Throughout March, CSEA celebrates Women’s History Month, when we honor the contributions of women to our nation, culture, and labor movement. Understanding labor history and sharing our stories is essential, as the fight for equity continues. Looking at our union’s own history, there are influential women who have moved CSEA forward.
Beulah Bailey Thull became CSEA’s first woman president in 1934. While she served in the position for one year, she has a rich history in the labor and women’s rights movements. Thull was an active campaigner for women’s suffrage and co-founded the League of Women Voters of New York State. Thull’s leadership extended to national politics, where she served as a speechwriter for President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Irene Carr, who served as CSEA’s Statewide Secretary for 17 years, was a trailblazer in advocating for women’s rights and workplace equality. She started our union’s first Women’s Committee and chaired the AFSCME Women’s Advisory Committee. She fought for training and job advancement opportunities, pay equity for women and minorities and child care centers for state employees. In her honor, CSEA established the Irene Carr Leadership Award, which is presented to members who demonstrate outstanding leadership in defending and furthering the rights of women and minorities in the workplace.
Flo Tripi, who served as our union’s Western Region President for 18 years, was a friend of mine who dedicated her life to our union and fighting for workers’ rights. Known for her boundless energy and unwavering commitment to the labor movement, Flo’s impact was felt far beyond the Western Region. Her leadership and advocacy helped shape policies that improved the lives of countless public sector employees. Flo’s legacy continues to inspire women in labor and beyond.
Honoring and remembering Beulah, Irene and Flo’s contributions, along with the many other women who have held leadership roles in CSEA is important for our union’s growth. As a union, we look to build on this foundation they laid before us with our upcoming CSEA Women’s Conference, themed “Collective Power, Collective Progress.”
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering the next generation of union women, ensuring their voices continue to shape CSEA’s future.
