This Week in Labor Education – February 21, 2025
Did you know there is a Labor Education Specialist assigned to each Region to assist with your In-Person training needs? Their contact information is:
| Region 1 | Nisha Stillwell-Frankson | nisha.stillwell@cseainc.org | (518) 257-1307 |
| Region 2 | Nisha Stillwell-Frankson | nisha.stillwell@cseainc.org | (518) 257-1307 |
| Region 3 | Elyza Ahrens | Elyza.Ahrens@cseainc.org | (518) 257-1458 |
| Region 4 | Rick (Eric) DeCarlo | eric.decarlo@cseainc.org | (518) 257-1403 |
| Region 5 | Elyza Ahrens | Elyza.Ahrens@cseainc.org | (518) 257-1458 |
| Region 6 | Hope Battige | hope.battige@cseainc.org | (518) 257-1332 |
Please click on the below link for our workshop descriptions.
https://cseany.org/education-training
For all Virtual training needs, please contact:
Seth Leibson at seth.leibson@cseainc.org or (518) 257-1310
Registering for Workshops is EASY!!!
It is important to pre-register because the workshop attendance is used to determine the amount of materials and reservations for meals. If you register but cannot attend, please contact the region office to cancel your attendance. This will provide other members the opportunity to register.
- Please call the CSEA Region Office where the workshop is being held or (800) 757-CSEA to register . You must provide your name (with proper spelling), your CSEA member ID number and the ap- propriate information as requested. Indicate if reasonable accommodations are required.
- Be sure to register for the workshop that applies to your bargaining unit (State, Local Government or Private Sector).
- Please bring your contract if noted in the workshop description.
If you have any questions regarding the workshop content or format, please contact the Education and Training Department at 1-800-342-4146, extension 1363 or visit the CSEA website at www.cseany.org.
Exciting News: Online Registration Now Available for In-Person Workshops!!
We are thrilled to announce that you can now easily register for our in-person workshops through MemberLink! No more waiting until regular business hours to call the Region Offices. Simply log in to CSEANY.org, choose your desired workshop, and secure your spot in just a few clicks.
HAPPY LEARNING!!
Upcoming Workshops
Virtual
State Government Discipline & Interrogation Recert
This workshop is designed for New York State bargaining unit (ASU, ISU, OSU) officers and activists that have completed the basic workshop. Participants will have an opportunity to review their role and employee rights and practice their skills in preparing and representing members in interrogations under Article 33. Participants must complete this workshop and be appointed by their Local/Unit President to be certified to represent members in the disciplinary process.
Thursday, February 27th, 2025, from 6 PM to 8 PM
To register: https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1672
**This is a 2-part workshop, must participate in both parts to receive credit
Contract Negotiations I **
This workshop is for members in Local Government, Private Sector, Canal and Authorities bargaining units. Our union is strongest when our members come together, ready to fight for what’s right. Want to maximize the union’s leverage in contract negotiations by organizing a contract committee, sometimes referred to as a Contract Action Team or CAT? A CAT is a representative group of local/unit activists who help to plan and implement both the contract negotiations and the contract campaign that accompanies the negotiations.
Schedule: Wednesday, March 5th and Thursday, March 6th, 2025, from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm.
To register: https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1680
Representing Members in Discipline and Interrogations Recertification
This workshop is designed for officers and activists that have completed the basic workshop. Participants will have an opportunity to review their role and employee rights within the disciplinary process and practice their skills in preparing for and representing members during disciplinary interrogations.
Completion of this workshop will ensure compliance with the CSEA Local and Unit Constitutions’ Article 5, Section 6. To be appointed as a certified Discipline & Interrogation Representative, members must complete this workshop and be appointed by their Local/Unit Presidents.
This workshop is for ALL State, Local Government and Private Sector bargaining unit officers and activists who have completed the basic discipline and Interrogation workshop.
