CSEA9200 Notices: Our CSEA County Workforce Is Westchester's Most Important Asset

UNIT 9200..................

	Our Union Represents Employees of Westchester, NY County Government

Mother Jones: Mary Harris Jones was called "the greatest woman agitator of our times." She was denounced in the U.S. Senate as the grandmother of all agitators. At 5 feet tall, Mother Jones was proud of that title and said she hoped to live to be the great grandmother of agitators. In addition to miners, Mother Jones also was very concerned about child workers. During a silk strike in Philadelphia, 100,000 workers—including 16,000 children—left their jobs over a demand that their workweek be cut from 60 to 55 hours.
(click the name for more)

CSEA Unit 9200 Community Notices

Our CSEA 9200 Union Workforce Is Westchester County's Most Important Asset

Facebook Awareness
Jan 11, 2012: Facebook Timeline could reveal your hidden connections

Albany Times Union Capitol Confidential page useful info on Albany politics

Recapped News Stories:

Jan 29, 2012: Triborough Amendment brings both sides to negotiating table as equals pdf version
Opinion article by Karen Pecora, CSEA Unit 9200 President

Jan 29, 2012: Labor ills, budget gap slam Westchester Medical Center pdf version

Jan 28, 2012: Surprise Surprise: Out of Network Costs Inflict Pain on Patients

Jan 27, 2012: Cablevision Brooklyn Workers Vote to Join CWA Union pdf version

Jan 23, 2012: Pensions Strengthen Middle Class and Economy pdf version

Jan 17, 2012: Public Sector Unions: What is the Big Deal?

Jan 16, 2012: At Cablevision, Expected to Install Everything Except a Union

    Jan 17, 2012: In Scott Walker recall, United Wisconsin touts 1 million recall signatures
                                                     http://www.unitedwisconsin.com/jan17

    Jan 15, 2012: Governor Who Took On Unions May Face a Closely Watched Recall Election

Jan 14, 2012: Trailway leads to prosperity

Jan 13, 2012: CSEA responds to Astorino on Triborough (blog open for comments)
pdf version of CSEA press release

Jan 13, 2012: Residents protest Astorino’s bus cancellation in Rye (blog open for comments)

Jan 11, 2012: Karen Pecora Letter to the Editor re County Executive new hiring after 23 layoffs

Jan 11, 2012: How Different Should Public and Private Pensions Be? Lee Saunders, AFSCME in WS Journal letter

Jan 7, 2012: Continuing Assault on Unions editorial in NY Times

Jan 2012: Governor Cuomo Unfairly Attacks Public Employee Pensions
During his State of the State speech, Governor Cuomo announced his intention to push for pension reform. Cuomo’s Tier 6 reforms would mean that employees would have to work longer, pay more and earn a lesser benefit.
It is currently unclear whether Governor Cuomo’s proposed Tier 6 will be included in the budget or in a separate bill. Irregardless, it is vital for CSEA members to become familiar with the real facts regarding the pension system and contact their legislators to give them the facts about our pensions. Tell them to stand up for workers all over the state and tell Governor Cuomo that his Tier 6 proposal is wrong.
Please click here for some pension facts for you to discuss with legislators and coworkers.

    Dec 2011: CSEA Members in Three County Departments that were Slated for over 90 Layoffs
                               Receive Recognition on the National Level for Having Great Programs for
                               Foster Children and Juvenile Delinquency, among others.

                              The report from SAMHSA discusses successful programs in several states and counties.
                              Westchester is discussed on pages 19 -22 of the full report (pdf) that also praises other counties.

Dec 30, 2011: Community View: John Nonna on District 3 Election Tactics pdf version

Dec 28, 2011: Lawsuits: No retreat on NY State retiree health care cost increases pdf version

Dec 27, 2011: Retired WP employees fight for benefits pdf version

Dec 23, 2011: District 3 Legislator John Nonna's Newsletter

Dec 23, 2011: Unemployed Workers Win Jobless Aid Extension from House in DC

Dec 22, 2011: Democrats and some Republicans override Astorino vetoes pdf version

Dec 22, 2011: Sales-tax revenue rises for 2011 pdf version

Dec 15, 2011: Recall Walker Signatures Pass 500,000 Mark in Wisconsin

Dec 21, 2011 CSEA Unit 9200 President Karen Pecora's Response to the Astorino Press Release

Dec 21, 2011: CSEA Press Release Re Impasse and Response to Astorino Press Release

Dec 21, 2011: Westchester exec Astorino threatens CSEA with more layoffs, union rejects claim of stalling pdf version

Dec 20, 2011 What Does Unemployment Insurance Mean to America?

