Page 14 - Work Force April 2026

Legal decision rights a wrong at state vets’ home
MONTROSE —
Annmarie Salerno
has made a career
of providing
exemplary care as
a certified nursing
assistant at the
New York State
Veterans’ Home at
Montrose.
When a
Salerno
challenging task
arose or an extra
shift was needed to meet staffing
minimums, she was the go-to person.
That’s why Salerno was shocked
when a manager issued her a notice
of discipline suspending her and
recommending termination.
Thanks to our union, however,
Salerno is back on the job and eager
to share how CSEA had her back
throughout the disciplinary process.
alongside her during the incident.
“The LPN was there, the RN was
there, the nursing supervisor was
there,” said Salerno. “How could I
step over my chain of command to
call someone else?”
Not only were the charges
unexpected, but the state’s request
to terminate her also left Salerno
shocked.
“Everybody said they can’t believe
this,” said Salerno. “They came with
an iron fist. They didn’t know me or
my work ethic.”
excessive and instead calling for a
The union difference
letter of reprimand to address some
While the suspension and
minor policy matters.
attempted termination created stress
“The idea that Grievant is culpable
and hardship for Salerno, she said
for these restraints borders on
she has felt the support of our union
the absurd and ignores all of the
every step of the way.
fundamental realities of a medical
“Thank goodness for Tim, Alisa
workplace,” Arbitrator Jay Siegel
and Nathaniel,” said Salerno. “They
wrote in his decision.
saw the unfairness that was going on
The decision went on to say, “The
and made sure the truth came out,
idea that Grievant, in
and I think the judge
the midst of this, had
“I know who
made the decision that
any authority to stop
this was unfairness to
stood with me
what was happening
a union member. Tim
is ridiculous. Was
during that time –
was always checking in,
Advocating for a fair decision
Grievant really going
CSEA – and that’s
Alisa was amazing with
Salerno was suspended for
to step in and tell
research and Nathaniel
roughly four months before her case
her bosses that they,
who I’m going to
and his office were
went before an arbitrator. She had
and the doctor who
be standing with.”
fantastic.”
the support of Mid-Hudson State
was on the phone
Salerno said she will
Employees Local President Tim
and being consulted with, had
make sure her co-workers know how
McNamara, labor relations specialist
the restraint process all wrong?
our union fought for her and will
Alisa Cagle, and regional attorney
That is unrealistic. Grievant is not
remind them of the importance of
Nathaniel Charny.
responsible for restraining [the
being a member.
‘Everybody said they
During the arbitration, Salerno
resident] either chemically or
“I know who stood with me during
can’t believe this’
said our union’s team was able to
physically. She was simply following
that time – CSEA – and that’s who
Salerno’s case stemmed from an
highlight how heavy-handed the
the direction of higher-ranking
I’m going to be standing with,” said
incident involving a new resident
charges were. In his written decision,
medical people.”
Salerno.
at Montrose who was being
the arbitrator agreed, deeming the
Siegel directed that Salerno be
— Jessica Ladlee
uncooperative and belligerent. The
state’s proposed termination as
returned to work with back pay.
resident wandered into another wing
of the facility, without the wheelchair
or walker the resident’s medical
record said were necessities. Also,
the resident refused requests to
leave that wing.
Salerno, along with a nurse
and nursing supervisor, tried to
de-escalate the situation. But
Salerno’s superiors ultimately
contacted a doctor by phone, who
directed nurses to administer
medication to calm the resident.
Salerno was directed to assist with
physically restraining the resident
for administration of the medication
and a wheelchair transport back to
the resident’s room.
What started as following
directives resulted in suspension
for Salerno, with claims she violated
state policy by participating in the
restraint and administration of
medication. She was also cited for
not reporting the incident properly
up the chain of command, even
though Salerno’s superiors were
April 2026 15 15
The Work Force
CSEA member recognized
for helping save child
CHEEKTOWAGA — Due to CSEA
activist Amanda Bond’s quick
thinking, a child was safely
rescued from a hot, parked
vehicle.
Bond, who serves as CSEA’s
Roswell Park Comprehensive
Cancer Center Local 1st
vice president, was recently
recognized by the Cheektowaga
Police Department for her quick
actions last summer.
In July, Bond was leaving
the Walden Galleria when she
noticed a baby asleep inside a
parked vehicle with no adult
present.
Concerned for the child’s
safety in the hot car, Bond
immediately contacted mall
security, which then called 911.
Responding officers arrived at
the scene and soon entered the
vehicle to remove the baby.
The individual responsible for
leaving the child unattended was
later arrested.
In early March, the
Cheektowaga Police Department
recognized Bond for her
diligence, awareness and quick
response.
Bond’s actions serve as
a reminder of the care and
responsibility CSEA members
bring to their communities
every day.
— Sara McNicholas
From left, Cheektowaga Police Chief
Brian Coons recognizes CSEA activist
Amanda Bond.