MAY 24th RETURN TO IN PERSON STAFFING
I have spoken to many of you over the course of the last week, regarding the potential pitfalls surrounding the re-opening set for this coming Monday. Rest assured the Local continues to address facility safety and health issues on a case by case basis. This has been our focus throughout the pandemic and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. I continue to encourage any member with a legitimate need for an alternate work schedule, to submit a request to management for the AWS (which could include telecommuting, especially for those with childcare/school and health issues) where applicable. Pending approval, an extension until the end of the school year should be granted liberally. You should first discuss any potential issues with your court manager. In the coming weeks if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the local, I have been in contact with all of our Districts and will continue to address issues raised by our membership moving forward.
OCA MASK MANDATE
While New York State has adopted the new CDC guidance on mask use for fully vaccinated individuals, exceptions do still apply to Pre-K to 12 schools, public transit, healthcare settings, correctional facilities, and other specified settings. In regards to New York State Courts, Chief Judge DiFiore and Judge Marks have determined that for the time being, the Unified Court System will continue to require Judges, staff and courthouse visitors to wear masks in courthouse settings, whether they are vaccinated or not. OCA has indicated that as they acquire more experience, following the May 24th return to operations of all judges and nonjudicial staff, that decision may change. In the meantime please understand this in an employer requirement and members are required to remain in compliance with the masking requirement.
SAFETY NET NEWSLETTER
CSEA Occupational Safety and Health and Communications Departments are preparing to launch a new workplace safety-themed monthly electronic newsletter that will debut soon. It will include important safety information, as well as some fun content, and we will have contests with prizes for those who subscribe. CSEA members can subscribe today by visiting: https://cseany.org/safetynet
EMAIL UPDATE REQUESTS
As a CSEA member, you may have recently received an email from our International Union, AFSCME, asking you to update your contact information. Please be advised that this is a legitimate request from AFSCME and providing this information will help ensure you receive timely updates on issues important to union members. Additionally, if you have not already done so please register online with CSEA at https://cseany.org/. As we approach contract negotiations this, along with receiver notices will be the primary mode of communication and contact with our membership.
STATEWIDE SCHOLARSHIPS EXTENDED THROUGH JUNE 1st
The application period for our statewide scholarships has been extended through June 1. Eligible children or grandchildren that are dependents of CSEA members can apply to win one of our 18 Irving Flaumenbaum Scholarships, plus be eligible for the Met Life and Pearl Insurance Awards. Download a copy of the 2021 scholarship application form and a workplace poster you can use to promote the scholarships at: https://cseany.org/scholarships
REGION 5 SCHOLARSHIP EXTENDED THROUGH JUNE 1st
The Central Region application deadline has been extended to June 1, 2021 for the 15th annual College Scholarship awards for eligible high school seniors whose parents, legal guardians or grandparents are Region 5 CSEA members in good-standing.
DEFERRED COMP WEBINARS
Dan Kain from NYS Deferred Compensation will be hosting Deferred Compensation Enrollment webinars on Wednesday, May 26th at 10:00am and 2:00pm. Dan will also be hosting Deferred Compensation Pre-Retirement webinars on Thursday, May 27th at 12:00pm.
To register for the webinars, you may click on the links below:
Enrollment Webinar
Wednesday, May 26, 10:00am
Wednesday, May 26, 2:00pm
Pre-Retirement Webinar
Thursday, May 27, 12:00pm
If you cannot attend but would still like to speak with Dan about your account or to enroll over the phone you can use the following link to set up an individual phone appointment:
http://dankainphoneappointment.myRetirementAppt.com
JUNETEENTH
On October 15, 2020, the Governor signed a bill into law designating Juneteenth an official public holiday starting in 2021. Please be advised that since Juneteenth falls on a Saturday this year, it will be observed by the Court System on the preceding Friday; June 18, 2021.