Last month, The Work Force highlighted why CSEA endorsed Gov. Kathy Hochul for re-election and the results our union has achieved working with her administration.
As Election Day approaches, it is equally important to look at the alternative.
Republican candidate Bruce Blakeman has called himself pro-union, but CSEA members do not have to rely on campaign promises to judge either candidate. Both Hochul and Blakeman have records of working with our union and our members.
Under Hochul, CSEA negotiated a strong five-year state contract covering more than 55,000 members, made further progress fixing Tier 6, expanded protections for highway workers and advanced safeguards around artificial intelligence in the workplace.
Blakeman’s record as Nassau County executive tells a different story.
His administration attempted to force CSEA members into a high-deductible health insurance plan that conflicted with their collective bargaining agreement and sought changes to retiree health benefits that forced retirees to go to court to protect benefits they had earned.
Nassau County has also faced severe staffing shortages among 911 dispatchers and Child Protective Services caseworkers responsible for responding to emergencies and protecting vulnerable children and families. CSEA has repeatedly raised concerns about inadequate staffing and the need to recruit and retain enough workers to safely provide these essential services.
Blakeman’s refusal to work collaboratively with CSEA was on display again this summer when hundreds of CSEA members, community leaders and advocates rallied to call on Nassau County to recognize Juneteenth as a paid holiday, which the federal government, New York state and all three towns in Nassau County acknowledge. Blakeman said he would recognize Juneteenth only if workers gave up another paid holiday in exchange.
“Recognition of Juneteenth should not be controversial,” said CSEA Nassau County Local President Kris Kalender at the rally. “This isn’t about special treatment. It’s about equality and it’s about respect, the respect that we deserve.”
In addition, the Nassau County District Attorney has used artificial intelligence to perform case input work, which CSEA maintains is a blatant violation of our union’s contract with Nassau County, prohibiting the outsourcing of members’ work.
In contrast, Hochul’s AI legislation has provided employment protections and oversight initiatives to protect workers.
“These are not campaign talking points but reflect gains secured working with an administration that respects CSEA and collective bargaining,” said CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan.
Hochul’s record shows a willingness to sit down with our union, respect collective bargaining and work with us to strengthen the public workforce.
Blakeman’s record raises serious concerns about what his approach to workers, benefits and public services in Nassau County could mean if brought statewide.
CSEA’s endorsement of Kathy Hochul is not about party or rhetoric. It is based on the records of the candidates and their actions affecting CSEA members and public services.
— Bryan Miller
Your voice at the ballot box
Our union supports candidates who will fight for us. For a full list of endorsed candidates, visit cseany.org/vote.
Oct. 24: Last day to register to vote
Oct. 24: Mail ballot request deadline
Oct. 24 – Nov. 1: Early voting period
Nov. 3: General Election Day