a breach of security, South Beach management is violating the
constitutional right against illegal search and seizure.
Adds Local 446 President Peter Antico: "This is a policy that's being
selectively enforced. There's no consistency and certainly management
isn't being subjected to the same treatment our people are facing."
CIVIL RIGHTS VIOLATION—South Beach Psychiatric Center Local
446 President Peter Antico stands beside a sign that's causing
some fuss. CSEA is pursuing an improper practice charge claiming
that the recently posted statement amounts to a carte blanche
to search all employees and guests at management's whim.
BIG WIN—He's retired now, but
former Town of Hempstead
employee Bob Kelly still got union
support in getting expense money owed to him since 1983.
Pictured at check presentation
are, from left: Field Representative
RIgo Predonzan, Town of
Hempstead Unit President John
Aloisio, Kelly, and OSH Representative Kenneth Brotherton. ^
Although CSEA has filed an IP over the issue with the Public
Employee Relations Board, PERB has asked at a prehearing that the
char.ge be withdrawn. They contend that under a similar recent ruling
management does have the right to search persons entering and leaving
state facilities.
However, Boncoraglio points out that the PERB decision was based
on circumstances at a state warehouse facility and are different in that
the psych center case involved search of packages, not personal body
searches. He said he is demanding a clarification and a resolution.
Union not retiring about
getting win for retiree
TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD—Bob Kelly has found out that belonging to
a union pays off—even after you've retired.
With the help of CSEA, Kelly, who was employed by the town from
1 9 6 0 until April of this year, recently won a check covering expenses he
incurred while on the job.
The issue involved use of a town vehicle that Kelly received when he
was promoted to park supervisor in 1 9 7 4 . At that time there were no
conditions attached to use of the car.
Then, in December 1 9 8 3 , Kelly moved from Nassau County to Suffolk
County. Four days after notifying the town of his change of address, the
car was removed from Kelly's use. The town claimed that the use of the
car was conditional on Kelly's residing in Nassau County and/or being oncall.
The Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) found this to be untrue,citing other employees who live outside of Nassau County who have been
assigned vehicles. PERB further found no evidence from the town that could
support the on-call conditions.
Kelly had retired when the decision came down. He was awarded a
check which covered all the expenses—plus Interest—he had incurred for
transportation to and from work and on town business since 1 9 8 3 .
"This fight began a long time ago when I contacted the union and we
started out by filing an improper practice charge,"explains Kelly. "As It
turned out, I won a substantial amount of money. I'm very pleased I let
the union work for me and can only suggest that other members do the
same."
Kelly singled out for credit a number of union representatives including
Town of Hempstead Unit President John Alolslo, OSH Rep. Ken Brotherton,
Field Rep. RIgo Predonzan, and CSEA attorneys.
September20,1985
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
3
SPubUc
SSECTOR
Official publication of The Civil Service
Employees Association Local 1000, AFSCME,
AFL-CIO 143 Washington Avenue, Albany,
New York 12210
f We own the world,
We make the millions.
We are the ones who
steal your pay, so don't
»top givin\ j ^
The Public Sector (445010) is published every other Friday by The Civil Service Employees Association,
143 Washirigton Avenue, Albany, New York, 12210.
Publication Office: 143 Washington Avenue. Albany
New York, 12210. Second Class Postage paid at
Post Office, Albany, New York.
IdI SOUOARiry
T N £ STARVIMG
SOULik
IM
C o n r e i u i r e BOARbRooM«
ALL DUEIt AMeiClCA, THE
R6A6AM TAX REFORM
PLAN I S U f t f r l N G f O U
T o S 6 N O VOM TAXED
AARON SHEPARD — Publisher
ROGER A. COLE — Editor
BRIAN K. BAKER — Associate Editor
Address changes should be sent to: Civil Service Employees Association,
The Public Sector, P.O. Box
7125. Capitol Station. Albany, New York 12224.
^MO«
WITH
dENefirS.^ÖUÜ
SlA^H€0
bCDUCTIOWS A N D CWILÖ
C 4 f t 6 CREDITS TO;
COHHUHIC^.
1600
lA AVf.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
CHILD FIND
i v m
1-800-1 AM LOST
"The Public Sector" periodically publishes photographs and information about missing
children registered with Child Find, Inc. of New Paltz. Child Find is a non-profit
organization which works with a national network of teachers, social service groups
and law enforcement agencies to help locate missing children.
Child Find maintains a toil-free number, 1 -800-1 AM LOST, which persons with any
information about missing youngsters can call with complete confidence. According
to Child Find, the organization becomes involved with mostly parental abduction case.s,
and that about 9 5 per cent of the children the organization is looking for were abducted
by one of their parents.
// you believe you have information relative to the children below or any other missing child, immediately contact Child Find on the toll free number, 1-800-1 AM LOST.
IN THE TIME
IT TAKES YOU TO
GET YQUR CHILD
READY FOR SCHOOL
ANOTHER CHILD
WILL HAVE
DISAPPEAREa
12
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
m
w
mi
Huan David Marvel
Birthdate:
7/16/78
Abducted:
3/27/85
From: Fallsburg. NY
CF 3461 p
Damien Joseph Carter
Birthdate:
4/20/80
Abducted:
5/1/83
From: Portland, OR
CF 3461 p
J
October 18, 1985
CSEA
^MPIOYEE
AMiSTANeg
BUMPERS AND BROCHURES—Gary Santorelli, left, a county social services employee, picks up a CSEA bumper sticker and informational brochures. Offering assistance are
Mary Sullivan, center, first vice president, and Pat Grandau, executive vice president of Region V.
EAP — Rick Gossiaus, left, stops at the Employee Assistance Program booth
for some literature. On hand are Gail Pederson, chairwoman of the Local
834 EAP Committee and Jim Murphy, CSEA statewide EAP director.
services
menu at
clambake
By Chuck McGeary
CSEA Communications Associate
SYRACUSE—When Onondaga County Local 8 3 4 mixed
business with pleasure at its annual clambake, the result provided plenty of food for thought.
EDUCATION—At left, Peg Wilson, CSEA Education and Training specialist, and Signe Nelson, chairwoman of the Local 834 Training and Education
Committee, offer materials to Bob Davis and Tom Kelly, members of Syracuse
City Schools Custodial Unit.
At the recent event, an estimated crowd of 1 , 5 0 0 county employees and guests toured 16 booths featuring an array of CSEA services. While the resource fair format was hardly
new, the idea of combining it with a summer outing was the
brainchild of Local 8 3 4 President Pat Callahan.
" W e were exploring ways to strengthen union solidarity
and, at the same time, offer rank-and-file members and other
county employees an opportunity to ask questions and pick
up a wide variety of CSEA literature and information," said Callahan. "Staging a resource fair at the annual clambake just
seemed the ideal way to reach the maximum number of
people."
The set-up of booths provided a department store approach to displaying uni'on services. Staffing the information
tables were CSEA representatives in a variety of office positions: local and unit officers; the Membership Committee;
Board of Directors; Region V officers, Education and Training Department; Research Department; School District Affairs;
Occupational Safety and Health; and Political Action, among
others.
"It was a great day for some fun and fellowship, and fori
Onondaga County workers who got tips about how their union operates. It took loads of planning and hard work, but I
think everyone will agree the end result was well worth the,
effort,"Callahan said.
LOCAL INFO--Grant Fletcher, left, second vice president of Syracuse
Housing Authority Unit, gets some first-hand information from Local 834
officers. Manning the booth are, from left: Bruce Dickenson, second vice
president; Dale King, local treasurer; Pat Callahan, local president; and Dave
Kennedy, third vice president.
•
September 6, 1985
Local members who helped make the event a success
were: Sue Wheeler and Dave Kennedy, committee cochairpersons; Marcia Hatherill, Veronica Ruzekowicz, Glenn
Steele, Joe Moran, Jerry Smith, Ike Williams, Marvin Jones
and Ray Wentworth, committee members; and Dale King and
Bruce Dickenson, local officers. Signe Nelson and Gail Pederson served as booth captains.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
5
'Political Action
Letter perfect endorsements
ALBANY—By the time election day rolls around Nov. 5, more than
1 2 5 , 0 0 0 CSEA members will have received letters in the mail about
union-endorsed candidates in their voting districts.
If you haven't already received a letter from the Political Action Committee in your region, chances are you still may. Correspondence is
scheduled to be mailed by the Legislative and Political Action office in
Albany over a period of a couple weeks.
If and when you do get a letter, you might notice a personal touch
that makes this one a little different from mailings you may have received
in the past. Instead of being addressed generically to "Dear CSEA member," your letter will include your name and address and a personal salutation.
While making the letters appear more polished, the switch has a very
practical reason behind it. The endorsement mailings for this political
season represent the Legislative and Political Action office's first trial
at what is called "direct targeted mailing."
