OUR
MISSION
& HISTORY

As working people — everyone and everywhere — we are our greatest resource. We organize and represent workers to ensure our voice is heard, our place at the table is kept and the American dream is ours in the 21st century.

OUR VALUES

Honesty

We are honest with ourselves and each other.

Inclusiveness

Every group, every idea is welcomed.

Full Participation

We encourage and expect full participation in all union matters.

Respect

We respect each other and honor our differences.

Diversity

We celebrate our diversity and use it to strengthen us.

Open Communications

We listen and provide for open communication across all parts of our union and in all directions.

Accountability

We are accountable for our actions and decisions.

Fiscal Responsibility

We conduct our business in a fiscally sound manner.

OUR HISTORY

Our union has had a great impact on New Yorkers’ lives since a group of state employees formed the Association of State Civil Service Employees on Oct. 24, 1910. More than 100 years later, the Civil Service Employees Association (as the association was renamed in 1946), is one of the largest, most influential unions in the 
United States.

1910s

A group of state employees officially convenes at the state Capitol in Albany to establish the Association to preserve and promote merit and fitness in public employment.

1910

The Association is formed on October 24, 1910

1920s

The New York State Public Employee Retirement System is established. The Association’s first President, William Thomas, is instrumental in the commission that helps draft the law establishing the retirement system.

1920

Improved benefits

The Association improved benefits for members, including retirement.

1926

State government streamlined

New York State government is dramatically overhauled, largely through the efforts and determination of Gov. Alfred E. Smith. Scores of overlapping state commissions and offices with varying lines of oversight and accountability are streamlined into Executive branch departments. A first-ever comprehensive state budget process is established.

1930s

In the heart of the Great Depression, the Association grows enormously as Gov. Franklin D. Roosvelt recognizes the Association as a legitimate representative of state employees.

1930

new levels of membership

Membership drive balloons membership to nearly 8,500.

1934

Beulah Bailey Thull

Beulah Bailey Thull becomes the first woman President of the Association.

1936

72 hour workweek ended

Gov. Herbert Lehman supports the Association’s drive to end the 72 hour workweek for institutional employees.

1936

groundbreaking Group Insurance

The Association establishes a groundbreaking Group Insurance program, still serving as a model for benefit plans today.

1938

Feld-Hamilton established

The Association helps secure enactment of the Feld-Hamilton Act establishing standard state job classification and compensation.

1940s

Numerous changes and expansions help the Association to grow.

1941

Civil service standardized

The Association’s involvement on the Fite Commission helps standardize civil service procedures statewide and combat patronage.

1946

Name changes to CSEA

The name of the Association is changed to the Civil Service Employees Association.

1946-1947

Local Government members join

The Constitution is amended to allow membership by employees of local governments.

Westchester County employees become the first local government chapter in 1947.

1950s

CSEA makes strides in health insurance for state and local government workers.

1956

Health Insurance Plan

CSEA is instrumental in establishing the state Health Insurance Plan – extended to local government employees two years later.

1960s

The Taylor Law is enacted and membership continues to expand.

1967

Taylor Law signed

CSEA gains full collective bargaining rights under the Taylor Law signed by Gov. Nelson Rockefeller. It remains the nation’s most comprehensive law of its kind to this day.

1970s

CSEA grows in numbers, reaching 250,000 members, and advocates for workers through organizing efforts.

1975

Protest at state Capitol

Thousands of CSEA members demonstrate on the steps of the state Capitol in Albany to demand fairer state budget priorities.

1978

CSEA joins AFSCME and AFL-CIO

CSEA affiliates with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and becomes part of the AFL-CIO.

 

1980s

CSEA makes strides in safety protections for civil service workers and makes an impact through political action efforts.

1980

The Public Employees Safety and Health Act

 

CSEA leads the way nationally for safety and health protection of public employees under first of its kind legislation – the Public Employees Safety and Health Act.

1980

President Carter addresses ADM

President Jimmy Carter addresses the CSEA Annual Delegates Meeting in Niagara Falls.

1982

CSEA political action leads to victory

CSEA’s political action efforts are recognized as a key factor in Mario Cuomo’s upset primary victory for the gubernatorial nomination over New York City Mayor Ed Koch.

1990s

CSEA fights back against stalled contract negotiations, protects rights for retirees, and continues to grow in numbers.

1991

Hot Day in February over contract

20,000 CSEA and other union members converge on the state Capitol on a Hot Day in February over stalled contract negotiations.

1991

Historic endorsement

CSEA endorses Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton for President of the United States long before the primary season and helps to elect him.

1994

Standing up for our pensions

CSEA supports state Comptroller Carl McCall in successful lawsuits to protect the integrity of the NYS Retirement System.

2000s

Following the tragic attack on the World Trade Center that caused the loss of five members, CSEA mourns. However, we continued to fight to both preserve and expand the rights of public employees.

2000

A permanent COLA

Years of hard work succeed as CSEA is instrumental in securing a permanent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for the Public Employee Retirement System.

2001

Always remember

September 11 – CSEA mourns the loss of five of our union members in the attack on the World Trade Center.

2005

Fighting to preserve Social Security

CSEA fights to preserve Social Security, as well as affordable health care.

2006

Workplace security

CSEA is instrumental in the passage of the landmark Worksite Security Act, helping to better secure public buildings and worksites across New York.

2007

A VOICE for child care providers

CSEA recognized as the representative for nearly 25,000 home child care providers, opening a new avenue to advocate for quality child care.

2009

Fighting for fairness

CSEA fights for fairness for middle class New Yorkers in state budget battle.

2010s

Facing adversity due to Right-to-Work (for free) laws, CSEA continues to grow and lead successful campaigns.

2017

Defeating the Constitutional Convention

CSEA led a successful campaign with an unprecedented 83% of New Yorkers voting against holding a Constitutional Convention.

2018

CSEA persists against Right-to-Work

Right-to-Work (for less) becomes law of the land in the public sector. Despite the anti-union Supreme Court ruling, CSEA membership continues to grow.

2019

CSEA’s first President from Local Government

On Nov. 1, 2019, Mary E. Sullivan becomes CSEA’s first-ever President from the Local Government Division and the second woman President. In 2020, she became the first woman elected as CSEA President.

2020s

Even while facing challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and a public sector staffing shortage, CSEA remains strong.

2020

CSEA members rise to meet COVID

When the COVID pandemic began affecting New York in March 2020, CSEA members across the state rose up to meet the challenges of COVID.

2020

CSEA Member Appreciation

In gratitude to CSEA members who delivered essential services during the pandemic, our union celebrated Member Appreciation Day in May. This event is now annual and has expanded to Member Appreciation Month.