KEEPING THE WORKFORCE CENTER STAGE

Rochester, N.Y--  On January 11, local CSEA member-activists assembled at the Monroe County legislative chambers to remind county lawmakers about the county employees apprehension over the seemingly lack of concern from the executive branch over the value of public services and for the welfare of the dedicated people who provide those services to our community.

Cris Zaffuto, Unit 7400 president for the full time county employees spoke at the public forum to request lawmaker input in resolving the contract dispute. She used the opportunity to inform the legislators about the daily work and the conditions that workers face, addressing the workplace climate at the Monroe County Department of Motor Vehicles.

County workers in
the legislative chambers.
(photo by Bes Watts)

Zaffuto told The Voice Reporter, "It is important to break down each area of public service so that the legislators get to see the individual face of the service that is performed and what it means both to the worker and the public."  She added that she will continue to highlight an area of work at each meeting until this situation is resolved.

Zaffuto stated that the legislators must remember that the county workforce has been working since January 2009 without a contract and that a "just agreement" is long overdue. “Our workers continue to give their best everyday, regardless of the lack of an agreement.  This fully shows that we as workers are dedicated to serving the community, not disgruntled, even though we are seeing a lot of unneeded stress in dealing with the situation.”

Workers appear at legislative
meeting to ask lawmakers to
help settle contract dispute.
(photo by Bess Watts)

All CSEA members are invited to attend and speak at the monthly legislative meetings to keep the lack of a contract at the forefront of the legislator’s minds. We do not want any county official to believe we as workers are content with the current situation. We will continue to do our work and perform it at our very best.  We only expect that those in power of county government will fulfill their duty to negotiate a fair contract for the workers who provide the vital services for our community.

Important dates to remember:

Thursday, January 31st, 5:30 pm:  General Membership Meeting, Marriott Hotel, Ridge Rd

Tuesday, February 1st, 5:45 pm:  Monroe County Legislative Meeting, Monroe County Office Building

Tuesday, February 15th, 5:30 pm:  Unit 7400 Taskforce Meeting, Rochester Satellite Office

CSEA Unit 7400 Leadership thanks all members for their continued involvement and will continue to keep all members up to date on the contract situation.