In this file photo from 2017, Alma Cartegena, a CSEA/VOICE Local 100A Monroe Chapter member signs a pledge to “Grow Family Power,” as Ed Gresco looks on.
ALBANY — Ed Gresco retired as CSEA’s Director of Child Care Programs at the end of February after 20 years working in various child care program-related positions with our union.
Gresco began with CSEA as an organizing committee activist, working as one of the first child care providers from the small, now celebrated founding group of Schenectady providers, whose hard work helped lead to 17,000 strong child care providers represented by CSEA.
“We organized for power that we did not have,” Gresco said. “Our position of power took member commitment, hard work and persistence, coupled with the ongoing support of CSEA.”
As the need for persistence grew, so did the commitment on Gresco’s part. He first worked as a volunteer, then as part-time union staff. In 2005, Gresco joined the union staff full time as an organizer, subsequently transitioning to an Early Learning and Care Representative. In 2020, Gresco became the director of CSEA Child Care Programs.
While organizing, Gresco traveled the entire state, identifying leaders and signing authorization cards asking for recognition by New York State.
Authorization cards turned into membership cards as Gresco continued his work in helping the union grow, as the department eventually grew and added staff. Due to to the hard work and commitment of CSEA/VOICE members and the support of CSEA, Family and Group Family Child Care providers have had three great union contracts, with a fourth on the way.
“These agreements are the envy of providers in other states across the country,” Gresco said. “With our fourth contract on the horizon, I am so proud of what we all have accomplished. I have had the time of my life, with 40 years of involvement and advocacy in child care, and 20 years of it with the privilege of working with CSEA/VOICE members.”
Although Gresco is moving on, the work of CSEA/VOICE members goes on.
“CSEA/VOICE members have made and will continue to make a big difference,” Gresco said. “Child care is now recognized as an essential component of the workforce infrastructure by the highest levels of New York State and our federal government. Our efforts have without a doubt added value to the lives of providers and the children served.”
“Ed Gresco has been a leading advocate for child care providers working to make positive changes that improved conditions for CSEA’s VOICE members,” CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan said. “I thank him for his years of service and dedication to growing our union stronger than ever.”
— Jill Asencio