Dec 9, 2011: Dems, Reps compromise on county budget (blog open for comments)

Dec 9, 2011: CSEA's This Week In Albany update

Dec 9, 2011: Westchester Legislators Deliver 0% Tax Increase and Protect Jobs in 2012 Budget

Dec 9, 2011: Westchester budget OK'd; no tax hike; 187 jobs, health, nature centers saved pdf version

Dec 8, 2011: Westchester has 8 of the USA's richest communities. pdf version

Dec 7, 2011: Westchester union faults Astorino's budget, says exec pits taxpayers against workers
pdf version

Dec 6, 2011: AFSCME Endorses President Obama’s Reelection

Nov 29, 2011: Unions reject Westchester business group's offer to mediate contract talks pdf version
"We are appalled that a private group like Westchester County Association would think they have some right to throw themselves into the negotiations process of civil service employees in Westchester County and start questioning what we're negotiating for," said Robert Buckley, president of the Westchester County Correction Superior Officers Benevolent Association, the union representing roughly 120 ranking officers.

Nov 28, 2011: Westchester Legislators Discover County Executive Overspends 2011 Budget
The issue here, the BOL Democrats asserted, is not just about money going up in smoke—it's about purposefully undermining the Westchester Board of Legislators (BOL) and the budget process. County Executive Astorino ordered early payment of pension costs to strip fund balance just as the BOL is beginning to deliberate on the 2012 County Budget, a political act that subverts the BOL’s open, transparent budget process. In testimony this morning to the BOL Budget & Appropriations Committee, Westchester County Finance Commissioner Ann Marie Berg admitted that the early payment cost the County over tens of thousands of dollars in lost interest revenue. Berg noted in her testimony that she was “directed to make the payment,” and admitted she doesn’t question directives as such that come from her superiors.

Nov 28, 2011: Danny Donohue Blasts Cuomonomics

Nov 25, 2011: Westchester Rising Article on 2012 Budget and Karen Pecora reply.

Nov 23, 2011: Westchester Legislators Continue to work on Astorino's Gloom and Doom Budget

   Nov 22, 2011 Speech by Karen Pecora, CSEA 9200 President at the 2012 Budget Public Hearing at New Rochelle HS approx.
   9:30 PM. Many CSEA 9200 members spoke to the Legislators in attendance in support of the work we all do and the bad choice
   of more layoffs as proposed by the County Executive in his 2012 Budget Proposal.

Nov 22, 2011: Good News ! County's 3rd Quarter Financials Reveal Positive Track

Nov 17, 2011 Westchester Legislators Consider Cost-Saving Idea by County Employee
The Board Calls on Astorino Administration to Join in Pursuing $5 Million Savings for County Taxpayers

Nov 23, 2011 Five Myths Corrected this Thanksgiving 2011

Nov 18, 2011: AFSCME NY creates TV / radio ads to praise the work of public workers.

The Importance of Voting

CSEA Bd. of Legislators Endorsements

Use this NYS web page to find your Voting District if you are a Registered Voter

Nov 4, 2011 Hugh Fox in the News in Politics in Yonkers Mayor Race

Nov 3, 2011 Happy Holidays from Management at the County and the Westchester Medical Center

Oct 2011: New Study: No Link Between State Budget Deficits and Public Sector Unions A recent study by the University of
California, Berkeley confirms that state budget deficits have been caused by the recession and housing bubble, not by public
sector workers or their unions. CSEA members and other public workers across the country are fighting unfair attacks on their
union rights by right-wing politicians, corporate interests and some media outlets.

What is Phone Banking (and Why should you get Involved?)

Oct 24, 2011 NY public workers retiring at faster rate see the comments also; add your opinion pdf version

Oct 21, 2011 Union Calls on Medical Center to Open its Books Chair of Med Center is paid $1.24 Million per year

Aug 20, 2011: Coalition of Unions Convince Verizon to Bargain with CWA and IBEW Workers !

Aug 5, 2011: As Corporate Profits Rise, Workers’ Income Declines NY Times

July 17, 2011:CSEA honors Probation, Parole and Community Supervision Workers
Full story CSEA Resolution

July 2011: CSEA 9200 Reaffirms Requirement to Post ALL Job and Test Opportunities

July 15, 2011: CSEA Unit 9200 Scholarship winners on Westchester Rising: Front Page story

July 13, 2011: "Fake" Democrats Don't Fool Sharp Wisconsin Voters (Knowledge is Power)

July 6, 2011: Westchester leaders cheer $1.9 million rise in sales-tax revenue pdf version

June 28, 2011: Westchester BOL Concerned About Mental Health Clinic Closings pdf version

June 22, 2011: Westchester Announces $67.3 M Surplus In 2010 Fiscal Year Report pdf version

June 20, 2011: By cutting jobs, local govt's do opposite of what is needed to stimulate economy (video)

June 11, 2011: The Economy and D.C.: Republicans’ Tax-cutting Fantasia pdf version

