Union activist honored as Champion at Work ALBION — Cindy Troy hasn’t always been a union activist, in fact at one point in time she may have even described herself as “anti-union.” Through education, personal growth and a commitment to fighting for those who need a voice, Troy has become one of CSEA Orleans County’s most active and outspoken members. For her dedication, optimism and determination, the Niagara Orleans Labor Council recently honored Troy with its Union Champions at Work award. “You should never try to exclude anybody because a lot of times they are just uninformed or misinformed,” Troy said. “You may not believe in something right now, but that doesn’t mean you won’t believe in it when you have more information. I feel very strongly that we need to include everyone. Everyone’s journey is important.” Troy believes speaking one-on-one with fellow CSEA members and co-workers is key to building strength within our union. Considering smaller issues and putting together all the pieces of the puzzle can lead to new CSEA activism. “Find common ground,” she said. “You may not believe in something that is very broad, but do you believe “You should never try to exclude anybody because a lot of times they are just uninformed or misinformed.” in this issue, or that issue? We can’t make great strides without taking little steps, but it all starts with personal contact.” Troy is currently an employment and training counselor with the Orleans County Job Development Agency, and she has held several other positions with the county. She has served as a CSEA Orleans County Local or Unit officer for two decades. Troy says her “years serving CSEA have included many trials,” including the sale of the Orleans County Nursing Home to a private buyer. After the Orleans County Unit President Cindy Troy addresses Orleans County legislators during a community hearing. sale, Troy’s work at the nursing home continued. She helped the former county nursing home employees organize into a new CSEA private sector local. Members of CSEA Comprehensive at Orleans Local overwhelmingly ratified their first contract in January. Troy also played a big role in a CSEA organizing effort at Manor Oak Nursing Home in Medina and most recently she joined the CSEA campaign to stop the dissolution of the Village of Medina. No matter what the issue, she cannot fight it alone. CSEA members must always stand together. “I don’t have all the answers but I look for them through the support and help of fellow union members, leaders, community, the labor council, family, friends and my faith,” she said. “This unlikely journey down the pathway of union and labor has taken me to places I’ve never anticipated and introduced me to people I would have never thought to encounter. It’s been good, and I anticipate the ‘good’ will continue for many years to come.” — Lynn Miller CSEA President Danny Donohue joins with a group of CSEA activists at the 44th Annual Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus Weekend. Workshops on the state budget, labor, voting rights and mental health were held, and labor activist Bill Fletcher, and actor and civil rights activist Danny Glover addressed the group. CSEA statewide Secretary Denise Berkley was also honored at the event during a breakfast hosted by state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. See photo, page 2. March 2015 The Work Force 13
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