Page 5 - Work Force October 2022

Poll: Majority of Americans approve of unions
Seventy-one percent of Americans approve of labor unions, according to a recent Gallup poll. The percentage of Americans who approve of unions is at its highest number since 1965 and is up from 68% approval in 2021.
The strong support aligns with workers’ evolving views about their working conditions and a desire to improve it through unions.
“More than ever before, CSEA leaders and activists are paving the way for new workers to organize,” said CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan. “Whether it’s via union mentorship, direct support, or helping lead organizing campaigns,
the future of organizing at CSEA is member-driven. We have some of the smartest, best informed, and most passionate union activists in the country and they know that by helping others organize to join CSEA, they make our union stronger for everyone.” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler recently told “Good Morning America” that workers’ views on working conditions and unions shifted during the
COVID-19 pandemic, largely due to people doing their jobs in unsafe environments or otherwise poor working conditions.
“We’re seeing an incredible rise in working people waking up and [realizing they] deserve better,” said Shuler. “This is why people are looking to unions for the first time in a long time. People are not standing by; they are ready to rise up, make changes and make their voices heard.”
Shuler also debunked the theory that the country is in a labor shortage, noting that there is a shortage of family-sustaining jobs and high- quality jobs with fair wages and good benefits.
Surge in organizing
The poll also strongly supports the recent
surge in union organizing in industries across the country, including retail, food service, museums and media. The National Labor Relations Board reported a 57% increase in union election petitions during the first half of fiscal year 2022, as opposed
to the previous year.
Two of the most notable ongoing unionization
efforts are underway at Amazon and Starbucks. The earliest successful unionization efforts at both companies happened at worksites in New York State, the second most densely unionized state in the country.
According to a recent report by CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies, New York City leads the nation in new organizing, largely due to successful efforts at an Amazon fulfillment center on Staten Island.
Unions help workers sustain themselves
One of the best ways to achieve good jobs that allow workers to sustain themselves and their families is unions.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, unionized workers make on average 10.2% more
in wages than nonunionized workers. Unions also help take great strides toward pay equality, though more work needs to be done.
Notably, 95% of union workers have access to employer-sponsored health benefits, as opposed to 69% of nonunion workers. Union members also have more extensive access to paid leave time and retirement security.
In addition to helping workers have stronger wages, benefits and working conditions, unions also raise standards for nonunion workers, particularly in states that are higher in union density, such as New York.
From left to right, Central Region President Kenny Greenleaf and State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli hold the award DiNapoli presented to Greenleaf. (Photo by Caroline Boardman)
reach out to help someone in need, to do what is kind and what is right, and to always stand on principal and truth.”
— Nicholas Newcomb
“We’re seeing an incredible rise in working people waking up and [realizing they] deserve better. This is why people are looking to unions for the first time in a long time. People are not standing by” are ready to rise up, make changes and make their voices heard.
— Liz Shuler, AFL-CIO President
Central Region President Kenny Greenleaf honored by State Comptroller DiNapoli
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SYRACUSE — CSEA Central Region President Kenny Greenleaf was recognized for his accomplishments in the community and the labor movement by State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli at the annual Comptroller’s Breakfast at the New York State Fair in August.
With this year’s theme of public service, and a focus on those that are seen by their peers as role models, Greenleaf was one of four Central New York honorees.
DiNapoli, who is the sole trustee of the state pension fund and a longtime friend to CSEA, presented Greenleaf with the award.
“I always look forward to partnering with labor,” DiNapoli said. “It’s labor who really showed up for us during COVID. With labor, we [as a society] are able to make progress.”
Greenleaf has been a proud union member for nearly 40 years while working in the custodial staff
October 2022
at the Hannibal Central School District. He served as unit president for 20 years before becoming Central Region President in 2018.
“I am humbled and honored, but I share this award with many great leaders,” Greenleaf said.
Greenleaf thanked current and former CSEA leaders and activists who had mentored him, including CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan, former CSEA President Danny Donohue, former Statewide Treasurer Maureen Malone, former Western Region President Flo Tripi, former Central Region President Colleen Wheaton, former CSEA Labor Relations Specialists Chris Jamison and Stubby Stevens, CSEA Retiree activist Charlotte Adkins and countless other leaders and activists who have inspired him throughout his time with CSEA.
“Above all, I want to thank my family and my parents for their guidance and inspiration,”said Greenleaf. “Both helped to instill in me to always
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