SENECA FALLS — After a hard-fought public pressure organizing campaign, 32 workers from the Town of Seneca Falls won voluntary recognition by the town board.
This victory was due in part to a record-breaking number of our union’s Volunteer Member Organizers (VMOs), who dedicated their time and energy to supporting the town workers. These individuals played a critical role in guiding the organizing effort, demonstrating solidarity and applying strategic pressure to town officials.
Role of VMOs
VMOs were essential in connecting with Seneca Falls workers, ensuring they had the support, knowledge and encouragement needed to stay committed to their goal.
CSEA Seneca County Local President Don Black was one of the first members to engage with the town workers when they expressed interest in organizing.
“I became involved in the organizing of the Town of Seneca Falls when I was alerted by some of the workers that they were interested in joining a union,” said Black. “At the start, they were unsure whether to seek out CSEA or another labor union such as the Teamsters. What would become the Organizing Committee ultimately decided to go with CSEA.”
With deep ties to the Seneca Falls community, Black played a unique role in the campaign, working alongside CSEA organizers to provide guidance and support.
“As a local president, I felt it was my responsibility to help these workers however I could,” said Black.
CSEA Central Region Judiciary Local President Ian Spencer speaks out in support of town workers organizing.
Pivotal moment
For Central Region Judiciary Local President Ian Spencer, who is also a VMO, a defining moment came when a town worker reached out after a heated board meeting.
“I told him it wasn’t going to happen overnight, and the ‘little wins’ were extremely important when building towards the ultimate goal,” said Spencer. “I reminded him that we had to ‘play chess’ and be patient.”
Both Spencer and Black emphasized that the success of the campaign was a collective effort.
“Organizing a union is not easy—it requires hard work and persistence,” said Spencer. “It was crucial to communicate to workers that they had the strength and power to succeed. As a VMO, I provided encouragement, advice and practical guidance to ensure workers remained focused on their goal: having their voices heard and securing a better future for themselves and their families.”
Black echoed this sentiment, attributing the success of the campaign to teamwork and communication.
“Being a VMO is about being a team player with other VMOs, the Organizing Committee, and CSEA statewide organizers,” said Black. “I am hesitant to take any credit for efforts that have been shared by so many other people. The success and health of the campaign lie in the collaboration between these groups.”
“It’s important for workers to have relationships with members because there is so much to learn when you first organize your union,” said Spencer.
Black reinforced this point, stressing the importance of community connections.
“Having a relationship with members and the community is pivotal in organizing,” said Black. “Being able to speak to people from the community and members makes them feel supported. My goal is to ensure that the members don’t feel like they are in this alone—that there are people in their corner.”
Collective victory
The contributions of VMOs like Black and Spencer were vital to securing voluntary recognition for Seneca Falls workers. Their efforts, ranging from strategic planning to persistent public pressure, demonstrated the power of union solidarity in action.
Among those who played key roles were, but not limited to:
- Seneca County Local: Don Black, Pamela Ferrara, Jennifer Mellini, Catherine Lasher
- Central Region Judiciary Local: Ian Spencer, Red Lovell, Theresa West
- Cayuga County Local: Tom Gabak, Lenny Marr, Willie Jenkins, Lisa Utterback
- Finger Lakes DOT Local: Paul Bauso
- CSEA Oneida-Madison-Herkimer Tri-County Retirees Local: Don Lynskey
- CSEA Central Region leadership: Executive Vice President Chantalise DeMarco
With union recognition secured, Seneca Falls workers are now focused on securing better pay, benefits, and job stability. Backed by CSEA leadership and the dedication of VMOs, their pursuit of a fairer workplace is only just beginning.
— Jill Asencio and Nicholas Newcomb
Town of Seneca Falls workers and Volunteer Member Organizers stand union strong.
