Monroe County Local members and their supporters demonstrate for a fair contract.
ROCHESTER — On Aug. 9, more than 200 CSEA and community allies demonstrated in front of the Monroe County Office Building to fight for a fair contract for county employees.
CSEA’s last collective bargaining agreement with Monroe County expired Dec. 31, 2013.
CSEA declared a contract impasse with the state Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) on May 2. Currently, only one out of eight full-time bargaining units with Monroe County has a valid negotiated contract. One other contract was imposed by a third party and is being challenged in court later this year.
Due to the apparent inability of county officials to negotiate in good faith, employee morale and county operations have been seriously undermined.
After the demonstration, Western Region President Flo Tripi and other CSEA members spoke out about their concerns with the contract at a public forum scheduled before the full session of the Monroe County Legislature.
“County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo says she has a new vision for Monroe County, but for her vision to succeed, county workers must be part of the plan,” Tripi said. “We are demanding action from county government. We are seeking a quick and speedy remedy to the old wasteful way of doing business.”
Monroe County employees say the inability to resolve contracts has resulted in jeopardizing the health and safety of the local community. More than 40 high-performing road patrol officers have recently retired to ensure benefits under the existing contract. CSEA members also say this stalemate has created huge staffing issues and leaves workers without tools and resources to lead more successful lives on and off the job.
Following a mid-August mediation session, CSEA hopes the continuing involvement of a neutral third party will help yield progress.
— Ove Overmyer
