ALBANY — For the third straight year, CSEA members working for the Unified Court System (UCS) were able to take advantage of training during their December recess.
Previously, if the courts were on recess for four or more consecutive days, employees were required to charge up to four days of leave.
Under the 2021-26 contract, CSEA negotiated a special contractual benefit for UCS employees that allows members to attend up to two days of CSEA-offered virtual training and offset their leave accrual charges by the same amount of time.
“This benefit allows members to not have to tap into their annual leave accruals, which they would normally have to do and just as importantly, it is an opportunity to educate our members on all things CSEA-related,” said Capital Region Judiciary Local President Nicole Ventresca-Cohen. “It lets members know the benefits they are entitled to and really puts the value they get for their dues on display.”
When CSEA first offered the training in December 2023, more than 600 of our union members registered. In December 2025, participation grew to more than 1,450 members.
Snowstorms and power outages threatened to disrupt the most recent training sessions, but members remained undeterred, with some making up to 28 attempts before successfully connecting.
“The members demonstrated true perseverance to attend and their appreciation for this valuable benefit,” said Deputy Director of State Operations Carisa Guild.
The most recent training included workshops covering topics such as learning about CSEA, the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), responsible use of social media, the New York State and Local Retirement System, the New York State Deferred Compensation Plan, active shooter training and other topics.
“The trainings are very informative and offer skills our members can use, such as the Active Shooter training and safety and health workshops,” said Region III Judiciary Local President Kevin Mahler, who also serves as chair of the Office of Court Administration/Labor Management Committee. “These are practical skills members can use both in their work and personal lives.”
Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
“I really enjoy the material that is covered,” said Anne Hensberry, a clerical assistant, and Region V Judiciary Local member. “They take great care in getting as much information covered in the two-day process as possible. I look forward to these recess training days.
Participants also praised the presenters for their knowledge and encouraged more members to sign up for future offerings.
“I found the training to be quite informative,” said Alayne Rigney, a court analyst and Capital Region Judiciary Local member. “I found all the speakers were very knowledgeable about their topics, which made following along very easy. I would highly recommend employees taking advantage of this training when offered in the future.”
— Mathew L. Cantore