LOCAL 828 HOSTING CSEA HISTORICAL DISPLAY

CSEA History Display at Central Library of Rochester

and Monroe County from July 1 to July 30

photo by Inge Munnings

TRAVELING LABOR HISTORY DISPLAY COMING TO ROCHESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY

Rochester, N.Y. – For the month of July, the Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County will be the host site for a display that chronicles the nearly 100-year history of CSEA, the Civil Service Employees Association. The union has grown from its meager beginnings in 1910 as a small association of state employees, to become one of New York’s largest labor unions. CSEA represents about 300,000 members throughout the State, Local Government and Private Sector and negotiates more than 1,100 contracts in various municipalities.

The colorful photo display shows archival as well as contemporary pictures of CSEA members on the job. It is also peppered with historical facts to inform citizens about the many ways the union has made improvements to the lives of all New Yorkers, setting standards for workers, advocating for better government services and improving the lives and livelihoods of workers who provide public services. The display is located in the lower link level of the Bausch & Lomb Public Library Building of the Central Library near the College Resource Center.

CSEA is exhibiting the display around the state to remind people of the many ways CSEA members touch their lives, both on and off the job in their communities. The Rochester Public Library has many workers who are CSEA members.

“As we approach our hundredth anniversary, we want people throughout New York to recognize the important ways CSEA has impacted the lives of citizens and working people across our state,” said CSEA Western Region President Flo Tripi.

CSEA represents nearly 300,000 members statewide. CSEA members are primarily public employees performing every kind of work in every part of New York. The union also has a growing membership in the private sector. It is also the largest affiliate (and Local 1000) of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) which, in turn, is one of the largest affiliates of the AFL-CIO.

CSEA's Western Region 6 covers 14 Western New York counties, serving thousands of workers in 78 locals including Monroe County Local 828. The Region has over 220 units in state government, local government, school districts, public authorities, and the private sector. The region has approximately 45,000 members. Off the job, CSEA members work hard to improve our communities, support and volunteer for numerous organizations and causes with their time, talent and money.