June 9, 2011: Astorino's 'In Reply' isn't last word on Westchester raises pdf version

June 7, 2011: Article on county's 'political payoffs' misleading From Robert Astorino pdf version

June 6, 2011 Jail's methadone license lapses County had privatized the health services pdf version

May 29, 2011: Layoffs for some, pay boosts for others Letter by Karen Pecora, CSEA 9200 Pres (pdf)

May 22, 2011: Political ties pay off: Westchester doles out big raises amid fiscal crunch pdf version

May 8, 2011: Connecticut Labor Deals Need Rank & File Support pdf version

May 6, 2011: "Right to Work" laws are Attack on Middle Class New Hampshire pdf version

April 9, 2011: Unions to Astorino: Bring cuts to bargaining table pdf version

April 8, 2011: CBS 2 Video of Karen Pecora and Junio Alvarado re County Exec Public Call for Concessions (wait past the commercial to see the short news report)

April 6, 2011: Wisconsin Voters Reject Walker's Attacks on Middle Class Union Taxpayers pdf version

April 5, 2011: Westchester Union Workers rally against cuts and commemorate King pdf version
Why CWA Members Wear Red

April 2, 2011: 10,000 Rally In Los Angeles in Solidarity Saturday (TV video)

Mar 30, 2011: Westchester Legislators Waive Conflict for County Attorney in CSEA Suit.

Mar 22, 2011 100 Years after Triangle Fire, Horror Resonates

Mar 21, 2011: Two timely letters to the Washington Post in support of worker's rights by the Presidents of 2 of the largest public employee unions. (AFSCME is our parent union) pdf version

Mar 18, 2011: Fox news poll: More than two-thirds of voters think state public employee unions should be able to bargain for their members’ salaries (69 percent), health care benefits (69 percent) and pensions (68 percent). Their own poll results are favorable for unions, Fox spins it the other way. pdf poll results

Why the Triborough Amendment is Important to Municipal Workers From friends in NYSUT pdf

Mar 18, 2011 Westchester Legislator Peter Harckham's comments re County Executive email assertion. video pdf of press release

Mar 11, 2011: Forbes Magazine: How The Wealthy Plan to Finance The American Aristocracy With Middle Class Dollars pdf version

Mar 10, 2011: Forbes Magazine: Wisconsin GOP Leader Admits The Truth — It’s All About Obama w/video

Mar 9, 2011: Bloomberg News: Americans oppose Republican attack on unions in benefits poll

Mar 8, 2011: The "Liberal Press" Continues Its Assault on Unions, Pensions, and Public Employees

Mar 7, 2011: Collective bargaining's end will push demise of middle class pdf version

Mar 6, 2011: The Triborough Amendment Phil Reisman Comment pdf version

Mar 2, 2011: Action, not blame game, will fix New York's budget mess pdf version

Mar 2, 2011: AFSCME calls on Speaker Boehner to stop Demonizing Public Employees video

Feb 27, 2011: Wisconsin tiff overshadows bigger issues pdf version

Feb 25, 2011: Sign the Petition: Stand Up for Public Service

Feb 25, 2011: Poland’s Solidarność Union Supports Wisconsin Workers Background: President of the AFL-CIO from 1979 to 1995, Lane Kirkland inherited a labor movement under heavy assault. Moving quickly to stem labor's decline, Kirkland initiated significant institutional innovations and secured the re-affiliation of almost all the large national unions that remained outside the AFL-CIO. His greatest legacy, however, was global. Kirkland's early and passionate support for the Polish labor movement, Solidarity, proved pivotal in ensuring the ultimate collapse of Soviet-dominated regimes throughout Eastern Europe. more here

Feb 24, 2011: It's Union Busting, NOT Budgeting Editorial pdf version

Feb 23, 2011: Continuing the fight for freedom Letter by Jerry McEntee pdf version

Feb 23, 2011: Public Employees are Not the Cause of Economic crises Letter by Danny Donohue pdf version

Feb 23, 2011: Fox Lies About Worker Rights Poll by USA Today USA Today story pdf version

Feb 23, 2011: Republican Support to limit the power of public employee unions is lukewarm

Feb 23, 2011: Republican Governors Split on Collective Bargaining

Feb 8, 2011: Astorino Seeks, Gets Waiver for Conservative Party Chair pdf version

Feb 6, 2011: Astorino Raising and Using Campaign Cash pdf version

Feb 5, 2011: Finance Chief Delivers Tax-Cut Figures to Board pdf version

Feb 5, 2011: The Rules Apply to Astorino Also Letter by Karen Pecora pdf version

Jan 17, 2011: Why he was in Memphis Honor King by Defending Public Workers

Political Cartoon in Defense of Public Workers

Jan 15, 2011: CSEA sues Astorino over Section 8 layoffs pdf version

Jan 13, 2011: Westchester Democrats reject Astorino pick for planning chief pdf version

