Page 2 - CSEA Retiree News Summer 2018

CSEA President Danny Donohue:
We’re staying strong
hen the U.S. can better protect your Supreme Court pensions, health care decided in and more. Several times
favor of the wealthy and corporate CEOs
in Janus v. AFSCME Council 31, we were not surprised.
This case was
nothing more than
yet another attempt
by greedy corporate interests
to destroy the American labor movement. Now, anti-labor groups are contacting public employees urging them to quit their unions.
These groups are trying to trick union members into giving up rights and protections we’ve fought so hard for over the years, including the secure retirements that union members now have.
While you may be tempted to relax now that you’re retired, we need you more than ever.
You know that you retired with a guaranteed pension, health care and Social Security because of your union. You can’t afford to take your retirement security for granted, and we can’t afford to not fight for future retirees. You can help ensure a secure future for yourselves and for our members who are still working.
We are a strong union, and when a union is strong, we
over the past few years, employers have tried to gut our retirees’ health benefits. Thanks to our union, including our in-house Legal Department, the employers have lost every time.
As retirees, you not only understand the value of being in a union, but you know that hard times and challenges always bring out our best. CSEA has been fighting for our rights for 108 years, and we’re not going anywhere.
As a last note, I wanted to acknowledge the recent passing of Western Region President Flo Tripi, who was a passionate, powerful force in representing all members. Flo used her voice to make life better for all New Yorkers and we will profoundly miss her. The best way to honor her memory? Do what she has done for 50 years — fight for the dignity and respect for all union members and retirees.
In solidarity,
Message from Retiree Executive Committee Chair Millie Lucas
WIe must stick with our union
n the wake spoiling your grandchildren — of the U.S. our retirement security plays a Supreme key role in our state and local
Court’s Janus v. AFSCME Council 31 decision, it’s more important than ever for us to stick together and stand strong.
Many of you may think that the Janus decision doesn’t affect you as a retiree, but you are mistaken.
Our union is strong because
our working sisters and brothers know that unions help workers get better wages, benefits and working conditions, improve workplace safety and protect our retirement security. A strong union can continue to protect these things.
Make no mistake — the same anti-labor groups that are trying to get our working sisters and brothers to quit our union
think that our pensions are
too generous and that federal programs such as Social Security and Medicare are luxuries.
When is the last time you thought your retirement security was too lavish? If you said ‘never,’ I thought so.
However, our pensions, Social Security and Medicare are vital to our ability to have a dignified, secure retirement. Remember, it’s not just about traveling or
economies. Public-sector retirees contribute about $12 billion to New York State’s economy every year.
As our working brothers and sisters now face challenges that we never imagined during our careers, we have a responsibility to stand with them and do anything we can to help.
We understand the efforts that go into strong contracts that help provide working families a quality life. We also know that when we face hard times, we stand closer together and use our voices.
In this edition, you will see examples of our retiree members who are living the meaning of unionism by standing in solidarity with working members.
We also mourn the recent loss of Western Region President Flo Tripi, who lived every moment of the last 50 years of her life
to improve the lives of working people.
Honor Flo’s labor spirit by joining our sisters and brothers in sticking together and fighting for a strong union.
In solidary,
Millie
Supreme Court caved to CEOs, wealthy in Janus decision; our union will stay strong
ALBANY — The U.S. Supreme Court recently sided with corporate interests and the wealthy in its Janus v. AFSCME Council 31 decision, overturning the 1977 Abood v. Detroit Board of Education case that allowed public-sector unions to collect agency fees.
Specifically, the court, in a 5-4 decision handed down on June 27, agreed with the plaintiff’s argument that requiring public-sector workers who opt not to join a union to pay fair-share fees violates the First Amendment.
Mark Janus, an Illinois state employee who objected to paying a fair-share fee because of his personal beliefs, but about the well-funded, anti-union groups who are attacking working people and the rights and benefits we have fought for and won.
We will stay strong
Despite’s the court decision, our union will stay strong because our members are sticking with our union.
“It’s outrageous that the Supreme Court caved to greedy
corporate CEOs and the wealthy instead of supporting the rights
of hardworking Americans,” CSEA President Danny Donohue said. “This case wasn’t about fairness or even free speech. It was just another scheme for the rich to get richer by destroying unions and silencing working people.”
When we stand together, we can not only stay strong for working people, but we can ensure that your retirement remains secure. With
a strong union, we can continue to protect our pensions, Social Security and health care.
Anti-union groups have been contacting our members to get them to quit our union, with many of our members being inappropriately contacted at work using employer resources.
“These groups are exploiting and harassing our members,” Donohue said. “This is a clear violation
of employer policy, as well as a violation of workers’ privacy. We won’t be fooled into giving up everything unions have fought so hard for. CSEA has been around
for 108 years and we’re not going anywhere. Stay Union. Stay Strong!”
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CSEA RETIREE NEWS
The case really wasn’t about