News
Updates
CSEA VACCINE 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. This one-hour program will answer the most asked questions regarding how the vaccines work, employee rights, the NYS Roll Out Plan and post-vaccine protocols in the workplace. CSEA staff will also be on hand to answer any other questions you may have about the vaccine process. This webinar is open to anyone and everyone is welcome to attend.
If you have a group of 10 or more, custom sessions and times can be scheduled through CSEA Local/Unit Leadership contacting their CSEA OSH Specialist. Due to the frequent information updates regarding the vaccines, this webinar will not be offered on demand for the foreseeable future.
Click on the link below the date to register.
December 29, 2020, 4:00 PM
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/regi…/8112431397506058763
December 30, 2020, 11:30 AM
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/regi…/4579145284089807115
January 5, 2021, 11:30 AM
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/regi…/6462846196981704715
January 6, 2021, 4:00 PM
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/regi…/4709732081097534987
January 7, 2021, 11:30 AM
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/regi…/3336170478633240075
Updates
NEW YORK STATE TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
Changes to the Executive Order 205.2 (as of November 4th)
Any state that does not share a border with New York is considered “restricted”. Travelers from those states are subject to a mandatory quarantine upon entering New York, with the minimum being 4 days and the maximum being 14 days, depending on the circumstances. If the traveler obtains a negative Covid test 72 hours prior to entering to New York, on the fourth day “in state” they can request a second test. Should they receive a second negative test at that time, the traveler may then exit quarantine prior to the usual 14 day requirement. For all other travelers to New York who are unable to obtain a negative covid test 72 hours prior to entering the state, the mandatory quarantine continues to be 14 calendar days.
The only exemptions to the mandatory quarantine order are for those individuals traveling from CT, NJ, PA, MA or VT and where travel in the “restricted location” was for a limited duration of less than 24 hours.
2% INCREASE
On Friday, November 6th, CSEA had its Step 2 hearing on the grievance that was filed regarding our contractual 2 percent raise and retroactive money to April 1st. OCA advised CSEA should receive a decision on or before January 1st. Local Presidents do not expect a favorable decision at this step but are fully prepared to take this to arbitration. We will continue to keep you apprised of any developments.
GRIEVANCE FILED
On November 5th CSEA locals 333 and 334 filed multiple grievances in regards to the probation extensions of represented Court Officer Trainees across our respective Locals. On Thursday it was decided upon by the Union and the State Judiciary that these grievances would be combined and filed as a class action on behalf of all represented COT’s affected throughout the State. The grievance will be scheduled for a step 2 review in the near future.
PAY EQUITY STUDY
Attention State Employees: The NYS Department of Civil Service (DCS) Division of Classification & Compensation is conducting a Pay Equity Study of state and municipal employees to make sure the equivalent value of work is compensated at the same rate by public employers, regardless of race or gender, and to provide data to address any wage disparities. The last time this was done in the mid-1980s, the DCS upgraded nearly 240 titles. This is a periodic review to ensure the system is working as intended. CSEA is fortunate to have our Director of Research, Don Kelly, sitting on the advisory committee for this study to lend his expertise and advocate on behalf of CSEA members.
In the coming weeks, DCS will send out a questionnaire to a random sampling of approximately 20,000 state employees, many CSEA-represented. On November 30, a paper questionnaire will go out to those state employees without computer access, and then on December 2, they will send out electronic copies of the survey. For those selected, participation is mandatory, but you will be able to complete this on work time. Responses will be due back by the deadline of December 16.
CSEA supports this study and we urge all state employees who receive this survey to please complete it as quickly and thoroughly as possible. It is our understanding that DCS will follow up with a similar survey of local government workers following the survey of state workers. For more information, see the Frequently Asked Questions at: https://tinyurl.com/civilservicesurveyFAQ. You may also speak to your agency’s human resources office or email PayEquityStudy@cs.ny.gov
NYS DEFERRED COMP WEBINARS
Dan Kain from NYS Deferred Comp will be holding a Pre- Retirement webinar on Wednesday November 18th at 10:00am. He will also be holding an Enrollment webinar on Thursday November 19th at 10:00am. – The retirement webinars will focus on calculating your NYS pension, how and when to withdraw your NYS Deferred Comp money and the taxes involved with doing that. The Enrollment webinars will focus on the basics of deferred comp for anyone interested in learning more about the plan as well as how to enroll.
