DRYDEN — CSEA Central Region leaders, activists and the region Safety and Health Committee members recently gathered at Tompkins-Cortland Community College to continue the region’s long-standing tradition of dedicating a tree as a living memorial to honor workers who lost their lives on the job.
The ceremony in Tompkins County marked the 17th annual event, part of an effort to plant a tree in every county within the Central Region.
“This past year, we’ve lost many members, not just in (Central) Region 5, but across the state,” said Central Region President Kenny Greenleaf. “As a union, we must encourage our members to always think safety first.”
Next year, the committee plans to host the event in Tioga County.
“Behind every name we remember today was a person who was loved, needed and expected home,” said CSEA Occupational Safety and Health Specialist Erin Spencer. “A family lost someone. Co-workers lost a friend. A community lost a dedicated public worker. And we cannot allow their loss to become just another statistic.”
Another Workers’ Memorial ceremony was held April 28 in Syracuse at the New York State Fairgrounds, hosted by the Thruway Authority and Department of Transportation.
During the ceremony, orange safety vests stood in remembrance of workers whose lives were cut short in work zones across the state. The message to the traveling public was clear: Slow down, stay alert and move over.
— Nicholas Newcomb