"This is the first time we've applied direct targeted mailing to a campaign," said Tom Haley, Legislative and Political Action director. "We've
been able to do it through acquisition of voter registration tapes in various counties that have them, and then identifying our members by district and party affiliation."
The new system is not only more professional, but will be more effective since letters will be targeted to members who have a track record of voting. It will also save money, in part by eliminating duplicate
mailings to people in the same household.
The letters are being printed—at a rate of 7 5 0 an hour—on a laser
printer at CSEA headquaters. Haley called the new technique "stateof-the-art stuff" that expands the union's arsenal on the campaign front.
"This is just another option CSEA has prepared to offer to endorsed
candidates," he said, noting it will supplement the union's current assistance through phone banks, volunteerism, and direct contributions.-
MOUNTAIN OF MAIL — Looking over mounds of mailings to members in Long Island are, from left: Sandra Picarazzi, secretary,
and Cheryl Sheller, research associate, CSEA Legislative and Political Action; CSEA President William L. McGowan. This is just part
of the union's new direct mailing effort endorsing candidates in counties and municipalities throughout the state.
\
DUTCHESS COUNTY LEGISLATIVE candidates—seven of 20 endorsed by the Region ill
Political Action Committee—were on hand for a recent press conference held at the regional office. Pictured here are, from left: Stanley LaVoie-D, Carolyn Wilson-R, Lois Gray-R,
Peg Hansen-R, Roger Higgins-D, Rose Wells-D, and John Ballo-D. At right is Region III PAC
Coordinator Doris Mason.
A FORMER CSEA UNIT PRESIDENT in the
Dover Plains School District, Clara
Boscardin, above, is running for office on the
Town Council with the endorsement of Region III PAC. Recently retired, Boscardin
came to work as a cook in the school district in 1968 and joined CSEA in 1971 when
the union orgainized the members. She became treasurer of the unit then, and in 1977
she was elected president. Approached by
the town's Democratic chairman to run,
Boscardin agreed, citing her longtime experience as a union activist as a valuable asset for political office.
12
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
CITY OF BEACON candidates endorsed by Region III PAC met recently with CSEA officials at a press conference. Pictured, from left, are: Dutchess County Local 814 President
Scott Daniels; Region III President Pat Mascioli; Jim Fredericks, Democratic candidate for
mayor; Sands Frost, who serves on PAC; Ralph Flynn, Democratic candidate for Commissioner of Public Works; and Carl Mathison, Dutchess County Political Action Committee
chairman.
October 18, 1985
More
endorsements
The Political Action Committee of Capital Region IV hias
made the following endorsements;
WARREN COUNTY
Legislature
Robert M. Garrow-I
Board of Supervisors, Johnsburg
Joseph Prall-D
Board of Supervisors, Luzerne
Keith Lawrence-D
City Treasurer, Glens Falls
Arlene De-Temple Schiek-D
Mayor, Glens Falls
Francis X. O'Keefe-D
COLUIVIBIA COUNTY
Town Supervisor, Kinderhook
John "Bud" Scheriff-D
Town Supervisor, Stuyvesant
James P^ Secovnie-C
Town Supervisor, Chatham
Francis J. Blaker Jr.-D
Town Supervisor, Greenport
John Rutkey-R
Town Supervisor, Stockport
William Kosnick-D
Treasurer, City of Hudson
Rev. John Kulish-R
The Political Action Committee in Central Region V has
made the following endorsements:
ONEIDA COUNTY
Aldermen, Common Council, City of Rome
1st Ward—Richard Fiorini-R (CSEA member)
2nd Ward—Keith Townsend-R
3rd Ward—Timothy Merchant-R (CSEA member)
4th Ward—Rosemary Mody-R
5th Ward—Jeanette Denton-R
6th Ward—Donald Burkhart-R
7th Ward—Anthony Spada-D
City of Utica
fVlayor—Louis D. LaPolla-R
Common
Council
President—Edward
A.
Rewkowski-D
Comptroller—Tom Nelson-R
County Legislature
8th District—Thomas Pianella-D
13th District—Jeff Rowlands-R
19th District—James Kiernan-D
22nd District—Harry Hertline-D
24th District—George Penree lll-D
25th District—William Hendricks—D
28th District—Angelo Amodio—R
29th District—Frank Andrello-R
35th District—Raymond Meier-R
36th District—Jeanne fVlattis-D
37th District—Gerald Fiorini-R (CSEA member)
FRANKLIN COUNTY
Councilman, Town of Malone Gary Peryea-R (former
CSEA local president)
ONONDAGA COUNTY
City Council, Syracuse
Councilor-at-Large—Theresa McCarthy-D
4fh District—Charles L. Anderson-D
Board of Education, Syracuse
Joseph E. Fahey
'
Mary M. Salibrici
County Legislature
2nd District Carmel Scaffido-D
3rd District— Robert F. Tomeny-R
4th District— William E. Sanford-R
5th District—.John E. Garland-D
7th District—James F. Slanger-D
9th District- Rhea Jezer-D
"lO^h District Terry Pickard-R
14th District Charles A. Durham-R
1 5th District Frank Rose-R
16th District Nicholas J. Pirro-R
1 7th District Edward F. Ryan-D
19th District Doris Chertow-D
20th District David J, Holihan-D
21th District Mark A. Stanczyk-D
22nd District —James C. Tormey lll-l
23rd District Clarence Dunham-D
ONEIDA ENDORSEMENT—Region VI President Jim Moore, seated center, is flanked by
Utica Mayor Louis LaPolla and Political Action Committee Chairwoman Dorothy Penner
at recent press conference announcing the region's endorsements in upcoming Oneida
County elections. Other candidates pictured are, from left: William Hendricks, Frank Andrello, Gerald Fiorini, George Penree, Thomas Pianella, Edward Rewkowski, Tom Nelson,
Jeff Rowlands, James Kiernan, and Jeanne Mattis.
CSEA pushes for safeguards
Continuing saga of Binghamton SOB
BINGHAMTON—The story of the State Office Building here, closed when
an early morning fire in February 1 9 8 1 caused chemical contamination,
is not yet over. What was once called "the worst environmental disaster
ever" continues to demand union vigilance. CSEA's position is best summed
up in the recent statement by CSEA President William L. McGowan that
"no one will enter the building until I am personally sure the State Office
Building is safe."
The fire, though confined to the basement, caused 1 , 1 0 0 gallons of insulating fluid in an electrical transformer to leak out and burn, creating a
highly toxic situation. Meanwhile, a thick layer of soot containing such chemicals as PCBs, dioxins, furans and other compounds, spread throughout
the 18-story structure.
It was no ordinary fire. It would require an extraordinary cleanup.
The building was stripped to the bare steel and concrete. All furniture,
furnishings, files, paperwork, wall and floor coverings were hauled off to
a toxic landfill.
Cleaning was done by scrubbing all surfaces with a wire brush and then
vacuuming. Some areas were also washed down with special solutions and
solvents. Hollow wall spaces as well as 4 0 miles of duct work were included. Finally, a sealant was sprayed over accessible surfaces. Inner walls
and ducts were also sealed. At the same time, the air and various surfaces
on each floor were regularly tested to measure how effective the cleaning
was in reducing toxics.
The state Office of General Services supervised the scrubbing although
an outside engineering firm was hired to do the actual work. The Department of Health was in overall charge of sampling and testing.
A special scientific advisory panel, formed shortly after the disaster, has
been reviewing work done, analyzing test data, and determining when the
building could be reopened. In addition, the New York State/CSEA Joint
Safety and Health Maintenance Committee hired Dr. Terry Miller, a professional engineer, to act as an independent expert consultant.
•
September 6, 1985
The panel met in August and heard that the building was essentially
"clean" except for the basement, sub-basement and first floor. OGS Commissioner John Egan then unveiled a plan to gradually reopen the building
later this year, he immediiately ran into opposition from union leaders including CSEA Local 0 0 2 President Timonthy Henehan. OGS later scrapped
plans to reopen the structure.
In the meantime. Dr. Miller has asked that more testing be done at individual work stations. He pointed out that air testing on each floor gave
only the average levels of toxics. There could be high and low spots.
CSEA representatives, state officials, panel members, the press and Assemblyman James Tallon recently toured the building. It was the first time
since the fire than anyone other than but clean up and supervisory personnel were admitted. The discovered the building was indeed stripped
to the bare concrete and steel. Holes knocked in conc/ete block walls still
remained and visitors were able to inspect hollow wall spaces.
Following the recent panel meeting and tour, CSEA officials met with
Dr. Miller to analyze information gathered. They outlined several continuing concerns, including:
*The need for a final round of testing before re-entry to show that there
are not "hot spots" and that all areas had levels of toxics below guidelines
for re-entry.
*Thp need for a written agreement that the hearing, ventilation and air
conditioning system will be operated with fresh air intake at the maximum
4 0 percent intake. CSEA also wants guarantees that the fresh air intake
will not be shut down after hours and on weekends and holidays.