Schedule: Thursday, March 10th, 2025, from 12 PM to 2 PM
To register: https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1683
Grievance Rep-Recert
This workshop is designed for officers and activists who have completed the basic grievance representation workshop. In this interactive workshop, participants will practice reviewing fact patterns, conduct a grievance investigation, apply applicable contract language, and discuss the basics of presenting grievance to management. Completion of this workshop will ensure compliance with the CSEA Local and Unit Constitutions’ Article 5, Section 6.
This workshop is for ALL State, Local Government and Private Sector bargaining unit officers and activists who have completed the two-part basic grievance representation workshop.
Schedule: Monday, March 24th, 2025, from 6 pm to 8 pm.
To register: https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1686
**This is a 2-part workshop, must participate in both parts to receive credit
(Zoom links for Education and Training Webinar are sent from education.training@no-reply.zoom.us)
In-Person
Region 1
Local Government Discipline and Interrogation- Peconic (Region 1) **
In this basic workshop, participants will review the elements of their contract disciplinary procedure and/or Civil Service Law Section 75, the categories of discipline and the basic steps and rights of union representatives and employees in disciplinary interrogations. Completion of this workshop complies with the disciplinary training requirement as outlined in the CSEA Local and Unit Constitutions’ Article V, Section 6. Participants must complete this workshop and be designated by their Local/Unit President to represent members in the disciplinary process.
Tuesday, March 11th, and Wednesday, March 12th, 2025, from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm.
Call (631) 462-0030 to register.
Region 3
Local Government Discipline and Interrogation- Beacon (Region 3) **
In this basic workshop, participants will review the elements of their contract disciplinary procedure and/or Civil Service Law Section 75, the categories of discipline and the basic steps and rights of union representatives and employees in disciplinary interrogations. Completion of this workshop complies with the disciplinary training requirement as outlined in the CSEA Local and Unit Constitutions’ Article V, Section 6. Participants must complete this workshop and be designated by their Local/Unit President to represent members in the disciplinary process.
Tuesday, February 25th and Wednesday, February 26th 2025, from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm.
Call (845) 831-1000 to register.
Region 4
Steward- East Greenbush (Region 4)
The strength of our Union rests with the recruitment and education of new activists, often in the role of Steward. This two-part workshop provides the skills that are needed to carry out the responsibilities of the Steward, including: communicating, organizing, and leading employees in the workplace. This workshop is designed for Local/Unit Officers, Stewards, Activists and Grievance Representatives who are interested in building and strengthening the union. Participants must complete this workshop and be appointed by their Local/Unit President to be certified Stewards in CSEA.
Saturday, February 22nd, 2025, from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.
Call (518) 782-4400 to register.
Local Government / Private Sector Grievance Representation- Latham (Region 4) **
In this basic workshop participants will learn how to work with their contract; examine the grievance procedure; and understand their role and responsibility as a grievance representative. Completion of this workshop complies with the grievance representation training requirement as outlined in the CSEA Local and Unit Constitutions Article V, Section 6. Participants must complete this workshop and be appointed by their Local/Unit President to be certified to process grievances in CSEA. Please bring your contract to this workshop.
Saturday, March 22nd, 2025, from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.
Call (518) 782-4400 to register.
**Must attend both days
Region 5
State Government Grievance- Ogdensburg (Region 5) **
In this basic workshop participants will learn how to work with their contract; examine the grievance procedure; and understand their role and responsibility as a grievance representative. Completion of this workshop complies with the grievance representation training requirement as outlined in the CSEA Local and Unit Constitutions Article V, Section 6. Participants must complete this workshop and be appointed by their Local/Unit President to be certified to process grievances in CSEA.
Monday, February 24th and Tuesday, February 25th, 2025, from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm.
Call (315) 433-0050 to register.
