Larry Fascella and Andrea Schmitt were presented with CSEA pins after a recent member meeting at Mount Sinai Middle School.
Editor’s Note: The importance of shop stewards can’t be expressed enough. Our members need a point person at their work sites with whom they can speak to about union issues.
For CSEA, shop stewards are the purveyors of information and some of our most important union leaders.
We created the Principal Steward profile to shine a light on the importance of these activists.
This month’s Principal Steward is Larry Fascella.
Fascella and shop steward Andrea Schmitt were recognized for their activism at a recent member meeting at Mount Sinai Middle School.
Both were presented with CSEA pins by Mount Sinai Unit President Michael Hagenburg and given a round of applause by attendees.
Long Island Reporter (LIR): What made you decide to be a shop steward?
Larry Fascella (LF): My family history. My father was a CSEA member, so I always knew it was important to get involved.
LIR: How long have you been a shop steward?
LF: About six months.
LIR: What’s the most rewarding thing about being a shop steward?
LF: Being able to speak with unit members and trying to get people more involved.
LIR: What’s the most challenging?
LF: Motivating people to go to member meetings.
LIR: What do you say to them to try to get them to attend?
LF: I let them know that it’s their right as union members to know what’s going on. I also let them know that the more they are present, the more powerful voice they have to express what they think or want to change.
LIR: What’s the most common question that you get asked by members?
LF: They want to know what they are entitled to as union members. I tell them to come to meetings and read all of the different fliers and brochures that CSEA gives us. There is a lot of helpful information out there for anyone who’s looking. I also let them know that it’s really important for them to know their contract.
LIR: Did you have a mentor?
LF: Yes, Mike Hagenburg [Mount Sinai Unit President]. Almost every day, he helps me. Whenever I call him with questions, he’s always there to offer his assistance.
LIR: What was the shop steward training like?
LF: It was a lot of fun. I met a lot of people, it was really interesting and I learned a lot about what I would be responsible for in my role.
LIR: What advice would you give to new shop or potential shop stewards?
LF: Definitely get involved. It’s personally rewarding to know what’s out there and to know just how much unions support our members.
— Wendi Bowie
