Page 2 - Retiree News Summer 2023

CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan: Keep making our voices heard
Greetings, Sisters and Brothers,
You may
be retired
from your jobs, but CSEA Retiree members
are still playing a
key role in our union.
During our recent Statewide Women’s Conference, Retiree members shared their experiences and perspectives as former working union members with our current members. Many women CSEA Retirees worked during a
time when women had fewer rights than they do today. Their stories are a good reminder that whether we are retired or just entering the workforce, we cannot afford to get complacent. There is a constant need to make our voices heard and advocate for ourselves and each other.
Our Retiree Executive Committee Chair and Standing Women’s Committee member Bernadette Giambra and Rochester Retirees Local 912 activist Clara Forbes told their union stories before hundreds of attendees. Their stories both have powerful lessons for younger members that will help keep our
union strong.
Retiree members have also
actively taken part in other
CSEA events, including region conferences. Many Retiree Locals have also been meeting regularly again, where members can catch up with one another, get important updates and share knowledge.
To ensure that we keep our retirement security and keep our union strong for future retirees, we need to maintain our strength in numbers. This is why I am asking you to constantly work to recruit new CSEA Retiree members.
The best way to keep our membership strong is to encourage
retiring union members to sign up before they leave their jobs. Once they retire, it may be difficult to connect with them. I have found that many CSEA members would join the Retiree Division, but they were not asked to do so. Let’s change that and ask them to join our retiree union. We need as many voices as possible to stay strong!
In solidarity,
Mary E. Sullivan, President
Retiree Executive Committee Chair Bernadette Giambra:
AGet involved, stay involved in our union
fter you have as CSEA members. locals are regularly meeting, and retired, While retirement gives us a we are looking for more of you to
you may chance to do what we wish, we participate in our union.
even pay this through pension deduction.
Don’t forget that spouses and legal partners can join the CSEA Retirees, which can also save members money on local events that have separate costs for members and guests, as the member rate is often lower.
Prices are rising for everything, so it’s great to save money wherever possible. In addition
to taking advantage of our CSEA member-only benefits, remember to use your public library. It’s a great place for movies, magazines, books, computers and printers. The libraries are also staffed by public employees, in many cases, CSEA members!
Reach out to your friends and former co-workers, stay strong and have a safe and happy rest of your summer!
In solidarity,
Bernie
Bernadette Giambra, Retiree Executive Committee Chair
have thought to yourself, “I’m glad I have a pension.”
While our
public service
careers didn’t
make us wealthy, we are fortunate that we could retire with pensions and benefits. Chances are great that at least one of our loved
ones retired without a guaranteed pension, other retirement benefits or access to the many resources we
should always remember that we have retirement security because of our union.
No employer is generous enough to just hand us strong retirements. hen times get tough and employers need to cut their spending, retirees are often on their chopping block first.
Let’s make it more difficult for former employers and elected officials to dismiss retirees by getting involved in our union.
Many of our CSEA Retiree
I was thrilled to see numerous Retiree members at our union’s recent Statewide Women’s Conference. During the conference, members shared their union stories, which included accounts of how members made our union stronger.
Retirees also play a major role
in numerous union efforts that include writing letters, making phone calls and even holding signs. When we stand together, we are strong. This solidarity isn’t just important for us, but the key to keeping our union powerful for the younger working members who listened to our stories.
We need as many voices as possible to stay union strong. Do you have friends or former co- workers who are eligible to join? Urge them to get involved. If these friends and co-workers are retiring soon, encourage them to join our union’s Retiree Division.
Joining is easy and it costs $36 per year. Eligible members can
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
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CSEA RETIREE NEWS