*The need for psychological counseling to address employee fears. Entensive information programs will be required also.
Jim Corcoran, CSEA's director of occupational safety and health, feels
that things are beginning to move now and that CSEA representatives are
on top of the situation. Discussions with the Governor's Office of Employee
Relations are going smoothly, Corcoran says, and his department continues
to work towards a safe re-entry plan for employees.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
7
Ralph Distin.
Chances are you don't recognize the name. But
if you've been a regular reader of The Public Sector for the past decade, you know his work. Especially if you're the type who goes to the funnies first.
Distin is graphic artist for CSEA's Communications Department. His satirical labor cartoons are
a staple on page four of this paper. And they've
become notorious for poking fun at public officials
and policies that pit themselves against the best
interests of public employees.
While the issues Distin focuses on are not always laughing matters to unionists, his cartoons
can make them cough up a chuckle, or at least
crack a grin, fs/laybe that's why Distin keeps on
his desk a coffee cup with the constant reminder,
"Damn, I'm good."
Distin is, in fact, good enough to have been
recognized for his efforts by the International Labor Communications Association (ILCA) from
which he's won awards. As part of CSEA's 75th
Anniversary celebration, a collection of his cartoons will be on exhibit at this year's delegates
meeting in New York City.
For those who won't make the convention but
care a whit about wit, here's a small sampling of
some wry work.
SELF PORTRAIT—CSEA resident artist at work.
R l RESTRICT WR BUYING^
SOME MATERIAL MAY NOT B E UNWN-MAOE
BOYCOTT ANTI-UNION TEXTILES NEAR YOU
ACTING OUT against a textile company cloaked in scandal.
12
PIE ARE ROUND—even when they hit you squarely in the face.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
COMING UP with a clean word to rhyme with "Fritz" in '84 campaign.
A REAL GOOD REASON for getting dis-grunt-led.
October 18, 1985
GETTING FAIR PAY for women has not been child's play.
TWO BIRDS—one old, one getting plucked.
PACKED WITH SUSPENSE. A thrill a nfilnute.
A GOOD YEAR for good deals.
WILL IT BE ANOTHER
OKIE OF THOSe 5EAS0HIS?
"POP!" WENT JIMMY'S wage/price controls in the '70s.
•
September 6, 1985
PUBLIC EMPLOYEES get a different pitch on health issues.
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
9
T-PTTTTT
CSEA will formally mark the 75th anniversary of the union during
the 75th Annual Delegates Meeting Oct. 20-26 at the Marriott Marquis in New York City. Traditionally the union's statewide and
regional officers issue reports to the delegates during the annual
meeting. Those reports are reproduced in this issue of The Public
Sector on pages 10—18. Proposed changes to the union's Constitution and By-Laws which the delegates will consider, along with
other proposed resolutions, were printed in previous editions of
The Public Sector.
On that October day in 1 9 1 0 when less
than a dozen people huddled beneath a
staircase in the State Capitol in Albany to
McGowan
discuss their rights as working people and
how to protect them, they could not have
Imagined how their idea would nourish and
grow. Today, 7 5 years later, their dreams and
courage live on as the labor union they
informally founded that däy — The Civil
Service Employees Association.
In the history of unionism, 75 years is a long
time. Our union is living proof that those who
actively participate in the process today, and
all those union activists who have gone before
us, have guided this organization in the right
direction these seven and one-half decades.
We have never abandoned the original
objective of gaining and preserving the rights
of public employees. But we have greatly
expanded our horizons and added new
dimensions on our way to becoming the
largest, most powerful and most prestigious
public emplyees union in New York State.
From that humble beginning, our growth, in
both size and responsibility, has been
awesome. Today, we not only represent
2 1 0 , 0 0 0 public employees in New York
State; we speak on behalf of millions of state
residents and taxpayers. Our efforts on behalf
of good government, better public services,
adequate staffing levels of public workers to
provide essential services, pay equity, funds
and grants to turn good ideas into workable
programs and more all translate into a better,
healthier lifestyle for New York State
residents. In helping the members we
represent,
we have b e c o m e
the
An Annual Report to you always gives me the
opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments of
the Office of Statewide Secretary. I say the
office because these accomplishments could
not be carried out without the capable staff of
CSEA, my assistant, Mrs. Sheryl Bolton, and
Mrs. B e r n a r d i n o R o u s e , S u p e r v i s o r of
Stenographer Services.
Every Resolution made by the Delegates and
the Board of Directors is filed by date of meeting
and by subject. Thus when research is
n e c e s s a r y for any a c t i o n , it c a n be
accomplished quickly.
Resolutions passed by the International
Executive Board of AFSCME and by the AFLCIO Executive Board are provided to my office
by CSEA Executive Vice President Joseph E.
McDermott. The resolutions are filed according
to subject matter, and help provide continuity
between CSEA activities and those of AFSCME
in particular and organized labor in general.
These resolutions are available for inspection by
10
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
Joseph
What do Kewpie dolls. Hallmark Cards andl
CSEA have in common this year? They're all
celebrating 75th anniversaries!
For many of us union activists it sometimes
feels that we too have been, around since
1 9 1 0 but then w e - w a l k past the CSEA
Memorial Plaque in our Albany Headquarters
and recall that there were many others before
Statewide President's Report
WiUiam L.
Statewide Executive Vice President's Report
representative as well of those millions of New
Yorkers who otherwise have no voice.
All that we have achieved, and all that we
are, has been made possible only through
unity. No one person nor special interest
group has made our union great, it has taken
the collective efforts of us all. Today we need
it more than ever, stronger than ever.
It takes all of us working together to help
elect those officials who are best not just for
public workers, but for all New Yorkers. It will
take all our combined efforts and strength to
prevent the withholding of crucial federal
funds for important social and economic
programs that impact upon us all; all our will
and determination to halt an unjust tax reform
plan that will harm virtually everyone in New
York State. The time for pay equity is now,
and CSEA is out in front on this burning issue
of the 1980s.
One word best describes how I feel about
this union, our membership and our
achievements — pride! As a union we have
brought public employees into the mainstream
of the working class, a prideful achievement.
We have bettered the lives of millions of New
Yorkers in the process. We truly can
celebrate 75 years of pride; pride in the work
we do and pride in all that we have contributed
to society.
Thanks to everyone of you for making our
first 75 years so successful. And they haven't
seen anything yet, because together our
future is even brighter than our past.
any CSEA member.
Every recommendation made by a member of
the Board of Directors is referred to the proper
office.
9
At the 1 9 8 5 Annual Delegates Meeting we will
hopefully see a more structured resolution
process with the advent of the official
Resolutions Committee who will review all
resolutions, and publish their report so that all
delegates will be well informed. Delegate listings
are now computerized and Local Presidents
have received these lists on a timely basis in
order to facilitate proper registration in a speedy
manner at the Delegates Meeting. Lists have
also been regionalized so that the PresidentiDf
each Region has this information.
I have continued to be invited to speak both to
private and public sector groups on pay equity. It
is, of course, with a great sense of pride that I
can point to the actual gains made by CSEA in
the State Contract in actual dollars negotiated.
The Local Government Pay Equity Project has
October
noved forward and in the process CSEA Staff
las become more knowledgeable for future
esearch and negotiations.
Thu Policy Handbook being developed in this
)ffice has been brought up to date by the
ummer intern, Stephanie Dempf. Ms. Dempf
las also worked with the Education Department
1 putting together a packette of information for
taff on Pay Equity. Material is received almost
laily and the news media coverage is carefully
icluded in the library of material.
continue to follow the VDT issue closely and
gain point with pride to the contract language
eveloped by our Safety Department to protect
ur ^ r k e r s . Having observed what is going on
cross the country on this issue, CSEA certainly
tands tall in their determination on the issue.
)ur local government brothers and sisters can
ow benefit from these gains. We in the union
re excited about the potential for increased
roductivity and creativity in the world of
iformation processing, but we must temper our
3, 1985
E.
McDermott
us who helped put together the rich legacy we
enjoy today as New York State's largest — and
best — public employee union.
For myself, I look back to 25 years of
activism during which I was privileged to be
involved in nearly every major decision
affecting our membership. And, if one thing
remains the same today, as it did in the past, it
is our commitment to winning the best for the
people we represent.
"Winning the best" for me, meant getting
more involved in CSEA administratively.
During this past year my own efforts have
been widespread in addressing our members'
needs.
I am especially proud, for example, to have
finally won the long battle to get your social
security number removed from our internal
Union election ballots.
I am proud of the part I was able to play, in
concert with our Resolutions Committee, in
drafting policy statements for delegate
consideration on issues ranging from
apartheid, and state and local taxes, to the
homeless and the mentally ill.
Participating in state contract negotiations
seemed unending, yet proved to be
rewarding. Months of preparation followed by
months of negotiations during which I sat at
the center of the table and met face-to-face
with the Governor's Office of Employee
Relations, resulted in an excellent contract,
overwhelmingly ratified by the membership. It
was an example of CSEA at its best.
