DeFilippis
RIVERHEAD — When CSEA Town of Riverhead Unit President Terri DeFilippis overheard members discussing Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) at a membership meeting, she encouraged the members to sign up for training.
However, unit members informed her that there are far more steps to receiving a CDL than there were 30 years ago when DeFilippis earned hers. It is also more expensive.
After learning this new information, DeFilippis reached out to a member who had recently received his CDL to inquire about the steps he went through. The member further explained the process and sent DeFilippis an application he used to study for the CDL exam.
With that, DeFilippis began to research how she could get training opportunities for unit members.
DeFilippis’s initial intention was for the unit to pay for the classes, but after contacting a few driving schools to ask about available CDL services, she discovered that the unit would be unable to afford the cost.
Wanting to gauge member interest before she dedicated any further time to researching training opportunities, DeFilippis began to post sign-up sheets at different town worksites.
DeFilippis, along with members of the unit’s contract negotiations team, also met with every department in the unit to fully explain the opportunity.
“I made sure that I set realistic expectations,” said DeFilippis. “I told them that there are no guarantees. The class is just a step in opening up possibilities for their futures.”
From left to right, Town of Riverhead Unit Building Maintenance Manager
Dave Zebrowski and Town of Riverhead Unit President Terri DeFilippis
discuss details of the CDL training grant.
Member resources show union value
DeFilippis then reached out to our union for help in finding a realistic way to help members get the training.
CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan personally contacted DeFilippis. Sullivan suggested that DeFilippis contact CSEA’s WORK Institute to try to secure a grant to cover the cost for workers’ training.
The CSEA WORK Institute serves as a career resource for members to promote job security and career advancement.
Heeding Sullivan’s advice, DeFilippis gathered the necessary information to apply for a grant. DeFilippis then reached out to CSEA WORK Institute Acting Director Diane Medick, who helped DeFilippis through the process.
It only took four days before DeFilippis found out the unit received the grant money to fund 15 members’ CDL training.
“I called President Sullivan immediately,” said DeFillippis. “I was so excited for the members. I just couldn’t believe it.”
The training will not only help members in their current jobs, but will be key to helping them advance in their careers.
“Now, when there’s a job posting that puts members on a promotional path, they will be eligible,” said DeFilippis. “Without a CDL, members will be stuck in lower wage positions. This opportunity is a treasure.”
Members noted they are thrilled about the opportunity, with some explaining they “can’t believe” DeFilippis “pulled it off.”
Provided the CDL training is a success, DeFilippis has plans to work with CSEA’s WORK Institute to bring more training to unit members.
Engagement leads to success
CSEA’s numerous member resources and DeFilippis’s ability to engage with unit members are keys reasons why she was able to produce results in such a big way.
“As CSEA officers, we have to be in-tune with members and rely on our board and shop stewards to find out what the members need,” said DeFilippis.
DeFilippis is pointed in mentioning that she never could have provided unit members with the opportunity without the help of her “creative and knowledgeable executive board.”
“We are a team, we are united and without that, we have nothing,” said DeFilippis. “We take the time to engage and be transparent with members and through that, members understand their personal value and their value as a union member.”
— Wendi Bowie
