Page 9 - Work Force December 2018

108th ADM: Delegates show our union pride
MANHATTAN — Between conducting official union business and getting important training, delegates to our 108th Annual Delegates Meeting got to have a little fun while showing our union pride.
With help from our union’s Member Engagement Department, delegates had the opportunity to show that we’re staying union and staying strong through posing at a “selfie station.”
The selfie station, a modern twist on a traditional photo booth, included a background featuring our new Stay Union, Stay Strong logo and lots of props to show that we’re Proud Union Members.
Members who posed for photos, many of whom did so in small groups, immediately received copies for them to share and tell everyone that they are Sticking With Our Union.
Southern Region President Billy Riccaldo, Herkimer County Local President Beth Hall and Statewide Secretary Denise Berkley at the ADM’s selfie station.
Chemung County Local Executive Vice President Glenny Peel and 3rd Vice President Venessa Cicora show their union support at the selfie station.
108th ADM: Delegates get ‘eye-opening’ experience
At the 108th Annual Delegates Meeting, attendees got to experience goggle-type equipment that can help our members
identify — and prevent — potential workplace hazards.
Our union’s Occupational Safety and Health staff introduced the equipment, similar to children’s viewfinders, to our members early this year as a way to train workers to see potential hazards as represented in virtual reality. We have used the training throughout the state as part of our union’s Peer Trainer program.
“Thanks to new technology, it’s
a safe way to expose workers to hazardous situations without placing them in any danger,” said Jane Muenier, a statewide Occupational
Safety and Health Committee member who staffed the table at which members could test the equipment, which is most commonly used in confined space scenarios.
The members were able to choose from one of four different hazardous scenarios: in a bucket truck to
trim trees, operating an excavator, inside a confined space in a water treatment plant or performing a bridge inspection involving a great height.
The training scenarios are part of CSEA’s disaster preparedness grant funding and have received excellent reception. CSEA staff have been involved in presenting the training methods on several occasions
at national health and safety
In photo, statewide Occupational Safety and Health Committee member Jane Muenier, left, watches over delegates as they test out the goggle-type equipment. From left, Central New York DDSO Local President Don Page, Motor Vehicle (Albany) Local Delegate Andrew Deseve, Montgomery County Local 2nd Vice President Jolene Hornbeck and Montgomery County Local President Thersa Seyfried.
108th ADM: CSEA’s Constitution, By-laws and Resolutions, as approved:
MANHATTAN — Delegates to CSEA’s 108th Annual Delegates Meeting approved the following changes to our union’s Constitution and By-Laws, which go into effect immediately:
Constitution Article III, Membership, Section 3, making spouses and domestic partners of current retiree members eligible
to become members. Also, making certain retired CSEA employees, who are not already eligible to become retired members based on receiving a NYSERS pension, eligible to become retired members.
By-Laws Article III, Statewide Elections, Section 5, eliminating the certified mail/return receipt requirement for mailing of election
protests and related responses.
By-Laws Article IV, Finance, Sections 2 & 3, changing references to “agency shop” and “union shop” to “dues” and “private sector core” as the appropriate fee terminology.
Delegates approved the following Resolutions:
against conversion therapy and adverse sexual orientation efforts in New York State.
• Number 2-18, making a bold statement to engage, train and employ any method to “stay union – stay strong” and viable in a post-Janus world.
conferences.
“Many of the delegates had no
idea what our members may be
exposed to on a regular basis,” said Muenier. “It really opened their eyes.”
•
Number 1-18, supporting a national ban and legislation
December 2018
The Work Force 9