SARATOGA SPRINGS — While CSEA leaders regularly complete training to learn new skills and sharpen existing ones, region conferences help them develop a broader understanding of our union’s priorities and legislative initiatives, creating more engaged leaders.
That was the result for the nearly 150 officers and activists participating in the annual Southern Region Spring Conference. Leaders completed officer training and other skill-building workshops, engaged with statewide and region officers during a question-and-answer session, and heard from state Sen. James Skoufis about support for the campaign to fix Tier 6.
“You take care of everyone’s needs in the community, and it’s usually in the background, usually away from the public’s eye, but all those things we take for granted in our community are done by and thanks to all of you in CSEA,” said Skoufis. “Tier 6 is not generous. It’s not good. It’s not even decent. My colleagues and I are actively working to fix Tier 6 this year in budget negotiations.”
Skoufis noted the importance of unions working collaboratively with lawmakers, pointing to campaigns he has worked on with our union to save state and county facilities in the Hudson Valley.
Also noteworthy, he said, was working with CSEA to secure a 25-year retirement for firefighters with the state Division of Military and Naval Affairs, giving them equity with other professional firefighters across the state.
Another highlight of the conference was the question-and-answer session featuring Statewide Secretary Stacey Baldwin Deyo and Statewide Treasurer Nicole Meeks, along with Southern Region President Rosemarie Kukys, 1st Vice President Chris Vogel, Secretary Sue Fontana and Treasurer Kevin Mahler. The forum gave attendees the chance to learn more about how our union works and share their feedback.
“One of the reasons these conferences are so beneficial is because it connects our officers and activists with so many resources within CSEA and lets them know we’re here to support them,” said Kukys. “Trainings are important, but there is also a huge benefit to the networking that happens. People connect with other activists and often return home with new ideas for their locals and units.”
The conference concluded with a photo slideshow paying tribute to former Southern Region President Anthony Adamo, who passed away in January. Region officers unveiled a new plaque created in memory of Adamo, which will be on display at the Southern Region Office.
— Jessica Ladlee
