News
Updates
UCS PROPOSED VACCINE MANDATE
Throughout the course of the pandemic CSEA has worked diligently and responsibly with OCA, in order to create a safe and healthy environment for all of our members. Unfortunately, we have routinely been playing catchup with the weekly messages from Chief Judge DiFiore and proposed changes in policy and procedures put forth by OCA.
As you may be aware in her latest announcement, Judge DiFiore mentioned the potential of mandating the COVID-19 Vaccination for our membership. We understand that some of you are angered about this and that some are relieved. Our membership rolls are a snapshot of society as a whole and our opinions run the gamut as such. Both CSEA and your Local understand both arguments and respect everyone’s personal choice in this situation. While we await once again, information on how this policy will be instituted, CSEA is actively researching the legal aspects of the vaccine mandate and what avenues we can use to create a solution for all of our members.
I apologize for the inconvenience and the lack of answers at hand, but considering the circumstances of this policy, I do not want to misspeak or distribute misinformation. I will keep you apprised via these notices as information becomes available.
Updates
REVISED MASK POLICY
As vaccine rates are increasing and COVID cases are decreasing across NY, public employers are changing mask requirements, this includes the Court system. Today’s memo issued by OCA does not require employees to disclose vaccination status, and therefore is not discriminatory in nature, nor does it prevent employees who are not vaccinated from entering the courthouses; as a result the Union does not believe this new voluntary procedure violates the Civil Service Law, the collective bargaining agreement or HIPPA rights. CSEA is awaiting the issuance of a more complete description of the new mask policy before making any further assessments.
VOTING LEAVE
Please see the attached notice regarding excused leave to vote in the June 2021 primary elections. Those members that do not have 4 consecutive hours to vote before or after their shift are entitled to request leave. As required for previous elections you may be required furnish proof of active voter registration in order to substantiate the use of this excused leave, i.e. copy of your voter registration card or online voter registration status, correspondence from Board of Elections. You may access your voter registration status online at https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS SURVEYS
The contract negotiations team has begun the process of preparing for contract negotiations with the Unified court system. One of the key factors in this process is determining what is important to you, our members. Last week the electronic version of our contract negotiations survey was sent to those of you whose email addresses are registered with CSEA. Printed surveys and letters, with return envelope included, have been sent to those members whose email addresses CSEA does not have. If you have not registered online with CSEA and would like to register for future informational blasts, announcements and surveys, you can do so at the CSEA Inc. website here: https://cseany.org/ and sign up for messages to your home email and phone. The return date set for the hard copies will be no later than July 6th, 2021. If you do not receive a survey by June 15 please notify Surinda Singh at Surinda.singh@cseainc.org. Negotiations dates in August and September are currently being set between CSEA and OCA representatives.
COVID VACCINATIONS
Please be advised that should you choose to receive the Covid vaccine, at the time of your vaccination you request proof of the date and time of your appointment. Many walk-in clinics are not providing that information and without it, HR departments are unable to approve the appropriate amount of compensatory time given to members.
UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT/ BLAZER ALLOWANCE
CSEA has received confirmation that the Uniform and equipment allowance along with the Blazer allowance payments have been scheduled to be made June 23rd.
PEOPLE PROGRAM CONTEST
The CSEA/AFSCME PEOPLE program is hosting a $50 pre-paid debit card contest this summer. To enter, members simply provide their name, email address and phone number. On the last day of each month, from May to October, one CSEA member will be randomly selected to win.
Look for more contest information at upcoming region, local and unit membership events, or enter the contest on our website.
SAVE THE DATE – WE ARE HEADING TO CORTLAND COUNTY
Thank-you to those of you who signed up to attend our drive-through event on Monday, June 14, 2021 from 2:00 pm to 6:30 pm, at the NYS DOT Polkville Residency located at 4771 Route 41in Cortland, NY. I look forward to seeing you there.
Updates
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.
Updates
MAY 24th RETURN TO IN PERSON STAFFING
The multi-union coalition met with OCA management representatives, in order to discuss the May 24th resumption of in-person staffing. CSEA addressed the health and safety concerns of our membership and requested a gradual reopening process to mirror the plan implemented last fiscal year, starting with 25% of staff and gradually over time, progressing incrementally to 100%. Though we were unable to delay the return date, we want our members to know that we heard your sentiments and relayed them to management. We will continue to address facility safety and health issues on a case by case basis. We expressed our displeasure in the way this re-opening was handled and how the Unions were not consulted ahead of the announcement. We 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. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the local. The coalition was also informed that several competitive positions have been approved to be filled. Though this is just the beginning, we are hoping this step in the right direction will begin to ease staffing deficits.