To register for one of the webinars, you may click here:
Pre- Retirement Webinar Wednesday, November 18, 2020 10:00 am
https://nationwidepcsales.webex.com/nationwidepcsales/onstage/g.php?MTID=eb635727d466f0f1e2ef8677a4eeee732
Enrollment Webinar Thursday, November 19, 2020 10:00 am
If you cannot attend but would still like to speak with Dan you can use the following link to set up an individual appointment:
http://dankainphoneappointment.myRetirementAppt.com
CSEA TESTIMONY AT LEGISLATIVE HEARING
This week, CSEA presented testimony to the Assembly Standing Committee on the Judiciary, relating to budget and staffing reductions in the Judiciary Branch.
The Unified Court System is expected to be facing a 10% cut to its budget next year, as are other state agencies as the state tries to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
CSEA Local 333 President Scott Gartland (Region 4) and CSEA Local 330 President Diane Hansen (Region 1) presented CSEA’s testimony to the legislature. The testimony stressed that the court system has still not fully recovered from cuts made during the last recession, and any cuts to non-judicial personnel next year would only endanger the functioning of the courts.
“There will likely be no easy decisions in State Fiscal Year 2021-22, but we must do all that we can to ensure that we don’t let this crisis drag our state down for years to come. CSEA can say with confidence that millions of New Yorkers from one end of the State to the other depend on our members to assist them in every type of civil and criminal case that exists. We also can say with confidence that any position that gets laid off will have their absence felt by their co-workers in the form of an additional work burden and by the public in terms of additional wait time for justice.”
Updates
BUDGET CUTS
The coalition of Unions representing all Unified Court System employees met with the Office of Court Administration this morning via Skype. We were informed due to the Governor’s 10% reduction to the Unified Court System’s budget for this current fiscal year, there will be a $300 million dollar shortfall. OCA has been taking steps to make up for the shortfall and it was relayed today that of the $300 million shortfall, they have been successful in reducing it to $28 million. OCA had proposed several options today to the Unions, some of which could possibly involve workforce reductions and/or an agreement on the 2 percent salary increase and retroactive monies. CSEA is scheduled to have a follow-up meeting with the other court unions to discuss these proposals further on Monday, October 5th.
We are also scheduled to meet again with OCA in December to get further information on what the future may hold and any other progress on the shortfall. As always, CSEA and Local 334 are committed to the best interest of our membership and as further information becomes available we will share it in subsequent receiver notices.
PROBATION EXTENSIONS
OCA has begun notifying the Court Officer Trainee (COT) class that was set to complete their 2-year probationary period on September 6, 2020, that their probationary period is being extended. OCA’s stance is that absences attributable to the CoVid 19 shutdown can be credited to leave in excess of a trainees 280 allotted hours off throughout their probation period. CSEA has been told that all excused leave (except military leave) will be considered an absence and factor into the members extension of probation. This decision by OCA could, potentially impact the probationary periods of clerical and operational members as well. At this time it does seem that new employee probation is being treated differently than promotional probation. We strongly suggest any member that has their probation extended, ask for a breakdown of all the days/hours being extended. CSEA Local Presidents intend on filing grievances regarding how OCA calculates the time that will be extended. Please share your information with us when you receive it, and we will make sure you are included in the grievances as we move forward.
CSEA AND THE POLITICS OF 2020
The Legislative and Political Action Department has developed a new webinar, “CSEA and the Politics of 2020” that delves deep into the current state of politics in our union. Do you have questions about the different ways to vote in this year’s elections? Do you ask why our union gets involved in politics in the first place? Questions about our union endorsements? How to get involved in union Political Action? This is the place to get answers from our experts. The webinars will be held over the next few weeks at different times to accommodate members’ schedules. Please click on the link to the meeting date and time that will work best for you and follow the instructions to register.
