Legal Department & Legal Assistance Program
Through this unique program, CSEA stands ready to support you with legal representation when an employer’s action may constitute a reduction in benefits, contract violation, violation of Civil Service Law, improper disciplinary action, or other violations of employee rights.
If you have been disciplined or have a problem in your workplace, please immediately contact your Local/Unit President or other local representative at your job location. Many matters have very short time limitations. Your union representatives will investigate the matter and attempt to reach a satisfactory resolution. If the matter cannot be resolved locally, the CSEA Labor Relations Specialist assigned to your workplace will review and evaluate the merits of the case and give consideration to submitting a formal application for Legal Assistance.
The application then goes to the CSEA Legal Assistance Program and/or Standing Legal Committee (in certain cases) for review and analysis. Generally, the Standing Legal Committee reviews all court actions and matters of Legal Assistance Program policy, as well as exceptional cases or issues outside the general scope of Legal Assistance Program coverage for purposes of making approval/disapproval recommendations to the Board of Directors.
Upon further investigation, a determination will be made as to whether the case has enough merit for approval of Legal Assistance. If Legal Assistance is approved, CSEA will pay all costs usually associated with the processing of your case, and will provide representation by a CSEA Staff Attorney or Regional Attorney.
For more specific information regarding Program coverage, policies and procedures, contact your Region Office, CSEA Headquarters at 1-800-342-4146, extension 1443, or Contact Us.