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.
LOCAL 334 SCHOLARSHIP EXTENDED THROUGH MAY 21st
The CSEA Judiciary Local 334 application deadline has been extended to May 21st, 2021. 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.
DEFERRED COMP WEBINARS
Dan Kain from NYS Deferred Compensation will be hosting Deferred Compensation Enrollment webinars on Wednesday, May 19th at 10:00am and 4:00pm and Wednesday, May 26th at 10:00am and 2:00pm. Dan will also be hosting Deferred Compensation Pre-Retirement webinars on Thursday, May 20th 12:00pm and Thursday, May 27th at 12:00pm.
To register for one or more of the webinars, you may click on the links below:
Enrollment Webinars: (In this webinar you will learn about Deferred Compensation and how it can help you save for retirement as well as how to enroll)
Wednesday, May 19, 10:00am
Wednesday, May 19, 4:00pm
Wednesday, May 26, 10:00am
Wednesday, May 26, 2:00pm
Pre-Retirement Webinars: (We will go over how to calculate your NYS Pension, how and when to withdraw Deferred Compensation Funds, the taxes involved with doing so and much more)
Thursday, May 20, 12:00pm
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:
2021 Local Elections
LOCAL 334 OFFICER ELECTION RESULTS
(Stephanie Gburek, Local 334 Election Chair, & Nicholas Jamrosz, Vice Chair)
The following slate of officers have been deemed elected/unopposed at the close of nominations for CSEA Judiciary Local 334, for the next four-year term beginning July 1, 2021:
Ian Spencer, President
Tamara Witteman, Executive Vice President
Redverse Lovell, 1st Vice President
David Visser, 2nd Vice President
Catrina Leone, Secretary
Rosanne Wicks, Treasurer
Updates
2 PERCENT SALARY INCREASE
*Late last evening the Office of the State Comptroller advised that Unified Court System employees will see the 2% increase and retroactive pay reflected in their May 26th, 2021 paycheck.*
We are happy to report that included in the State budget was an appropriation for the 2 percent salary increase that was due and payable April 1, 2020. This appropriation also includes payout for any retroactive monies due. Employees who were in active service for any period following April 1, 2020 are entitled to the retroactive payment and for that base annual salary adjustment, to be factored into their pension calculation should they retire prior to the actual payment being made. Once this contractual obligation has been paid in full, our grievance that was filed regarding this issue will be withdrawn as moot. We thank you for your patience in what we know has been a long road.
Additionally we have had many members inquire about an Early Retirement Incentive (ERI). Though one was passed in the budget, it only pertains to City workers in NYC. We have no expectation and/or indication that any ERI will be passed for State employees. In fact, we will be advocating that the hiring and promotional freeze that was implemented by the NYS Division of Budget and the Governor’s office be lifted so that hiring and filling of those positions that were lost due to attrition can be filled as soon as possible.
CONTRACTUAL PAYMENTS
A reminder that CSEA has been advised that all members eligible for SLED, longevity and incremental payments effective April 1st, 2021 will see those payments reflected in their April 28th paycheck.
CSEA SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Statewide- Deadline extended to June 1st, 2021
It is with great pleasure CSEA announces the 2021 Irving Flaumenbaum Memorial Scholarship Program application period is now open. From now until April 15, eligible children or grandchildren of CSEA members can apply to win one of the 18 Irving Flaumenbaum Scholarships, plus be eligible for the Met Life and Pearl Insurance Awards.
Region 5 – Deadline May 1st, 2021
The Central Region application deadline is May 1, 2021 for our 15th annual College Scholarship awards from eligible high school seniors whose parents, legal guardians or grandparents are Region 5 CSEA members in good-standing.
Local 334 – Deadline Extended to April 23rd, 2021
It is with great pleasure CSEA Judiciary Local 334 announces the 2021 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. All applications must be received by April 16th.
*These scholarships are another member-only benefit of belonging to New York’s Leading Union.*
AFSCME SCHOLARSHIPS
Several scholarship programs are available for AFSCME members and their children. A brief description of each scholarship is below. For more information on the AFSCME scholarships, visit the AFSCME Scholarship page or call 1-800-588-0374.
2021 WOMEN’S CONFERENCE
A message from Statewide President Mary Sullivan –
“I’m excited to invite you to virtually attend our 2021 Women’s Conference. This year’s theme is “And Still We Rise” and will feature informative workshops and inspirational speakers. Women have made great strides over time, but we still have far to go to achieve equality. Our union and the Labor Movement, in general, have always been staunch supporters of women’s rights and the struggle to achieve equity, opportunity, fairness, and respect for all. There are so many interesting and groundbreaking things we are living through. The pandemic has plagued us over the last year, and we are learning to adapt and overcome the challenges it has presented us. Our union’s Standing Women’s Committee has put together a conference agenda with programs that will provide information, tools, and techniques to help recharge our energy to continue rising above the challenges and build our power. Even though it is still not safe enough to gather in person, we will use our technology to come together online and figure out new ways to keep making “good trouble,” as the late Congressman John Lewis was fond of saying.”
