Page 3 - Work Force November 2024

114th Annual Delegates Meeting keeps members moving forward together
MANHATTAN — Hundreds of CSEA delegates and officers from across the state kept moving forward together during our union’s 114th Annual Delegates Meeting (ADM).
During the five-day meeting, themed as “Moving Forward Together,” delegates conducted important union business, attended workshops, department and division meetings, heard from union officers and inspiring speakers and honored several outstanding members for their achievements.
“It is an honor to be here with you as we meet to conduct important business and share our knowledge and experience with each other,” said CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan. “We are all united in a mission to fight for the dignity and respect we know that we deserve.”
In addition to Sullivan and other CSEA officers, attendees also heard from several keynote speakers, including Gov. Kathy Hochul, New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro and AFSCME International President Lee Saunders. Nationally known speaker Christopher B. Williams led a plenary session that stressed the power of positive thinking.
Hochul spoke about her strong support of union members and the contributions of CSEA members.
“There is one
thing I have
never, ever taken
for granted and
that is members
of unions like
CSEA who are
doing the work
that make our
state run,” said
Hochul. “I want
to make sure that people understand the nobility of a career in public
service and all the services you provide. You are the unsung heroes. You are the ones who make me proud and make this state function and I thank you! I will be there for you and you have been there for me! Let’s continue to work together.”
DiNapoli, a longtime friend to CSEA, also reaffirmed his support of labor.
“I will always
stand shoulder
to shoulder with
you to protect
your pensions
to protect your
pensions but also
to ensure that
you have dignity;
dignity in the
workplace and
dignity in retirement,” said DiNapoli. “Thank you, CSEA, for all you do to make the State of New York the great state it is. Together, we are moving New York forward.”
Molinaro, CSEA’s endorsed candidate for New York’s 19th Congressional District, spoke about the importance of working people to be respected.
“In order for
government to
be successful,
the people who
work for that
government
must not only
be successful
but must be
respected as
well,” said
Molinaro. “You’re the ones on the front lines providing services to people who need it the most. We
are grateful for the work that you do and we will continue to fight hard to ensure that you are respected and supported with good wages, good
jobs and good bosses – all critically important.”
Our union’s General Business Session also included a tribute
to AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus William “Bill” Lucy, who passed away in late September. (See Page 5 for more.)
During his address to delegates, AFSCME International President Lee Saunders also honored Lucy.
“Bill Lucy was a giant – a true giant – of our movement,” said Saunders. “Few people have done more to advance the cause of workers’ rights and human rights.”
Saunders also discussed how working people are united.
CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan addresses the delegates at the 114th Annual Delegates Meeting.
in this union for many years. It is an honor to be your president,” said Sullivan. “Every day, you have the lives of hundreds of thousands of members in your hands. You control the most important part of their life – their ability to support their families and live a good life. I am so proud
of all you do every day – thank you. When we are together and unite for common causes, there is no limit on what we can do.”
For more ADM coverage, see
November 2024
The Work Force 3
Hochul
DiNapoli
“What
unites us is the
unshakeable
belief that our
union is a force
for progress,”
said Saunders.
“Moving forward
together, we will
be CSEA strong.
We will be union
strong. If we are together, nothing can stop us. If we fight, we win!”
Sullivan also spoke of the importance of our union members’ contributions and solidarity.
“I’ve been an officer and member
Molinaro
On the cover, AFSCME International President Lee Saunders and CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan pose during the General Business Session at the 114th Annual Delegates Meeting. (Photo by David Galarza.)
cseany.org
Saunders
November 2024 • Vol. 27, No. 10
pages 2, 4 and 9-14.
— Janice Gavin
Moving Forward Together See pages 2-4, 9-14
Tribute to AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer
Emeritus William “Bill” Lucy OPWDD members honored Union power saves officer’s job
Page 5 Pages 6-7 Page 8