Monday, October 5th – 6:00pm
https://actionnetwork.org/events/csea-the-politics-of-2020-3
Tuesday, October 6th – 10:00am
https://actionnetwork.org/events/csea-the-politics-of-2020-4
Wednesday, October 7th – 6:00pm
https://actionnetwork.org/events/csea-the-politics-of-2020-5
NYS DEFERRED COMP WEBINAR
Dan Kain from NYS Deferred Comp will be holding an Enrollment webinar on (Thursday) October 8th at 12pm – This webinar is for anyone who is looking to learn more about the NYS Deferred Compensation Plan and how it can help you save for retirement. He will go over how the plan works and how to enroll.
To register, you may click here:
If you cannot attend but would still like to speak with Dan you can use the following link to set up an individual appointment:
http://dankainphoneappointment.myRetirementAppt.com
Daniel Kain
New York State Deferred Compensation Plan
315-527-5695
Use this link to schedule a phone appointment with me:
http://dankainphoneappointment.myRetirementAppt.com
CENSUS CONTEST
The winners of our CSEA Census Contest have been selected and one of our own is amongst the winners, congratulations Meghan! Each will receive a new Apple iPad. Thank you to everyone who entered the contest and for filling out your Census form, and congratulations to our winners:
- Region 1 – Samantha C., Local 852, Sayville Library
- Region 2 – Tara P., Local 010, Queensboro Correctional Facility
- Region 3 – Claude W., Local 860, Peekskill City School District
- Region 4 – Beverly H., Local 801, Albany Public Library
- Region 5 – Meghan M., Local 334, Judiciary
- Region 6 – Dawn L., Local 151, Albion Correctional Facility
- Retiree Division – Joan R, Florida State Retirees North, Local 952
If you haven’t filled out your Census, it’s not too late! Go to http://2020census.gov now to submit your form today!
ANNOUNCING THE NEW CSEA VISA® Credit Card!
CSEA has launched their newest member-only benefit, the CSEA VISA Credit card. Powered by CAP COM Federal Credit Union, CSEA members and their family members have exclusive access to this CSEA branded card featuring a low fixed interest rate and packed with benefits. With this card, members always get:
- No annual fee, no balance transfer fee
- Discounts from VISA and CAP COM
- 24/7 Online Account/Mobile App: Set alerts, view statements, pay bills
- Digital wallet touch-free payments
- Auto rental collision damage waiver
- Baggage delay insurance
- Zero liability fraud protection
You can apply for your card TODAY by visiting: http://www.capcomfcu.org/csea
Updates
PROBATION EXTENSIONS
OCA has begun notifying the Court Officer Trainee (COT) class that was set to complete their 2-year probationary period on September 6, 2020, that their probationary period is in all likelihood being extended. OCA’s stance is that absences attributable to the CoVid 19 shutdown can be credited to leave in excess of a trainees 280 allotted hours off throughout their probation period. CSEA has been told that all excused leave (except military leave) will be considered an absence and factor into the members extension of probation. This decision by OCA could, potentially impact the probationary periods of clerical and operational members as well. At this time it does seem that new employee probation is being treated differently that promotional probation. We suggest any member that has their probation extended, ask for a breakdown of all the days/hours being extended. CSEA Local Presidents intend on filing grievances regarding how OCA calculates the time that will be extended. Please share your information with us when you receive it, and we will make sure you are included in the grievances as we move forward.
SICK LEAVE BANK OPEN ENROLLMENT
The deadline to enroll in the Sick Leave Bank is 9/16/20 (this coming Wednesday). Open enrollment will run from August 20th through September 16th and aside from taking place later than usual, the same rules apply. There will be no exceptions to the rules which are: employees must have a minimum of 56 hours of sick leave accruals (prorated for PT employees) by close of business August 19th and enrollment forms must be submitted no later than September 16th. Applications are available through your Judicial District personnel department. This will be the last opportunity to join the Sick Leave Bank until March/April 2021.
DEFERRED COMP WEBINAR
Dan Kain from NYS Deferred Comp will be holding an Enrollment webinar on (Thursday) September 17th at 10am – This webinar is for anyone who is looking to enroll or learn more about the NYS Deferred Compensation Plan and how it can help you save for retirement.