State Government Discipline and Interrogation- East Syracuse (Region 5)
This workshop is designed to provide State bargaining unit officers and activists with the skills needed to effectively represent members in the disciplinary process. Participants will review the elements of their contract disciplinary procedure; identify the categories of discipline and how to investigate disciplinary grievances; distinguish the difference between an interview and an interrogation; and recognize employee/union rights and limitations within the discipline and interrogation process. Completion of this workshop complies with the disciplinary training requirement as outlined in the CSEA Local and Unit Constitutions’ Article V, Section 6. Activists must complete this workshop and be designated by their Local/Unit President to represent members in the disciplinary process.
Saturday, March 8th, 2025, from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.
Call (315) 433-0050 to register.
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS 1- Binghamton (Region 5) **
This interactive workshop is designed for local government units and private sector locals’ union officers and activists, who want to maximize the union’s leverage in contract negotiations by organizing a contract committee, sometimes referred to as a Contract Action Team or CAT. A CAT is a representative group of local/unit activists who help to plan and implement both the contract negotiations and the contract campaign that accompanies the negotiations.
Wednesday, March 12th, and Thursday, March 13th, 2025, from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm.
Call (607) 772-1750 to register.
State Government Discipline and Interrogation- Delhi (Region 5) **
This workshop is designed to provide State bargaining unit officers and activists with the skills needed to effectively represent members in the disciplinary process. Participants will review the elements of their contract disciplinary procedure; identify the categories of discipline and how to investigate disciplinary grievances; distinguish the difference between an interview and an interrogation; and recognize employee/union rights and limitations within the discipline and interrogation process. Completion of this workshop complies with the disciplinary training requirement as outlined in the CSEA Local and Unit Constitutions’ Article V, Section 6. Activists must complete this workshop and be designated by their Local/Unit President to represent members in the disciplinary process.
Wednesday, March 19th and Thursday, March 20th, 2025, from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm.
Call (315) 433-0050 to register.
Local Government / Private Sector Grievance Representation- East Syracuse (Region 5) **
In this basic workshop participants will learn how to work with their contract; examine the grievance procedure; and understand their role and responsibility as a grievance representative. Completion of this workshop complies with the grievance representation training requirement as outlined in the CSEA Local and Unit Constitutions Article V, Section 6. Participants must complete this workshop and be appointed by their Local/Unit President to be certified to process grievances in CSEA. Please bring your contract to this workshop.
Wednesday, March 26th and Thursday, March 27th, 2025, from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm.
Call (315) 433-0050 to register.
**Must attend both days
Region 6
Local Government Discipline and Interrogation- Rochester (Region 6) **
In this basic workshop, participants will review the elements of their contract disciplinary procedure and/or Civil Service Law Section 75, the categories of discipline and the basic steps and rights of union representatives and employees in disciplinary interrogations. Completion of this workshop complies with the disciplinary training requirement as outlined in the CSEA Local and Unit Constitutions’ Article V, Section 6. Participants must complete this workshop and be designated by their Local/Unit President to represent members in the disciplinary process.
Wednesday, March 5th and Thursday, March 6th, 2025, from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm.
Call (585) 272-0800 to register.
State Government Discipline and Interrogation- Geneseo (Region 6)
This workshop is designed to provide State bargaining unit officers and activists with the skills needed to effectively represent members in the disciplinary process. Participants will review the elements of their contract disciplinary procedure; identify the categories of discipline and how to investigate disciplinary grievances; distinguish the difference between an interview and an interrogation; and recognize employee/union rights and limitations within the discipline and interrogation process. Completion of this workshop complies with the disciplinary training requirement as outlined in the CSEA Local and Unit Constitutions’ Article V, Section 6. Activists must complete this workshop and be designated by their Local/Unit President to represent members in the disciplinary process.
Tuesday, March 11th, and Wednesday, March 12th, 2025, from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm.
Call (716) 691-6555 to register.