I am proud of my recent appointment to the
State Employee Assistance Program Advisory
Committee. It is a golden opportunity for me to
work to also further expand EAP's into Local
Governments.
I am also proud of a number of "firsts"
during the past year, including: the first ever,
Corrections Department Labor Presidents
enthusiasm with realism, and realism tells me
that there are problem areas that must be closely
monitored. Continuing efforts to pass legislation
will be once again reinstituted at the beginning of
the next session. Progress has been made
across the country and there is more recognition
of the issue by the legislators since the VDT
machines have now been placed in greater
numbers in the Legislative Office Building. When
we note the revolutionary new General Motors
Saturn Plant that will be built in the South which
makes sweeping changes in the area of labor
with robots performing most tasks, work stations
linked by computers, and the software guidance
of all aspects, it is imperative for the Union to be
constantly vigilant on the changes in the work life
of our membership. The Day Care issue has
been one-full of frustrations in my attempts to get
answers for locals on funding. It continues to
amaze me that the issue of caring for our
children receives such low priority. We
recognize that insurance is a problem, and for
meeting, the first session of the "Big Six"
Local Government Locals; and laying the
groundwork for the first ever State University
of New York Labor/Management Conference.
At the same time, I worked to make sure our
own house was in order. I lent a members'
perspective to the contract negotiations with
our two in-house staff unions. I also worked to
better house them and the programs that
CSEA now provides after three-quarters of a
century of growth. And, I continue to pursue
my goal of saving us substantial sums of
money on rents and leases.
My efforts however, have also extended
beyond my duties as Executive Vice
President.
In my role as an International Vice President
I have served our International Union in a
number of ways including as a member of the
AFSCME Committee on the Evolution of Work
and on their PEOPLE Committee. The
PEOPLE position is especially important to us
as public employees because much of the
revenues we depend on as public employees
come from the federal government and the
PEOPLE funds raised help elect the right
people.
I have also used my influence with AFSCME
to secure special grants for CSEA to fund
Organizing activities, to pursue comparable
worth lawsuits and to finance innovative
government comparable worth projects.
These grants have saved our members from
thousands of dollars in additional CSEA Union
dues.
This past year then, has been a time when
CSEA has reaffirmed its role as a preeminent
public sector union in New York State.
It is a record built on pride. CSEA glitters
today as the diamond it is in this, our 75th
Year!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY CSEA!
the time being, the State run day care centers
have the advantage of blanket insurance. Yes,
our program has received many accolades from
across the country, but the fact remains that the
individual centers have needs which must be
addressed — more training for one, and certainly
better communication.
It is my hope that in my capacity as chair of the
AFSCME Women's Advisory Committee I can
look forward to bringing back to CSEA
Membership information from a national le,vel.
I am taking this opportunity to remind everyone
that major changes will occur in the election
process for Local and Unit elections in 1 9 8 6 ,
and to emphasize the importance of becoming
familiar with the new petition election process
involved. Now is the time for Locals and Units to
begin preparations for those elections to insure
they are conducted properly and orderly. Start
by familiarizing yourself with the new process.
Identify potential Local or Unit members for
appointment to your Election Committee as soon
as possible, and plan to attend informational
sessions on the new election procedure when
they are scheduled in your area. Pay attention to
(Continued on Page 14)
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
11
Statewide Treasurer's Report
Barbara M. Fauser
GENERAL
FUND
STATEMENT
FOR
OF INCOME
THE
MONTH
AUGUST
AND
EXPENSES
ENDING
31,
1985
\
AUGUST
ACTUAL
BUDGET
YEAR-TO^DATE
ACTUAL
BUDGET
1985
$2 ,063,164
200,584
43,750
31,250
91,564
4,398
4,057
$2 ,190,351
210,151
43,750
31,250
104,166
4,166
2,083
$24,828,218
2,021,191
434,586
393,100
1,258,854
18,633
33,704
$26,284,200
2,521,800
525,000
375,000
1,250,000
50,000
25,000
$1 ,455,982
500,609
90,414
(18,100)
(8,854)
31,367
(8,704)
$2 ,438,767
$2 ,585,917
$28,988,286
$31,031,000
$2 ,042,714
$
$
$
BALANCE
INCOME
Membership
Dues
Agency
Shop
Fee
AFSCME
Grant
Group Life
^
Investments
Exam
Books
Miscellaneous
TOTAL
EXPENSES
Since last year's report, many projects
mentioned have come to fruition. Chief among
these is the completion of the move to our
new headquarters building on September 6,
1 9 8 5 . After many months of renovations and
expenditures for new windows, furniture and
a phone system, we now occupy a union
headquarters of which we can all be proud.
Another large project has been the
installation of a new computer system for our
in-house processing, word processing and
communication to our service bureau. This
system is providing adequate support as we
computerize more aspects of our daily
operations.
On the financial front, the past fiscal year
has been one of transition. It was the first year
that the full impact of the reduced schedule of
AFSCME grants has been reflected in our
operating budget. In November 1 9 8 4 , the
Board approved a budget with a projected
deficit of $ 3 , 2 9 1 , 6 0 0 . In April 1 9 8 5 , the
Budget Committee recommended cuts of
$ 1 , 0 6 0 , 0 0 0 that were accepted by the
Board. This reduced the projected deficit to
$2,631,000.
As the attached General Fund Statement of
Income and Expenses for the month of
August 1 9 8 5 and the eleven months then
ended indicates, our experience has been
better than originally anticipated. The
statement.reflects a loss of $ 8 5 , 7 9 8 for the
month of August and a year-to-date loss of
$ 1 , 5 9 2 , 5 6 0 . At this rate, we project a total
deficit of $ 1 , 8 0 0 , 0 0 0 for the year.
Representatives from the accounting firm of
Coopers and Lybrand are currently reviewing
our books and records. A certified copy of the
financial statement will be published in "The
Public Sector."
A dues increase will be required to meet the
minimum imposed on AFSCME locals and
councils effective January 1, 1 9 8 6 . The
annual dues will increase from the current
$ 1 4 3 . 4 0 to $ 1 5 1 . 2 0 . The per capital
payment to AFSCME will increase from
$ 4 9 . 2 0 to $ 5 1 . 6 0 . This dues increase on a
bi-weekly basis will amount to 30(i: or 5.4%
over the current rate.
Your Officers and Board Representatives
have spent considerable time on the financial
12
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
Political
Action
$
Per Capita
Tax
Dues
Rebate
Personal
Service
Salaries
Personal
Service
Benefits
Region
s Satellite
Offices
Legal
Professional
Services
Travel
General
Operating
Data
Processing
Printing
Telephone
s
Postage
Equipment
Building
Maintenance
Officers,
Directors,
Comm.
Publication
Delegate
Meetings
Woi^shops
Region
Refunds
Region
Education
Communications
Membership/Organizing
Organizational
Representation/Challenges
Internal
Elections
AFSCME
Convention
Negotiations
Exam Prep.
Books
Miscellaneous
Transfer/Plant
Fund
Trans./Contingency
Fund
TOTAL
CONTRIBUTION
(CHARGE)
TO
SURPLUS
71,847
854,919
352,208
471,853
120,853
58,849
162,523
2,320
72,902
21,025
42,891
564
34,779
1,270
14,617
79,857
74,043
-02,252
4,458
1,981
11,450
-0-0-0-012,500
11,371
-0-027,500
15,733
$2 ,524,565
$
(85,798)
$
70,950
839,792
385,583
515,283
151)217
70,666
179,333
6,325
77,316
15,650
38,833
6,491
35,816
2,916
26,391
116,775
68,225
16,025
9,925
4,458
2,500
15,833
2,500
8,333
12,500
16,666
12,500
49,316
1,750
2,083
27,500
15,733
782,704
9,170,070
4,430,337
5,732,592
1,610,194
798,629
2^.003,317
68,938
880,357
200,860
409,524
46,263
317,655
40,075
233,784
1,158,066
691,462
156,487
87,388
49,038
17,73-2
99,514
56,755
51,505
96,454
209,694
137,500
524,722
12,711
12,441
320,579
173,499
851,300
10,077,500
4,627,000
6,183,400
1,814,600
848,000
2,152,000
75,900
927,800
187,800
466,000
77,900
429,800
35,000
316,700
1,401,300
818,700
192,300
119,100
53,500
30,000
190,000
30,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
150,000
591,800
21,000
25,000
330,000
188,800
68,596
907,430
196,663
450,808
204,406
49,371
148,683
6,962
47,443
(13,060)
56,476
31,637
112,145
(5,075)
82,916
243,234
127,238
35,813
31,712
4,462
12,268
90,486
(26,755)
48,495
53,546
(9,694)
12,500
67,078
8,289
12,559
9,421
15,301
$2 ,805,184
$30,580,846
$33,662,200
$3 ,081,354
$ (219,267)
$(1,592,560)
$(2,631,200)
($1,038,640)
status of our union. It was their decision to
hold the January 1, 1 9 8 6 increase to the
AFSCME minimum required by the affiliation
agreement. This increase of 5% is not
sufficient to fund current operations. The
deficit, which will be about $ 3 million, will be
funded from accumulated surplus. Over the
next few months, studies will continue on how
to resolve this funding gap. The most likely
course of events will be a revision in the dues
structure now that the AFSCME grants no
longer provide sufficient income to offset
operating deficits. At the latest, this revision
will be presented at the 1 9 8 6 Delegate
Meeting.