To register, you may click here:
If you cannot attend but would still like to speak with Dan you can use the following link to set up an individual appointment:
http://dankainphoneappointment.myRetirementAppt.com
PAYROLL TAX DEFERRAL
At this time the Office of the State Comptroller is not deferring social security taxes. OSC is awaiting a decision regarding the Payroll Tax Rollback from their counsel’s office. Once a decision has been made OSC will need additional guidance from the IRS. They will notify CSEA and OCA when they have further information. OCA will follow whatever the guidelines of the OSC are currently. To this point OSC is not going to defer payment of payroll taxes through January. Keep in mind this is not a tax forgiveness program, it is a deferral for political capital period. If employees participate they will see their FICA tax temporarily stop for approximately 5-6 paychecks (through December of this year) then in January and for the first 5-6 paychecks of 2021 the FICA deduction is doubled.
AFSCME DAY OF ACTION
We are asking you to please join us and our AFSCME sisters and brothers across the country in a Day of Action Thursday, September 17, to urge the U.S. Senate to take up a coronavirus aid package which includes robust aid for states, cities, towns and school districts.
Take action that day:
- Send an email to Senators Gillibrand and Schumer
- Join the tweetstorm! Tweet messages of support to them using the hashtag #FundTheFrontlines
- @GillibrandNY
- @SenSchumer
- Call their offices at 202-224-3121 and urge them to support funding public services.
It has been more than 100 days since the House passed the Heroes Act, a proposal that meets the scale of the health and economic crisis we face. The Senate has gone on recess TWICE, while our communities suffer and our everyday heroes, including nurses, emergency responders, sanitation workers, custodians and many more, are threatened with layoffs due to massive state and local budget shortfalls.
We can neither beat the pandemic or safely reopen the economy if we cut public services and thank these brave public service workers with pink slips. That is why we urgently need robust and direct aid to our states, cities, towns and schools.
CENTRAL REGION DRIVE-THRU
2:30 p.m. — 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 1
New York State Fairgrounds — Orange Parking Lot
CSEA is hosting a Drive-Thru Member Information day to provide member benefit information and guidance to all members.
- All participants MUST stay in their vehicle
- You MUST register for the event online at https://bit.ly/3johkfd by September 25
- Food trucks will be available. The first 250 members will receive a $15 food voucher.
Updates
BUDGET CUTS
On Friday August 28th 2020 the Office of Court Administration requested a conference call with all Court Unions statewide. We were informed of the fiscal constraints OCA is facing for the rest of the year. The unions were not given any hard numbers or facts, just generic comments without any specifics. CSEA and the other Unions are awaiting specific information later this week regarding the budget constraints. As difficult as it may be, please refrain from questions at this time as this is the entirety of the information we have available. CSEA and Local 334 remain committed to our membership and will keep you informed as more information becomes available.
Updates
CONNOR’S WAY
Please join the family of retired Local President Donald Lynskey in honoring his nephew, Connor Arthur Lynskey’s memory at the 3rd Annual Connor’s way memorial run/walk. This years run/walk will run from September 15th to the 22nd and will be a virtual format due to social distancing requirements. The proceeds will be utilized for a memorial and scholarship program in Connor’s memory. Go to www.facebook.com/connorswaymemorial or www.connorsway.com for further information. A heartfelt thanks to each and every member that participates and keeps Connor’s memory alive and strong.
SICK LEAVE BANK OPEN ENROLLMENT
As many of you are aware the sick leave bank open enrollment period was delayed due to COVID-19. The Sick leave bank committee has had several discussions since March, regarding when to conduct open enrollment. The intention was to wait until as many staff were back in the office, on a regular basis, as possible so that there would be no issues of employees not receiving the information and therefore missing the opportunity to enroll. The committee understands that concerns have been expressed regarding the delay and has decided to move forward with the enrollment at this time.
The attached memo announcing open enrollment was sent out to DE’s, Chief Clerks and HR Admins who will distribute to membership as well, in order to get the word out. Open enrollment will run from August 20th through September 16th and aside from taking place later than usual, the same rules apply. There will be no exceptions to the rules which are: employees must have a minimum of 56 hours of sick leave accruals (prorated for PT employees) by close of business August 19th and enrollment forms must be submitted no later than September 16th.
