Page 18 - Work Force January 2020

Y e a r i n R e v i e w 2019
CSEA is stronger than ever
In times
of need,
911
workers
are at
their best
Onondaga County Public Safety Dispatcher Elizabeth Jackson works dispatch for the county’s police agencies.
In 2019,our union proved that when we stick together, we are
stronger than ever.
The year began with our members standing
strong against efforts to get union members to give up their rights.
Activists continued to reach out to our brothers and sisters at their homes and worksites through our ongoing member engagement visits. CSEA also welcomed hundreds of new public and private-sector members seeking justice and a voice in the workplace.
Our members fought injustices at their workplaces and in their communities. We also mourned the losses of members who lost their lives doing their jobs — and fought for improved safety for workers in their memories.
CSEA members empowered each other through
our union’s Women’s Conference, our 109th Annual Delegates Meeting and region workshops. We proudly showed our strength and power at Labor Day parades across the state, and got out the vote for candidates who stand with working people.
We once again showed that CSEA members are the first to respond in our communities, including during and after severe weather.
Lastly, we saw transition: Anthony M. Adamo became our Southern Region President, Bob Pyjas stepped up to become our Western Region President and Mary E. Sullivan became our 24th CSEA Statewide President — and first president from local government — when Danny Donohue retired after more than 25 years in office.
As we enter 2020, we will continue our commitment to make our union stronger, better.
Empowering Union Women: CSEA Women’s Conference
educates, inspires
“Be fearless. Walk with
c
onfidence. Be honest and lead by example. That’s how you empower union women.”
— Karen Bright, Madison County Local 1st vice president and Irene Carr Leadership Award recipient
In their own words: our members shut down anti-union efforts
“What I am most proud of is how proud our members were when they reported how they turned these people away and told them they were definitely not interested in giving up their union. I got so many texts and emails. Our members are educated. Maybe this kind of thing goes over better in other states, but not here in
Steven Wright was one of about 200 members
who attended a worksite meeting in the City of Long Beach.
Building our union strong
New York. From what I heard, they found that out.
— Mike Osborne, president, New York State Thruway Authority Local
”
CSEA Labor Relations Specialist Michael Nesci speaks with Chemung County worker Samantha Carpenter at her Elmira home. Carpenter proudly signed a card to recommit to our union.
Putnam County Unit activist Shawn Rogan, along with his 13 year-old English Springer Spaniel Toby, shows his recommitment to our union when CSEA members and staff recently visited his Patterson home during the Putnam County member outreach blitz.
18 The Work Force
January 2020