Page 8 - Work Force November 2023

Once an activist, always an activist
COMMACK — Kim Lewis is one of the CSEA Suffolk Area Retirees Local’s newest, and possibly
most passionate, members.
After 23 years
of working at the
state Long Island
Developmental Disabilities Services Office (LIDDSO) and serving nearly that many years as a CSEA shop steward, Lewis knew it was finally time to rest on her laurels and retire.
Even so, she has no intentions of stopping her union activities. In fact, she’s just getting started.
Lewis credits her CSEA membership with putting her in the position to retire comfortably and successfully put her daughter through school.
Lewis first became a CSEA member when the then Long Island
Developmental Disabilities Services Office Local President, Willie Allen, stopped by her work location for a routine visit with members.
“Willie explained to the workers the value of being a CSEA member,” said Lewis. “Had he not gone out on that visit, I would’ve never known about CSEA.”
Being greeted by someone with a pleasant disposition was also encouraging.
“He was so positive and had so much enthusiasm about CSEA,” said Lewis. “He was really like sunshine in the dark. His energy made me want to sign up.”
Lewis did not know it at the time, but she would soon need to call on our union for guidance.
“I had a supervisor who was being mentally and physically aggressive with me,” said Lewis. “I was ready to quit my job because it was becoming too much.”
Allen walked her through the
Lewis
Kim Lewis attends her first CSEA Suffolk Area Retirees Local membership meeting.
grievance process, addressed her supervisor and the supervisor’s behavior stopped.
“When my local president stood up for me, I could see that I was part of something important,” said Lewis. “That experience is what made me want to become a shop steward. I could see that there was a greater purpose – to help people.”
Lewis also received personal fulfillment from her activism.
“I was proud to be able to help my
colleagues,” said Lewis. “Even in my retirement, I’m still getting calls from members about the contract and I’m happy to help them.”
With her membership in the Suffolk Area Retirees Local,
Lewis hopes to build on her
career in activism by becoming a representative at CSEA information days for the CSEA Retiree Division and the PEOPLE Program, which Lewis is very passionate about.
“Just because I’m retired from my job doesn’t mean I’m retired from being a union member,” said Lewis. “I’m always going to be a part of CSEA.”
When members ask about the importance of union membership, Lewis replies, “You need it.”
“Instead of taking your money and spending it at a restaurant, spend that money on your membership dues,” said Lewis. “When I go to the doctor or go to the drugstore to fill
a prescription, people can’t believe that I have a pension or that my medical insurance is so good. I tell them, ‘You can have it, too. All you have to do is join CSEA.’”
— Wendi Bowie
CSEA, other unions support striking UAW workers
TAPPAN — CSEA Southern Region activists recently joined other members of the labor community for a rally in support of members of UAW Local 3039, who are on strike from the Chrysler (Stellantis) Parts Depot on Route 303 in Tappan.
CSEA activists included members from the Rockland County Local, Town of Clarkstown Unit, Westchester Retirees Local, Rockland Psychiatric Center Local, Yonkers School District Unit, and staff, stood alongside the workers who are fighting for a fair contract.
During the rally, Local 3039 President Jeffrey Purcell addressed the crowd, thanked attendees and asked for continued solidarity.
New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento stated that our greater labor community will continue to stand with UAW and
From left to right, Rockland County Local President Chris Vogel, State Assemblymember Steve Otis, CSEA Labor Relations Specialist Neil Heard, New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento, Westchester Retirees Local activist Karen Pecora, Town of Clarkstown Unit President Ray Francis, CSEA Political Action Coordinator Chris Ludlow and Labor Relations Specialist Larry Sparber show support for UAW members.
pledged continued support of the workers. State Assemblymember Steve Otis also attended to show support.
Our union believes that it is important for members to show
their solidarity with other unions. CSEA members are urged to
consider stopping by the picket site at the Chrysler Parts Depot, 500 Route 303 South, Tappan.
— Jessica Ladlee
8 The Work Force
November 2023
If you are planning to retire soon, stay union through membership in a CSEA Retiree Local. To
learn more and download a membership application, visit cseany.org/retirees.