LINDENHURST — Like our members in communities across New York, CSEA Town of Babylon Unit members provide vital services that keep the town running.
For example, our members working in Babylon Town Hall stay busy processing required paperwork for the public.
Suffolk County Local 852 President Wally Greene gets an update on unit news from Town of Babylon Unit President Diane Caparso.
“Our members are responsible for issuing important licenses for marriage, dog licenses, peddlers’ licenses, as well as building permits,” said Town of Babylon Unit President Diane Caparso. “They also help constituents file proper documents, set up appointments, amongst other things. CSEA members run this office, and everyone knows it, including our town supervisor, who has said so himself.”
Many residents who visit Babylon Town Hall are in distress about needing certain documentation. Unit members say town constituents are thankful to receive the level of professionalism that CSEA members provide.
That same professionalism has led to an excellent relationship with town administration, so much so that the unit was able to negotiate a guaranteed 118 employees in their contract.
“I am very rarely told ‘no’ or that I’m being unreasonable with a request,” said Caparso. “The town really appreciates our contribution.”
The unit also has excellent camaraderie, which they are able to maintain because of the unit board’s efforts to make group interactions fun.
Town workers in the Assessment Department stay busy with paperwork. From left, Cassandra D’Amore, Michele DeLuca and Tracy Collazo.
“After our member meetings, we play games like Family Feud,” said Caparso. “We’ve also had karaoke night, movie night and created holiday baskets for raffles. Our members love it. I get tons of emails from our members about how much fun they had the night after one of our events.”
The unit board makes it a priority to maximize our union’s visibility.
“Our local [Suffolk County Local 852] gives us nice giveaways for our members, but we like to match that with our own purchases,” said Town of Babylon Unit 1st Vice President Anthony Barrero. “Of course, we put CSEA’s logo on everything that we buy, in order to promote our union’s presence at the work site.”
The unit’s efforts are paying off based on the high turnout for member meetings.
“I’m really impressed with this unit board,” said Suffolk County Local 852 President Wally Greene. “The member turnout at their meetings are very impressive. The board always keeps their people motivated.”
The unit stays inspired to work hard by their strong desire to help people.
“We got involved because we wanted to do what is fair and what is right for our members,” said Barrero. “We want to be approachable and available to our members.”
— Wendi Bowie