Jan 12, 2011: Union Leaders Discuss New York's Fiscal Crisis pdf version

Jan 9, 2011: Astorino, Westchester Democrats, can't agree on tax levy pdf version

Jan 6, 2011: Jenkins to Astorino: The Fiscal Year 2011 Budget Process is Over

Dec 31, 2010: Westchester CSEA threatens to sue Astorino over Section 8 contract pdf version

Dec 30, 2010: Astorino, legislators feud over job cuts, tax levy pdf version

Dec 30, 2010: Ousted Workers will Be Missed: Letter from Karen Pecora to LoHud

Dec 30, 2010: Termination Letter From Planning Commissioner (pdf)

Dec 29, 2010: Layoff notices go out to Westchester County workers pdf version

Dec 24, 2010: Westchester legislators override 247 Astorino budget vetoes pdf version

Dec 15, 2010: Astorino Vetoes 247 Lines of 2011 Budget Passed 16-1 by Board of Legislators pdf version

Dec 13, 2010: Minnesota Governor Writes Wall St Journal Article Slamming Govt. Workers
Be sure to read the comments also on the web page linked above pdf version

Dec 11, 2010: Westchester Legislators pass 2011 budget 16 Yes, 1 No (Rogowsky) pdf version

Dec 9, 2010: CSEA 9201 Denounces Westchester Medical Center Retaliation pdf version

Dec 9, 2010: Westchester Board Moves Up 2011 Vote, Anticipate a Veto pdf version

Dec 8, 2010: Westchester Democrats add money for jobs, clinics to budget pdf version
The signature pages are pgs 2 & 4 here. James Maisano (Pelham, Pelham Manor, New Rochelle), Bernice Spreckman (Yonkers, Mount Vernon), and Sheila Marcotte (Eastchester, Tuckahoe, New Rochelle) vote NO

Dec 6, 2010: Westchester Has Three Party Chairs now on Payroll pdf version

Dec 5, 2010: DPW cuts will cost in the long run Letter from Teri Rella pdf version

Dec 4, 2010: Conserv. Party Chair Given Westchester County Job in DPW (see pg 3) pdf version

Dec 3, 2010: Board, exec skirmish over closing mental health clinics pdf version

Nov 29, 2010 CSEA Unit 9200 radio ad MP3 audio file (2 MB) - will be heard on 103.9 WFAS FM once an hour from 7am-10am and from 3pm to 7pm Monday, Tuesday and Thursday

Nov 29, 2010: Services will suffer if cuts go through pdf version Letter from Karen Pecora

Nov 26, 2010: County lab cuts would affect many pdf version Letter from Charlie Guidarelli

Nov 20, 2010: Westchester Democrats aim for less painful budget without tax increase pdf version

Nov 18, 2010: Residents assail Astorino's budget plan pdf version

Nov 16, 2010: Video on LoHud of CE Astorino Explaining Budget Cuts pdf version

Nov 14, 2010: Latest LoHud re: "2011 Budget Battle Starts Monday" pdf version

Nov 11, 2010: County employees dispute high cost of salaries from Astorino pdf version

Nov 10, 2010: County Executive Proposes that 226 County Worker Taxpayers be Unemployed pdf version
Astorino Press Release Justifying His Firing of 226 Taxpaying Workers

2011 Proposed Westchester Budgets: Operating Budget Capital Budget Sewer, Water, Refuse Districts College

Nov 5, 2010: Legislators Doubt Savings In Plan to Cut Sec 8 Program by Admin pdf version

Nov 2, 2010: Westchester weighs $1.7M savings plan for transportation department pdf version

Oct 29, 2010: County Exec Astorino Cancels Sec 8 Contract, Wishes to Fire 40 workers pdf version

Oct 29, 2010: NY Times: AFL CIO working to elect candidates for public office. “Corporate America is very good at electing their people,” Mr. Wowkanech said. “If it’s good for them, why can’t it be good for us?” pdf version

Oct 7, 2010: Thank You from Jack McPhillips

Sept 25, 2010: Board of Legislators Praises $30 Million Dollar Surplus; County Exec Says Not So pdf version

Sept 15, 2010 CSEA Union: Tarrytown officials wrong to fault victims in manhole deaths pdf version

Sept 14, 2010 Lower Hudson Valley including Westchester has boost in Sales Tax Revenue

Sept 13, 2010 Opinion re the Benefits Unions have Contributed to the USA Economy pdf version

Sept 9, 2010 Putnam County 2011 Budget Avoids Layoff and has NO Tax Increase pdf version

Sept 8, 2010: Westchester Board of Legislators Sue County Exec Astorino pdf version

