CSEA Communications Department honored by International Labor Communications Association (ILCA)
CSEA Communications Department staff were honored by the International Labor Communications Association (ILCA) in its 2024 Labor Media Award Contest.
Our union received four awards in the contest, including two first place honors. The content recognizes print, digital and broadcast work from unions across the United States and Canada.
CSEA received the following awards:
Saul Miller Award (Political Action) – 1st place
Political action saves public water services
Therese Assalian, Capital Region Communications Specialist
The Saul Miller awards highlight excellent writing connected to the areas of organizing, collective bargaining and political action. Only one award was given in each category this year. Our union’s article details CSEA’s success in using robust political action to save 10 union represented jobs and return the Johnstown Water Plant to public management. The article ran in The January 2023 edition of The Work Force.
Writing: Best Series – 1st place
Orange apocalyptic haze: Wildfires cause poor air quality in New York
David Galarza, Metropolitan Region Communications Specialist
Wendi Bowie, Long Island Region Communications Specialist
Jill Asencio, Statewide Communications Specialist
Nicholas Newcomb, Central Region Communications Specialist
Janice Gavin, Executive Editor
This series of articles that ran in the July-August 2023 edition of The Work Force detailed CSEA members’ response to the smoke from Canadian wildfires that severely affected air quality throughout New York. Individual articles and photos highlighted responses from state Parks workers, state Department of Transportation workers and CSEA/VOICE Group Family Child Care Providers. Other articles gave an overview of the crisis and tips on how to reduce smoke exposure.
See the series
Writing: Best Series – 3rd place
When the floods hit, CSEA members respond
David Galarza, Metropolitan Region Communications Specialist
Jessica Ladlee, Southern Region Communications Specialist
Benny Cross, Communications Intern
This series of articles that ran in the September 2023 edition of The Work Force detailed CSEA members’ response to the July 9, 2023, catastrophic flooding that hit Orange and Rockland counties in the Southern Region, particularly devastating the Town of Highlands in Orange County. Nearby Bear Mountain State Park was also heavily damaged. In addition to the stories of CSEA members’ response, this series included a heartbreaking personal story from CSEA Communications Specialist Jessica Ladlee and tips on how workers can stay safe after flooding.
See the series
Best in Labor: Multimedia campaign – honorable mention
Scams campaign
CSEA Communications Department
This category honored CSEA’s work in highlighting the scam attempts on our union members by the Freedom Foundation, including coverage in multiple editions of The Work Force, including news coverage by Communications Department staff and column by CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan; campaign collateral developed by Communications staff and videos of members discussing their experiences with scams and support of staying union, as well as an overview video of the campaign.
View the campaign materials