Page 19 - October 2017 Work Force

TODAY
News briefs from around the state
Western Region activist Peters honored for unionism, community contributions
JAMESTOWN — Chautauqua County Local President Bonnie Peters was recently honored for her contributions
We ‘never quit’ reaching out
TROY — Capital Region activists recently brought our ongoing Never
Quit member outreach campaign in Troy, where members there were happily surprised to find their union brothers and sisters knocking at their doors. We spoke one-on-one with our members employed by the City of Troy, listening to their concerns and forming a stronger connection so we can continue to build our union. Our “Never Quit” initiative focuses on conversations about unionism, the labor movement and the value of CSEA membership. We are continuing our efforts to reach out to every member.
Keisha Rivera, treasurer of the state Department of Environmental Conservation Local, poses with Joseph Valenti, a City of Troy employee, at his home as they discuss making our union stronger. (Photo provided by Ron Briggs.)
to her union and
community. The
Jamestown Area
Labor Council
honored Peters with
its 34th annual George Ritzer Memorial Labor Award, which honors individuals who volunteer and contribute toward the labor movement, as well as give time to community organizations. In addition to her service to our union, Peters has been a staunch and unflagging volunteer in the community since she moved here nearly 30 years ago. She is only the third woman to receive the award in its 30- year history. While accepting the award, Peters, who also serves as the Western Region’s recording secretary, discussed the growing value placed upon working women and the benefits they bring to the work force. “I feel extremely honored to be receiving the 2017 George Ritzer Labor Award today, and I’m embracing this opportunity to speak about women’s involvement in our unions,” Peters said. “Women have shown that we have an impact in jobs outside of our homes in all different industries, including those that were often dominated by our male counterparts in the past. As the labor movement continues to build itself back up to be the strong social movement we once were, now is the time to integrate women into our leadership roles.” “Female leaders have a tremendous commitment to our community and to our fellow man,” she said. “We bring new ideas and strategies to labor, many of which make a connection between what we face on the job and what we deal
with at home. Our ideas and strategies are creative and unique, often bringing surprising results. Our labor movement continues to benefit from the type of leadership that women offer.”
Peters
Members of the Long Island Region Veterans Committee, volunteers and residents at the Veterans Place shelter in Yaphank.
New contract for Hastings cCustodians
ongratulations to members
of the Hastings-on-Hudson School District Custodial Unit, who recently ratified a contract deal that runs through June 2020. The agreement includes three wage increases during the contract term, an increase in stipends for 2017 and
2018, increased longevity and improvements in the sick day incentive program.
Feeding veterans in need
YAPHANK — Members from the Long Island Region Veterans Committee and volunteers threw a barbecue for homeless veterans at the Veterans Place, an organization that provides housing and supportive services to 24 local veterans. The group also provided non- perishable food for the shelter’s food pantry. The annual event is one of many affairs the committee holds for veterans in need throughout the year.
October 2017
The Work Force 19