August 30, 2010: Westchester Starts Training Police pdf version

August 28, 2010: County Seeks Business Proposals for Playland Park pdf version

August 25, 2010: Mergers of County Police and EMS discussed with BOL pdf version

Aug 20, 2010: Astorino: Westchester deficit falls, 'toughest' calls ahead pdf version

Aug 11: Westchester County brings back 4 top administrators as consultants but continues to threaten hundreds of layoffs of CSEA workers pdf version

Aug 10, 2010: Boeing Nonunion Workers Face Health Increases (one difference in belonging to a union)

Aug 5, 2010 Letter from Billy Riccaldo, CSEA Region 3 President pdf version

Success ! The power of organized labor mobilization:
The US House voted Aug 10, 2010 to follow the US Senate who had voted Aug 4, 2010 to extend $26 Billion in state aid (FMAP funding) to retain teachers, firefighters, police, and many hundreds of thousands of municipal workers -- who were about to lose their jobs thanks to state budget shortfalls
Details in these stories: Yahoo AFSCME Bloomberg FOX LA TIMES REUTERS USAToday AFSCME
New York set to get $2 billion in FMAP funding and over $600 million in additional educational aid. This money was absolutely critical in order for the state and local governments to keep employees working and maintain vital public services. The education funding will allow school districts to retain employees who may have otherwise been laid off.

July 21, 2010 Astorino Gives Bleak Budget Forecast pdf version

July 17, 2010 Astorino, as County Executive, Repeats Threat of Layoffs pdf version

July 9, 2010: Westchester Medical Center Chief Michael Israel and County Executive Astorino to Lay off 130 Patient Care Workers and Privatize Inmate Care to Tennessee Firm pdf version

July 8, 2010 Medical Center Layoff Announcement from CEO Israel

June 5, 2010 Hundreds of Westchester County workers may take buyout pdf version

June 3, 2010: Westchester jail deal costs medical center jobs, union says pdf version

June 2, 2010 Westchester officials clash over privatizing jail health care pdf version

May 29, 2010 Court rules the NYS Furlough not Legal CSEA President Danny Donohue, one of the plaintiffs in the suit, called the ruling "a victory for the rule of law." "CSEA can only hope that the governor will recognize that his incompetent and arrogant approach to New York's budget crisis has been entirely counterproductive. ... It is time for Gov. Paterson to stop scapegoating public employees, work to bring people together, and develop a comprehensive approach to the overall budget problem that will be in the best interest of all New Yorkers."

May 28, 2010 County under Astorino Announces Intent to Issue Contract to Nashville firm for Inmate Care and to Allow Layoffs of Medical Center Experienced Staff pdf version

May 19, 2010 White Plains Fires Police and Firefighters pdf version

May 13, 2010 Astorino Wont Budge on DA Resignations; Calls them Indefensible pdf version

May 12, 2010 Benefits Cuts Prompt Mass Exodus in DA Office, DA Pleads for Reversal pdf version

May 12, 2010 County Exec Talks About Westchester Unions on Gambling radio talk
If above link expires, this is the mp3 file podcast link to the WOR web site (save it to your PC and click it to play it; it is an mp3 file)

County Separation Incentive: It seems many members have not heard of the Westchester Separation Incentive.
Click here for all the current information documents

State CSEA Worker Rallies Across NY State on May 10, 2010

May 10, 2010 County Board of Legislators Imposes changes to Sick Leave, Vacation pay, and creates a Separation Incentive.

May 2, 2010 Photos of the Statewide Health and Safety Conference. More than 1,100 CSEA officers, activists and members attended the union's biennial Statewide Conference on Occupational Safety and Health in Lake Placid April 30 - May 2, 2010.

May 4, 2010 County Claims CE Security Detail Saves Money pdf version

May 4, 2010 County Exec Pushes Legislators pdf version

May 1, 2010 Astorino proposes alternative health benefit charge plan pdf version

Apr 24, 2010 CSEA Agrees with Astorino Buyout Plan pdf version

Apr 23, 2010 New Health Law Brings Better Coverage For Women (includes audio link)

Apr 18, 2010 Letter to the Editor by CSEA Unit 9200 President Karen Pecora pdf version

April 8, 2010 Gov Paterson Holds State Worker Raises

April 3, 2010 County Seeks to Privatize Inmate Care Two stories in recent news regarding the Westchester Medical Center and the Corrections Dept

March 31, 2010 Deadlock is Ending on Labor Board Washington situation to improve soon for union efforts.

March 17, 2010 AFSCME records greatest increase in union membership in 2009
CSEA is AFSCME's largest local; AFSCME is the AFL-CIO's largest and most powerful union.

