COURT OFFICER- SGT EXAM

Open-filing for examination NYS Court Officer-Sergeant 55-833 begins 10 AM on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 and ends Wednesday, December 13, 2023.   The exam is scheduled to be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024. The examination application will be available at http://ww2.nycourts.gov/careers/exams.shtml. The examination announcements and study material links are posted on the webpage. NYS Court Officer-Trainees are not qualified to take the Sergeant exam. However, should a Trainee anticipate appointment to the NYS Court Officer title on or before March 16, 2024, that Trainee should apply for the exam during the open-filing period as exam applications will not be accepted after December 13, 2023.

Applicant questions may be directed to UnifiedCourtSystemExam@nycourts.gov .

COURT RECESS VIRTUAL TRAINING

In the 2021-2026 contract, CSEA negotiated a new benefit which allows employees represented by CSEA to participate (from home), in Union sponsored training for up to two days during the court recess and receive paid leave without charge to personal accruals to cover the training. CSEA will offer morning and afternoon training on December 27 and 28, 2023 beginning at 9am, with a lunch break in between. If you wish to take advantage of this new benefit, you must provide a personal email as well as use your personal electronic device (not court equipment) to attend. You may attend one or both days of training. If your court/work location does not “officially” follow the court recess and you are not forced to take two days off during that week, you are still allowed to attend the CSEA trainings without charge to your personal accruals for those day/days, subject to manager’s approval.

In order to participate please download the fillable form below, complete it and send it to surinda.singh@cseainc.org by Wednesday, December 20, 2023. More information can also be found on the form.

Download the fillable registration form here.

Be sure to check your emails and receivers be sure to post and/or share all information. Note that if you have not received a personal email, CSEA does not have an address on file for you. You can fix that issue by contacting CSEA member solutions at 1-800-342-4146.  We hope to see many of you take advantage of this great benefit that was negotiated for you during our last round of contract negotiations.

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 12/1/23. 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.

RECENT TITLE CHANGES

We are happy to share that two CSEA represented titles, Deputy Chief Clerk I and Court Interpreter, have been approved for reallocations.  Both titles, currently at a JG 18 will now be reallocated to JG 20.  A reallocation simply means a change in the title’s salary grade, not its duties.  It will not change your seniority, step placement or longevity, nor should there be any change in benefits.  These changes will go into effect this month.

COURT CLERK SERIES

CSEA Local Presidents had a meeting with OCA about the reallocation of the Court Clerk title series.  The review of these titles has been in the process for the last four years with Covid playing a big part in the delay. CSEA was instrumental in pushing for the review of these titles.   We were informed during last week’s meeting that OCA intends to reallocate these titles in the near future and to that end, will be putting in for the reallocation of these titles in their 2024 budget request.  Of course, this will be contingent on it passing through the legislative process.  The titles included in the proposed reallocation are Court Clerk and Surrogate Court Clerk (JG 18 would go to JG 20), Senior Court Clerk and Senior Surrogate Court Clerk (JG 21 would go to JG 22) and Associate Court Clerk and Associate Surrogate Court Clerk (JG 23 would go to JG 24).  There will be no change in the Principal Court Clerk grade.

We also mentioned again, during that meeting, that CSEA would like to see a review of other titles within our bargaining unit looked at.

We will keep you updated as information becomes available.

LIGHTS ON THE LAKE 2023

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 setup and maintain two miles of breathtaking displays for all to enjoy.  Once again this year, CSEA Local 334 would like to offer our members complimentary passes to enjoy the display. We ask that you RSVP to ian@csealocal334.com and include your name, member # and mailing address by 12/16/22, one ticket per member please.  This year’s tickets will be good for one time use any night. Get yours while they are here, due to limited availability they will not last long and are being distributed on a first come, first served basis.

RECENT TITLE CHANGES

We are happy to share that two CSEA represented titles, Deputy Chief Clerk I and Court Interpreter, have been approved for reallocations.  Both titles, currently at a JG 18 will now be reallocated to JG 20.  A reallocation simply means a change in the title’s salary grade, not its duties.  It will not change your seniority, step placement or longevity, nor should there be any change in benefits.  These changes will go into effect this month.

