NEW YORK CITY — Eddie Lewis had some tough questions for the CSEA activists and staff who recently visited Riverbank State Park.
Statewide Treasurer Bill Walsh, left, meet with members employed at Riverbank State Park.
A long-term seasonal parks worker, Lewis and several colleagues engaged Statewide Treasurer Bill Walsh with a series of questions related to working conditions, the state contract and other issues they face.
Following the conversation, Lewis and his co-workers heard from Walsh about the looming attacks all labor unions are confronting. Toward the end of the meeting, Lewis and his co-workers agreed that notwithstanding their specific concerns and issues, they were much better off with a union than without one. “I know it’s a struggle, but what everyone wants us to do is quit and give up so they can take over what we have. Let’s not give up,” said Lewis.
The visit to Riverbank was one of dozens of work site meetings throughout the region where activists and staff volunteered to speak and listen to members about the many challenges labor unions are confronting in the courts and local legislatures. In all, volunteers met with nearly 1,000 members, and 84 members signed up to become active in the union.
In addition to Walsh, Statewide Secretary Denise Berkley also joined the weeklong “blitz” and spent an afternoon walking through several departments at the SUNY Downstate campus, where she met workers and encouraged them to sign “Never Quit” cards.
“It was wonderful to spend time with members in my home region,” said Berkley. “I know they love their union and we need to remind them that we love them, are fighting for them and need them to fight alongside us.”
At several meetings, members raised questions about the state budget and contract negotiation. They were also provided with information about the Constitutional Convention ballot question and why voting ‘NO’ was the only option.
CSEA Metropolitan Region President Lester Crockett, during a stop at a Department of Motor Vehicles Office in Manhattan, urged members to get more involved as activists and shop stewards. Several members accepted Crockett’s call, including Nadine Ash.
“Without a union, we wouldn’t have a job,” said Ash. “It’s important to have a union when they try to take advantage of us. If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for everything.”
— David Galarza
Above, CSEA Deputy Director of Organizing Aminata Stephens (back to camera) and Metropolitan Region President Lester Crockett, right, speak with Lifespire Local members.