Contract Negotiating Strategies: Maximizing Our Leverage**
Tuesday March 18th, 2025 & Wednesday March 19th, 2025
5:30PM-9:00PM
Penn Yan, NY
Open to region; local government/private sector CSEA members
Representing Members in Discipline & Interrogation
Wednesday March 5th, 2025 & Thursday March 6th, 2025
5:30PM-9:00PM
Rochester, NY
Open to local government, NYS Authorities and Canals bargaining unit officers and activists
Grievance Representation Workshop**
Tuesday March 25th, 2025 & Wednesday March 26th, 2025
5:30PM-9:00PM
Albion, NY
Open to region; local government, Canals bargaining unit officers and activists
Local Government / Private Sector Grievance Representation- Albion (Region 6) **
In this basic workshop participants will learn how to work with their contract; examine the grievance procedure; and understand their role and responsibility as a grievance representative. Completion of this workshop complies with the grievance representation training requirement as outlined in the CSEA Local and Unit Constitutions Article V, Section 6. Participants must complete this workshop and be appointed by their Local/Unit President to be certified to process grievances in CSEA. Please bring your contract to this workshop.
Tuesday, March 25th, and Wednesday, March 26th, 2025, from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm.
Call (716) 691-6555 to register.
State Government Grievance Workshop
Wednesday March 26th, 2025 & Thursday March 27th, 2025
5:30PM-9:00PM
Amherst, NY
Open to state government bargaining unit (ASU, ISU & OSU) officers and activists
Contract Negotiations: Team Training**
Tuesday April 8th, 2025 & Wednesday April 9th, 2025
5:30PM-9:00PM
Penn Yan, NY
Open to region; Local government and private sector
Representing Members in Discipline & Interrogation
Wednesday April 16th, 2025 & Thursday April 17th, 2025
5:30PM-9:00PM
Amherst, NY
Open to local government, Canals bargaining unit officers and activists
** Must attend both days
Black History Month Coloring Page
Activist Words of the Week…….
AFL-CIO – American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)
Created in 1955 through the merger of two specialized federations. It does not act as a bargaining agent. Instead, its primary functions are education, political and assisting member unions in organizing.
The more you know……….
“To be free, the workers must have choice. To have choice they must retain in their own hands the right to determine under what conditions they will work”. – Samuel Gompers.
The American Federation of Labor (A.F. of L.), established on December 8, 1886, in Columbus, Ohio, emerged as a significant force in the American labor movement. Formed by an alliance of craft unions that sought mutual support and were dissatisfied with the broader approach of the Knights of Labor, the A.F. of L. focused on practical economic issues, advocating for better wages, hours, and working conditions for skilled workers.
Samuel Gompers, a key figure in the labor movement, was elected as the A.F. of L.’s first president at its founding convention. His leadership style emphasized a pragmatic approach to unionism, prioritizing the immediate needs of workers over broad social reforms. Gompers served as president almost continuously until his death in 1924, solidifying his role as the major spokesperson for organized labor during this pivotal era.
The A.F. of L. distinguished itself from its predecessor, the Federation of Organized Trade and Labor Unions (FOTLU), which had been formed by disheartened members of the Knights of Labor and other labor leaders. The founding of the A.F. of L. came in the aftermath of the Haymarket affair, a turning point that heightened tensions between labor activists and authorities.
Under Gompers’ leadership, the A.F. of L. grew in membership and influence, advocating for the rights of skilled workers and focusing on collective bargaining as a means to achieve labor goals. The federation’s emphasis on craft unionism laid the groundwork for its evolution into the AFL-CIO, which continues to represent a wide range of workers today.
Check out the following resources:
Hall of Honor Inductee: Samuel Gompers | U.S. Department of Labor
– Nisha Stillwell-Frankson
The Education and Training Department staff continue to provide opportunities for members to gain and enhance their skills through our online trainings. These trainings are open to members in all regions.
Workshop descriptions and registration for all current offerings are available online on our website.
Participants must use their own time or have approved Release Time to attend trainings if attending during their normal work hours. Grievance Representation Training and Representing Members in Discipline and Interrogation Training are both required for all officers as per the CSEA Constitutions.