Page 19 - Work Force December 2016

TODAY
News briefs from around the state
Wayland-Cohocton School District members ratify contract
WAYLAND — CSEA Wayland-Cohocton Central School District Unit members recently overwhelmingly ratified a new agreement that will provide a cost of living increase plus additional benefits that includes sick leave, mileage reimbursement and reduced uniform costs. Employees at the Steuben County district who work a 10-month yearly schedule will also pay less for health care. The deal is set to expire June 30, 2020.
Union boosts safer 911 staffing
BUFFALO — CSEA Erie County Local members employed by the county’s Central Police Services 911 Call Center voted to approve a pilot agreement to create a 12-hour workday schedule. Since early 2016, dispatchers and call-takers reported high levels of stress, staff turnover, high vacancy rates and scheduled vacation time that positioned employees in
a potentially dangerous work environment. Employees were forced
to work full-time shifts seven or eight days in a row, with some members working up to 16 hours a day. The new schedule of 12-hour shifts ensures no staff member works more than three days in a row, guaranteeing every other weekend off, and sharply reducing or eliminating forced overtime. The schedule change will go into effect Jan. 1, 2017 and be implemented on a six- month trial basis.
Herkimer County Local raises money for veterans
HERKIMER — The CSEA Herkimer County Team participating in the Mohawk Valley area’s annual Stars & Stripes Walk/Run has once again raised thousands of dollars to support area veterans. The group blew past last year’s raised total of $2,000, raising more than $3,200 this year. The local donated the money
to the Sitrin Military Rehabilitation Program, which helps wounded veterans.
From left, Herkimer County Local members Frank Lercara, Lorraine Rumrill, Matthew Crim and his daughter, Diana Toher and CSEA Labor
Relations Specialist Denise Campbell.
CFirst contract for First Student
Arbitration win in Greene County
CATSKILL — CSEA has won an arbitration case in Greene County, where it was decided that county officials violated
our collective bargaining agreement by unilaterally expanding the probationary period and then improperly firing five employees. The county is being ordered to reinstate the five members to their positions with back pay and benefits.
White Plains gives gift of life
CSEA members in the City of White Plains recently stepped up to save lives. They partnered with city leaders to sponsor a successful blood drive. Unit President Joe Longo said many members made blood donations during the drive, which aided with recent shortages at area blood banks.
CSEA member Michael Howie, a motor equipment
operator at the City of White Plains, donates blood.
ongratulations to our members in the recently-
organized First Student Local, who have ratified their first contract. Workers, who handle busing for students in the Florida and Chester school districts in Orange County, approved a four-year contract with wage increases, final and binding arbitration for disciplines and grievances, and incentives for attendance and safety.
Donating to children in need
BROOKHAVEN — Suffolk County Local members recently presented a $4,500 check to members of the Brookhaven Town Board before a town board meeting. The donation will be given to the Women’s Services and Youth Bureau, which will use the money to buy school supplies for local children in need. Local members spent several weeks collecting the money and are happy to further contribute to the community. “Members that work for the Town of Brookhaven are an essential component to the structure of this town,” said Suffolk County Local President Matt Hattorff. “Not only do we work in the community, we live here, too. We want to do everything we can to make sure that every child has the tools they need to achieve academic excellence.”
December 2016
The Work Force 19