STATE JUDICIARY EMPLOYEE TRAVEL POLICY
The New York State travel advisory remains in effect, to date 35 States and territories are included on the list. OCA’s policy accompanied by the Governors Executive order, mandate Judicial and Non-Judicial employees travelling into New York from these states, must quarantine (utilizing your own accruals) for 14 days if unable to telecommute. The most up to date list can be found at https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory (under “Restricted States” tab). Should you have concerns regarding how this policy will affect any travel plans, please reach out to me directly at ian@csealocal334.com or one of the other Local Officers.
AFSCME FREE BACHELORS DEGREE
AFSCME’S free Bachelor’s Completion program through Central States University has been extended through the remainder of 2020. All new and returning students who enroll for the Fall term are able to earn a bachelor’s degree in either Teacher Education, Business Administration or Criminal Justice, with no out of pocket cost. This benefit is available to CSEA members, their spouse or domestic partner, children, grandchildren, stepchildren, parents and siblings. If a CSEA member has been furloughed or laid off, they are still eligible to apply. Info at: https://bachelorsdegree.afscme.org/
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Please keep in mind that all CSEA members have access to the Employee Assistance Program. This is a free, confidential program to help you balance your work, family, and personal life, especially during these unprecedented times. As schools announce their plans for virtual-classrooms or limited, in-person instruction due to COVID-19, many of our members are scrambling for practical solutions. As a reminder, you and your family have access to professional assistance committed to helping you identify local resources, including tutoring and child care. (See attached flyer).
Please call or log-on to the website for extensive information and resources that are available to you.
TOLL-FREE: 800-833-8707
WEBSITE: www.myccaonline.com
LOG IN CODE: UCS
CSEA REGION 5 WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY
On Friday, Sept. 11 at 12 noon, CSEA representatives will gather at the Madison County Department of Social Services Building,133 North Court St. Wampsville, NY, to dedicate our Region’s 11th annual “Living Memorial” tree, in memory of those workers we’ve lost on the job.
The brief ceremony will include the installation of a plaque dedicating the memorial, and reading aloud the names of the workers we mourn. Join Central Region President Kenny Greenleaf and our Safety and Health Committee as we pay tribute and renew our fight against preventable workplace injuries and fatalities. Masks and social distancing required. Attached is a flyer to help advertise the event at your workplaces.
Fight for the living! Mourn For the dead!
CSEA SUBMITS TESTIMONY
Last week, CSEA submitted testimony to the New York State Senate hearing on the Unified Court System (UCS) and COVID-19. In the testimony, CSEA stressed the ongoing need to ensure the safety of Union members and the public in all of our courts.
ELECTION UPDATE
Last week, Governor Cuomo signed into law legislation to allow New Yorkers who are concerned about in-person voting due to COVID to apply for an absentee ballot. If you are interested in applying for an absentee ballot because of COVID, you must submit an absentee ballot application and check the box for “temporary illness or physical disability.”
If you don’t feel comfortable voting in person on Election Day or are worried about your absentee ballot being delivered on time, you can vote early in person. Early voting runs from October 24 – November 1. Check with your local board of elections for polling times and locations for early voting.
FEDERAL UPDATE
The latest report from the Division of the Budget (DOB) made clear how dire New York’s financial situation really is.
The first quarter update to the state’s Financial Plan showed actions already being taken by the state to deal with the economic fallout of the Coronavirus. According to the report:
- The State’s budget deficit has increased to $14.5 billion for this year, and $62 billion through FY2024;
- All funds tax receipts have decreased by 10.2%;
- The updated financial plan includes nearly $10 billion in budget reductions between Executive agencies, the Judiciary, elected officials, and local governments;
- State agencies have been directed to reduce operating expenditures by 10%; and
- From June – July, DOB witheld $1.9 billion in local government payments. These will be converted to permanent reductions without federal aid.
Unfortunately, Congress and the White House are still at an impasse on a new package of legislation to address the Coronavirus and every passing week makes it less likely that any additional federal aid will be provided before November’s elections. Every passing week brings us closer to these proposed cuts becoming actual cuts.
