In 2020, our union showed that no matter what the circumstances, we can rise to meet the
challenges.
When 2020 began, CSEA was hard at work with efforts to get all members, their families and communities to respond to the 2020 U.S. Census to ensure an accurate count — and much-needed funding — for many public services in New York.
Union members also elected CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan to a full, four-year term, along with a new CSEA leadership team consisting of Denise Berkley as Executive Vice President; Richard Bebo as Statewide Secretary and Nicole Meeks as Statewide Treasurer.
CSEA regions also saw transitions. Metropolitan Region President Lester Crockett and Capital Region President Ron Briggs were elected unopposed; while Southern Region President Anthony Adamo and Central Region President Kenny Greenleaf were elected to full terms. Jerry Laricchiuta was elected Long Island Region President, and Steve Healy was elected Western Region President.
As our union’s new leadership team settled into office, the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Within weeks, New York became the center of the pandemic, and our state saw shutdowns of many worksites, businesses and organizations. CSEA staff moved quickly to adjust to the need to deliver services remotely.
While many CSEA members worked remotely, many of our members could not deliver their services from their homes. They continued to provide New Yorkers with essential public and private services even as their own communities and worksites were hit with the virus. We learned that we are all essential.
In May, we held a statewide CSEA Appreciation Day to recognize all our essential workers, because we know that everyone deserves recognition, for their bravery, dedication and sacrifice.
We also began our fight for federal funding. The economic crisis we face because of the pandemic is unlike anything we’ve seen before. We need help to keep essential services.
In addition to the pandemic, we saw a renewed vigor for achieving racial justice in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd. Our members participated in efforts across the state to highlight the need for racial equality and justice. CSEA also showed support through posting a Black Lives Matter sign on our Headquarters building and through passing a resolution at our first-ever virtual Annual Delegates Meeting that expands education programs for union leaders and activists.
We also mourned the losses of many of our union brothers and sisters, both from COVID-19 and from other causes.
As we enter 2021, we are continuing to see COVID ravage our communities, but CSEA members con inue to rise to the challenges and stand strong.
