TODAY News briefs from around the state CSEA accepting Irene Carr Leadership Award nominations Do you know someone who we can count on to take the lead, speak out and take action on issues of concern to women and families today? These are the individuals CSEA honors with the Irene Carr Leadership Award, for which we are now accepting nominations. Carr, who had served as CSEA’s statewide secretary for 17 years, had led numerous efforts to advance issues that she referred to as “work and family issues,” including affordable child care and job training opportunities. She also urged women to take active leadership roles in our union. The award, which will be presented at the CSEA Women’s Conference taking place April 28- 30 in Saratoga Springs, recognizes individuals that demonstrate continuous leadership in fighting Christmas Eve fire guts town public works garage IRONDEQUOIT — A massive Christmas Eve fire heavily damaged the Irondequoit Department of Public Works building and much of the town’s snow removal and sanitation vehicles. Despite the fire, CSEA members employed by the town are still providing vital public services to the community. Monroe County and several adjoining towns have loaned the town trucks and other equipment to allow services to continue. No one was injured in the fire, which was discovered in the late evening on Dec. 24 and took hours to fully put out, but damages to the 100-year-old building and equipment are estimated to total millions of dollars. “Our hearts go out to the families and town residents who are affected by this fire,” CSEA Western Region President Flo Tripi said. “We are thankful no one was injured or harmed while fighting this fire. CSEA stands ready to assist our town partners and employees in every possible way.” New contract for Poughkeepsie School District Unit CSEA members in the Poughkeepsie City School District Unit in Dutchess County recently ratified a four-year contract after challenging negotiations. The deal includes no increase in insurance premium contributions for members, raises and a one-time bonus. The CSEA unit representing food service workers in the district also recently ratified an agreement. Helping our communities through SEFA for labor rights in the workplace, particularly those that affect women. Someone who: • Encourages and mentors women to be activists in CSEA and/or the labor movement as a whole. • Advocates for workers issues such as equal pay for equal work, ensuring access to affordable child care, flexible work hours, or health and safety issues specific to women. • Ensures issues of discrimination, harassment and/or equal treatment are addressed in the workplace. Nominations must be received no later than Feb. 17, 2017. Download the nomination form at cseany.org. Striking out cancer SCHENECTADY — Our CSEA Capital Region Membership Committee recently hosted a Bowl-A-Thon in Schenectady to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Dozens of members had a fun time bowling while raising awareness and needed money for the local cancer prevention and services in Capital Region communities. CSEA is a longtime supporter of the American Cancer Society. HAUPPAUGE — CSEA Long Island Region members who serve on the Long Island State Employees Federated Appeal (SEFA) Committee once again reached out to their communities when they organized SEFA’s 6th annual auction. This year, the committee raised more than $1,600 that will go to charitable organizations that have been approved by the statewide SEFA council. Each year, SEFA benefits hundreds of nonprofit organizations across the state, including those providing emergency assistance, health and human services and other social and community development programs. Monroe-Woodbury members bring holiday joy to Valley View CSEA members working in the Transportation Department at the Monroe- Woodbury School District provided a happy holiday for many residents at the Orange County-owned Valley View nursing home. CSEA members Kerri Cracolici and Noreen Fasano collected more than 75 gifts for residents at Valley View, where their CSEA brothers and sisters from the Orange County Unit provide top-notch nursing care and rehabilitation. Long Island SEFA Co-Chair Melissa Shedd and Chair Stacey Pagan are all smiles due to the success of the auction. February 2017 The Work Force 19
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