Welcome to Southern Region 3

Haverstraw EMS workers WIN union election!

We are thrilled to welcome Haverstraw EMS workers into our CSEA union family! Workers recently voted unanimously to form a union with CSEA. They join a growing movement of EMS professionals around the country organizing unions in their workplaces. Read more in our news release announcing the workers’ victory.

HELP SPECIAL OLYMPICS NEW YORK

It’s about time to be Freezin’ for a Reason! Support Special Olympics athletes by participating in the 2025 Fishkill Polar plunge. Click here to donate or join the team.

Each year, Team CSEA Region 3 raises funds through generous pledges and fundraisers to help support the programing for people with disabilities who take part in Special Olympics sporting opportunities. This vital fundraising allows the athletes to participate at no cost to them and provides meaningful experiences for both the athletes and their loved ones. For over 15 years, our region has had a presence at the Fishkill plunge, one of a number of Special Olympics Polar Plunge events held across the state.

For more info, call Jessica at our Southern Region Office at (845) 831-1000.

DOCCS locals support veterans in need

CSEA activists from state correctional facility locals in our region collaborated recently to collect Thanksgiving food donations for veterans served by the food pantry at the VA Medical Center at Castle Point. The collection was an overwhelming success, with workers delivering two pick-up trucks and three SUVs filled with food. The donations included a very generous donation of pallets of canned goods donated by Shop Rite of Mount Cisco. Pictured at left are Nikki Wallace, Chris Martin, George Beckman, Linda White, Bonnie Huebsch and Juliana Martinez.

CSEA mourns Maria Coto, Westchester County Unit member

Our union is mourning the loss of Westchester County Unit member Maria Coto, who died June 19th from injuries sustained when she was brutally attacked on May 14th while working in the Peekskill community. Coto was a longtime caseworker with the Westchester County Department of Social Services. Her murder has been devastating for her loved ones and co-workers and has prompted shows of solidarity from CSEA-represented caseworkers across New York State. Read more in our coverage in the July-August edition of The Work Force.

Resources available through CSEA’s Occupational Safety and Health Department

Our CSEA Occupational Safety and Health Department has a variety of resources available for members and activists. One of those is a catalogue of fact sheets devoted to numerous safety-related topics. The fact sheets available includes ones on confined space entry, hazard control and PPE, indoor air quality, ticks and Lyme disease, and numerous other topics. Click here to review the list of available fact sheets and download printable PDF copies that may be shared at your worksite.

Keep up to date on safety-related topics by signing up for The Safety Net, an e-newsletter from CSEA that provides the latest info on safety trainings and events, breaking safety-related news, and other available resources. Click here to sign up for The Safety Net.

Officers with upcoming membership meetings may also reach out to our Occupational Safety and Health Specialist Jane Meunier-Gorman at (845) 831-1000 if they are interested in having any safety-related presentations.

Southern Region Upcoming Events

• State Government Discipline & Interrogation, Jan. 15 & 15, 2025, 6 to 9 p.m. each night, Taconic Correctional Facility QWL Building, 250 Harris Road, Bedford Hills. Participants must attend both nights to complete training and be designated by their local president to serve as a disciplinary representative. Call (845) 831-1000 to sign up.
• Local Government Grievance Representation Workshop, Jan. 29 & 30, 2025, 6 to 9 p.m. each night, Southern Region Office, 568 Route 52, Beacon. Participants must attend both nights in order to complete training and must be appointed by their unit president as a grievance representative. Call (845) 831-1000 to sign up.
• Local Government Discipline & Interrogation, Feb. 25 & 26, 2025, 6 to 9 p.m. each night, Southern Region Office, 568 Route 52, Beacon. Participants must attend both. nights in order to complete training and must be appointed by their unit president as a disciplinary representative. Call (845) 831-1000 to sign up.