114th Annual Delegates Meeting keeps members moving forward together

114th Annual Delegates Meeting keeps members moving forward together

MANHATTAN — Hundreds of CSEA delegates and officers from across the state kept moving forward together during our union’s 114th Annual Delegates Meeting (ADM).

During the five-day meeting, themed as “Moving Forward Together,” delegates conducted important union business, attended workshops, department and division meetings, heard from union officers and inspiring speakers and honored several outstanding members for their achievements.

CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan
addresses the delegates at the 114th
Annual Delegates Meeting.

“It is an honor to be here with you as we meet to conduct important business and share our knowledge and experience with each other,” said CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan. “We are all united in a mission to fight for the dignity and respect we know that we deserve.”

In addition to Sullivan and other CSEA officers, attendees also heard from several keynote speakers, including Gov. Kathy Hochul, New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro and AFSCME International President Lee Saunders. Nationally known speaker Christopher B. Williams led a plenary session that stressed the power of positive thinking.

Hochul spoke about her strong support of union members and the contributions of CSEA members.

Hochul

“There is one thing I have never, ever taken for granted and that is members of unions like CSEA who are doing the work that make our state run,” said Hochul.

“I want to make sure that people understand the nobility of a career in public service and all the services you provide. You are the unsung heroes. You are the ones who make me proud and make this state function and I thank you! I will be there for you and you have been there for me! Let’s continue to work together.”

DiNapoli, a longtime friend to CSEA, also reaffirmed his support of labor.

DiNapoli

“I will always stand shoulder to shoulder with you to protect your pensions to protect your pensions but also to ensure that you have dignity; dignity in the workplace and dignity in retirement,” said DiNapoli. “Thank you, CSEA, for all you do to make the State of New York the great state it is. Together, we are moving New York forward.”

Molinaro, CSEA’s endorsed candidate for New York’s 19th Congressional District, spoke about the importance of working people to be respected.

Molinaro

“In order for government to be successful, the people who work for that government must not only be successful but must be respected as well,” said Molinaro. “You’re the ones on the front lines providing services to people who need it the most. We are grateful for the work that you do and we will continue to fight hard to ensure that you are respected and supported with good wages, good jobs and good bosses – all critically important.”

Our union’s General Business Session also included a tribute to AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus William “Bill” Lucy, who passed away in late September. (See Page 5 for more.)

During his address to delegates, AFSCME International President Lee Saunders also honored Lucy.

Saunders

“Bill Lucy was a giant – a true giant – of our movement,” said Saunders. “Few people have done more to advance the cause of workers’ rights and human rights.”

Saunders also discussed how working people are united.

“What unites us is the unshakeable belief that our union is a force for progress,” said Saunders. “Moving forward together, we will be CSEA strong. We will be union strong. If we are together, nothing can stop us. If we fight, we win!”

Sullivan also spoke of the importance of our union members’ contributions and solidarity.

“I’ve been an officer and member in this union for many years. It is an honor to be your president,” said Sullivan. “Every day, you have the lives of hundreds of thousands of members in your hands. You control the most important part of their life – their ability to support their families and live a good life. I am so proud of all you do every day – thank you. When we are together and unite for common causes, there is no limit on what we can do.”

— Janice Gavin