NIAGARA FALLS — Ali Cottrell, president of the SUNY Upstate Medical Hospital Local in CSEA’s Central Region, has been honored as the PEOPLE Recruiter of the Year.
Cottrell recruited 244 new PEOPLE members during the 2024-25 contest year and received the award at CSEA’s 115th Annual Delegates Meeting in Niagara Falls.
CSEA’s PEOPLE (Public Employees Organized to Promote Legislative Equality) Program protects and improves our jobs, benefits, and pensions — in Washington, Albany, and communities across New York. Member support and participation in PEOPLE strengthen CSEA’s influence in the workplace, in the legislature, and throughout the labor movement.
PEOPLE is our voice
During his acceptance speech, Cottrell spoke about the growing threats facing public employees, referencing federal spending proposals that could mean deep cuts to hospitals, schools, and infrastructure. He also noted the strain caused by the prolonged government shutdown, warning that working people will be hit the hardest.
“Let’s be real, the fight is on,” Cottrell said. “Federal cuts are coming for our hospitals, our roads, our schools, and our retirements. And when those cuts hit, they don’t hit the politicians — they hit us.”
Cottrell challenged attendees to sign up immediately and return to their units and locals to encourage co-workers to join as well.
“This is why we have the CSEA PEOPLE Program — it’s our tool, our power, and our voice,” said Cottrell. “Every dollar we give builds the strength to fight back to protect our jobs, our benefits, and our families.”
He reminded members that participating in PEOPLE is one of the most powerful steps they can take after joining CSEA, one of the easiest ways to become an active union member.
“One of the most important things you can do after signing your CSEA membership card is signing up for PEOPLE,” Cottrell said. “Ask your local or unit officers how to get involved.”
Central Region receives PEOPLE Cup
Cottrell’s success in recruiting new PEOPLE members helped the Central Region secure the PEOPLE Cup and inspired a new wave of activism across the state.
“This isn’t about competition — it’s about commitment,” said CSEA Central Region President Kenny Greenleaf. “For Ali and the region to receive these honors reflects the dedication of our entire region to the PEOPLE Program and to the ongoing fight to protect public workers. Region 5 members understand that when we all give a little, we build the power we need to defend what we’ve earned.”
— Nicholas Newcomb