Page 15 - Work Force November 2021

Reese serves as tireless advocate for our union
SYRACUSE — Van Duyn Nursing Home Local President Lonnesa Reese said she was surprised to be honored with the Danny Donohue Leadership Award for the Private Sector.
But if you ask her CSEA labor relations specialist, it was a no brainer.
“Lonnesa is one of the most dedicated union leaders I know. She shows up to work early and leaves late” said Jason David, a CSEA labor relations specialist who is based
in the Central Region. “Walking through the building, it’s clear to see how much she cares about members because she always knows everyone’s name and asks about their lives outside of work.”
Reese rose quickly from member to activist to a strong leader in
her local when the nursing home transitioned from public to private sector in 2013. Because of her prior
union experience with SEIU 1199, taking on a leadership role with CSEA was no problem.
“I wanted to continue being a union leader,” Reese said. “I just like to help others and be there for them if I can.”
A steady presence
Reese is known to tirelessly represent her members.
“I love how knowledgeable she is,” David said. “She is always able to tie management up because she documents everything and can bring it up at the right moments.”
She’s been a steady presence for local members at the nursing home as supervisors and management seem to turn over frequently. Van Duyn is already a challenging place to work for many members, and the global pandemic made it even more difficult.
“In the face of COVID-19, Lonnesa
Lonessa Reese accepts her award virtually.
Unit Executive Board honored with Membership Achievement Award
VICTOR — The Victor Central School District Unit Executive Board received this year’s Membership Achievement Award, which was presented at the Annual Delegates Meeting.
The Membership Achievement Award recognizes a CSEA member or group of members for their work in signing up new employees or who make a significant contribution to converting non-members into members.
The Unit Executive Board members and honorees are President Mark Rugaber, Vice President Lori Fuller, Secretary Jody Drew and Treasurer Heather Page.
“On behalf of the Membership Committee, it is my pleasure to
present the 2021 Membership Achievement Award to the members of the Victor Central School District Executive Board,” Western Region President Steve Healy said while presenting the award virtually.
In November 2020, as New York was facing rising numbers of COVID-19 cases, the unit Executive Board members came together to reach out to members and non-members alike. They directed comments specifically to non-members in one-on-one sessions about the benefits of being in the union, resulting in 19 non-members completing applications and joining our ranks.
The Executive Board repeated the effort in April 2021, resulting in nine
more non-members joining CSEA. These 28 new members were
employees who had previously refused to join CSEA, but were convinced of the value union membership through the personal actions of the Executive Board.
Healy also stated the officers make sure to meet with all new potential members hired by the
district as soon as they are notified of the start dates. Membership cards are signed in a timely manner, ensuring that new hires are turned into union members right from the start of their employment.
Healy accepted the award on the board members’ behalf.
— Ove Overmyer
led the fight to ensure all members had the proper protective equipment and knew how to correctly use it,” Central Region President Kenny Greenleaf said.
Reese said it’s been hard to recruit co-workers to join the ranks of the union or become a steward.
“We have a lot of complaints, but no one wants to step up and help,” Reese said.
But even if it’s just her fighting the
good fight, she’s not going to stop. “There was one week I was out
sick and in the hospital, and I was still representing people,” Reese said. “They were telling me to rest and get better, but I was still doing my union work from the hospital.”
It’s a true testament to her relentlessness and continued dedication for members at the nursing home.
— Nicholas Newcomb
November 2021
The Work Force 15