Page 8 - Work Force October 2016

Retirement doesn’t slow Lucas’ activism
Suffolk Retiree Local President Carmela “Millie” Lucas may be retired, but she will Never Quit fighting for working people and retirees.
For her efforts, she was recently honored with CSEA’s Donald Webster Memorial Mission Achievement Award. The award honors a CSEA Retiree Division Activist whose work advances CSEA retiree issues.
CSEA President Danny Donohue presented the award to Lucas at the recent biennial Retiree Delegates Meeting, “Whenever a member needs (Lucas), she is there,” Donohue said.
“She is tough, strong and a terrific activist who has dedicated her life to fighting for our union brothers and sisters.”
“I’m very proud to accept this award,” said Lucas. “I want to
thank my mentors, Barbara Allen, Barbara Reynolds and Nick LaMorte, for being a constant source of knowledge and understanding.”
Lucas’ career in CSEA activism began in 1972 when she became a shop steward at Central Islip Psychiatric Center. She “hasn’t looked back since.”
Being compelled to help the
underdog came from witnessing huge layoffs at the center. Lucas saw that many of her colleagues were
in jeopardy and felt that she had
to help them fight to retain their positions.
That was the catalyst that sent Lucas on the long road of union activism, including serving on numerous statewide and Long Island Region committees throughout her career.
Even though she retired in 2005, Lucas remains an activist.
In addition to her role as president of her retiree local,
Lucas chairs the region’s Women’s Committee and serves on the region Political Action Committee. Lucas
is also an enthusiastic member of the statewide and region PEOPLE committees.
Her involvement in PEOPLE is of particular importance due to her unwavering
need to show
members how important the program is.
“A lot of
members don’t
see how this
program affects
their lives,”
said Lucas.
“Participating
in PEOPLE gives our union more power on the federal, state and local levels.”
Carmela “Millie” Lucas and CSEA President Danny Donohue pose with the Donald Webster Award.
Lucas said she stays involved because she believes that all people deserve to be heard and respected.
She also believes that just because you’re a retiree doesn’t mean you can’t be involved.
“One of my favorite sayings is that I retired from my job, not from life,” said Lucas. “As long as I can walk and
talk, I will back CSEA because I really believe in our union.”
— Wendi Bowie
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“My union...”
“My union has improved my life because it gave me a
reason to go and get my GED so that my family can get the benefits I’m able to”receive by advancing my career.
— Angeline “Angie” Ordway, Jefferson County local member working as a cleaner at the Indian River High School in Philadelphia, NY.
8 The Work Force
October 2016
“One of my favorite sayings is that I retired from my job, not from life. As long as I can walk and talk, I will back CSEA because I really believe in our union.”