CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS
As you may be aware, the CSEA negotiating team representing Executive branch agencies has reached a Tentative Agreement with New York State. Votes to ratify the proposed agreement will be counted on August 2. The contract proposed is a good one with many improvements for CSEA Executive branch members in those agencies; a description of the contract is in the current edition of The Workforce.
Meanwhile closer to home, On June 9, CSEA and UCS were scheduled to meet for contract negotiations, UCS cancelled that session the day before due to the NYS-CSEA Executive branch tentative agreement being reached the previous week. At a second day of negotiations on June 16, CSEA Judiciary and UCS had its most productive day of negotiations, having reached agreement on some language changes and discussing others. While recent sessions have been constructive, there is still much work left to do and we have set dates to meet in August and September. The Judiciary negotiating team continues to seek a longer-term agreement with increased benefits for its members. Please remember that it would be unduly detrimental to the bargaining process, to set forth the specifics of any proposals. Rest assured that the CSEA Team will continue to pursue an agreement that will address concerns and issues raised by the membership.
We will be back at the table with OCA on August 3. Stay tuned and thank you for your patience and continued support!
SURVEILLANCE TESTING
CSEA is aware that some health insurance plans have ceased paying the cost of surveillance COVID testing and are now only covering the cost of symptomatic testing. CSEA is discussing this issue with the Empire Plan and as members notify us of other health insurance plan notifications, we are speaking with them about this issue. As you may know, CSEA was the only Union that filed an Improper Practice charge at PERB last October specifically claiming that the cost of testing was a mandatory subject of bargaining. That IP was consolidated with the mandated vaccine IP and was heard in April; CSEA is awaiting a determination on both cases from the Administrative Law Judge assigned.
In the meantime, CSEA has requested that OCA allow its members to perform home COVID tests and then if positive, be tested at a pharmacy. OCA refused that request and stated they would not accept the results of home tests. CSEA will continue to push for changes to this policy.
COURT CONSOLIDATION
In January of 2022, Office of Court Administration submitted legislation to the NYS Assembly and Senate to restructure the court system statewide. Thanks to all the CSEA members who sent messages through the CSEA portal to their legislators in opposition to the OCA plan—you won the day! The legislation which included no job security provisions for non-judicial employees and would have reshuffled county courts into Supreme Courts and would end Court of Claims and Surrogates as standalone courts was defeated in committee.
CONNOR’S WAY 2022
The 2022 Connor’s Way 5-Mile Scenic Memorial Run/Walk is scheduled in-person for September 18th. The virtual event will take place September 11th-18th. Visit www.connorsway.com, where participants/Teams can register online now and can also order some new “swag” that has been designed this year – runner caps and long sleeve t-shirts, all with the 2022 Celtic Harp design. Check out the “Store” tab on the RunSignUp page! Merchandise pickup will be at packet pickup on Friday, September 16th at Holland Patent High School or at the event in Hinckley on Sunday, September 18th. And, of course, a free t-shirt is included with all registrations up to August 28th!
The Connor’s Way Team is proud to have awarded 25 scholarships to area high schoolers this year, at 13 different high schools, bringing the total awards in the past four years to well over $30,000! With your assistance, the Connor’s way team will continue to help the youth of our community, while remembering and honoring Connor’s life.
WATER SAFARI
With your union membership, get your discounted tickets to Enchanted Forest Water Safari. This seasonal promotion is brought to you by CSEA Local 334. Simply go to WaterSafari.com … click on the Buy Tickets and Passes link on the top left … click on the “Promo Code? Click Here” box in the center of the page and enter our promo code EFWS851 … and print your tickets at home! This promo code is active through Sept. 5, 2022.