Page 9 - Work Force March 2016

Crossing guards bring safety message
to community
NEW ROCHELLE — Students here could have all the extracurricular programs and honors classes in the world, but that won’t matter if they’re not safe walking to and from school.
That’s what CSEA-represented crossing guards are explaining to parents and community members as they work to stop a plan that would outsource their jobs.
streets are busier than ever and distracted drivers are texting and on their phones. We’re trying to let the parents and community members know what’s at stake here.”
CSEA activists and staff are reaching out to school leaders, parent-teacher groups and city council members for their support.
Several years ago, city leaders proposed eliminating crossing guards altogether, but quick CSEA action defeated that plan. Union leaders are also lobbying city leaders with ideas that could improve the existing
city-run program. “People in
the community are outraged that this is being
considered again,” Pegues said. “You can’t introduce a profit-margin into public service and expect to find good workers who will go the extra mile to protect our children.
— Jessica Ladlee
New Rochelle’s city manager has floated a plan that would take one of the community’s most basic public services — uniformed crossing guards helping people cross busy city streets — and turn it over to a for-profit company.
Rosetta Pegues
CSEA members are mobilizing not only to keep kids safe, but also to preserve an essential public service.
“It’s a dangerous job, but I love what I do,” said New Rochelle Crossing Guards Unit President Rosetta Pegues. “I’ve been here 34 years and am like a grandmother to many of these young kids. These
Jennifer Wilson helps a woman and child safely cross a New Rochelle street.
“The districts are constantly cutting corners and buildings are falling
into disrepair. We’ve had school closures, including in my district. Even when we avoid layoffs, jobs
are being eliminated through attrition. There is no question that this spring, we will see some of the most challenging school budgets we’ve seen in some time.”
— Scott Rajczi, Dutchess County Education Local president and maintenance worker in the Hyde Park School District
“In the current economic climate, where the rich are getting richer, a 2 percent tax cap is a further attack on hard working school district support staff. If
school districts really care about their students and support
staff, they’d lobby in their
communities and get people involved.”
— Maria Navarro, Suffolk County Educational Employees Local president and Miller Place Union Free School District clerical staff
March 2016
The Work Force 9