This event is open to all current and retiree union members. Details on Conference Registration are available through our conference website at: https://cseany.org/womens-conference-2021. You must be logged in to our site to be able to view this page and register online. Please note: Registration has been extended and will close at 5pm on Wednesday, April 21.
DEFERRED COMP WEBINARS
Dan Kain from NYS Deferred Compensation will be holding Deferred Compensation Pre-Retirement webinars on Tuesday, April 20th at 12:00pm and Monday, April 26th at 12:00pm.
Dan will also be holding Deferred Compensation Enrollment webinars on Thursday, April 22nd at 12:00pm and Thursday, April 29th at 10:00am.
To register for one or more of the webinars, you may click here:
Pre-Retirement Webinars: (We will go over how to calculate your NYS Pension, how and when to withdraw Deferred Compensation Funds and the taxes involved with doing so and much more)
Tuesday, April 20th 12:00pm
Monday , April 26th 12:00pm
*Did you know * You can withdraw your pre-tax Deferred Compensation money as soon as you leave state service regardless of your age with no penalty!
Enrollment Webinars: (We will go over the basics of investing with Deferred Compensation as well as how to enroll).
Thursday, April 22nd 12:00pm
Thursday, April 29th 10:00am
*Did you know* You can sign up for Deferred Compensation and contribute as little as 1% of your paycheck!
Updates
2 PERCENT SALARY INCREASE
The State’s Executive Budget was passed last week. We are happy to report that included in the budget, is an appropriation for the 2 percent salary increase that was due and payable April 1, 2020. This appropriation also includes payout for any retroactive monies due. We do not at this time have an exact date as to which paycheck we can expect to see this money, but are estimating it should be late spring/early summer. Once this contractual obligation has been paid in full, our grievance that was filed regarding this issue will be withdrawn as moot. We thank you for your patience in what we know has been a long road.
Additionally we have had many members inquire about an Early Retirement Incentive (ERI). Though one was passed in the budget, it only pertains to City workers in NYC. We have no expectation and/or indication that any ERI will be passed for State employees. In fact, we will be advocating that the hiring and promotional freeze that was implemented by the NYS Division of Budget and the Governor’s office be lifted so that hiring and filling of those positions that were lost due to attrition can be filled as soon as possible.
Updates
UPDATED GUIDANCE
Please review the attached updated Guidance distributed by OCA to all Judicial and Non- Judicial court personnel yesterday regarding Quarantine following Exposure, UCS COVID-19 Daily Self-Assessment & Leave for Quarantine policies and procedures. Unless otherwise referenced this guidance will go into effect tomorrow April 1, 2021 and will supersede information set forth in Sections VII and VIII in the March 17, 2021 Memorandum.
SICK LEAVE BANK
Attached please find information regarding the 2021 CSEA Sick Leave Bank Open Enrollment period. If eligible and interested in enrolling, please complete the enrollment form and scan your submission to your respective HR department. Enrollment forms must be received no later than April 14, 2021. If you are already a member it is not necessary to reapply. The annual contribution charges for 2021 have been waived for current members.
CONTRACTUAL PAYMENTS
A reminder that CSEA has been advised that all members eligible for SLED, longevity and incremental payments effective April 1st, 2021 will see those payments reflected in their April 28th paycheck. We have also been advised that OCA will be deferring yet again, the 2% raise in full into the next fiscal year. We do not have any further details as to the anticipated duration of the deferral.
CSEA SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Statewide- Deadline April 15th, 2021
It is with great pleasure CSEA announces the 2021 Irving Flaumenbaum Memorial Scholarship Program application period is now open. From now until April 15, eligible children or grandchildren of CSEA members can apply to win one of the 18 Irving Flaumenbaum Scholarships, plus be eligible for the Met Life and Pearl Insurance Awards.
Region 5 – Deadline May 1st, 2021
The Central Region application deadline is May 1, 2021 for our 15th annual College Scholarship awards from eligible high school seniors whose parents, legal guardians or grandparents are Region 5 CSEA members in good-standing.
Local 334 – Deadline April 16th, 2021
It is with great pleasure CSEA Judiciary Local 334 announces the 2021 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. All applications must be received by April 16th.
