Ulster county csea local 856, kingston, ny
Ulster county csea local 856 website
Welcome to the CSEA Local 856 Website
Please check our site for the latest postings. If you prefer, you can join our mailing list for updates and other Union information
A word about our Postings online
Wherever possible - the postings are listed in chronological order. You can click on the image to view the entire posting or the link that accompanies it.
These postings are also available on site at the Union Bulletin Boards in the County Buildings as well.
Todd Schmidt,
President, CSEA Local 856
Hello Sisters and Brothers!
Thursday, September 19, 2024
Dear CSEA Family,
National POW/MIA Recognition Day
On Friday, September 20, we recognize those who served in the military and became prisoners of war, and those who served but are still missing in action. Our military personnel and veterans deserve our greatest gratitude for their willingness to risk their lives to defend us. Join me in remembering those who paid the price for their willingness to serve by being taken prisoner or never making it home again. They are not forgotten.
Attention: Important Election Info for Public and Private Sector Local and Unit Presidents
As you may know, the term of office for current Local and Unit officers will expire on June 30, 2025.
According to the Local and Unit Constitutions, now is the time to appoint your Election Committees. More specifically, by October 15, 2024, each Executive Board is to select (1) a Chairperson and Election Committee, or (2) an Election Meeting Chair [an option if your membership is 150 members or less].
CSEA’s Statewide Election Committee (SEC) sent a letter on September 9 to each President (or, where applicable, to the CSEA Administrators) with detailed instructions. An Election Data Form was also enclosed, which is to be completed and returned to CSEA Headquarters.
Please refer to the September letter for procedural requirements. You may contact the SEC at 1-800-342-4146, ext. 1447 or sec@cseainc.org, if you, as President or Administrator, did not receive this important letter.
CSEA is polling members ahead of November elections
As we head toward Election Day on November 5, I want to inform you that our union’s Legislative and Political Action Department is calling members with some important political polling questions. These calls have 518-257-1000 as the caller ID and are completely legitimate. Please encourage members to take these calls and answer the questions openly and honestly to help inform us.
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know seniority shouldn’t matter during layoffs, according to Project 2025? They think management should be able to lay off whomever they want!
Find out more: https://www.tinyurl.com/Project2025Unions.
Regional News:
Long Island Region members rally for respect
After negotiations hit impasse, the CSEA Oyster Bay - East Norwich School District Unit held a contract rally this week. Unit members took to the streets to raise public awareness and support and let management to know they won't back down from seeking a fair contract!
Member Benefit Spotlight – Hear Your Best With Amplifon
Do your CSEA members know that untreated hearing loss can be linked to cognitive decline? It’s true. Many studies have demonstrated a connection between untreated hearing loss and cognitive impairments such as memory decline, reduced processing speed, and even an increased risk of dementia. Fortunately, new research has provided significant evidence that hearing aids could play a crucial role in reducing these risks. Don’t let your members ignore hearing changes. It is never too early to schedule a hearing exam especially when it is Free for CSEA members and their families. The first step to hearing health starts here.
A reminder to all officers in accordance with the CSEA Local and Unit Constitutions, Article V, Section 6: “All officers shall attend officers’ training sessions, grievance training sessions as well as disciplinary training sessions as provided by the Association.”
The following trainings are currently scheduled:
Required Union Representation IN-PERSON Trainings:
Local Government Discipline and Interrogation –Yonkers (Region 3)
Saturday, September 21, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.
Call (845) 831-1000 or (800) 757-CSEA to register.
Local Government / Private Sector Grievance Representation –Bath (Region 6)
Wednesday, September 25 and Thursday, September 26, 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm.
Call (716) 691-6555 to register.
Local Government Discipline and Interrogation –Medford (Region 1)
Wednesday, September 25 and Thursday, September 26, 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm.
Call (631) 462-0030 to register.
**This is a 2-part training, participants must complete both sessions to receive credit for completion.
Required Union Representation VIRTUAL Trainings:
State Government Discipline & Interrogation Recertification
Monday, September 23, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1495
Private Sector Discipline & Interrogation
Monday, September 30, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
https://memberlink.cseany.org/Event.axd?e=1499
For a full list and description of workshops offered by the Education & Training Department go to: https://cseany.org/training-workshops
Required Officer Trainings:
Contact your region to register.
Region 1 – (631) 462-0030 Region 4 – (518) 782-4400
Region 2 – (212) 406-2156 Region 5 – (800) 559-7975
Region 3 – (845) 831-1000 Region 6 – (716) 691-6555
VIRTUAL Secretary Training for Regions 1-6:
Tuesday, October 15, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Deadline to register is October 4th. Call your Region to register.
What do you want to read about?
