Page 2 - Retiree News Fall 2025

CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan:
Continue to fight for what is right
CSEA Family,
As we
move into
.the last
few months of
the year, it is
a time to look
back at where
we are as a
union and as part of the larger labor movement. This year has tested us in many ways, but it
has also reminded me that our greatest strength has always been our unity.
We continue to face the
fallout from federal funding cuts that could devastate schools, hospitals, health care and community programs across New York. But through it all, CSEA members have stood strong.
We know what we are fighting
for – fair pay, safe workplaces, affordable health care and secure retirements.
Looking ahead, I know the challenges are real, but so is our resilience. History has shown time and again that when retirees and
working people stand together, we win. I have no doubt we will continue to fight for our union members, defend public services and protect our retirement.
On a personal note, I continue to feel the loss of our former president, Danny Donohue, who passed away on August 10. Danny led CSEA for more than 25 years, but to me, he was also a mentor and a true friend. His wit, courage, and lifelong dedication to working people and retirees left a lasting mark on all of us. Remembering
Danny strengthens my resolve to keep fighting for the values he believed in so deeply.
I want to wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season filled with happiness and good health.
In solidarity,
Mary E. Sullivan, President
inspired by former President Danny Donohue, who passed away in August. Throughout his many years serving our union, he not once backed down from a fight. Let’s honor Danny’s legacy by showing up and fighting for our union and our futures.
Retiree Executive Committee Chair Bernadette Giambra:
We can all help fight back
Hello! Hello! Happy Fall to you!
The weather may be cooler, but the need for CSEA Retirees to be involved in our union has never been hotter.
The federal reconciliation bill, or the so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill,’ contains many items that are outright ugly for retirees
and working people, including devastating cuts to health care.
Many hospitals and health care facilities are at risk for severe cuts and closures. Not only could New Yorkers lose their jobs, but it will be much tougher for many people to find health services near their homes.
But our union is fighting back. CSEA retirees sent thousands of postcards to union retirees in other states. We are calling and mailing our congressional representatives. We will show up at the polls to elect candidates who stand with us. As this edition went to press,
I was proud to join CSEA Retiree Executive Committee (REC) Vice
Chair Kathy Zabinski, Florida State North Local 952 President Kathryn Albowicz and our AFSCME family in lobbying members of Congress on issues concerning union retirees.
When we fight, we win, but our union needs all the voices that
we can get. A great place to start
is getting involved in your retiree local. By attending a local meeting, you can learn the latest news about our union. Whether your role is large or small, it will do a lot to make a difference in not only our retirement security, but in that of future retirees.
In our ongoing fight, I am
In Solidarity,
2
CSEA RETIREE NEWS
Bernie
Bernadette Giambra, Chair
CSEA Retiree Executive Committee
Retiree Executive Committee representatives
At its Aug. 12, 2025 meeting, the Retiree Executive Committee voted on its Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Secretary who are: Bernadette Giambra,
Chairperson; Kathy Zabinski, Vice Chairperson; Joan Bender, Secretary. They will serve on the Executive Committee until Summer 2029.
Helpful phone numbers:
Member Solutions Center:
1-800-342-4146
Employee Benefit Fund (Dental & Vision): 1-800-323-2732
Health Benefits Department:
1-800-286-5242
Pearl Insurance:
518-640-8234
New York State and Local Retirement System: 1-866-805-0990
AFSCME: 202-429-1000