Page 8 - Work Force September 2024

CSEA ignites city’s recognition of Juneteenth
LOCKPORT — Our union ignited positive change in the City of Lockport, as city officials recently approved Juneteenth as a paid holiday for all city employees.
CSEA City of Lockport Unit President Megan Brewer had been advocating for the observance of Juneteenth for years. Brewer noted that she finally had hope here would be a solution when Lockport Mayor John Lombardi signed a memorandum of agreement in March to give CSEA-represented city workers the observance.
Our union was optimistic for passage of the Juneteenth resolution, but when it was brought to a vote
at the June 12 Common Council Meeting, two Democratic council members rejected the measure.
“I am extremely frustrated with and disappointed in the Common Council and Corporation Counsel’s blatant disrespect of both the Juneteenth holiday and city of Lockport employees,” said Brewer shortly after the resolution was rejected.
Juneteenth,
celebrated on June
19, marks the day
that union soldiers
arrived in Texas in
1865 to free more
than 250,000 Black
people from slavery.
Juneteenth is a
federal and state
holiday that not
only celebrates the
day of freedom, but
also serves as a day
of remembrance and opportunity to advance our ongoing site for justice an equity. Our union has made the observance of Juneteenth a priority subject of contract negotiations in recent years.
Anger leads to action
Buffalo NAACP President the Rev. Mark E. Blue stated his shock about the decision.
“It is unconscionable that two Democrats, who claim to stand
for equality
and justice
would reject the observance of the emancipation of enslaved African Americans,” said Blue.
CSEA members employed by the Blue city also expressed anger.
“June 19 is my
and every African
Americans’ day of
freedom and it is
really frustrating
and unfair that
I have to use
personal time or
vacation in order
to celebrate and
observe Juneteenth,” said Sandra Elliston, a City of Lockport Unit member.
Our union issued a press release to local media sharply criticizing the cities rejection of Juneteenth
as an observance. The public media attention lead council members to re-vote on the resolution at the following meeting held two weeks later.
In late June, the resolution was approved, not only for CSEA members to receive Juneteenth as a paid holiday off, but also for every City of Lockport employee.
“Juneteenth is a time to celebrate the achievements of the Black community, and reflect on the continued fight for justice,” said CSEA Western Region President Steve Healy. “The decision by the city allows members who work for the City of Lockport to celebrate the freedom of those who were enslaved and recognizes their continuous strength and courage throughout history.”
— Sydney Thomas
8 The Work Force
September 2024
“I am extremely frustrated with and disappointed in the Common Council and Corporation Counsel’s blatant disrespect of both the Juneteenth holiday and city of Lockport employees.”
Elliston
City of Lockport Unit President Megan Brewer poses outside of her workplace.