*These scholarships are another member-only benefit of belonging to New York’s Leading Union.*
AFSCME SCHOLARSHIPS
Several scholarship programs are available for AFSCME members and their children. A brief description of each scholarship is below. For more information on the AFSCME scholarships, visit the AFSCME Scholarship page or call 1-800-588-0374.
Upcoming Local Officer Elections
(Stephanie Gburek, Local 334 Election Chair & Nicholas Jamrosz, Vice Chair)
As required by CSEA Election Rules, attached are the “Standing Rules” and “Notice Regarding Campaigning” that must be distributed in relation to the upcoming Local 334 Elections. Also attached is the Election Schedule and Nomination Notice, setting forth the timeline for the petitioning process. Petitions may be requested at any time but will not be released until April 16th and must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 3rd, 2021.
2021 Standing rules and regulations regarding election
Updates
BIAS MATTERS
Thursday February 4th Judge DiFiore released a memo “Further Addressing Bias in the Court System.” The Unions were not consulted on this new policy before it was released. Friday morning the Local Presidents of CSEA Judiciary met virtually to discuss this memo and proposed new policy. Following our meeting we also participated in a virtual meeting with the multi-union coalition to further discuss the memo and new policy, which is quite broad in scope. We are currently looking into the parameters of the contractual obligations involved. As we get further information, we will update our members.
GET YOUR FUNNY ONLINE WITH CSEA!
Join us on Zoom for an hour of fun with four New York-based comedians on February 24th @ 7 p.m. To help us all escape the doom and gloom of the pandemic for a while, CSEA is now taking registrations for union members and union staff to attend the free Zoom Comedy Hour. The program will feature four hilarious New York-based comedians, bring your beverage of choice and enjoy the show.
To access the registration link, you must first login to https://cseany.org/ and then visit: https://cseany.org/comedyhour.
STATE BUDGET UPDATE
This week, Fran Turner, Director of CSEA’s Legislative and Political Action Department, testified in front of the New York State Senate and Assembly to comment on the Governor’s proposed budget. CSEA opposed the proposed closures and elimination of services within the Office of Mental Health and Office of Children and Family Services, the elimination of local government assistance, and attacks on the health insurance of retirees. All members are encouraged to contact their region Political Action Coordinator and get involved in stopping these harmful cuts to state and local government programs. CSEA’s complete testimony is available at: https://tinyurl.com/csea-budget-testimony2021
FEDERAL AID UPDATE
The Governor’s proposed state budget is directly tied to President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion aid package. This aid package includes $350 billion in state and local aid that is needed to fill the budget gaps found in NYS and our local governments. This is likely our last shot to get this needed aid to protect services and jobs! We invite you to find out more and how you can do your part. Join our Legislative & Political Action Department’s webinar titled: “Our Last Shot, CSEA’s campaign to help our state and local governments.”
We are offering several different dates and times over the next week to accommodate members’ work and home schedules as much as possible. Please choose one of the following meeting times that works best for you and follow the instructions to register.
- Monday, February 8 – 7:00pm – Register at https://tinyurl.com/last-shot-feb8
- Tuesday, February 9 – 10:00am – Register at https://tinyurl.com/last-shot-feb9-morning
- Tuesday, February 9 – 6:00pm – Register at https://tinyurl.com/last-shot-feb9-evening
- Wednesday, February 10 – 6:30pm – Register at https://tinyurl.com/last-shot-feb10
- Thursday, February 11 – 4:00pm – Register at https://tinyurl.com/last-shot-feb11
ON-DEMAND COVID 19 WEBINAR
CSEA wants you to have all the facts regarding the new COVID-19 vaccines so that you can make an informed decision for you and your family. Our ninety-minute on-demand program will answer the most frequently asked questions regarding how the vaccines work, employee rights, the NYS Roll Out Plan and post-vaccine protocols in the workplace. This free webinar is open to anyone on demand at: https://tinyurl.com/csea-covid-vaccine-webinar
CSEA SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Statewide
It is with great pleasure CSEA announces the 2021 Irving Flaumenbaum Memorial Scholarship Program application period is now open. From now until April 15, eligible children or grandchildren of CSEA members can apply to win one of the 18 Irving Flaumenbaum Scholarships, plus be eligible for the Met Life and Pearl Insurance Awards.
Local 334
It is with great pleasure CSEA Judiciary Local 334 announces the 2021 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.
*These scholarships are another member-only benefit of belonging to New York’s Leading Union.*
AFSCME SCHOLARSHIPS
Several scholarship programs are available for AFSCME members and their children. A brief description of each scholarship is below. For more information on the AFSCME scholarships, visit the AFSCME Scholarship page or call 1-800-588-0374.
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL
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