COURT CLERK SERIES 

Last week the CSEA Local Presidents had a meeting with OCA about the reallocation of the Court Clerk title series.  The review of these titles has been in the process for the last four years with Covid playing a big part in the delay. CSEA was instrumental in pushing for the review of these titles.   We were informed during last week’s meeting that OCA intends to reallocate these titles in the near future and to that end, will be putting in for the reallocation of these titles in their 2024 budget request.  Ofcourse, this will be contingent on it passing through the legislative process.  The titles included in the proposed reallocation are Court Clerk and Surrogate Court Clerk (JG 18 would go to JG 20), Senior Court Clerk and Senior Surrogate Court Clerk (JG 21 would go to JG 22) and Associate Court Clerk and Associate Surrogate Court Clerk (JG 23 would go to JG 24).  There will be no change in the Principal Court Clerk grade.

We also mentioned again, during that meeting, that CSEA would like to see a review of other titles within our bargaining unit looked at.

We will keep you updated as information becomes available.

COURT RECESS VIRTUAL TRAINING–SAVE THE DATE

Your CSEA Local Presidents are proud to announce that we are in the process of setting up online union training for December 27th and 28th that will be made available for you to attend if you so choose.  Per Section 9.2(k) of the contract, we have a side letter agreement with OCA which allows employees to attend union-sponsored training programs for up to two (2) days during the court recess.  Those who attend these virtual trainings shall not be required to charge leave credits for that day/days.  This means, instead of having to charge two annual leave days during the court recess, you will have the option to receive paid leave without charge to your personal leave credits for attendance at these trainings. You may attend one or both days of training.

If your court/work location does not “officially” follow the court recess and you are not forced to take two days off during that week, you are still allowed to attend the CSEA trainings without charge to your personal accruals for those day/days, subject to manager’s approval.

More details and sign up information will be coming to you from CSEA, Inc. after we finalize the programs to be offered, so be sure to check your emails and receivers be sure to post and/or share all information.  If CSEA does not have a personal email address on file for you, you may receive a paper copy with an electronic registration link.  We hope to see many of you take advantage of this great benefit that was negotiated for you during our last round of contract negotiations.

COURT REPORTER TRAINING – WINTER RECESS

CSEA Judiciary Locals have arranged the winter recess 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 12/1/23. 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.

COURT REPORTING TRAINING FLYER 2023

PREGNANT WORKERS FAIRNESS ACT
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act was recently enacted by the Federal Government. The PFWA sets some terms and conditions the employer must follow, including making reasonable accommodations for a worker’s limitations due to pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions. This act would apply to members in Local and State Government as well as in the Private Sector. Please see the attached memo that contains important information about this act.

The Federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act of 2023

REGION 5 CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT – CSEA Region 5 community outreach would like to invite all of you to its 1st annual Cornhole fundraiser competition on July 15th 2023! Doors will open at Noon and bags will fly at 1:00. See the attached flyer for details. To order shirts or sweatshirts scan the barcode on the reservation form. All proceeds to benefit the Special Olympics.

ENCHANTED FOREST WATER SAFARI – Saturday July 29th, 2023 – Enchanted Forest Water Safari membership picnic is back! Reservations will be due for Enchanted Forest/Water Safari Local 334 Day by July 15th. The event will be held in Old Forge on Saturday, July 29th. Members attend free, guests 8+ pay $55.99, children 3-7 pay $34.00 and children 2 and under are free. Admission includes entrance to the park and an all-you-can-eat lunch (11:30-12:30) and dinner (4:00-5:00). It’s always a great time, so get your reservations in today! See the attached flyer for further information and reservations. If you are unable to join us we have a discount code, simply use EFWS901 at checkout for your member only discount – code valid for purchases after May 15th, 2023.

SYRACUSE METS – Tuesday, September 19th, 2023 – Order your tickets now for the Syracuse Mets vs. the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Railriders game on Tuesday, September 19th, 6:35 p.m. at NBT Bank Stadium in Syracuse. We will be on the Party Deck and admission will include an all-you-can eat picnic from 6:35-8:30 p.m. and our own cash bar. Tickets will not be mailed and can be picked up at the Group Will Call, window #7 at the box office, between 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. the evening of the event. Order your tickets today before they run out – limited seating! Reservations must be received by September 8th. See the attached flyer and registration form for further information.

