Page 14 - Work Force November 2018

will miss all the times
I spent with my CSEA family and participating in the union events that have become such an important part of my life.
“We WILL work to
engage and educate our members. We WILL work to improve our union. We WILL change the way we
do business. We WILL get more members involved.
We WILL fight back and WE WILL SUCCEED. We really have no other choice.”
Region Officers, both current and past.
Many of us have been through a lot together, and we could not have accomplished any of our successes without each other. We are a great team, and we
can be proud that we have built a support structure that serves our members well. To my current group of Region Officers: Tammy,
31 case was released, union-haters launched an unprecedented misinformation campaign to get CSEA members and other public employees to quit their union.
“CSEA is ready for this fight and for whatever comes next. In fact, these attacks will only make our labor family stronger and more committed than ever to stand up, fight back and make our voices heard.”
not going anywhere. Our members also
know being represented by CSEA has terrific value. Chances are their median yearly income will be $11,000 more than nonunion workers. They know by being a member of a union, they are far more likely to have health insurance coverage and a
I will miss the
opportunities to stand
shoulder to shoulder
with workers when we
are fighting the good
fight. I will miss the
opportunities to lead
spirited debates over
how we run our union. I will miss going to clambakes, picnics, information days, lunch and learns, the State Fair and membership meetings to talk directly with our members. Most of all, I will miss our dedicated activist leaders, and you, our delegates, who have become my good friends and my second family.
Kenny, Casey, John, Chantalise and Nicole, I appreciate you standing by my side as we moved our Region forward together.
To our activist leadership throughout the Region, I offer my praise and thanks. You are the true unsung heroes of our union. Our members are often quick to complain when something in our union does not work the way they want or think it should, but
so few of them are willing to actually join a committee, serve as a steward, run for office or otherwise get involved. Most of you,
for no extra pay, take on your union roles
on top of your regular jobs, and put in the countless hours and effort needed to try and improve the lives of your members at work and beyond. You give up a lot of your family
Central Region President, continued on page 17
They started emailing
clerks, nurses, custodians,
firefighters, teachers,
and other hardworking
unionists who provide vital necessary public services to our local communities. Anti- union groups also created websites targeting our members with untruths and their propaganda.
support system second to none. By being a member of a union, they know they will have retirement security and a brighter future.
CSEA is ready for this fight and for whatever comes next. In fact, these attacks will only make our labor family stronger and more committed than ever to stand up, fight back and make our voices heard.
While anti-union forces continue to misinform and divide working people, CSEA will continue to unite our communities and build an even more vibrant Labor Movement that will result in a growing economy and a thriving middle class.
At our 108th ADM, we proudly stand with each other arm in arm to do the business of the union, to celebrate all things labor and to protect the rights and values that Western Region President, continued on page 17
But I do not want to dwell too much on the past. Those of you who know me know that I always talk about the future when
it comes to my Annual Delegates Meeting messages. Before I do that, however, I need to express my gratitude to a number of people. While union leadership is pretty much a thankless job, I would not be able to leave this position in good conscience if I did not thank so many people who have
Despite their efforts, these messaging campaigns are not working. Our members know better. Our members know the value of CSEA membership and are proving it every day by sticking with their union family.
We have said all along, the Janus v. AFSCME Council 31 case was nothing
more than a thinly veiled attempt to silence the voice of working men and women and the unions who represent them. This case was never about free speech and the first amendment — it was a direct attack by corporate CEOs and right-wing ideologues who know when working people join unions,
14 The Work Force
November 2018
2018 Annual Delegates Meeting Officer Reports
COLLEEN WHEATON Central Region President
We will fight back and we will succeed
KATHY BUTTON Western Region President
CSEA is Union Strong
Irecently announced I will be retiring from state service and my position as Central Region President in November. This will be my last convention and my final message to our activist leadership and delegates.
After serving as your Region president in three terms over the past 10 years, this will really be a bittersweet time for me. Over
the past 35 years, being a member and then serving as a leader in our union has been a huge part of my life. Whether it was serving on Local committees, or as Local President at SUNY Potsdam, or on Regional committees, or as Region secretary and then president, my union involvement has meant so much more to me than just a job. While I will certainly enjoy the opportunity to spend more time with my friends and family, I
supported me and our Region in everything we have done. Although we pride ourselves in Region 5 as the ones who lead the way in CSEA, the truth is that we could not do it without a lot of help and support from a bunch of great people.
First, I need to express my thanks to
our Statewide Officers. It is thanks to their leadership, vision and dedication that our union moves forward every day. I thank Danny, Mary, Bill and Denise for their continued strong support of our Region and the many opportunities they have provided me and the rest of our Region leadership and members. Their strength and leadership has been inspiring and allows us to be the best leaders that we can be.
I would also like to thank my team of
On behalf of the 45,000 members of CSEA Western Region – we welcome everyone to New York City for our 108th Annual Delegates Meeting.
As we convene this week and in the days that follow, we ask all our delegates, members and guests to rededicate efforts to improve the lives of all working people. We also ask for our community partners and allies to help us bring economic justice to the workplace and to improve social justice outcomes in New York State and across this great nation.
On a personal note, I want to thank everyone who assisted us during my transition to my new role with CSEA. You can be sure I will do my part to best represent the interests of this organization and for all working people.
Hours after the U.S. Supreme Court decision on the Janus v. AFSCME Council
we have the power to improve wages, benefits and working conditions. Our power in the workplace and at the ballot box is exactly what corporate special interests want to eliminate. Their thirst for power and greed is unquenchable.
Public employees have always had a choice whether to join a union or not and the Janus v. AFSCME Council 31 decision does not change that dynamic moving forward. The reality is our CSEA members are sticking with their union because they know the ability to speak with one voice and collectively bargain with employers is vital to achieving the American Dream.
We know anti-labor tactics will not work in New York State because CSEA is one
of the strongest and most powerful labor organizations in the country. We have been around for more than 100 years and we are