Kathy Johnston, left, takes an in-person Steward Workshop taught by Education and Training Specialist Eric DeCarlo at our union’s Binghamton Satellite Office.
BINGHAMTON — Kathy Johnston was fully prepared to opt out of her union membership in January.
But come June, she found herself sitting at an in-person Steward Workshop, led by the CSEA Education and Training Department staff, eager to learn and take on the responsibilities of a union activist.
What changed for Johnston, a food service worker II at the Greater Binghamton Health Center?
“I think I just realized that if you want change, you have to be a part of that change,” said Johnston.
Frustration leads to action
Johnston was frustrated. Her local had been in administratorship (without elected local officers) for a while and it was taking a toll on members. The local has since come out of administratorship.
She felt like she had nowhere to go in her facility and that management was taking advantage of the lack of union presence, aside from the local’s labor relations specialist (LRS).
“It felt like there were different rules for some people,” said Johnston. “At the time, I had been dealing with an issue of my own that I didn’t think was being handled well through management. Then, I saw a co-worker of mine kind of get screwed.”
It was at that point she began filling out the opt-out paperwork. Soon after, she got a call from CSEA Member Engagement Specialist Michael Ottaviano.
“I had conversations explaining to her the benefits of her union membership for not just herself, but for her entire workplace,” said Ottaviano. “Without solidarity, we look fragmented and that’s something management loves to take advantage of. Showing unity is what gives us our strength as a labor union.”
Johnston said that Ottaviano was always quick to respond to her emails and phone calls and from their discussions, she began to change her mind about opting out.
“(Mike) spent a lot of time presenting my decision to me,” said Johnston. “[He explained that] if you opt-out, our union can’t be there for you in certain ways and if people keep dropping out, there won’t be a union anyway. I wasn’t pressured at all. I was just asked to take my time to think about things.”
A new activist is born
After seeing the injustice suffered by her co-worker, Johnston decided there needed to be more of a union presence at her workplace.
Another co-worker urged Johnston to get involved and take steward training.
“I signed up and now I’m all in because something needs to change,” said Johnston. “I firmly believe more union presence will help us from being walked over.”
Johnston successfully completed our union’s steward training and was soon appointed a shop steward by Greater Binghamton Health Center Local President Michael Narozny.
“Kathy is a self-starter and a great asset,” said Narozny. “She is very good with member engagement, an area I haven’t had too much time to focus on because of all the grievances we are working through. Working in the kitchen, she goes all over the facility and can talk to a lot of members.”
Johnston was inspired by the trainings and is eager to learn more. Her goal is to be a representative at new employee orientations and explain to people what our union is all about.
Johnston said that she could retire in a year or two, but getting involved in her union has given her a new outlook on the future.
“I’m going to be leaving, but it’s the next generation that will continue to fight for fairness,” said Johnston. “I think people really need that push. It’s not about helping me; it’s about helping other people.”
— Nicholas Newcomb