The administrative functions of your union
are running smoothly. I am sure you can
appreciate the following statistics from this
past year's operation: 2 3 , 0 0 0 checks were
issued totaling $ 4 0 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 — included in
that amount were rebates issued to locals
totaling $ 4 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 ; 2 3 local audits were
completed; 2 0 0 members attended training
seminars sponsored by my office for local and
unit treasures.
In conclusion, I want to thank those of you
who supported me in the two elections that
have been run this past year. It is refreshing to
know that I can devote my full energies to
administration this year.
sALl
October 18, 1985
President's
Report
Long Island Region
Danny
Donohue
Brighter future promised
by advances in past year
CSE A has been alive and well for 7 5 years
in New York state. The union has been
invincible in Long Island for 5 0 years now. We
should all be proud. There is a future and with
our members' support, it is certain to be a
bright one.
W i t h t h e a s s i s t a n c e of
AFSCME
International President Gerald W. McEntee,
CSEA has pioneered the struggle to rectify
the inequities which have existed for so many
years.
In Nassau County we have brought the pay
equity issue into the forefront by going to
court to protect our members' rights.
The results of this fight will have an impact
which will be felt across the state; in every
county, town, village and school district.
1 9 8 5 has been a tough year at the
bargaining table. We are proud to say that we
have won substantial contract increases in
most areas while maintaining benefits and
agreeing to no givebacks.
With the help of AFSCME we have
improved our ability to track federal funding
from Washington to the towns and villages.
This has allowed for more concise budget
analysis.
On the political front, we have experienced
a 97 percent success rate in getting our
endorsed candidates into state Assembly and
Senate positions.
The lobbying days we now have in Albany
have acted to flex our political muscle.
Having a Political Action Coordinator in each
region has brought political action to the
grassroots level where it can be more
effective. This became most evident when we
met with great success in the school board
elections. Oftentimes we unseated the
incumbents, replacing them with individuals
who more closely understand the needs of
our members.
At Kings Park Psychiatric Center, our
members have been given the opportunity to
stretch their food budgets by buying through
the first CSEA food co-op on Long Island. We
hope to expand this program throughout the
region and the state.
Another development at Kings Park P.C.
was the day-care center for our members'
children. This is another excellent idea that we
would like to see,implemented throughout the
region.
We've expanded our Employee Assistance
Program so that it now encompasses almost
all of the political subdivisions.
The region has trained approximately 5 0 0
activists this year. We have run programs at
the job sites as well as the region office. With
the help and dedication of the Training,
Information & Education Committee, and the
rank-and-file members, we have succeeded in
offering the programs the membership has
requested.
We also have an apprenticeship program
which has been active throughout the region.
This program offers members, who feel they
are in dead-end jobs, a chance for
advancement.
Through the federal government, we are
supporting a child-find program. We have
recruited the help of our members in posting
literature, volunteering time, support and
services.
Last year saw the tragic accident at the
Smithtown landfill. Although we can't turn the
clock back, the accident did result in the
correction of unsafe conditions at other
landfills.
We recently lost a member in an accident at
a water pollution control plant. Another
tragedy that acted as reminder that we must
all become safety conscious. Safety is
everyone's responsibility and CSEA is leading
the fight to deter any other accidents from
occurring. Our Occupational Safety and
Health representative is working to ensure
that all of the facilities operate in strict
compliance with the law.
This year we have won many improper
practice cases, back-pay cases, promotions
and reinstatements. We have organized more
working men and women into the union and
we are slowly growing in membership.
The actions taken by the federal and local
government have resulted in changes in the
needs of our members. We have worked hard
to satisfy these needs.
When the Governor closed the Long Island
Correctional Facility, we saw to it that no
permanent employee lost their job.
Long Island is one of the highest taxed
areas in the country and we have to be
innovative to help our members make ends
meet. There are no quick-fix solutions to the
problems our members face. We need the
involvement of each of them to make the
difference.
Today we are 5 0 , 0 0 0 strong. We will join
hands with our brothers and sisters and we
will continue to grow. We are one union.
CSEA.
Information and fun mark
Region 1 membership fairs
HAUPPAUGE—Members got more than they bargained for when they signed up recently at two
membership fairs in Region i.
Barbara Feit, the 75th CSEA member to sign In
at one fair, walked away with a new color TV as part
of a celebration of CSEA's 75th anniversary. She
was one of six members who won television sets
at the events in Nassau and Suffolk counties In September.
The fairs each included more than 3 0 information
tables staffed by union representatives and CSEAendorsed vendors, and provided opportunities for
members to ask questions about services and pick
up literature.
But the events were also lots of fun for the more
than 1 , 0 0 0 members who took part anci were treated to free prizes and gifts ranging from a trip to
Acapuico to give-aways like balloons and golf tees.
•
September 6, 1985
I'm pleased with the number of members who
turned out to learn about their union," said Region
I President Danny Donohue. "It's extremely important for the members to be aware of the many services CSEA provides for them. I really believe we answered that familiar question 'What does CSEA do
former"
Many staff professionals came from Albany Headquarters for the fairs. Education and Training Specialist Peg Wilson, who helped organize the fairs,
said: "The idea really worked out great. Members
seemed excited about being there."
Besides the TVs, among the other prizes were gift
certificates, dinners for two, and clock radios.
Donors included: Davis Optical, N.Y. Diagnostic,
Jprdine Insurance, Kotier and Vitale, Multiphasic, G.
Fried Carpets, Center Tours, Dime Savings, and
Caplin and Osher.
LIVING COLOR—Barbara Felt;
right, is congratulated by a
friend on winning a new TV at
a recent membership fair In Re^
gion I.
412
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
President's
Report
Metropolitan Region
George
BoncoragUo
Member involvement chalks
up gains across the board
At a time when organized labor continues to
come under attack from forces that seek to
destroy it, it is particularly satisfying to report
that CSEA has made important gains in stature
and organization in New York City. .
Member involvement is the heart of every
union. In Region II, doors have been opened,
bridges have been built, and the response has
been overwhelmingly positive over the past
year. The message to members has been
clear: "You are the union — your participation
is everything." As a result we are seeing a
groundswell of involvement in every area.
Our progress has certainly not been easy.
But together we sink or swim and so we are
learning to swim. The results are not perfect
but we have the determination to keep at it
until we get it right.
One of the areas where our progress has
been most noticeable is our political action
efforts. For years, CSEA has played a
prominent role in statewide politics. With the
institution of Regional Political Action
Coordinators and more resources targeted for
local races and issues, we have begun to
emerge as a significant force in New York
City.
This is important for several reasons:
• New York City government is larger and
more influential than many state governments
and as such requires our attention
• New York City dominates activities at the
State legislature — CSEA's growing visibility
and access in the region will mean stronger
lobbying ability for the organization at the
statewide level
• Better political organization is a
necessity in Region II. Since there are over
8 0 State legislators and 3 5 City Council
members to keep in contact
• While our people don't work for the City,
they do live and work here and should have a
strong voice in its government
Region II is gearing up to meet these
challenges. With nearly 2 5 , 0 0 0 members in
the City, we are among the larger labor unions
in the region. Unfortunately, for too long we
were a "sleeping giant." That has now
changed.
Our efforts leading up to the recent
September 10th Primary election in the City
prove that CSEA is no longer to be taken for
granted down here. Hundreds of volunteers
participated in wide-ranging campaign
activities throughout the five, boroughs:
• Phone banks operated nightly from our
headquarters during the month prior to the
election
• The first edition of our "CSEA New York
City Primer" brought our endorsed candidates
and their positions directly to our members
• Provided an army of volunteers on
election to help "get out the vote"
The results were impressive:
• 11 of 16 CSEA endorsed candidates
won
• Of the five non-winning campaigns, four
were challengers to popular incumbents. The
fifth was in a tough five-way race
• 2 of our challengers came extremely
close to victory — with one race still being
contested
Regardless of who won and lost, our
members were the big winners because this
year was a learning experience that will lead
to more effective political action in the years
ahead.
There are other areas of progress to report:
• CSEA successfully led the fight against
the ill-advised institution of evening hearing
hours at the Workers' Compensation Board.
