IT’S A NOT-SO WONDERFUL LIFE IN SENECA FALLS – CALL TO ACTION
Workers in the Town of Seneca Falls are still fighting to establish their union. At the last town board meeting on November 5th, 2024, the Town Supervisor mentioned that the town and CSEA were close to agreeing on who can be part of the union. He expected an agreement by the end of the week (November 8th) and said the town would “welcome the union with open arms.”
However, the town has not reached an agreement with CSEA. They are resisting by disputing the inclusion of a key worker title and have resorted to union-busting tactics. These include illegally coercing workers to avoid joining the union, which violates the Taylor Law. Additionally, they have unjustly disciplined workers who checked in with colleagues who were allegedly coerced by management.
Let me be clear: When one of us is hurting, all of us are hurting.
Join me and other union members and activists from the CSEA Region at the Town of Seneca Falls Board Meeting on Tuesday, December 3rd, at the Town of Seneca Falls Municipal Building, 130 Ovid St., Seneca Falls, NY 13148. Meet us in the parking lot at 5:40 PM. We stand in solidarity with the Town of Seneca Falls workers. Let’s show the town board the power of CSEA by holding them accountable for their union-busting tactics.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
A special thank you to everyone who contributed funds or skills to prepare the delicious Thanksgiving meals and desserts for the homeless in our community. On Saturday, November 23, 2024, Members and Officers of Local 334 had the privilege of delivering these meals to St. Lucy’s Kitchen in Syracuse. All donations benefitted the We Rise Above the Streets Community Outreach Inc.
Please take a moment to read the attached letter from Local 334’s 2nd Vice President, Theresa West, who organized the collection of donations and personally cooked a significant portion of the food. This effort turned out to be quite an undertaking. We are grateful for the immense generosity of our Local membership and our sister Union, Local 834 (Onondaga County Public Service Employees).
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” —Winston Churchill
COURT RECESS TRAININGS
In the 2021-2026 contract, CSEA negotiated a new benefit that allows employees in the CSEA represented bargaining unit to participate remotely off-site in Union sponsored training during the court recess allowing employees to receive paid leave without charging leave accruals for the trainings. Eligible employees can opt to participate in this benefit if their court is not in session. If your court is in session on these training dates, you will need to get supervisory approval to attend the training remotely off-site. Participants may register for one or both days. During the 2024 recess, CSEA will be offering full day training on Friday, December 27, 2024, and Monday, December 30, 2024. Each training day will be from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. with a lunch break.
WORKSHOPS
Workshop Title: Social Media for Social Justice
Description: Social media can be a great tool to build our union and to keep in touch with family and friends. During this workshop, we will teach you the current state of the law and best practices so that your use of social media does not lead to discipline at work.
Workshop Title: Privacy in the Workplace
Description: Employers are beginning to use cameras and video surveillance in the workplace more than ever before. This is done often to prevent theft or to monitor what employees are doing while on the clock. Sometimes the employer advises the union or employees that they are being watched, and other times it is done secretly. This workshop will update you on the latest rules that employers
Workshop Title: The FMLA
Description: This workshop will give you a firm understanding of the Family and Medical Leave Act, what is covered, how it works, and what you should look for when representing your members. Serious health conditions, family members covered, military caregiver leave, parental leave, etc.
Workshop Title: Drug & Alcohol Policies & Legal Weed
Description: A discussion of employer policies, what to look for, what is negotiable, and how the legalization of marijuana impacts them.
For all inquiries please contact State Operations at 518-257-1279
REGISTRATION OPENS on Friday, November 1, 2024. The CSEA bargaining unit employees who wish to take advantage of this unique benefit must register by close of business Friday, December 13, 2024.
Note: No exceptions will be made beyond this date.
CSEA members must register through the CSEA website: https://memberlink.cseany.org/Events.aspx. You will be required to sign in, then you may find and click on Court Recess Training.
*Only CSEA non-members will be registered manually through the CSEA State Operations Department by calling 518-257-1279.
COURT REPORTER TRAINING – WINTER RECESS
This training is separate and apart from the Recess Virtual Training referenced above – Do not use the fillable registration form for these title specific trainings.
CSEA Judiciary Locals have arranged the winter recess Court Reporter training program again this year. These trainings are for active CSEA members holding the title of Court Reporter. Members will be required to supply the following information with their RSVP: First Name, Last Name, Non-Work email address, CSEAID#, Work Location and which Class/Classes they would like to attend. If you do not know your CSEA ID# you can contact CSEA member solutions at 1-800-342-4146 to obtain. Space is limited, please send an email to ian@csealocal334.com if interested prior to 12/2/24. Be advised, if you are scheduled to work during the dates of the classes, and your immediate supervisor cannot alter your schedule, you will not be able to attend. See the attached flyer for full details.
2025 PEP ELECTION FORM
Please see the attached Productivity Enhancement Program election form. Note that the deadline for participation is December 9, 2024.
LIGHTS ON THE LAKE 2024
Lights on The Lake is New York’s premier drive-through holiday light show. Every year, our brothers and sisters from CSEA Local 834 proudly set up and maintain two miles of breathtaking displays for all to enjoy. Once again this year, CSEA Local 334 is offering our members complimentary passes to enjoy the display. To receive your pass, please RSVP to ian@csealocal334.com with your name, member number, and mailing address by December 16, 2024. Each member is eligible for one ticket, which can be used any night for a one-time entry. Tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so get yours while they last!