BROOKHAVEN — CSEA members and activists recently met with members at their homes and work sites throughout Suffolk County as part of CSEA’s ongoing member engagement efforts.
We are working to strengthen our union by connecting with members through one-on-one conversations, in which we are listening to your concerns and exchanging ideas. During these ongoing efforts, we are also giving our members updates on challenges that our union faces.
Campaign participants exceeded expectations by leaving CSEA literature at thousands of homes and having face-to-face conversations with hundreds of members during home visits.
“There’s nothing better than meeting members,” said Long Island Region President Nick LaMorte. “It’s important for members to know that we want to hear how they truly feel and that we are receptive to change.”
More than 100 members volunteered to work with CSEA staff on the member engagement efforts, with the bulk of the volunteers coming from Suffolk Local 852.
“It was one of the most gratifying experiences I have had as a CSEA activist to speak with members,meet their families and hear first-hand how we can better serve them,” said Suffolk County Local 852 President Matt Hattorff.
— Wendi Bowie
- The room was packed for a Never Quit member engagement meeting at the Long Island State Veterans Home. Members paid close attention as the perils of right-to-work laws were explained.
- Sue Orifici proudly displays fliers that further explain upcoming union issues. “The next time you go to the doctor and only have to pay a co-payment, thank your union,” she said.
- Labor Relations Specialists Andre Sigmone and Ben Lavender speak with Scott Arceri about the importance of member engagement after a work site meeting at the Smithtown Highway & Traffic Department.
- Gerard Liston asks Statewide Secretary Denise Berkley a question about the constitutional convention.
- Kelly Casanova and Local 852 activist Susanna Lovoi.
- Campaign volunteer Wally Greene visits Anibal Ventura at his home to discuss union activism.
- Marilyn Valerio signs a pledge to never quit on CSEA during a work site meeting at the Long Island State Veterans Home.
- Steve Culotta reviews the leaflets that were given to him during a work site meeting at the Smithtown Highway & Traffic Department.
- Scott Lopez and Thomas Langan will never quit. “I have a family and we need the medical benefits that CSEA negotiates for us in our contracts.” —Thomas Langan
- CSEA member and member engagement volunteer Walter Stroud will never quit CSEA.
- Long Island Region President Nick LaMorte addresses the numerous staff and volunteers during the first day of the member engagement campaign.
- CSEA member engagement volunteer Chris Flaherty speaks with Claire Hopkins about strengthening our union during a visit to her home. Flaherty and Hopkins have both signed Never Quit pledge cards. (Photo provided by Wally Greene.)