I’m asking for your feedback on any topics you’d like to see covered in future editions of this weekly leadership update. If you have ideas, please take the time to fill out our quick online survey at: https://forms.office.com/r/seCVpFhVaG.
I appreciate your response.
In Solidarity,
Mary E. Sullivan
President
CSEA Local 856 Boat Ride & Membership Meeting
September 13, 2024 | 6pm-9pm | 5:30pm board
Hudson river cruises
1 East Strand street, Kingston, NY 12401
CSEA Local 856 members pay $20 and 1 adult guest of the member pays $30. The member will be refunded their $20 when they board the boat.
Light refreshments will be provided and music by DJ Frank Banks will be on board for your dancing pleasure.
Adults only. Credit cards only at the bar, no cash accepted.
Please contact a Local Officer to purchase tickets: Todd Schmidt at UC Probation 845-750-7265; Sheri Farrell at UC DA 845-706-1865; Kirk Jones at UC IS 845-332-5207; Derek Stapleton at Town of Shandaken 845-514-5919; Tina Buono at UC DSS 845-706-9620
Space is limited. Tickets available until September 1, 2024.
2024 Local 856 Scholarship winners
- $1,000 - Andrew Binnie for Ian Binnie
- $1,000 - Josh Williams for Adrianna Williams
- $500 - Frank Witkowski for Amari James
- $500 - Jennifer Allen for Sydney Allen
- $500 - Tim Keating for Patrick Keating
- $500 - Josh Williams for Isabella Williams
- $500 - Anthony Tetta for Patricia Tetta
- $500 - Christine Block for Taylor Block
- $500 - Elizabeth Johnson for Eric Johnson
- $500 - Davi Osgood for Sadie Heagney
- $500 - Krista Fuller for MacKenzey Fuller
- $500 - Samantha Smedes for Amalia Forlani
- $250 - Inger Christensen Dorney for Joshua Dorney
- $250 - Christina McClinchey for Dante McClinchey
- $250 - Willis Forlani for Amalia Forlani
- $250 - Cheryl Landi for Cody Landi
- $250 - Charleen Roy-Cornelison for Sean Cornelison
- $250 - Andrew Binnie for Alexander Binnie
- $250 - Tom Kellner for Elizabeth Kellner
- $250 - Victoria Lane for Robert Benson
- $250 - Charleen Roy-Cornelison for Gillian Cornelison
- $250 - Ann Pisano for Anthony Pisano
- $250 - Sheileen Palladino for Daniel Palladino
- $250 - William Minard for Gabrielle Joy Minard
- Alternate 1 - Barbara Vazquez for Alina Vazquez
- Alternate 2 - Ann Pisano for Angelina Pisano
Tier 6 Reforms were just passed by the State Legislature
Another Step Forward to Improve Tier 6
- Increases the value of your pension by changing the final average salary calculation.
- Any overtime earnings will continue to be excluded from your pension contribution rate for 2 more years.
Members did this by holding rallies, making calls, sending emails, and lobbying legislators.
For More Information:
Legislative Victory
Crediting Provisional Time (S.5494 Jackson / A.7155 Pheffer Amato)
A bill has been signed into law, which requires that any time spent as a provisional employee be counted towards an employee's probationary term upon receiving a permanent appointment in the same title. This law went into effect on September 7, 2023
What was the law before?
Employees can spend years as a provisional employee as they wait for available civil service tests. Once appointed to a permanent role, they can be required to spend up to an additional year on probation.
Labor Education
Welcome to This Week in Labor Education!
The purpose of this newsletter is to provide education, information, and resources to members on labor issues and labor education trainings/workshops offered by the Education and Training Department. If you haven't subscribed, but would like to receive this publication directly to your inbox, please click here to subscribe.
CSEA Education & Training Upcoming online representation and union-building webinars scheduled
The Education and Training Department staff continue to provide opportunities for members to gain and enhance their skills through our online trainings. These trainings are open to members in All Regions. Workshop descriptions and registration for all current offerings are available online on our website.
Participants must use their own time or have approved release time to attend trainings if attending during their normal work hours. Grievance Representation Training and Representing Members in Discipline and Interrogation Training are both required for all officers as per the CSEA Constitutions.
Share to subscribe
Do you have co-workers who would like to receive this publication? They can scan this QR code with their smartphone to be directed to our quick and easy online subscription form!
- This Week in Labor Education is published by the Education and Training Department of CSEA, AFSCME, Local 1000, AFL-CIO.
Mary E. Sullivan, President
The Federal law addressing child nutrition is up for reauthorization. This is the law that includes reimbursements you get for feeding children under your care. This process occurs every 5 years, but the program has not seen substantial updates in a long time. With enormous food inflation and a childcare crisis, we urgently need to have Congress enhance the benefits this law provides to ensure you can continue to provide healthy food to children in your care.