FUTURE NOTICES – ALL RECEIVER’S
Effective July 1st 2023 the Local will be removing all court system related emails from the current receiver list we send notices to. We will also be vetting the list for those who have opted out of or are not active CSEA members. If you would like to continue on as a receiver or if you would like to start assisting the Local as a new receiver, you must supply the Local with a personal email address and be a member in good standing with CSEA. Please email ian@csealocal334.com with a personal email address that can be utilized as soon as possible. When sending over your personal email please give your name, work location and Job title. Additionally, I want to remind everyone, that as a receiver you have agreed to disseminate these notices amongst your co-workers. This can be done through an email chain or a hardcopy, that can be posted on Union boards in your courthouses. Thank you all for your assistance and being ACTIVE members of YOUR Union, you are essential.

MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS

Thursday May 25, 2023 – We are looking forward to seeing those of you who RSVP’d for the Local 334 Dinner meeting at the Delta Lake Inn in Rome.  The address is 8524 Fish Hatchery Road, Rome, NY 13440. Doors will open at 5:30 and the meeting will start at 6:00.  CSEA member benefits and various vendors will be present. Vendor presentations at 6:00 and dinner to follow at 6:45.

REGION 5 CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT

CSEA Region 5 community outreach would like to invite all of you to its 1^st annual Cornhole fundraiser competition on July 15^th 2023!  Doors will open at Noon and bags will fly at 1:00.  See the attached flyer for details.

ENCHANTED FOREST WATER SAFARI

Saturday July 29^th, 2023 – Enchanted Forest Water Safari membership picnic is back! Reservations will be due for Enchanted Forest/Water Safari Local 334 Day by July 15^th.  The event will be held in Old Forge on Saturday, July 29^th.  Members attend free, guests 8+ pay $55.99, children 3-7 pay $34.00 and children 2 and under are free.  Admission includes entrance to the park and an all-you-can-eat lunch (11:30-12:30) and dinner (4:00-5:00).  It’s always a great time, so get your reservations in today!  See the attached flyer for further information and reservations. If you are unable to join us we have a discount code, simply use EFWS901 at checkout for your member only discount – code valid for purchases after May 15^th, 2023.

SYRACUSE METS NIGHT AT THE BALLPARK

Tuesday, September 19th, 2023 – Order your tickets now for the Syracuse Mets vs. the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Railriders game on Tuesday, September 19th,  6:35 p.m. at NBT Bank Stadium in Syracuse.  We will be on the Party Deck and admission will include an all-you-can eat picnic from 6:35-8:30 p.m. and our own cash bar.  Tickets will not be mailed and can be picked up at the Group Will Call, window #7 at the box office, between 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. the evening of the event.  Order your tickets today before they run out – limited seating!  Reservations must be received by September 8th.  See the attached flyer and registration form for further information.

PAYROLL

As many of you have already noticed the retro uniform and blazer allowance were not paid in this weeks check as was stated by OCA at the time of ratification. Please be advised that due to a programming issue with OSC and the contractual requirement that the payments be made via separate check (not direct deposit), all retro for U & E and Blazer allowances will be paid in the separate checks that will be issued for the June payments on June 21^st.

CONTRACT POSTED

Please visit our website at https://cseajudiciary.org/contract/ to view the 2021 -2026 agreement which was recently uploaded. Hard copies of the contract are still in the process of being printed.  Once printed, each member will receive one at their mailing address on file with CSEA headquarters.

MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS

Tuesday May 23, 2023 – Local 334 will be doing a joint meeting with Local 335 at the New York Kitchen, 800 S. Main St. Canandaigua. Doors open at 5pm with vendors present at 6:00. There will be a presentation from the New York State retirement system as well.  RSVP 716-845-9390 or e-mail JanelC335@gmail.com by 5/15

Thursday May 25, 2023 – Local 334 Dinner meeting at the Delta Lake Inn in Rome.  Address is 8524 Fish Hatchery Road, Rome, NY 13440. Doors open at 5:30 meeting will start at 6:00.  CSEA member benefits and various vendors will be present. Vendor presentations at 6:00 and dinner to follow at 6:45. RSVP by email to ian@csealocal334.com by 5/17.