While e f f o r t s eliminated hardship on
members, work continues in the legislature to
end the evening hours altogether
• Focused attention on layoffs in the
Department of Labor leading to restoration of
some funds to keep members working helping
others find jobs
• Joined with other unions in education
and political activity to express solidarity with
the struggle against racism in South Africa
• Maintained keen interest
and
participated in programs to promote the
concept of comparable worth for women and
minorities at a time when the issue is under
increasing attack
While this growing activity in Region II is
encouraging, we are not without clouds on
the horizon. There are human tragedies all
around us. State policies in the field of Mental
Health are distressing and show signs of
getting worse.
One of the first casualties is the Staten
Island D e v e l o p m e n t a l C e n t e r ,
where
hundreds of our members have been
displaced over the past year as the facility
moves toward a politically
expedient
shutdown. But the SIDC situation is only the
tip of the iceberg. It is only a matter of time
before New York turns its same ax on the
region's other mental health facility.
If the existing system doesn't work as it
should, then let's change it instead of
abolishing it. CSEA has outlined a reasonable
approach for reform in its report: Compassion
and Care. It is up to all of us to continue to
push for its implementation by the state. We
cannot give up the fight now.
Region II, like CSEA as a whole, stands at a
point of great opportunity. We have the
membership and the 75 years of proud
history as a labor organization behind us to
make the right choices.
It is time for us to become more active and
work together for changes that will ensure a
better New York as a place to live and work.
Our effort should be made not only for our
members and their children but for all New
Yorkers and their children. Lets begin.
STATEWIDE SECRETARY'S REPORT
(Continued from Page 11)
the process under which your Local elects
delegates to be certain that process conforms to
requirements. CSEA will be responsible for the
conduct of the Local and Unit elections, which in
turn will be subject to review by the U.S. Labor
Department. Preparation is the key to making
certain those election are conducted in a proper
and timely manner.
In closing, I would like to quote from '\What
Unions Do," which has received excellent
reviews and is written by Richard B. Freeman
and James T. Medoff, both Harvard Professors.
"We favor legal changes that will make it easier
to unionize because we believe continued
decine in unionization is bad not only for unions
12
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
and their members but the entire society.
Because our research shows that unions do
much social good, we believe the 'union free'
economy desired by some business groups
would be a disaster for the country."
"The Public Sector" notes on a regular basis
events about programs contributing to the
member as a whole person and in turn notes
ongoing projects where our members contribute
to their communities. Thus we understand what
is meant by "social good". We basically are a
human rights organization. Membership drives
and organizing activities, therefore, are more
than just drives for numbers — they are an effort
to collectively improve society. And when we
engage in such membership drives and
organizing activities, we should stress the
benefits that can be won not just at the
bargaining table, but for society as a whole.
C S E A ' s membership voter
registration
program has adopted "CSEA Pride" as its
theme. It's an appropriate theme, for we can all®
view with a great sense of pride all that CSEA
has achieved over the past 7 5 years. Threequarters of a century of serving the people who
serve the people of New York State is worth
celebrating.
I am extremely grateful to the membership of
CSEA for their support in my reelection. I shall
strive to live up to my obligations to the Union
and assist in any way that I can.
October 18, 1985
Presidents
Report
Southern Region
Pat MascioU
Stopping cutback of the
public workforce is key
Public Employment. It is one of the fastest
growing employment sectors in the country. It
is one of the poorest paid fields in which men
and women can be employed. It is the one
employee group that the general public holds
in the lowest esteem. It encumbers one of the
largest segments of government expenditures
nationwide, as well as down to the smallest
municipality. And yet, it is the one segment of
our economy that is so severely understaffed
that the effects are devastating.
Some of New York State's most pressing
problems are directly impacted by the level of
employment in related State departments.
The plight of the homeless, mentally unfit and
retarded; the sorry state of our State's
infrastructure; and the problems of the
incarcerated — especially the imprisoned
juveniles — are in the newspapers and on our
televisions daily. Where can one place the
blame?
I believe that direct client care in our
developmental and psychiatric centers has
suffered the most. The last five years have
seen nearly an 8 percent staff reduction in
this area. Certainly, there are less clients in
our institutions but, I ask you, where are the
severely handicapped and mentally ill. Has the
problem disappeared with the reduction of
staff? No. The problem has moved from the
institutions to the streets.
Although there appears to have been an
overall decline in the crime rate, youthful
crime remains one of society's most critical
concerns. However, the past five years have
seen nearly a 2 5 percent decrease in juvenile
offender direct care staff.
One need not be an engineer to determine
that our State and municipal highways and
bridges are in sad need of repair and
replacement, yet the numbers of public sector
employees responsible for the highways
continue to dwindle. This workforce has
shrunk considerably and many of the crews
you see at work on the roads are independent
contractors. (Figures indicate that the State
workforce has been reduced by 15% since
1978.)
It is important to note that not only has the
State and many municipalities simply done
away with the jobs of many of our former
members, but allow literally thousands of
positions to sit vacant while the remaining staff
picks up the pieces.
What is the impact in these areas of the
decline in the workforces beyond the obvious
programmatic deficiencies noted above?
Some agencies are spending thousands per
month on overtime to provide adequate
manpower and employees are being pushed
to the limit with these excessive amounts of
mandatory overtime. Job stresses and
tensions are at an all time high. Increased onthe-job injuries are a result of overwork and
minimum staff coverage in dangerous
situations. Safety and health concerns have
taken a back seat to simply "getting the job
done." The services provided by the
remaining overworked employees are by
necessity declining in quality as well as
quantity. Some employees find it impossible
to get approved leave thereby creating a
potential discipline problems for themselves
when they utilize unapproved leave.
Public employment in some of its most
important areas is on the decline in New York
State. Society at large has pinpointed its
priorities, yet the thrust of governmental
priorities seems to be failing to coincide.
The consequences . . . abuse of the public
employee on the job and a further decline in
society's views of the effectiveness of the
civil servant.
A major thrust of CSEA must be the filling of
vacancies and the restoration of these
positions.
•
Overtime costs in our State and local
agencies are cheating the taxpayers. Valuable
employees are "burning out."
It is time that officials recognize that
increasing the workforce is a worthwhile
investment.
Celebrating
anniversary
on the radio
CSEA'S 75TH ANNIVERSARY and the future
off unions were among the topics off discussion
on a radio talk show on WLNA in Peekskill on
Labor Day. Among the guest speakers was
Westchester County Local 860 President
Janice McGuiness, lefft, who is shown here with
talk show hostess Annetta Wilson.
•
September 6, 1985
r
•a
414
jp'
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
President's
Report
Capital Region
C. AUen Mead
Protecting worker rights
rests on member solidarity
We have, in practice, used this vehicle to
highlight the matters of some significance that
have occurred in the Capital Region through
the past year. We have attempted to further
analyze these matters in respect to any future
application and, hopefully, potential benefit. In
that perspective, we feel that the challenges
we have faced were not unanticipated and
that we have successfully addressed these
concerns on an immediate basis. Even though
there is a belief that we are continuing to
move forward to a level of preparedness for
dealing with the issues that remain, we cannot
feel too comfortable.
The level of our members' involvement in
this union has been a paramount concern.
Credit must be accorded to our leaders
throughout the Capital Region for their
achievements in bringing our membership into
a role of active participants. There is no more
direct or visible measure of our members' interest and involvement in the business of
CSEA than their desire to participate in the
selection of the individuals we identify as officers. The Region demonstrated a commitment to bringing our members into this process by generating the highest percentage
and largest member of voting members in the
1 9 8 5 Statewide elections. In this respect, we
are moving in the right direction and we fully
expect to continue this progress.
We have continued to promote the "Information Day" concept as another means to
measure our members' desire to participate in
this union. It should not be surprising to find
that this concept has generated a higher level
of acceptance for CSEA than has ever been
witnessed in certain areas. We succeeded in
bringing Information Day, for the first time, inside the walls of a maximum security correction facility. The expression from members in
recognizing that "CSEA" has an interest in
them and some appreciation for their daily
frustrations has been returned through their
renewed willingness to participate in their
union.
i
Another measure, we believe, of the effort
being put forth to "bring our members into the
union" is to review the membership reports.
Schenectady
Over this past year, the Region has witnessed
an increase in membership that exceeds the
net increase in new employees. We think this
activity translates into two factors. First, we
must be successful in recruiting agency fee
payors and non-members into membership.
Secondly, these reports suggest an extremely high success rate in bringing new
employees into our membership. One factor
in that apparent success may be the
Employee Orientation Program that we have
piloted. While we are continuing to bring
agency shop provisions into our contracts at
an increasing rate, our thrust must remain to
be bringing employees into our membership.
Once we have their interest and support only
we can lose it. The Region is, therefore, bringing members into the union, and making them
active participants.