We need to convince Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, to champion changes to this program and to act immediately.
Please send a letter to Senator Gillibrand today to tell her how important it is that Congress increase food reimbursements for providers, expand eligibility, and provide reimbursement for an additional snack or meal.
Use this link to send your letter now: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/update-the-federal-child-nutrition-program/ and be sure to share this link with anyone else who would be willing to support us.
Thank you for taking action on this important issue!
CSEA/VOICE |143 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12210
CSEA You are not alone we are stronger together
Strengthening the CSEA Relationship through the Insurance Program
Offering a voluntary insurance program since the 1930's, CSEA was a pioneer in the group insurance program that has benefited thousands of members and their families over the decades.
These specially negotiated group plans are only available as a CSEA Member. All plans are with A+ rated carriers vetted by CSEA & obtained through the union's strength of extensive membership. The program today is better than ever with a full range of offerings from life insurance products to supplemental disability, to rental and homeowners insurance to auto, boat and motorcycle. We even have catastrophic illness and pet insurance available. Everything that you might need in your life.
How the CSEA Group Sponsored Insurance Program has helped Members
Are taxes stunting your growth?
Did you know that by contributing to New York State Deferred Compensation Plan you can put off paying taxes on your contributions and any earnings.
The plan is tax-deferred . That means that you pay less current federal and New York State income taxes today and have the opportunity for your money to grow tax-deferred. You don't pay taxes until you decide to make withdrawals, which are taxed as ordinary income.
Investing involves market risk, including possible loss of principal.
Be tax smart.
Sign-up for the Plan today.
Ask questions, review your account or join
Ulster County Employees
New York State Deferred Compensation Plan
Please contact Gene for more information about your benefit.
For general info please visit: www.nysdcp.com
For MORE information, contact Gene Nescot at his voicemail (614)854-4364
or send Gene an email to gene.nescot@nationwide.com
CSEA - Insurance for csea members
CSEA - Pearl Insurance
Insurance plans specifically designed for CSEA Members!
- Disability
- Term Life
- Whole Life
- Critical Illness
- Comprehensive Accident Plan
- Hospital and Home Care Recovery
- Auto
- Home & Renters
- RV, Boat, Motorcycle
- Umbrella
- Pet Insurance
Your NEW CSEA Insurance representative is: Sean Lynch - 518-860-0612 | call or text!
Click on the CSEA Pearl Insurance flyer for additional information.....
Early Retirement Incentive Update
Subject: CSEA members: Get the facts on Early Retirement
Reply-To: get.active@cseainc.org
Many CSEA members are inquiring and seeking an Early Retirement Incentive (ERI) this year from the legislature. While CSEA does support any additional retirement benefit that may be offered to all of our members, the specific proposals that have been introduced in the Assembly and Senate are unacceptable for many reasons as outlined below:
The proposals give the employer the exclusive right to target who gets an incentive and the position must be ELIMINATED. That means the specific job is gone. While ERI’s do have a benefit when layoffs are proposed, that is not the case this year. In fact, all of our state agencies are understaffed and mandatory overtime is being used exclusively in our agencies. There also are no proposed layoffs on the local government side and in fact many county executives are using stimulus money to beef up the workforce especially in probation, social work, child protective workers and 911 operators. This bill is not automatic for local governments or the state. THE EMPLOYER GETS TO CHOOSE TO OPT-IN OR NOT.
No position in health care, direct care or public safety can get the incentive. This particular provision excludes almost three-quarters of our state workforce and many positions in local government as well. CSEA cannot support an ERI that does not treat all of our members fairly and equitably.
There is always a cost to an ERI that is paid for by the employer. These costs can add up to millions of dollars that the employer must pay to the retirement system. In order for the employer to save any money, the job must be eliminated leaving employees who cannot take advantage of the ERI to do even more with less workers. In addition, if the employer is paying out more money to pay for an ERI that means less money for contract negotiations or raises!
Employers in the past have used the ERI to support and promote the privatization of our public jobs. When there are not enough workers to do the job the state and local governments will contract out the work. In fact, this year our Department of Motor Vehicles is so far behind in servicing the general public due to the pandemic that they contracted out to Triple A to pick up the slack... members of AAA can now get any motor vehicle service accomplished at their local office in the downstate area.
Employers in the past have also given the ERI to management and then rehired that same person as a consultant to no benefit of the CSEA members.
For all of the reasons listed above, CSEA cannot support the proposed ERI’s currently pending in the legislature.
CSEA would and will support an ERI that is open and fair to all of our members, that doesn’t eliminate positions and that strictly prohibits privatization of the work performed by the members.
In solidarity,
Mary E. Sullivan, President
CSEA Local 1000, AFSCME, AFL-CIO, 143 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12210
We will continue to add additional content as it becomes available.
