Throughout May, CSEA celebrated Member Appreciation Month, which highlighted the vital services that CSEA members perform throughout the state, as well as the dedication of our union members to their important work.
“Every single day, CSEA members are the backbone of our communities, keeping our schools running, maintaining our public spaces, ensuring vital health and safety services, and supporting countless government operations that New Yorkers rely on,” said CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan.
Our union hosted and sponsored special Member Appreciation events in every region. One of the highlights of the month was “A Toast to YOU,” a special virtual event on May 19 that allowed CSEA members to come together as a union family to celebrate their work, connect with one another and enjoy well-earned recognition and relaxation. We will feature photos from other events in the July-August edition.
Here’s a look at just a few members who were honored on CSEA social media pages as part of our Member Appreciation Month.
Watch toast videos and view profiles at: facebook.com/csealocal1000 or instagram.com/cseany1000/
- Town of Brookhaven members Anthony Verni and Brian Smith
- Town of Brookhaven member James Hall Jr.
- Local 412 member Regine Pierre
- Schenectady County member Dana Gannon
- Town of Brookhaven Department of Recycling and Sustainable Materials Management CSEA members Christine Hoffmann, Dawn Davis-Allen, Carol Silvestro and Zachary Sicardi.
- Saratoga Springs City SD member Lynne Mattison
- Village of Perry member Marlos Norman
- From left, Longwood Library members Danielle Bliss, Alison Mirabella, Melanie Cardone-Leather, Janine Renken-Beesley and Alanna Francis.
- Town of Brookhaven member Monica Leo
- Kingsboro PC Local member Lisa Rogers
- State DMNA firefighters at Stewart Air National Guard Base.
- SUNY Oneonta Local member Heather Shugars
- Niagara DOT member Joe Chapman
- HRI Local 316 member Debbie Quiñones
“Every day, CSEA members like you work tirelessly to provide public services in every community across New York. Your dedication and hard work does not go unnoticed, and to honor your contributions, I am proud to designate May as Member Appreciation Month once again. New Yorkers across the state rely on your services, and you consistently deliver. Whether you work for the state, local government, a school district, or in the private sector, your work is crucial. You are an essential part of the fabric of our communities, whether performing everyday tasks or responding to crises.”
— CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan
“I’m raising my glass today to toast the true backbone of New York, our extraordinary CSEA family, to our 200,000 dedicated state, county and municipal workers who don’t just keep our state running. You’re really the unsung heroes who show up every day, sometimes doing double time without recognition. From plowing our roads in the winter to ensuring clean drinking water, your service never wavers. My 30 years in public office has taught me one thing. I have worked with you closely in many of my positions, and I have never taken you for granted, and I never will. We appreciate and celebrate you every single day.”
— Gov. Kathy Hochul
“I want to extend my deep appreciation to you, the CSEA members who work tirelessly every single day to keep New York running strong. I always say that public service is a calling, and CSEA members answer the call every single day. Your dedication to the health, safety, and well-being of New Yorkers and their communities touches countless lives. On behalf of 1.4 million members across the country, I’m proud to raise this toast to you. Cheers!”
— Lee Saunders, AFSCME International President
“Your commitment to excellence and to serving the people of our state is essential in maintaining public trust in government and helps keep New York moving forward. From Long Island to Western New York, CSEA members represent the best of our local communities and continue to deliver services that New Yorkers depend on. Here’s a well-deserved toast to each and every one of you. Thank you for your outstanding public service. Let me offer a special word of gratitude to our valued CSEA colleagues here at the State Comptroller’s Office. CSEA, your work is valued and appreciated.”
— NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli