MONROE COUNTY LOCAL 828 ACTIVISTS ATTEND NYS BUDGET CAMPAIGN TRAINING

CSEA Local 828 members attend NYS Budget
Campaign Training in Rochester, N.Y. on March 7.
(photo:  Bess Watts)

Rochester, N.Y.-- On Monday, March 7, more than 35 officers and union activists from nearly 20 Units attended a NYS Budget Campaign Training workshop held at the CSEA Rochester Satellite Office at Winton Place. The training was sponsored by CSEA WNY Region 6 and the CSEA WNY Region 6 Political Action Committee.

Members discussed details of the Governor's proposed budget and how it will affect our workplaces and retirees. Additionally, members learned skills to fight back against the constant attack against our fellow workers and the services we provide. Attendees were introduced to techniques to change minds through effective messaging and our field campaign educators shared information about how our jobs keep New York moving in the right direction.

Village of Brockport Unit 7408
President John Streb looks over data.
(photo:  Bess Watts)

Local 828 president Bess Watts, says she was very encourgaged by the large turnout at the training. She said, "Like never before, workers know they are being challenged from all sides and they have to build the skill set to navigate these difficult times. This training will help us tremendously when we need it most. Today was a good day to be a union member."

If you missed this workshop, you can still attend a similar event on Saturday, March 12 at the CSEA WNY Region Office at 120 Pineview Drive, Amherst, New York. You are required to call 1.866.568.7734 by the end of today.

Enormous challenges ahead

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has proposed a $132.9 billion state budget with significant cuts in aid to localities, health education and state operations. CSEA is at work analyzing all the ways the Cuomo budget will affect New Yorkers and your communities.

There are enormous challenges in front of New Yorkers at all levels of government. CSEA has consistently stated that we are looking for fairness in his approach. Where we agree that his proposals are good for the people of New York, we will be supportive and where they are not, we will make our case.

Let's be clear, however, that massive layoffs of front-line working people who deliver necessary services will be devastating to the families involved and harmful to New York's economy and communities that depend on those services. Politicians cannot talk about economic recovery while pursuing layoffs.

CSEA is prepared for whatever may come with a ground and air campaign to deliver the facts to the public. We will make our voice heard. We cannot succeed however, without the involvement and mobilization of CSEA members at the grassroots level - standing up for what is right and delivering a reality check to family, friends and neighbors, as well as elected officials.