Notice to all CSEA Unit 9200 Members: Be Aware of Current Westchester Policy Proposals

March 31, 2010: Chairman of Westchester Board of Legislators Jenkins Holds Press Conference on Board's Preliminary Analysis of Executive Fiscal Report Video Highlights PowerPoint Presentation (8 MB pdf; be patient to view)

March 16, 2010: Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino to veto BOL Insurance plan

March 16, 2010: BOL passes Insurance Plan for Some County Workers

March 10, 2010: County Executive: Westchester cuts will go deep: http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=20103100342 (story my be removed at any time by LoHud):

March 9, 2010: County Executive announces spending cuts: Lay off up to 1,600: http://www.lohud.com/article/201003091400/NEWS02/3090380 (story my be removed at any time by LoHud):

March 5, 2010: Westchester Freezes Co-Pays for Retirees Due to CSEA Successful Lawsuit
Journal News Story: (story my be removed at any time by LoHud): http://www.lohud.com/article/20100305/NEWS02/3050339/1018/Westchester-freezes-drug-costs-for-some-CSEA-retirees-in-settlement

CSEA HQ Web Story: http://www.csealocal1000.org/press.php#mar_4_10 CSEA Story
AFSCME Story: http://www.afscme.org/publications/27856.cfm

March 3 , 2010: Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino grants raises to 2 of his newest aides. Raises of $18,000 given to 2 newcomers on the job for 6 weeks.
Journal News Story: (story my be removed at any time) http://www.lohud.com/article/20103030344
McCormack Gottlieb

Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino proposes changes to Sick Leave incentive payouts on Feb 9, 2010. Again proposes imposing these changes to managers who are non-represented. PDF file of the County Intranet Story on This
County web site:
http://www2.westchestergov.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=41&Itemid=50

Journal News Story: (story my be removed at any time)
http://www.lohud.com/article/20100210/NEWS02/2100327/1018/NEWS02/Astorino-wants-to-slash-payouts-for-unused-sick-and-vacation-days

Members of the Westchester County Board of Legislators spoke to the Journal News Editorial Board Feb 4, 2010 and covered the issue of the proposal to impose 15% of the cost of the self-insured health insurance cost on County employees who are managers. The video of about 1 hour is on this Journal News web page. Be patient to have it start.
http://www.lohud.com/article/99999999/MOGULUS0301/399990034&template=mogulus

Notice to all CSEA Unit 9200 Members: Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino spoke with the Journal News Editorial Board in White Plains Jan. 27, 2010. This video discussion concerns several issues that are very important to us as dedicated County employees and to our families. This link is to the Journal News newspaper web site.
The recap story of Jan 28, 2010 is on this link and the 41 minute video discussion is on the right side of the web page. Click this link: http://www.lohud.com/article/20101280377

Jan 14 Press Release from County Exec Astorino: Presented to Business Leaders At the Doubletree Hotel He is requesting that the non represented workers pay 15% of the County cost of Health Insurance. Westchester County is self insured and contracts with POMCO to administer the health insurance. Also contracts with three HMOs as alternatives to the POMCO plan.
Story in Journal News (story my be removed at any time) PDF file of the County Intranet Story on This

Lobby Day 2010: This annual event took place in Albany on Feb 8, 2010. These issues were researched, prepared, and discussed with all CSEA and AFSCME attendees at the convention center before we made our appointment visits with NYS legislators in the Legislative Office Building. Click for the details of the issues. Pictures on CSEA Local 860 web Pictures on CSEA HQ web.

New CSEA/AFSCME Membership Cards Will Protect Your Identity.
CSEA members have spoken!

Because you asked, Social Security numbers are being replaced by CSEA ID numbers for CSEA business. By March 2010 all CSEA members hould have received new 2010 CSEA/AFSCME membership cards with a new CSEA ID NUMBER. You will no longer have to use your Social Security number to identify yourself as a CSEA member.
If you have not received a green AFSCME/CSEA union card in the mail with your new ID #, call 1800-342-4146 and ask for membership. PDF of the AFSCME letter
KEEP THE CARD IN A SAFE PLACE SO YOUR CSEA ID NUMBER IS AVAILABLE WHEN YOU NEED IT.

Identify your Elected Representative in Washington, DC and Albany, NY
This quick web page from our union friends in the UAW identifies your representative.
All you need is your full zip code (some areas need Zip + 4). Check it out.

The fourth season of Working New York kicked-off on October 7th. The show airs on the first and third Wednesday each month. Our New Starting Time is 8:30 pm. on Regional News Network (RNN).
The latest guest was Danny Donohue, Statewide President of the Civil Service Employees Association and first aired on December 16, 2009.

Video from New York State AFL-CIO on Vimeo.

"Working New York" is a half-hour talk show designed to inform the general public of policies, issues and initiatives important to working men and women and their families. The program airs the first and third Wednesday of each month. The program is hosted by New York State AFL-CIO President Denis Hughes and addresses a wide range of social, political and economic issues from the point of view of working people. The show attracts a diverse collection of guests from the worlds of politics, literature, entertainment, and of course labor.

