Editor’s note: Women’s Conference attendees told the following stories during the Sunday plenary program, after they were selected among the stories members told during Saturday breakout sessions of “Our Voice, Our Power.”
Curtis
Central New York DDSO Local 4th Vice President Terri Curtis joined our union because of her sister.
“I came [into the]union because my sister didn’t have a voice,” said Curtis. “I’m loud and she’s not loud enough.”
Curtis was employed at a private company and was paid well, though her benefits were limited.
“My sister said, ‘Sis, you need a retirement,’” said Curtis.
Curtis took her sister’s advice and soon got a job at the state Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. She soon got involved in our union, also because of her sister.
“She told me that we need a voice and you got a big one,” said Curtis.
Curtis started out as a steward and eventually became a local officer. She has also been key in efforts to ensure that all CSEA-represented workers at Central New York DDSO become full members.