ENCHANTED FOREST WATER SAFARI

Saturday July 29^th, 2023 – Enchanted Forest Water Safari membership picnic is back! Reservations will be  due for Enchanted Forest/Water Safari Local 334 Day by July 15^th.  The event will be held in Old Forge on Saturday, July 29^th.  Members attend free, guests 8+ pay $55.99, children 3-7 pay $34.00 and children 2 and under are free.  Admission includes entrance to the park and an all-you-can-eat lunch (11:30-12:30) and dinner (4:00-5:00).  It’s always a great time, so get your reservations in today!  See the attached flyer for further information and reservations. If you are unable to join us we have a discount code, simply use EFWS901 at checkout for your member only discount – code valid for purchases after May 15^th, 2023.

SYRACUSE METS NIGHT AT THE BALLPARK

Tuesday, September 19th, 2023 – Order your tickets now for the Syracuse Mets vs. the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Railriders game on Tuesday, September 19th,  6:35 p.m. at NBT Bank Stadium in Syracuse.  We will be on the Party Deck and admission will include an all-you-can eat picnic from 6:35-8:30 p.m. and our own cash bar.  Tickets will not be mailed and can be picked up at the Group Will Call, window #7 at the box office, between 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. the evening of the event.  Order your tickets today before they run out – limited seating!  Reservations must be received by September 8th.  See the attached flyer and registration form for further information.

PAYROLL Check Date 5/24/2023:

• Retro uniform and blazer allowance, location pay and SOS, along with the annual increase applicable to these benefits [eff. April 1, 2023]

MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS

Tuesday May 23, 2023 – Local 334 will be doing a joint meeting with Local 335 at the New York Kitchen, 800 S. Main St. Canandaigua. Doors open at 5pm with vendors present at 6:00. There will be a presentation from the New York State retirement system as well.  RSVP 716-845-9390 or e-mail JanelC335@gmail.com by 5/15

Thursday May 25, 2023 – Local 334 Dinner meeting at the Delta Lake Inn in Rome.  Address is 8524 Fish Hatchery Road, Rome, NY 13440. Doors open at 5:30 meeting will start at 6:00.  CSEA member benefits and various vendors will be present. Vendor presentations at 6:00 and dinner to follow at 6:45. RSVP by email to ian@csealocal334.com by 5/17.

ENCHANTED FOREST WATER SAFARI

Saturday July 29^th, 2023 – Enchanted Forest Water Safari membership picnic is back! Reservations will be  due for Enchanted Forest/Water Safari Local 334 Day by July 15^th.  The event will be held in Old Forge on Saturday, July 29^th.  Members attend free, guests 8+ pay $48.50, children 3-7 pay $29.50 and children 2 and under are free.  Admission includes entrance to the park and an all-you-can-eat lunch (11:30-12:30) and dinner (4:00-5:00).  It’s always a great time, so get your reservations in today!  See the attached flyer for further information and reservations. If you are unable to join us we have a discount code, simply use EFWS901 at checkout for your member only discount – code valid for purchases after May 15^th, 2023.

SYRACUSE METS NIGHT AT THE BALLPARK

Tuesday, September 19th, 2023 – Order your tickets now for the Syracuse Mets vs. the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Railriders game on Tuesday, September 19th,  6:35 p.m. at NBT Bank Stadium in Syracuse.  We will be on the Party Deck and admission will include an all-you-can eat picnic from 6:35-8:30 p.m. and our own cash bar.  Tickets will not be mailed and can be picked up at the Group Will Call, window #7 at the box office, between 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. the evening of the event.  Order your tickets today before they run out – limited seating!  Reservations must be received by September 8th.  See the attached flyer and registration form for further information.

PAYROLL Check Date 5/24/2023:

• Retro uniform and blazer allowance, location pay and SOS, along with the annual increase applicable to these benefits [eff. April 1, 2023]

2023 Judiciary Local 334 Cover and Application

2023 Mets Flyer_Reservation

CSEA Local 334 Hockey night

Scholarship Application 2023

UTICA COMETS HOCKEY NIGHT – Last call
Join us on the stage at the Utica Memorial Auditorium, Friday April 14th for an always exciting Utica Comets Hockey game. Admission includes ticket to game, hot dogs, sausage and peppers, fries and front row seats! Tickets are limited, so get your money and reservations in today. Member cost is $10; guest cost is $42. Any questions, contact Catrina Leone at catrina@csealocal334.com. All reservations must be received in the mail by April 10th. See the attached flyer for further details and the reservation form.

