Mooney displays the award and the citation that he was presented with at the Schneps Media Group’s Inaugural Leaders of Labor Awards. (Photo provided by John Mooney)
City of Long Beach Unit President and Nassau County Municipal Employees Local 882 Treasurer John Mooney was recently honored by Schneps Media at the organization’s inaugural Leaders of Labor Awards.
Honorees were recognized for their outstanding leadership in New York’s labor movement.
“There were a lot of bigwigs from NYSUT (New York State United Teachers) and the CBA (Correction Officers Association) being honored,” said Mooney. “I couldn’t believe they were recognizing little Long Beach with them.”
Mooney’s leadership skill, along with the City of Long Beach Unit’s strength, was seen firsthand by a Schneps Media worker who lives in the area.
“He’s lived in Long Beach since Super Storm Sandy and he said that he’s never seen a stronger union,” said Mooney. “He said that he was impressed by how we brought the city back to life after such a destructive weather event.”
According to Mooney, that weather event is what really brought the unit together.
“If there are any big issues, we all rally together,” said Mooney. “We may have some infights, just like everyone else, but when it comes down to it, we’re one big union family. If someone comes after us, we’re sticking together.”
Cohesion is why Mooney chose to bring his entire unit board to the podium when he accepted the honor from Schneps Media.
“I accepted the award on behalf of our unit board and membership,” said Mooney. “This award isn’t about me; I can’t accomplish anything without the support of our City of Long Beach Unit members.”
In addition to the unit’s solidarity, Schneps Media also noticed how involved CSEA’s City of Long Beach Unit is in the community, which includes the city’s summer movie nights.
The CSEA City of Long Beach Unit sponsored one of the six movie nights last summer.
“Everyone in our unit chipped in $30 each and it paid for one movie night,” said Mooney. “The man from Schneps Media said that he always sees us helping out, whether it be at the MLK Center, the city polar plunge or the movie night. We’re always giving back to the community.”
The organization’s representative was also moved by a council meeting, which he viewed online, where he saw Mooney, along with several hundred CSEA Long Beach Unit members, walk out of the meeting in a silent protest.
“When we walked out, one of the councilwomen started screaming and cursing,” said Mooney. “The guy from Schneps Media was impressed that I was able to maintain my composure under those circumstances.”
Mooney has been an activist since 2004, starting his activism career as a shop steward.
He decided to become involved because there were things that he did not like and wanted to change. He stays involved because of his strong desire to help people.
“I’m not going to lie; there are aspects of being an officer that are really aggravating,” said Mooney. “It’s worth it when you can save someone’s job and make that non-believer a strong believer in our union.”
Mooney credits his successful leadership career to his ability to communicate with members.
“The importance of those one-on-one conversations with members can’t be stressed enough,” said Mooney.
“Even if people are just venting, 90 percent of them just want to know that someone is there to hear them.”
“That’s the reason why things like CSEA’s member engagement campaign is so well received; it shows that we care,” said Mooney. “I just wish I had more time; there just aren’t enough hours in the day to visit members.”
Mooney has plans to spread the same solidarity that unit members have been able to build in the City of Long Beach Unit to members throughout the Nassau County Municipal Employees Local in his newer role as local treasurer.
“It’s my goal to visit as many municipalities as I can,” said Mooney. “Members need for you to be visible so they know that you’re out there working on their behalf.”
“You have to care if you want be an activist and I really care,” said Mooney. “This entire movement is about improving people’s lives.”
— Wendi Bowie
John Mooney was joined at the awards ceremony by City of Long Beach Unit members, State Sen. Diane Savino and Schneps Media Group representatives. (Photo provided by Schneps Media Group)
