Page 6 - Work Force December 2016

Knowledge helps us Never Quit our union
JOHNSTOWN — When we build knowledge, we can build our power.
That was the driving force behind a recent four-hour conference that CSEA members employed by local government and school districts in Fulton and Montgomery counties recently attended.
The sessions helped many of the attendees gear up for challenges facing our union, including a primer on the state constitutional convention referendum that will
be on the ballot in November 2017. CSEA is strongly opposed to a convention and we are educating members on the potential impacts of approving one.
Another session focused on building our union in the face of other challenges. Capital Region
President Ron Briggs led the session, urging members to Never Quit on each other, and Never Quit on our union, because we will fare better if we stick together.
“The feedback was so positive,” Briggs said. “We plan to do more (across the region).”
Other sessions included an update on new and enhanced Employee Benefit Fund programs, as well as
an introduction of the new AFSCME Free College Benefit followed by a discussion on student debt.
The crowd was a mix of new members and activists. “I even learned new things today,” said Fulton County Local President Barbara Handy.
— Therese Assalian
Attendees discuss challenges facing our union at the Never Quit conference.
Thersa Seyfried and Kim Spagnola at the Never Quit training.
“When workers stand together — that’s when we are the most powerful. This event
reminded me of the im”
of educating members.
— Thersa Seyfried, keyboard specialist, Greater Amsterdam Central School District
“The conference reinforced education and emphasized” communication.
— Kim Spagnola, data management specialist, Greater Amsterdam Central School District
make a union powerful. “”
— Jolene Hornbeck, Montgomery County Unit activist
6 The Work Force
December 2016
portance
Tom McGivern from Broadalbin Perth CSD was especially moved by the discussion of the constitutional convention on the ballot in 2017.
“I learned that this constitutional convention is a con that will severely cripple CSEA members in New York ” state. I’m voting NO next November!
— Tom McGivern, teaching assistant and Broadalbin-Perth Central School District Unit president
Knowledge and experience