Page 4 - Work Force September 2025

President Mary E. Sullivan in touch with
BRYAN MILLER
Wor k Force
ISSN 1522-1091
Official publication of
CSEA Local 1000, AFSCME, AFL-CIO 143 Washington Ave. Albany, NY 12210-2303
Mary E. Sullivan, President
Director of Communications and Publisher
MATHEW L. CANTORE
Deputy Director of Communications
JILL ASENCIO
Deputy Director of Communications
JANICE GAVIN
Editor
JASON D. HOSIER
Graphic Production Specialist
SAGE POHLMANN
Graphic Production Specialist
BOBBY COMPANI
Digital Content Coordinator
JOELLE LUCENTE
Communications Assistant
Communications Specialists:
Long Island Region:
WENDI BOWIE
(631) 462-0030
Metropolitan Region:
DAVID GALARZA
(212) 406-2156
Southern Region:
JESSICA LADLEE
(845) 831-1000
Capital Region:
THERESE ASSALIAN
(518) 782-4400
Central Region:
NICHOLAS NEWCOMB
(315) 728-3375
Western Region:
SARA MCNICHOLAS
(716) 691-6555
Headquarters:
VACANT
(518) 257-1276
The Publications Committee:
Chris Vogel, Chair Karen Bright
Tim Finnigan
Marnie Rounds John Wagner
The Work Force (USPS 0445-010)
is published monthly by
The CSEA Publication Office:
143 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12210. Periodical Mail Postage paid at
Post Office, Albany, New York 12288, and additional mailing offices.
Postmaster: Send address changes to: CSEA, Attn: Membership Department, 143 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12210
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4 The Work Force
September 2025
Wor k Force
The
State of Labor in 2025
CTSEA Family,
his Labor Day is a time to reflect on
where we are as a union and as part of the larger labor movement. This year has brought both challenges and progress, testing our resolve and proving that our greatest strength is our unity.
From the start of 2025, we have faced renewed anti-union attacks. Corporate- backed groups like the Freedom Foundation have tried to divide us with lies and misinformation, hoping to weaken our voice. But they underestimate CSEA members. We know what’s at stake: fair pay, safe working conditions, affordable health care, and secure retirements. These are rights we have fought for over generations, and we will not give them up.
This year has also been a time to celebrate the incredible diversity within our union. We honored Black labor leaders during Black History Month, celebrated Pride Month and Juneteenth, and lifted up the women who built CSEA’s foundation. Each moment reminds us that our union is strong because of its diversity, and that we are strongest when every voice is respected.
That strength and unity will be
needed now more than ever. The federal reconciliation bill includes massive cuts
to funding that would devastate schools, hospitals, and community programs across New York. These cuts will blow huge holes in state, local, and school district budgets. CSEA members cannot view this as a distant Washington, D.C. problem because it will directly harm working people and the communities we serve.
Even as we defend against these challenges, we are preparing for the future. CSEA’s new logo, website and branding, unveiled July 1, reflect who we are and what we stand for. Our members work in every corner of New York, doing different jobs and living in different communities, but we come together in one powerful voice. That unity is what keeps New York running, and it will carry us through whatever comes next.
The state of labor in 2025 is one of resilience. We are tested but not shaken. We stand ready to protect our members, defend public services, and fight for the future. The challenges ahead are great, but so is our collective strength. As history has shown, when we stand together, we win.
One final reflection this Labor Day is remembering our former president and my dear friend, Danny Donohue, who passed away August 10. Danny led CSEA for more than 25 years, and his fearless leadership, sharp wit, and deep commitment to working people left a lasting mark on our union and the labor movement. To me, he was not
only a mentor but a true friend. Please look for our tribute to Danny in this edition, where we honor his extraordinary life and leadership.
In solidarity,
Mary E. Sullivan, President