CSEA ORGANIZING WIN IN SENECA FALLS
On January 7th, 32 workers from the Town of Seneca Falls were recognized as a new CSEA bargaining unit by the Seneca Falls Town Board. Workers organized for better pay, benefits, and stability since town board members often change. CSEA officers and other volunteer member organizers stood in solidarity with the town workers by confronting town officials, attending board meetings month after month, and finally pressuring the town board to pass a resolution (which passed by a vote of 4-1) recognizing the workers as CSEA.
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT FUND CO-PAY REIMBURSEMENT
Submit your EBF reimbursement form once your combined co-pay amount for physician visits, labs/X-rays, other unreimbursed medical expenses, and prescription co-pays reaches $400. This applies to co-pays incurred on or after December 31st each year. Applications for 2024 reimbursement are accepted until March 31st, 2025.
Please refer to the attached guidelines for details on acceptable proof of co-pays, such as Explanation of Benefits (EOB) for physician co-pays and pharmacy printouts for prescription co-pays. If you have any questions, call 1-800-323-2732 or visit www.cseaebf.com.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Region 5
Do you have a graduating high school senior continuing their education? Are you looking for help paying for it? Your union has a scholarship opportunity for YOU! CSEA Central Region 5 is proud to announce the application period for our annual Continuing Education Scholarship is open. Applicants must be graduating high schools seniors who will be continuing their education at an accredited college or trade school, and are the child/legal dependent or grandchild of a CSEA Region 5 member in good standing or a CSEA Region 5 staff member. The application deadline is April 1, 2025. A minimum of 4 winners will be selected.
Download the Scholarship Application Here!
Download a flyer to advertise in your workplace!
MEMBER BENEFIT SPOTLIGHT
BJ’s Club Card
The NEW CSEA member price for the basic BJ’s Club Card remains the same price this year at $20 ($40 savings) – 12 month membership and receive two cards The NEW CSEA member price for the Club Plus Card went down in price to $40 ($80 savings) – 12 month membership and receive two cards Renewals – pricing did not change even though annual fees increased. Renewals will still have to call the 800 number to renew.
New BJ’s Members visit www.bjs.com/csea call BJs at (800) 313-8887.
Renewals must call BJs: (800) 313-8887
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST
When you call, please have the following information handy:
- CSEA members “Group Promo Code” is 300039
- Debit or credit card information
If you are a current BJ’s member, please have your membership ID handy (found on your membership card or on the BJ’s app).
CSEA Members Save with a Fixed Low-Rate Credit Card
Now that the holidays are behind us, it’s a great time to apply for the CSEA Mastercard®. Our fixed, low-rate credit card comes with no balance transfer fees, no annual fee, and no cash advance fee. Members are eligible to transfer their existing balances from a higher rate credit card and knock down some of their debt. To apply, please visit: https://www.broadviewfcu.com/csea/csea-mastercard/.
LABOR NEWS
SEIU rejoins AFL-CIO – A Win for All Unions – This week, the AFL-CIO our parent Union, announced that the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) is re-joining the federation after nearly 20 years of division, bringing roughly 2 million service and care workers back to the now nearly 15 million-member AFL-CIO. “Workers know it’s better in a union, and together we are stronger in our organizing and bargaining fights because there is power in unity,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. This reunion helps build the power of unions in this country. It empowers CSEA to draw on the strength and affiliation we have with the AFL-CIO as vital to the health and power of our union.
Dismissals at NLRB halt labor board operations – President Donald Trump has dismissed National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) member Gwynne Wilcox and General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo, both appointed during the Biden administration. Wilcox’s termination leaves the NLRB without a quorum, effectively halting its ability to issue decisions on labor disputes. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler has condemned these actions emphasizing this action effectively shuts down the NLRB’s operations, leaving workers unprotected against union-busting and retaliation. The NLRB appointments are for fixed terms, ensuring stability and continuity in labor policy, but these dismissals challenge that structure and could set a precedent for future administrations. The firings are expected to face legal challenges. CSEA will stay on top of this ongoing issue to keep members informed.
SAVE THE DATE
Region 5 Cornhole Tournament
The Region 5 Community Outreach Committee is asking you to save the date for its 3rd annual Cornhole Tournament on Saturday, June 28, at Touch of Texas in Binghamton. This event is used to raise money for Special Olympics NY. This event is open to ALL members AND the community. Raffle baskets/donation items appreciated. More information on where to sign up will be coming soon.
Local 334 Hockey night
Local 334 asks you to save the date for our always entertaining evening at the Utica Memorial Auditorium. This year the event will be held on Friday March 7th for the matchup between the Utica Comets and the Syracuse Crunch. More info and pricing will be sent out soon!