Page 14 - Work Force November 2022

“If I can lead us to victory over Amazon, what’s stopping anyone from organizing their workplace?” Smalls asked.
“We can only gain strength as a collective. But it takes leaders to bring everyone together.”
Janus decision and forced voluntary unionism.
We were nervous of
the negative impact Janus could have, but the result we have seen has been nothing compared to what we feared. That is because our leaders and activists worked hard to remind members the value of unionism
“Leadership is not defined by a title but by actions, and the members have shown me on numerous occasions through your actions that you are all leaders.”
And while Smalls is referring
to forming new unions, the
sentiment also applies to
growing our union from within.
We need to have conversations
with our nonmember
co-workers and show them, just as Smalls did, the value of having a strong union and a voice at the table. We must remind them that their membership is as much for their own benefit as it is ours.
and keeping us together as one.
I am proud to be a member of CSEA.
I am proud to be a leader in such a strong organization within the labor movement. But I am just one person, and it will take every one of us to keep growing and pushing our union forward. It does not matter what our position in this organization is - we must
all strive to make this a bigger, better, and bolder union for every member.
Respectfully submitted,
Kenny Greenleaf
Central Region President
This adverse time has
prompted greater participation in CSEA than I have ever seen before.
We can only gain strength as a collective. But it takes leaders to bring everyone together. To be an effective union leader, you do not need to do things on the level
of taking on Amazon. Simple acts like informing your co-workers of union business, making sure they attend meetings and helping them participate in campaigns can make all the difference and help bring out the leader in you.
We need to be diligent in our efforts
14 The Work Force
November 2022
2022 Annual Delegates Meeting Officer Reports
KENNY GREENLEAF Central Region President
Let us stick together
STEVE HEALY
Western Region President
Leadership is not defined by a title
MIy CSEA Sisters and Brothers,
t seems as if 2022 brought about something that had been lacking for the last few years ... hope. As we continue to fight the COVID pandemic with vaccines and safety protocols, the world - and CSEA - has thankfully resumed to nearly normal operations.
Public perception of unions has never been more positive. It shows in the ongoing efforts to organize workplaces like Amazon warehouses and Starbucks locations across the country. Seeing labor organizers, like Chris Smalls of the Amazon Labor Union, effectively convey the importance of unions and collective bargaining, while also giving people the courage to stand up to one of the richest and most powerful companies in the world, has been nothing short of inspiring.
to grow and retain members. Anti-union groups and employers know what we also know – the more CSEA members they can bleed away, we are weakened. Make no mistake about it – management sees the membership numbers and they know when non-membership numbers increase, they have an opening to drive a wedge between us. But standing in between our union members and that wedge are strong CSEA leaders.
More than ever before, every single member matters. If we are not together in the fight, then the battle is already lost. But if we continue to stand together, we will continue to be strong enough to fend off the attacks on labor that keep coming.
It was not long ago that the Supreme Court tried to weaken labor unions throughout the country when it issued the
GOreetings Brothers and Sisters,
n behalf of the nearly 46,000 members of CSEA Western Region, we welcome everyone to the CSEA 112th Annual Delegates Meeting.
It is no secret that these past two-plus years have been some of the most challenging in our union’s history. Between a global pandemic and political polarization – we have been through trials and tribulations more so than ever before.
I have seen firsthand the strength of the members of our union. When faced with adversity, time and time again members continue to show resilience through advocacy for ourselves, fellow members, and workers across New York State.
The pandemic has prompted an increase
in Erie County, which sets a precedent
for future negotiations, to our success in organizing the Town of Seneca back in April – I am constantly impressed by the strength of our union.
One of my proudest moments this past year was the turnout for the drive-through events to collect supplies from members to donate to a nonprofit on Buffalo’s East Side – the neighborhood most closely impacted by May’s mass shooting at a local grocery store. It is the solidarity, selflessness, and support that members consistently show that reinforces just how strongly we advocate for ourselves and each other – a key practice to a successful union.
Solidarity is the foundation of the labor movement and that takes immense
in workplace safety discussions, unprecedented economic volatility has deepened conversations about fair wages and job security, and the ever- changing political climate has inspired many to take on larger roles within our union.
In the time I have had the privilege of being the Western Region President, I have seen my fair share of challenges that we have faced. However, not only have I watched us overcome this adversity, but I have seen just how much growth, resiliency, and solidarity have come from each hill we have had to climb.
There are so many qualities of leadership that extend far beyond a title – courage, selflessness, honesty and efficient communication are just some of the characteristics showcased by so many of this region’s members.
While CSEA will forever advocate for members, we will always be our own biggest advocates. Our union is only as strong as our members, and I am consistently reminded of just how strong you truly are.
selflessness from each and every member. I have seen, time and time again, members putting themselves and their jobs on the line to protect their brothers and sisters in our union. To have that level of trust in each other takes
a great deal of honesty and communication.
There is no formula for the perfect leader – no set list of qualities one needs. Leadership is not defined by a title but
by actions, and the members have shown me on numerous occasions through your actions that you are all leaders. That is the beauty
of our union – the collaboration between all its members creates a group of leaders that embody the mission of CSEA and provide the necessary tools and the support system to foster an environment of success.
So, I would like to say thank you to every member for your continued commitment to our union, to each other and to yourselves.
It is because of your leadership that our union can continue to fulfill our mission of ensuring our voice is heard, our place at the table is kept and the American dream is ours.
Respectfully submitted,
Steve Healy
Western Region President
From the remarkable contract ratification