We are not looking, however, at only that
which is currently before us. We were extremely fortunate in bring able to combine our
efforts with the administration of the City of
Troy School District to bring the American
Labor
Movement,
its
history,
its
achievements, its purpose and, most importantly, its future, to a Segment of our youth.
Our Region, Local 8 7 1 , and the School Administration sponsored a iabor history contest
for Grades 7 and 11, the potential benefits of
which are enormous. The ability to literally
reach into the future and attempt to fashion an
impact on America may well provide the most
unique opportunity and challenge ever
presented to this union. We can fully seize
this challenge and succeed by implanting an
image of respect and acceptance into the
workforce of the 21st century. A failure to
capitalize on this program, however, may
result in an entire generation being comfortable in a lifestyle that does not recognize
organized labor. The assaults against labor in
the past few years have been well orchestrated, successful and fashionable. The
choice is left to us. We are pleased that President McGowan is supporting this initiative
through our International, and. President
McEntee, in turn, is equally supportive and
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
The message is clear, we want a strong
membership. We can have a strong membership. Our membership is telling us they want
to participate. All we have to do is to make the
effort. "They" won't always come to "us" —
we must bring the union to "them."
Regardless of the initiatives and improvements that occur at the higher levels of
this organization, any potential benefit is likely
to be supplanted by a lack of identity and
negative opinions unless the union is brought"
to our membership at the immediate level.
There is no acceptable reason to justify a
member's lack of knowledge about the union.
Not all is well however. We feel some caution is in order. While the major strength of
organized labor must be adamantly protected,
i.e., the compensation increases, the health
and death benefits and the grievance procedures, we must question whether labor can
survive on these grounds. There are activities
affecting our collective bargaining responsibilities which we must take active roles in.
We rflust be cognizant that our obligation to
provide fair representation is far in excess of
grievance handling alone. We, as trade
unionists, have not made a measurable impact
on the slow and steady demise being caused
by contracting out of our jobs. We are
witnessing constant efforts to dilute the
responsibility and accountability of government. The social conscience of this nation is
being turned to the control of profit motivated
interests.
CSEA has, as the expression is, come a
long way.
Let us not rest on our
achievements. We must fully recognize that
our past success is being undermined and will
slip away from us quicker than in the amount
of time we expended gaining the position we
hold. We are in a position where we can still
successfully react and survive solely from our
instincts. Let us not wait untihour abilities are
obsolete.
County workers win 20% in 3-year pact
SCHENECTADY—After 57 bargaining sessions and 10 months without a contract,
Schenectady County employees recently ratified a new three-year contract. The agreement will provide a 2 0 percent compounded salary increase for the 8 5 0 CSEArepresented workers of Local 847.
The pact calls for 6 percent salary hikes in the first and second years, and a 6.5
percent pay increase in the final year. The first year's increase will be retroactive to
last January. All other changes in the contract will take effect Jan. 1, 1986.
Health insurance was a major issue in the bargaining sessions. Under the terms
of the new agreement, current full- time employees will continue to participate in a
100 percent county-paid insurance program with the individual paying a 20 percent
share of the major medical program costs.
The union won 100 percent county-paid coverage for 16 specific physician billings
12
assisting this concept as it is currently being
reviewed by the AFL-CIO.
and for infant child care up to age two.
As part of a concerted effort to contain health care insurance costs, the union has
agreed to an expansion of out- patient treatment services with pre-admission testincj®
for scheduled operations. Emergency operation coverage was not changed. Through
this procedure, the county will be able to monitor in-patient hospital stays.
Newly hired employees starting in January will be involved in a three-year insurance buy-in program in which they will make annually decreasing payments into the
county's insurance program: 3 0 percent the first year, 20 percent the second, and
10 percent the third, with the county picking up the full cost in the fourth year.
Employees who work on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas or New Year's Day will be
able to receive either holiday pay at the rate of double time with a substitute day off,
or triple time pay with no day off.
October 18, 1985
President's
Report
Central Region
James J. Moore
Successful local unionism
dependent on strong leaders
Writing a report for the convention issue
usually is a time to reflect back on what the
past 12 months have been like. This year,
however, I would prefer to ask you to
consider looking toward the future and with
your cooperation and participation have you
think about the unit and local elections that will
be occurring in the near future.
Since being elected President of our region,
I have seen first-hand what members can
accomplish when there is an effective team in
place to provide leadership and to give
guidance to an involved rank and file. I have
never seen a "one-man show" type of local
last more than one term, or if it does survive, it
is not successful.
Three elements must be present to
establish a good local union:
(1) a strong local president;
(2) an informed, involved group of
officers;
(3) a p a r t i c i p a t i n g rank a n d file
membership.
Starting soon after the new year, members
will announce their intentions to seek the
office of president of their local or unit. I would
ask each of these individuals to ask
themselves: Am I prepared to give up the time
it will take to establish a good local union?
A president must make the time to attend
training workshops conducted by the region
and the state union. (We are tentatively
planning a workshop for new officers during
the week of July 28, 1986.) They must
schedule meetings on a regular basis with
their fellow officers as well as with the local
members to allow for an exchange of
information and to vote on issues that effect
their working conditions.
A president must be prepared to work with
the appropriate CSEA staff to establish an
effective team to handle grievances and
disciplinary actions. They also become, by
virtue of election, the official spokesperson
for our statewide union at their local level.
They must learn the proper mechanics of
implementing productive labor/management
meetings to deal with daily problems that arise
from their respective contracts.
Just reading the huge amount of mail they
receive will take a great deal of their time. The
important aspect dealing with this form of
communication is to identify what is important
to their members and then to distribute this
information to fellow officers and members.
As you can readily see, one person cannot
possibly "do all of the tasks that must be done.
This is why it is so important to have a team of
people to assist the president. The fellow
officers must assume part of the never-ending
job of dealing on a one-to-one basis with
members' concerns and ongoing dialogue.
They must remember at times that they are
an extension of their president and therefore a
spokesperson also for CSEA. Both the
president and the other officers must set
aside personal feelings and regardless of
whether they supported each other in the
election, they are now on the same team and
must work together for the benefit of the
members. Unless there is this "coming
together," the union will not be an effective
one.
There are so many jobs to be done. The
treasurer will need help establishing a budget
and also in conducting the day-to-day financial
actions of the local. A strick new financial
code established by the Board of Directors
does provide guidance concerning spending
limits and has been helpful to locals. (Training
for those elected to the position of treasurer
will also be offered in July of 1986.)
The local Executive Board must assist the
president in establishing a local safety
committee that will distribute information and
assist the members in achieving a safe
working environment.
An active legislative and political action
co'mmittee can assist with local government
negotiations and help the statewide union to
put pressure on state and county legislators
to pass legislation that is positive for public
employees.
There are social events to plan, as well as a
committee of members needed to work on
membership recruitment.
As you can well see, there are many, many
jobs to do, each with its own type of activity
and appeal.
No one individual, regardless of their
desires or abilities, is capable of accomplishing all of the tasks that must be done.
Our region is prepared to assist in working
with the local election committees to see that
the process is done correctly.
I encourage members to seek office and
participate in the process by taking the time to
vote.
I pledge support to your new officers once
they have been selected and look forward to
working with them in establishing an effective
local union.
Printing delays
slate contracts
for ASU memiiers
COPIES OF NEW STATE CONTRACT are inspected as they come off the press by Harry
McDonough of Boyd Printing Company in Albany.
•
September 6, 1985
Copies of new CSEA—state contracts have
been mailed to state employees in the CSEArepresented Institutional Services and Operational Services Units, but a printing problem has
delayed the mailing of contracts to members
of the Administrative Services Unit. Union officials say they hope to complete printing of ASU
contracts as quickly as possible and that copies will be mailed to ASU employees as soon
as they are available.
416
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
..IM
Presidents
Report
Western Region
Robert
Lattimer
Past decade brings union
new respect, some losses
Ten years ago I assumed the office of
Region VI President. Reflecting back on those
years, I see accomplishments as well as
disappointments. The disappointments are
primarily philosophical. Most of us tend to
forget that positive things have happened as
we become embroiled in the frustrations of
daily happenings.
The following is a brief review o,f the past
decade and touches on the major events that
occurred and things that need to be
addressed in the eyes of this writer. ,
The first positive move was making the
position of Region President full time. This
enabled me and my colleagues to get more
involved in the everyday business of the
union.
Two major complaints ten years ago were
the organization's newspaper and the
performance of the law firm representing
CSE A at the state level. The newspaper did
not reflect the interests or problems of the
majority of CSEA members, and overall, was a
lack-luster publication. The law firm was
accused of using CSEA as a training ground
for young attorneys who would then move on
to other ventures within the firm. We acquired
a new law firm and a new publication. Neither
of those changes occurred overnight. In fact,
they involved long, bitter fights, but the results
have been beneficial to CSEA.
Another important step was the move led by
Bill McGowan to affiliate with AFSCME,
thereby joining the AFL-CIO and the
mainstream of the labor movement. Now we
should get serious about a similar move within
New York State.