Updates
SICK LEAVE BANK OPEN ENROLLMENT
As many of you are aware the sick leave bank open enrollment period was delayed due to COVID-19. The Sick leave bank committee has had several discussions since March, regarding when to conduct open enrollment. The intention was to wait until as many staff were back in the office, on a regular basis, as possible so that there would be no issues of employees not receiving the information and therefore missing the opportunity to enroll. The committee understands that concerns have been expressed regarding the delay and has decided to move forward with the enrollment at this time.
The attached memo announcing open enrollment was sent out to DE’s, Chief Clerks and HR Admins who will distribute to membership as well, in order to get the word out. Open enrollment will run from August 20th through September 16th and aside from taking place later than usual, the same rules apply. There will be no exceptions to the rules which are: employees must have a minimum of 56 hours of sick leave accruals (prorated for PT employees) by close of business August 19th and enrollment forms must be submitted no later than September 16th.
URGENT FEDERAL UPDATE
CSEA has been sounding the alarm bell for a while now and without action from our representatives in Washington, we can expect budget cuts to come. Without the federal aid we’ve been pushing for, more and more government offices will be forced into cutting jobs. Our membership can still make an impact by taking action. Watch our “time is running out” video, please share it, and visit https://cseany.org/help-save-new-york for new resources to send the message to Washington.
Call your member of Congress at 202-224-3121 and ask them to support the funding levels in the HEROES Act – $35 billion to New York State and $33 billion to municipal governments in New York over the next two years. Our state and local governments have seen an unprecedented loss in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic. New York State is projecting a $12 billion deficit this fiscal year and $16 billion for next year. Local governments, school districts, and State agencies are facing billions of dollars in cuts this year due to this revenue shortfall.
Without additional funding, our state and municipal governments will be forced to eliminate vital services and lay off employees. These actions will hamper our economic recovery and hurt our communities for years to come.
STATE JUDICIARY EMPLOYEE TRAVEL POLICY
The New York State travel advisory remains in effect, to date 34 States and territories are included on the list. OCA’s policy accompanied by the Governors Executive order, mandate Judicial and Non-Judicial employees travelling into New York from these states, must quarantine (utilizing your own accruals) for 14 days if unable to telecommute. The most up to date list can be found at https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory (under “Restricted States” tab). Should you have concerns regarding how this policy will affect any travel plans, please reach out to me directly at ian@csealocal334.com or one of the other Local Officers.
CLASS ACTION GRIEVANCE / IMPROPER PRACTICE
On August 4th CSEA filed a Class action Grievance on behalf of all CSEA represented members employed by UCS. The grievance is in regards to the travel ban policy that affects all members, by prohibiting the use of sick leave accruals or quarantine leave as provided for by the bargaining agreement, in the event that they travel to, or are required to quarantine after returning from, one of the NYS DOH banned states. The grievance seeks the remedy of allowing all CSEA represented employees, the ability to utilize contractual benefits as provided for by the negotiated and agreed to contractual agreement.
On August 6th CSEA filed an improper practice (IP) charge on behalf of CSEA represented non-judicial employees who are employed by the NYS Unified Court System. The IP charges that UCS did not negotiate in good faith in regards to policies enacted on July, 7th (Mandatory quarantine for certain out of state travel), July 10th (Self-assessment and thermal temperature screening) and July 14th (Telecommuters Self-assessment and thermal temperature screening). CSEA views this as UCS unilaterally changing the terms and conditions of employment absent negotiation with the Union and has requested that the Public Employee Relations Board require UCS to begin good faith negotiations and “make whole, any employee who suffered any adverse employment action as a result of these new work rules”.
Updates
2% CONTRACTUAL RAISE DELAYED
The Governor has announced the delay in paying contractual raises for all state workers by 90 days. The following news release was sent out early this morning https://nystateofpolitics.com/state-of-politics/new-york/ny-state-of-politics/2020/04/09/new-york-unions-say-raises-are-being-delayed. This has been posted on the CSEA LOCAL 1000 facebook page and the online edition of the Work Force as well.
It is CSEA’s understanding that this is a postponement, when the raises do get paid, they will be retroactive to April 1st. As of now Longevity and step increases are not impacted by this and will still be paid as scheduled. Should this change I will notify all of you through subsequent receiver notices. OCA has stated those payments will be paid in the April 29th paycheck. CSEA is exploring all options in regards to handling this with the state.
