City of Lockport Unit President Megan Brewer poses outside of her workplace.
LOCKPORT — Our union ignited positive change in the City of Lockport, as city officials recently approved Juneteenth as a paid holiday for all city employees.
CSEA City of Lockport Unit President Megan Brewer had been advocating for the observance of Juneteenth for years. Brewer noted that she finally had hope here would be a solution when Lockport Mayor John Lombardi signed a memorandum of agreement in March to give CSEA-represented city workers the observance.
Our union was optimistic for passage of the Juneteenth resolution, but when it was brought to a vote at the June 12 Common Council Meeting, two Democratic council members rejected the measure.
“I am extremely frustrated with and disappointed in the Common Council and Corporation Counsel’s blatant disrespect of both the Juneteenth holiday and city of Lockport employees,” said Brewer shortly after the resolution was rejected.
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, marks the day that union soldiers arrived in Texas in 1865 to free more than 250,000 Black people from slavery. Juneteenth is a federal and state holiday that not only celebrates the day of freedom, but also serves as a day of remembrance and opportunity to advance our ongoing site for justice an equity. Our union has made the observance of Juneteenth a priority subject of contract negotiations in recent years.
Anger leads to action
Buffalo NAACP President the Rev. Mark E. Blue stated his shock about the decision.
“It is unconscionable that two Democrats, who claim to stand for equality and justice would reject the observance of the emancipation of enslaved African Americans,” said Blue.
CSEA members employed by the city also expressed anger.
Elliston
“June 19 is my and every African Americans’ day of freedom and it is really frustrating and unfair that I have to use personal time or vacation in order to celebrate and observe Juneteenth,” said Sandra Elliston, a City of Lockport Unit member.
Our union issued a press release to local media sharply criticizing the cities rejection of Juneteenth as an observance. The public media attention lead council members to re-vote on the resolution at the following meeting held two weeks later.
In late June, the resolution was approved, not only for CSEA members to receive Juneteenth as a paid holiday off, but also for every City of Lockport employee.
“Juneteenth is a time to celebrate the achievements of the Black community, and reflect on the continued fight for justice,” said CSEA Western Region President Steve Healy. “The decision by the city allows members who work for the City of Lockport to celebrate the freedom of those who were enslaved and recognizes their continuous strength and courage throughout history.”
— Sydney Thomas