During those ten years CSEA has become a
real force in the political arena, both in the
state and local government. This is so critical
because everything that happens to public
employees is in some way politically
connected.
Two accomplishments which can be linked
directly to the CSEA Political Action efforts
were the passage of a bill which established a
safety law for public employees and revisions
of the Taylor Law. These were gained in a
combined effort with other public employee
unions, of course, but CSEA was a prime
force in effecting such legislation.
Another area of progress has been the
innovative measures negotiated into both
state and local government contracts.
And long overdue was the formation of a fulltime education department within CSEA to
better prepare our members and leaders to
cope with labor-management problems.
But there has also been disappointments.
We lost the 4 0 , 0 0 0 + PS&T unit of the state
employees, and just last year we lost the
majority of Suffolk County employees.
Even though w e have made some
improvements in the Taylor Law, we still
c a n n o t w i t h h o l d s e r v i c e s . This is a
fundamental right of unions and someday we
must acquire that right.
We continue to have internal fiscal problems
because we cannot get a consensus on a plan
that will ensure adequate revenues to run the
union on a long-term basis.
We also seem unable to get the message of
our accomplishments to our members. Many
of us continue to search for ways to
communicate more effectively with the
membership, but so far we have not hit on a
solution.
CSEA and labor as a whole must eventually
come to a point where they plan their future
instead of reacting to the latest crisis. The
sooner we arrive at that juncture, the better
off our membership will be, and ultimately, so
will CSEA.
The AFL-CIO recently published a report:
"The Changing Situation of Workers and Their
Unions." If there is meaningful response to
that report, all of labor will benefit. There must
be more than a "committee" appointed. Lip
service will accomplish nothing — some tough
and painful decisions will have to be made to
effect needed changes.
Reflecting back, when all else is said, CSEA
gained respect on all levels. Such respect
must be earned, and CSEA has done just that.
I have been privileged to play a role in our
evolving union. However, there is so much
more to be done. We cannot affort to become
complacent and self-satisfied.
Worker harassment
in town of Greece
FOND FAREWELL — Mark Higgins, left, CSEA field representative, is honored at a Chautauqua County Local 807 meeting for service to the local prior to his transfer to the Buffalo
area. Looking on are, from left: Dick Maggio, president. County Employees Unit; Pat Crandall, local secretary; and Jim Kurtz, Local 807 president.
12
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
GREECE—The town of Greece has been
charged with harassing employees because of
grievances they have filed against their supervisors. In addition, the town's commissioner of
public workers has been accused of threatening employees with "difficulties" if they did not
withdraw their grievances.
According to Debbie Lee, field representative for the town's highway unit of Monroe
County Local 8 2 8 , the commissioner and a supervisor "even took two employees aside,
separately and without union representative,
and promised that life would be very difficult
for them if they did not withdraw their complaints."
Lee has filed an improper practice charge
with PERB, and is awaiting a hearing date on
the complaint.
"Evidently, some supervisors are not aware
of the contract or the state's Taylor Law regarding these practices," said Lee. "But we're going to defend the right of public employees to
file legitimate grievances whenever and wherever they occur.
October 18, 1985
SUNY AT BUFFALO
site of 1 9 8 5
EMPIRE
WINNERS—Volunteers helped make the games a
success. At right, SUNY Buffalo Local 602 President
Barbara Christy (inset), members Mary Austin (left) and
Jean Grela.
CSEA
members
high
volunteers
By Ron Wofford
CSEA Communications Associate
BUFFALO—The Olympic flame that burned during the Empire State able to be part of the games. She volunteered her time as a ticket
Games has been extinguished until next year. But the afterglow of taker at the track and filed events on Saturday morning, and also at
the successful event still lingers on for the many volunteers and several soccer matches. Grela is a senior stenographer in the
anthropology department.
workers, including CSEA members, who pitched in.
Mary Austin, an employee of the Campus Services Department,
While the 6 , 0 0 0 amateur athletes of New York state were jumping
hurdles, diving into pools, spiking Volleyballs, and in general showing I also served as a ticket taker, putting in a full day one Saturday.
Preparation for the portion of the games that took place on the
off their skills, an army of volunteers was making sure the scores were
kept, that the fields of play were prepared, and that the athletes were SUNY campus were made by members of the SUNY Buffalo
maintenance staff,including Larry Aughtry, who helped spruce up the
properly cared for.
Barbara Christy, Local 6 0 2 president at SUNY Buffalo where many campus to look its best for fans. Staff members also painted and
of the events were held, volunteered on two fronts. Christy was an prepared dorms where athletes stayed.
The games were held in Buffalo for the first time after several years
usher for the opening ceremonies when 1 0 , 0 0 0 spectators watched
the athletes from across the state file into the SUNY stadium to hear of having taken place in Syracuse.
Region VI President Robert L. Lattimer issued a congratulations
Gov. Mario Cuomo's welcoming remarks.
During hours after work, Christy helped at information booths, to CSEA members for their part in making the games a success.
" W e thank all CSEA members who so unselfishly gave of their
passing out maps and giving directions to the many events that were
time to make the games happen and prove that public employees are
spread about western New York.
Jean Grela, a local 6 0 2 member, felt "very good" about being so civic-minded and proud of their community," said Lattimer.
'Members
•
September 6, 1985
unselfishly gave of their time to make games
happen/
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
18
COESTC ROSDIKRANZ
75 years oM, and after
40 years of unien acHvism:
Fire of enriMisiasm
burning brigliliy
By Ron Wofford
CSEA Communications Associate
BUFFALO—She's 75-years-old this year, and still going strong. Just
like the union she's belonged to for 4 0 years.
Union activist Celeste Rosenkranz, an honorary lifetime member of
Buffalo State Employees Local 0 0 3 , is proud to share her birthdate with
CSEA and is a bit amused that she and her union have reached 7 5 years
together. Both she and CSEA have long lists of credits to their names
in behalf of public employees.
"I've never worked without belonging to CSEA," recalls Rosenkranz,
who began working for the state Labor Department in September, 1 9 4 5 .
"One of my most cherished possessions is the gold honorary lifetime
membership card given to me by my local upon my retirement. I carry
it with me all the time."
Though retired from state employment, Rosenkranz remains active
as parliamentarian for Region VI and statewide CSEA functions. " M y
services are also available for steward training to locals and units that
desire it," she says.
Many people are familiar with Rosenkranz's parliamentarian expertise,
but in addition she has served as Local 0 0 3 president, western
conference president and statewide education committee chairwoman.
She says her own 40-year membership parallels "a tremendous period
of growth and sophistication in CSEA to meet the needs of the
membership, which makes me very proud."
Included in her legacy are Writing the first CSEA local officer manual, the first CSEA steward manual, and conducting the first steward
training session for Region VI. And she recalls writing a "miniature treatise
on Parliamentary Procedure In Action."
Rosenkranz is a familiar figure at board meetings, conferences and
conventions, seeing that parliamentary law is followed under Roberts
Rules of Order.
"General Counsel Jim Roemer, who I've enjoyed working with,
interprets questions involving the CSEA constitution and by- laws, and
I guide the chairman on procedural matters" at the union's annual
delegates meetings. "I'm really looking forward to this year's convention
in New York City," she says.
Rosenkranz has plenty of praise for the manner in which CSEA
President William L. McGowan has guided CSEA through the past
decade. "Bill has always been very concerned with increasing the
educational opportunities for the membership," observed the former
statewide education committee chairwoman. "And now most members
take it for granted. But it was a long, hard fight to get most of the benefits
that our members now enjoy."
(IFIHaiB
CELESTE ROSENKRANZ is surrounded by CSEA balloons
noting the union's 75th anniversary this year. Both
Rosenkranz and CSEA are 75 years of age. Standing behind
her is Pat Pfleger, Region VI CWEP representative and a
fellow member of Buffalo State Employees Local 003, of
which Rosenkranz is an honorary lifetime member.
Rosenkranz recalls, "When I first started working for the state, a
clerical employee made about $ 9 0 0 to $ 1 , 0 0 0 a year, and professional
employees were drawing about $ 1 , 8 0 0 . "
And, she continues, "Today's union members are probably unaware
that before the Taylor Law went into effect, there was no union dues
deductions allowed from members' pay. We had to go around collecting
from the members to support the union work."
Her union activism comes naturally, she says, remembering that her
father was a carpenters' union member until he started his own business, which was a union shop.
And how does she feel about being 7 5 years of age in the same
year that CSEA turns 75? "Great! It's a perfect match. And I'm happy
that I could play at least a small part in the growth of my union," says
Rosenkranz. " M y membership has always been a working fnembership,
and I intend to keep it that way."
I've never worked wifhout belonging to
CSEA. One off my most cherished possessions
the gold honorary lifetime membership card
given to me by my local upon my retirement
1 cairy it with me all the time.
20
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
October 18, 1985