CSEA WOMEN'S CONFERENCE COULD NOT BE MORE TIMELY

Albany, N.Y.-- Congressional Republicans, who vowed to come to our nation's capital and focus like a laser on the economy, are instead focusing like a laser on social issues, including a bill that could let hospitals refuse to end life-threatening pregnancies and put the lives and health of women at risk. This comes at a time when CSEA members will convene in Albany on April 1-3 to discuss the important role of women in the workplace and women's issues in general.

This latest example of the Republicans’ agenda can only be defined as radical and extreme. While Democrats work to improve the economy and create good paying jobs for American families, the GOP is busy pandering to the right-wing fringe. First, Republican representatives tried to redefine rape. Now they’re telling women just how little they think their lives are worth.

If this proposal upsets you as much as it does some of our union brothers and sisters, we urge you to find out more about CSEA women's issues.  We should be telling the political fringe: "Not on our watch."  Start focusing on job creation and stay away from deciding the fate of women's health matters.

Chances are, the Democratic Senate will stop this bill from becoming law, but we need all members to stand up for the rights of all women. We must say: “Not on our watch.”

For more information about CSEA Women's Committees, you can go here.  Angela Muscianese from Unit 7400 is the Local 828 Women's Committee Chair. 

Here is a message from our President, Danny Donohue:

CSEA Statewide Secretary Denise
Berkley talks with President Danny
Donohue about issues of the day.
photo:  Ove Overmyer

Dear CSEA Sisters and Brothers,

As our second century begins, CSEA members are facing unprecedented challenges. Working women in particular are threatened by the loss of jobs, benefits and rights that have made it possible for them to support themselves and their families.

But "We've Got the Power" to fight back against attacks by politicians, corporate interests and the media, and CSEA's Women's Conference provides working women and men a chance to increase their knowledge and union leadership skills to face these tough times.

"CSEA Women, We've Got the Power" is the theme of this year's Women's Conference, and I urge all the women - and men - in this union to take this to heart as we prepare for what could the biggest fight of our lives.

The conference programs will not only build your union activism skills, but give you a stronger base to help cope with challenges you may face in and out of the workplace. You will also have a chance to network with CSEA sisters and brothers across the state. Learn from these programs and learn from each other.

"We've Got the Power." Your enthusiastic participation in this conference will help us better use it to fight back.

In solidarity,

Danny