JOHNSTOWN — When we build knowledge, we can build our power.
That was the driving force behind a recent four-hour conference that CSEA members employed by local government and school districts in Fulton and Montgomery counties recently attended.
The sessions helped many of the attendees gear up for challenges facing our union, including a primer on the state constitutional convention referendum that will be on the ballot in November 2017. CSEA is strongly opposed to a convention and we are educating members on the potential impacts of approving one.
Another session focused on building our union in the face of other challenges. Capital Region President Ron Briggs led the session, urging members to Never Quit on each other, and Never Quit on our union, because we will fare better if we stick together.
“The feedback was so positive,” Briggs said. “We plan to do more (across the region).”
Other sessions included an update on new and enhanced Employee Benefit Fund programs, as well as an introduction of the new AFSCME Free College Benefit followed by a discussion on student debt.
The crowd was a mix of new members and activists. “I even learned new things today,” said Fulton County Local President Barbara Handy.
— Therese Assalian
Thersa Seyfried and Kim Spagnola at the Never Quit training.
-
- Tom McGivern from Broadalbin Perth CSD was especially moved by the discussion of the constitutional convention on the ballot in 2017.
-
- Jolene Hornbeck
