BOHEMIA — CSEA Connetquot School District Unit members have been showing our union strength by developing strategies to get a fair contract.
Connetquot School District Unit President Jayson Velez and unit 3rd Vice President Gregory Von Brook want a fair contract now.
Members in the unit represent various job titles that include custodians, grounds, maintenance and food service,” said Connetquot School District Unit President Jayson Velez. “Those job titles are the foundation of this district.”Add New
Despite the importance of our members to the schools running smoothly every day, our unit was involved in difficult contract negotiations with the district’s Board of Education.
“For the board to turn around and offer us less than the price of living is an insult,” said Velez. “We’re the first ones who get called when there’s a problem to fix, but the last ones to be rewarded when the time comes.”
The unit has decided to hold rallies at which they can voice their discontent.
“We decided to start holding rallies because we don’t feel like the Board of Education has been paying us any attention,” said Velez. “They’ve been canceling meetings and not considering what we have to say.”
Velez first broached the subject of rallies at a membership meeting, telling unit members that contract negotiations weren’t going as well as the unit had hoped and that unit officers needed support from members in this contract fight.
Long Island Region President Nick LaMorte lends his support to unit members.
Velez then sent an email to our members in all of the district’s buildings asking that they spread the word about the upcoming rally.
“I let them know that if they want a decent contract and a decent wage, they need to participate,” said Velez.
“You can’t complain if you’re not willing to participate.”
To that, members simply responded, “Where and when should we meet?”
“The truth is, people don’t realize what it takes to get this (obtaining a contract), done,” said Velez.
Building solidarity
Evidently, the Connetquot Board of Education understands the hard work quite well. The day after the unit’s first rally, district officials presented a new offer on the unit’s contract.
“When our unit members heard that the rally had an effect, they were more receptive to holding another one,” said Velez.
Although the district rejected the unit’s counter offer, Velez is still hopeful that a resolution will be reached.
“I tell my members, ‘as long as we’re talking, we’re still making progress,’” said Velez. “I know that they’re not going to give us everything that we want, but as long as the needle keeps on moving back and forth, it’s a positive thing.”
Connetquot School District Unit member Maila Hochstein wants everyone to know that CSEA members are a key reason why there is no mold in district schools.
Velez also believes that rallying sends a message that CSEA members are united and are not afraid to stand up for what they think is right.
The rally even changed the way unit members relate to each other.
“After we marched, there was a different demeanor amongst the people in this unit,” said Velez. “I feel like I can walk into any building in this district and our members are attentive and are more willing to back up the [person]next to them.”
Velez says he also began using social media to reach out to the community members about the contract campaign.
“I’m
friends with people in the teachers’ union, and other unions in the district, as well as parents in the PTA so I have a way of getting information out there,” said Valez.It just goes to show that CSEA members are stronger together.
“These rallies have helped to begin to dissolve the idea of every [person]being out for him or herself,” said Velez.
— Wendi Bowie
Members also marched in an evening rally, which was held at the same time as a district school board meeting.
