2017 was a tough year for working people across the country, but for us, it also proved to be a valuable year to prepare for very tough challenges ahead.
As CSEA members, we did what we always do — step up, stand strong and speak out for what is right. We have proven numerous times in the past year alone that when we stand together in solidarity, we can win and truly make a difference.
We stood together for fair returns on our work. We urged people to vote NO on the state constitutional convention proposal and to vote for candidates who stand with us.
We also continued our efforts to engage all of our members in conversation to build a stronger, better union, through visits to work sites and homes.
In the new year, we need to continue this momentum as the challenges that so many working people in other states are facing will come to our doorsteps.
We need this solidarity and unity. We need to stand together more than ever. It will be tough, but we can be strong and we can win because CSEA NEVER QUITS!
- “[Coming from working at a non-profit], I know that my union offers better protections for me and my family. That’s why I’m here. I came here for the better benefits and better wages, and those are available to me as a result of having our union.” — Debbie Sege, secretary, Central New York Psychiatric Center
- Working for budget 2017was a tough year for working people fairness.From left, Central New York DDSO Local President Don Page, Central Region activist Michael Patterson, State Sen. Joseph Griffo’s executive assistant, Reed Kinderman, State Sen. Joseph Griffo, and Central Region activist Don Meenan discuss their concerns about the large amounts of overtime that state Office of People With Developmental Disabilities workers must regularly work.
- CSEA calls Mount Vernon mayor on improper firings.City of Mount Vernon employees and supporters from the Westchester County Local demonstrate in front of City Hall.
- New York State Department of Motor Vehicles worker Tiffany Cedeno vows to never quit our union.
- ‘We just want to go home’ OPWDD budget proposal harms individuals, families. Chandra Brown outside the state Office for People With Developmental Disabilities group home where she works.
- Members in action – Speaking out for a fair state budget. Buffalo Psychiatric Center Local President Lovette Mootry, left, discusses with an aide to Assemblymember Crystal Peoples-Stokes her concerns about funding cuts and staffing needs in the state Office of Mental Health.
- During a work site visit at a Glens Falls School District bus garage CSEA Labor Relations Specialist Charles Barley, left, speaks with Wayne Macduff III, center, Glens Falls School District Mechanic, and Matt Duket, bus monitor, about work and unions.
- CSEA women make our mission possible. Kings Park School District Unit members get into the spirit of Rosie the Riveter at the Statewide Women’s Conference. From left are Bus Driver Monica Broderick, Bus Driver Marie Coda and Special Education Aide Christine Fortunato.
- Jeannette Mitchell, Staten Island DDSO Local president, urges a “No” vote on the Constitutional Convention during the New York City Labor Day parade.
- Park workers maintain oasis with skyline views. From left, Alexis Bell, maintenance supervisor at Gantry Plaza State Park, speaks with visitors and keeps the park clean for everyone.
- Hudson Valley DDSO Local Executive Board member Valentina Ramirez and delegate Marie Zamor during a training session at the 107th Annual Delegates meeting.
- CSEA members ratify five-year state contract. State Negotiating Team member Nilda Palau-Lopez counts ratification ballots.
- Members take the plunge. CSEA members in Tompkins County raised more than $1,400 for Special Olympics by plunging into Cayuga Lake. Pictured are: Mark Patterson, Cynthia Mosher, Jami Breedlove, Amy Hopkins, Diana Crouch and Allison Hopkins.
- CSEA POWER! From left, Retiree activist Lori Nilsson, Central Region Secretary Chantalise DeMarco and Central Region Activist Don Meenan do GOTV visibility in Syracuse.