IRVING FLAUMENBAUM SCHOLARSHIP
Every year, our union offers eighteen $1,000 Irving Flaumenbaum Memorial Scholarships to the dependent children of CSEA members who are graduating high school seniors, three in each of our six regions. We also have two additional college scholarship opportunities available through the same application form. You can download this year’s application form at: https://cseany.org/scholarships, where you can also download a poster to print and post around your workplaces. The deadline for submitting scholarship applications is April 15, 2023.

REGION 5 SCHOLARSHIP

Attached is the 2023 Region 5 Scholarship application and flyer to promote across your workplaces. The deadline for applications to be submitted is April 15th. You can also view more union scholarships at https://cseany.org/scholarships.

LT. MICHAEL D. CARRAWAY SCHOLARSHIP
It is with great pleasure CSEA Judiciary Local 334 announces the 2023 Lt. Michael D. Carraway Memorial Scholarship Program. Graduating seniors who are a child or legal dependent of a court employee represented by CSEA Judiciary Local 334 and will be attending an accredited institution of higher education are eligible to apply. Applications due by May 1st, 2023

*These scholarships are another member-only benefit for belonging to New York’s Leading Union.*

SYRACUSE METS NIGHT AT THE BALLPARK
Order your tickets now for the Syracuse Mets vs. the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Railriders game on Tuesday, September 19th, 6:35 p.m. at NBT Bank Stadium in Syracuse. We will be on the Party Deck and admission will include an all-you-can eat picnic from 6:35-8:30 p.m. and our own cash bar. Tickets will not be mailed and can be picked up at the Group Will Call, window #7 at the box office, between 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. the evening of the event. Order your tickets today before they run out – limited seating! Reservations must be received by September 8th. See the attached flyer and registration form for further information.

TIME SENSITIVE – 2023 AL/CT Exchange Payment Program

Attached please find the information on the annual leave/compensatory time exchange program that we were able to successfully negotiate at the bargaining table for our members.  We hope that many of you will be able to take advantage of this program.  There will also be another opportunity in August to exchange up to 5 additional annual/comp time days.  THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS NO LATER THAN 5:00 P.M. ON FEBRUARY 15, 2023.

CONTRACT PAYOUTS

The office of the state comptroller has provided the following schedule for the various payments under the CSEA contract:

Check date 3/1/2023:

• Ratification Bonus

Check Date 3/15/2023:

• AL/CT Exchange Payments

Check Date 3/29/2023:

• 2021 and 2022 Retro Salary Increases
• Retro increases to Longevity Bonuses, [CSEA] Longevity Payments and SLED

Check Date 4/26/2023:

• 3% Salary Increase [eff. April 1, 2023]
• longevity payments and service bonus payments (if eligible)

Check Date 5/24/2023:

• Retro uniform and blazer allowance, location pay and SOS, along with the annual increase applicable to these benefits [eff. April 1, 2023]

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT FUND CO-PAY REIMBURSEMENT

A reminder to submit your EBF co-pay reimbursement form for physician visit and prescription co-pays.  Applications are accepted on/after December 31st each year and entitle members to a reimbursement  amount of up to $350 worth of eligible co-pays.  Submissions for 2022 reimbursement will be accepted through March 31st, 2023.  See the attached form for guidelines and pay particular attention to what proof of co-pays are accepted, i.e., Explanation of Benefits (EOB) for Physician co-pays and pharmacy printouts for Prescription co-pays.

LIGHTS ON THE LAKE

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 setup and maintain two miles of breathtaking displays for all to enjoy.  Due to limited availability we ask that you RSVP to dave@csealocal334.com and include your name, member # and mailing address by 12/16/22, one ticket per member please.  Again this year the Local felt it necessary to do something for all of you, as a result tickets will be free to our 334 members throughout the Local.  This year’s tickets will be good for one time use on Monday through Thursday. Get yours while they are here, they will not last long and are being distributed on a first come, first served basis.

THIRD AND FINAL CONTRACT INFORMATIONAL MEETING 

Our third and final informational meeting is scheduled for this Thursday December 15^th from 6 to 8p.m. Paper ballots must be postmarked in time to arrive at headquarters in Albany by 12/21 to be considered for the count on 12/22.

Link below for Thursday, December 15^th from 6pm-8pm.

Ian Spencer is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: UCS Contract Meeting – Region 5

Time: Dec 15, 2022 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/91048195862?pwd=b2V0SDFkdUU1R1RhaUFXa0RZalZLUT09

Meeting ID: 910 4819 5862

Passcode: 256746

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