Page 2 - Work Force May 2021

Photo of the Month
CSEA to celebrate Public Service Workers throughout May
ALBANY — Not content to settle for only a week to recognize
the valuable contributions
of public service workers to
our communities, our union is extending that recognition through an entire month.
Typically, Public Service Worker Recognition Week is celebrated annually the first week of May, but this year, CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan has proclaimed a month-long recognition of union members’ contributions through their services.
“A week is simply too little
to recognize the many different ways that CSEA members touch people’s lives and provide amazing public services that improve their quality of life each and every day, around the clock,”
Sullivan said. “So we’re going to celebrate the contributions of members all month long.”
Recognition plans include a statewide advertising campaign promoting the work we do, as well as continuing coverage on the union’s social media channels. During the month, CSEA will also celebrate the second annual observance of CSEA Appreciation Day, with new yard signs that will appear around the state, and the distribution of more of the union’s Essential Worker Recognition Pins for workers to display their pride in public service.
Additional details about recognition methods and events will be shared with CSEA leaders as they are finalized.
— Mark M. Kotzin
Dustin Karius, left, and Justin Kelly, right, work to knock down loose rocks and debris at Watkins Glen State Park to make the trail below the cliff side safer for the public. See coverage, page 12. Photo by Nicholas Newcomb.
GOSHEN — Longtime Orange County activist Sabina Shapiro, who served in many leadership roles during her nearly 50 years in our union, passed away April 3. She was 73.
provide. She was vocal in opposing the attempt to privatize the county- owned Valley View nursing home.
“Sabina was a great advocate, a stellar leader, and one of the reasons why Orange County is still CSEA. I remember her fondly, and she will be greatly missed by our union family,” said CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan. “We offer her friends and family our sincere condolences.”
Outside of her union activism, Shapiro was an environmentalist, active with the Orange County Audubon Society. A graduate of SUNY New Paltz who held bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, Shapiro
was also an avid reader. She was particularly interested in speaking foreign languages and learning about religion.
Shapiro was predeceased by her husband, Norman Shapiro, and is survived by her two step-daughters and their families, as well as close friends.
— Jessica Ladlee
2 The Work Force
May 2021
Sabina Shapiro, 73, longtime Orange County officer
State employee wage increase and retroactive pay dates announced
ALBANY — The contractual 2 percent salary increases and retroactive raises for executive branch state workers that were withheld since last April will appear in paychecks for state employees in the Administrative payroll on May 12, and in the Institutional payroll on May 20.
CSEA members are in the first group of state employees to receive their delayed negotiated salary increases.
“Our thanks to the hard work of our friend and loyal supporter
State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli for helping ensure that members are receiving what they are owed,” said CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan.
CSEA pushed hard to receive the federal aid needed to plug the budget gap caused by the pandemic. That funding has allowed the state to make good on their contractual obligation. Once these wage increases are paid, CSEA will move forward to negotiate new contracts for state workers.
Shapiro retired in 2019 from her job as a training specialist with the Orange County Department of Social Services. She had worked for the county since 1972.
Over the years, Shapiro filled numerous roles in the Orange County Local and Orange County Unit, including terms as both local and unit president. She also served as the Orange County representative on the CSEA Board of Directors from 1995 until 2016.
During her time as a union activist, Shapiro never hesitated to fight for CSEA members and the services they
Shapiro