2009 "Lie of the Year": ‘Death Panel’ Myth

CSEA Members are Urged to Submit Cost Saving Ideas for the Board of Legislators and the County Executive for the 2010 Westchester Budget.

Dec 8, 2009 Board of Legislators 2010 Consolidation Plan

Legislator's page on their own web. BOL YouTube Page

Letter of Nov 19, 2009 to County Executive Re: 2010 Furlough Idea

2010 County Executive Spano's Budget Press Release

Message Re Sept 14 Retirement Info Workshop (Attended by over 250 CSEA members.)

Sept 2009: CSEA HQ Scholarships announced

Wal-Mart Issues

100 Year CSEA Anniversary Display in White Plains

To be a union member is to be a "caretaker of a great inheritance," .... "We're lucky we've had people come before us who built something out of nothing. We're watching over what someone else built and keeping it strong so we can pass it on to our kids." Story "When 100 people are pulling on that rope, it's easier than with 10 people."

July 24, 2009 Union Dues Finally Made into NYS Law

The date for this year’s Unit 9200 Holiday Party is Saturday, December 12, 2009 at the Greentree Country Club in New Rochelle.
Details Here Reservation Form Party Night Hotel Reservations
Photos of 2008 Holiday Party

Any Problems with POMCO, MEDCO, One Care Street? You may inform the Health Benefits Committee. Use this link to print the request form and you must submit copies of documentation re the issue.

June 5, 2009: 8,900 New York State Workers Jobs Saved Due to Massive Union Involvement for 4 Months
Details on CSEA Press Release
CSEA HQ Story in July-Aug 09 Workforce Newspaper

Learn More About this NYS Agreement with the CSEA and PEF Unions from this Radio Interview from Oswego NPR Radio

CSEA TV commercial with Statewide President Danny Donohue
and fellow CSEA union members regarding budget cuts.

TV Commercials: CSEA Members Speak About the Consequences of Gov. Paterson's Budget Proposals

Recent NY Times Article about CSEA; NY's Leading Union CSEA Radio Ad

Danny Donohue and Kenneth Brynien, Presidents of CSEA and PEF Representing
New York State Employee Unions, Discuss their Stance in April 2009 (video)

Commercials from our brothers and sisters in the NYS PEF union.

April 2009 Danny Donahue News Conference

8,900 NY State Workers, including many CSEA union members, were in jeopardy of losing their jobs due to Governor Paterson's decree. Click here for details.

Latest Updates CSEA Albany Web Site

June 4, 2009 Paterson’s New Right-Hand Man Steps Out

Videos of our Contract Rallies in 2007 and 2008

April 9, 2009 Jack McPhillips Resignation

April 3, 2009 Message from Jack

Spread the Truth
about the Employee Free Choice Act

Here's why we need the Employee Free Choice Act.
Employee Free Choice Act questions and answers. (pdf)
Get the facts about the Employee Free Choice Act.
Do your part to help the Employee Free Choice Act fight: Join PEOPLE
Sign the online petition to support the Employee Free Choice Act.

The EFCA Primer 101 and Rebuttal to Myths

How to Get A Replacement Union Election Ballot to Vote

Election Results Votes Re-Counted June 25, 2009

Pictures of the Election Ballot Envelope You Received at Home

Pictures of the Election Ballot Voting Papers You Received at Home

May 19 Meet the CSEA 9200 Candidates

2009 Positions on Ballot for Unit 9200

2009 CSEA Election Notice (click for info)
More information on the CSEA Election Laws is found on page 12 of the April, March and Feb 2009 Work Force Newspapers mailed to your home ( with Wage Theft in America, Workers at Westchester Medical Center, and March for Main Street on the covers ).
CSEA Local Office and Unit Office elections are scheduled for 2009.

CSEA Members Speak Out Against Governor Paterson's Budget Proposals

Jan 29, 2009: Union Membership Growing For 2 Consecutive Years

SICK BANK PROGRAM RESTORED on 11/24/08
Next Donation Day period started Feb 1, 2009
Donation Schedule in the link Above;
Use this form to Donate: The Sick Bank Donation Form.

America Says "Yes We Can" in Electing Barack Obama as President

Barack Obama's Acceptance Speech Nov 5, 2008

Video of President Obama's Acceptance Speech

Counter Stopped at 1,059 Days to a New Contract
New Agreement Jan 1, 2006 - Dec 31, 2011 Three Years Retro Pay
Contract Approved by the Board of Legislators on Nov 24, 2008

Sept 25, 2008 Issue of the Westchester Guardian has our Story with Pictures

July 29, 2008 CSEA Victorious in Retiree Lawsuit

Mayfield woman made labor history in the UAW “I'd worked there 11 years, when the boss came in one day and said, ‘Ermon, come pick up your check. You're through.,'" Harp remembered. "Later, I found out he'd given my job to his girlfriend.
“That's why I went union and why Detroit went union. It was because of things like that that weren't fair.”