SAVE NEW YORK CAMPAIGN
We are encouraging members to join the SAVE NEW YORK CAMPAIGN to push the federal government for immediate and unrestricted aid. To that end, CSEA is launching a campaign over the next two weeks to pressure Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and the NY Congressional delegation demanding they fight for these funds. Attached you will find an editable form letter and a list of all state representatives by district. CSEA needs you, its members, the very workers who are showing up every day to ensure our way of life, to participate in this campaign. Not only by contacting your representative, but also look for and share memes/ads on social media CSEA posts in the coming days. In order to get New York State out of this fiscal crisis make your voice heard. More info on the campaign at: https://cseany.org/help-save-new-york
Updates
APRIL 1st PAYROLL DELAYED
The State Legislature has not, as of 1:30 p.m. today, passed the 2020-21 State budget or a budget extender bill to provide for the continuing operation of State government. CSEA has been advised that the Legislature is meeting today and remain hopeful that it passes, and the Governor signs, the 2020-21 State budget or a budget extender bill. Provided this happens by 5:00 p.m. today, direct deposits will be made on Thursday, April 2nd . However, paper paychecks will not be put in the mail by OSC until a budget or extender bill is in place so paper paychecks will be delayed beyond April 2nd , they are mailed from Albany so delivery times will largely depend on where an employee resides.
CSEA understands that this is of great concern to all of our members, especially with everything else going on right now. Please understand, this is unrelated to current public health emergency. This is purely a budgetary issue that we are somewhat familiar with, as the approval of the budget is seemingly always down to the wire on March 31st. The complication is that the first check date is on the first day of the fiscal year, i.e. April 1st (whereas in the past we’ve had a few days of cushion between the end of the fiscal year on March 31st and the first check date in April).
As more information becomes available or the situation resolves in the Legislature I will update you all through the receiver notice.
SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINES
All CSEA scholarship application deadlines have been extended to June 1, 2020
Statewide Scholarship (Irving Flaumenbaum, Pearl Insurance, and Met Life) deadlines have been extended from April 15 to June 1, 2020.
The Region 5 scholarship deadline has been extended to June 1, 2020.
The Local 334 Michael D. Carraway Scholarship deadline has been extended to June 1, 2020
NYSCOT EXAM
OCA has postponed the Court Officer-Trainee exam until further notice; that is, until it is deemed safe to hold it. There are over 88,000 applicants for this exam.
OCA will be texting applicants about the postponement. The OCA website and e-mail auto-responses will contain the following message:
EXAMINATION POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) PRECAUTIONS: The health of applicants and their families is our first priority. When it is deemed safe to administer the examination, the examination will be re-scheduled and self-scheduling links e-mailed to applicants. Due to the nature of the crisis, we cannot predict the length of time the postponement will remain in effect. We will post the revised dates as soon as they are determined. We will continue to monitor, assess and address the situation keeping applicant safety as our foremost concern.
COPAY REIMBURSEMENT
CSEA Employee Benefit Fund has extended Co-pay reimbursement for 2019 co-pays until June 1st, 2020. If you haven’t already, please submit your reimbursement forms. In these trying times every penny counts, let them put money in your pocket. Should you have any questions call 1-800-323-2732 or go online to www.cseaebf.com
VIRTUAL COURTS
CSEA has been notified, as have some of you working out of the Fifth and Seventh Judicial Districts that “Virtual Courts” are being instituted in some of our locations. Per OCA these “virtual” courts will be up and running statewide on the projected date of April 13th. Courts will be “open for business” to the fullest extent possible. Obviously social distancing rules should remain in effect, should anyone be required to report and find this not to be the case, please contact the Local immediately. At this time, comp-time has only been authorized for the limited staff that will still be required to physically report.
Direct Deposit Form
Direct Deposit Form for NYS Employees
Some of our members are still receiving paper checks and have opted out of direct deposit. OCA has contacted CSEA in the hopes we could help assist in contacting these members. In order to have them sign up for direct deposit so they won’t see a delay in their checks, otherwise they can’t guarantee they will receive then on time. Due to the ongoing crisis OSC will be sending them out and may not have updated addresses.
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL
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