CSEA works to thaw Nassau freeze Steadfast determination of Nassau County Local officers combined with the unwavering solidarity of the rank and file have proved to be decisive factors in bringing nearly 10,000 CSEA members to the brink of escaping the economic burden of a wage freeze imposed by the Nassau Interim Finance Authority (NIFA) more than three years ago. The local’s solidarity provides lessons for all CSEA members. NIFA was created by New York state as a “fiscal watchdog” after county officials decided to use union members as scapegoats to cover the economic consequences that resulted from decades of their shortsighted policy decisions and misguided political choices. Still, it appears the wage freeze may finally be lifted after intense negotiations between Local President Jerry Laricchiuta, County Executive Edward Mangano and NIFA Chair Jon Kaiman. That led to an agreement overwhelmingly ratified by CSEA local members and passed unanimously by the Nassau County Legislature. “Our members had their wages and steps frozen for more than three years, which brought great hardship to their families,” said Laricchiuta. “But when this deal goes through, they will see relief this year and in the next three years. NIFA has said they will vote on the agreement soon, though CSEA Nassau County Local members protest the wage freeze prior to the Nassau Interim Finance Authority meeting. no specific date has been announced.” Once approved by the NIFA board, the deal would extend the existing contract to July 2017 and provide an “Our members had their wages and steps frozen for more than three years, which brought great hardship to their families.” immediate cost of living increase, as well as increases in July 2015, July 2016, and July 2017. The agreement also calls for a lower salary scale to be set for future hires. New employees will begin contributing to their health care plans up to a maximum of 15 percent and be classified as Tier 6 in the New York State pension system. CSEA would also be allowed to continue its lawsuit to reclaim back pay from 2011 and 2012. “I want to thank our members for their support during this entire process. It was not an easy task but we used every means at our disposal to lift this unjust wage freeze. I am proud of our members for showing an unwavering unity on this issue since we could not have succeeded otherwise.” — Rich Impagliazzo CSEA Nassau County Local President Jerry Laricchiuta casts his vote in favor of ending the Nassau Interim Finance Authority’s wage freeze on CSEA members. May 2014 The Work Force 9
May_14_WF
To see the actual publication please follow the link above