Exams: Current CSEA Westchester County employees who take Promotional Exams shall pay only $15.00. For each $15.00 fee, current CSEA employees may take a maximum of two promotional exams on the same test date. This is per our current CSEA contract. The customary $25.00 fee still applies for each Open Competitive exam. Be certain to pay the reduced fee. The County HR office might not inform you when applying for an exam!

Health Coverage Notice: When obtaining medical services, please be certain that ALL medical technicians, doctors, physician's assistants, nursing care, medical transport, anesthesiologists, testing laboratories, and all other aspects of the medical services you receive are participants of your current health provider plan, be it POMCO or one of the other providers.
If that is not insisted, some non-participating provider medical expenses will not be fully covered by your plan.

Nov 14, 2007: News: OSHA forced to issue new ruling by Union Activism!

Labor Day 2007: Comment from columnist Dick Meister on the benefits we all share because of the efforts of all unions.

Aug 9, 2007 Tom Glavine, NY Mets 300 Game Winner, Player Rep for the Major League Baseball Players Association

Retiring or Leaving County Employment ? Please inform the Union Office if you or a co-worker will be retiring or leaving Westchester County employment. We will have some information for you. Tell your co-worker to call the union office also. (914) 995-2151

What if John Edwards Worked at Wal-Mart?

AFL-CIO News and Blog Reports

Jan 29, 2007: WCC Fragmentation

Blood Donations Needed - To Donate Call 1(800) 933-2566
Blood donors are needed in all areas of Westchester, Bronx, Dutchess, Rockland, Putnam, Ulster, and Orange counties. Call the number to schedule a donation or click for the NY Blood Center web.

OSHA Clyde Jones Died on the Job. He Didn’t Have To. Here’s Why.

April 23, 2007 The Ugly Face of Union-Busting

April 21, 2007 Health Care: The Best Won't Be the Easiest

March 28, 2007 Wal-Mart Chief Writes Off New York "The Glue Is In The Unions"

Nov 26, 2006: New Fight over NYS Taylor Law

Sept 11, 2006 Time Magazine Story on Snooping Bosses

Sept 2006: Breast Cancer Screening Law in Effect

Health and Safety Notices

June 7, 2006: Victory Achieved! CSEA's Effort in Passage of the Secure Worksite legislation for All NYS Workers is Now Law.

Look at the May 2006 Issue of the CSEA Work Force newspaper in your home mailbox. See page 7 re Social Services worker safety concerns.

April 2006 Update: Harvard University is expanding their admissions policy of charging no tuition for qualified students from families earning less than $60,000 per year and charging greatly reduced tuition if family income is below $80,000. Full story here
Harvard Financial Office Web Page

CSEA Activists Graduate from LEAD Program
Thirty-two CSEA activists from across the state recently graduated from the union's first-ever CSEA Leadership and Development Program (LEAD), in a ceremony led by President Danny Donohue and CSEA Executive Vice President Mary Sullivan. LEAD is an extensive, intensive program that helps emerging CSEA activists gain the necessary knowledge and skills to address challenges facing the union.
Among the graduates were Unit 9200 President Jack McPhillips
and 1st Vice President Karen Pecora

Important notice regarding scam emails

- The Real Cost of Wal-Mart's Low Prices

CSEA Union Region 3 News (that's us)

Exams: Current CSEA Westchester County employees who take Promotional Exams shall pay only $15.00. For each $15.00 fee, current CSEA employees may take a maximum of two promotional exams on the same test date. This is per our current CSEA contract. The customary $25.00 fee still applies for each Open Competitive exam. Be certain to pay the reduced fee. The County HR office might not inform you when applying for an exam!

June 28, 2005: Quit Smoking, Help Your Heart

Dec 9 04 Speech to Board Of Legislators Budget Hearing by Jack McPhillips

County Executive Spano Wants County Managers Ousted from the Teamsters Union

2003 Tuition Reimbursement Summary Page

CSEA Union Site Visit Info You can arrange to have your union President and 1st VP attend a quick meeting at your work site for all CSEA members you work with and who may have questions or issues to discuss. Pre-arrange the date, time, and location room with your department and unit supervisor and then call the union office. Then let your CSEA co-workers know.

How to Manage an Unmanageable Boss

CSEA Layoff Information Booklet (very large 700,000 Byte file)

Legislator's page on their own web. BOL YouTube Page

Civil Service Rules re Bumping

Personnel Files Notice:
Personnel Files and Your Rights
Contract Article 12, Section 6