Local 828 Donates to Area Veterans

This year the Local Veterans and Women's Committee dropped off over 500 lbs of holiday provisions to the Rochester Veterans Transition Center.  The RVTC is a federally funded program that provides necessary life-saving services for veterans in the Rochester and Monroe County area.

Big props go to Local 828 Women's Committee Chair Angela Muscianese for her organizing efforts and to Joanne Dunn for her assistance in delivering the gifts and provisions.  And a big THANK YOU to all our generous units for making this effort a huge success!

Pictured Louis Loquasto, RN., Angela, Bess & JoAnne

Photos by Ove Overmyer

Support Our Veterans Christmas Campaign

 CSEA LOCAL 828 "SUPPORT OUR VETERANS" STOCKING CAMPAIGN

   

This Christmas, the CSEA Local 828 Women's Committee is collecting donations for the Rochester Veterans Transition Center (RVTC).  The Center would like to provide every Veteran in their structured outpatient programs a Holiday Stocking filled with new UNWRAPPED treats (toiletry items, playing cards, socks, non-perishable snacks, etc.).   Check out your workplace to see where you can donate or contact Angela at 585-739-6640 for more information.

Link to flyer: PDF

Veterans Day Ceremony

On Saturday, November 14, more than 100 people attended the 15th Annual CSEA Western Region Veterans Day Ceremony held at the Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park in downtown Buffalo. The event was sponsored by the Western Region Veterans Committee and Western Region President Flo Tripi. 
Remember to honor our Veterans everyday...

CSEA Local 828 Fall 2015 Newsletter

Newsletter link for PDF for posting HERE

CSEA Endorsed Candidates for the Monroe County Legislature

Below you will find the endorsement recommendation list for the Monroe County Legislature candidates for the 2015 election cycle. Candidates were interviewed by CSEA Region 6 PAC East members from different Locals that reside in Monroe County during the first two weeks of August 2015.

On August 19, Region 6 PAC East and West committee members met in Batavia, N.Y. to approve these recommendations. Your Region PAC representatives are Local CSEA 828 President Bess Watts and Sean Gibbons.

The endorsed candidates are as follows:

District- Name- Party-Geographic Area

3^rd LD: John Romagnola, (Dem, Chili)

4^th LD:  Erik Johnson, (Dem , Gates, Ogden)

12^th LD: Maggie Ridge, (Dem, Chili, Henrietta, Riga, Wheatland)

13^th LD: Simeon Banister, (Dem, Henrietta, Pittsford)
16^th LD: Joe Carbone, (Rep, Irondequoit)

17^th LD: Joe Morelle Jr, (Dem, Irondequoit)

18^th LD: Dorothy Styk, (Dem, East Rochester, Perinton)

21^st LD: Mark Muoio, (Dem, Rochester)

22^nd LD: Vincent Felder, (Dem, Rochester)

23^rd LD: James Sheppard, (Dem, Rochester)

24^th LD: Joshua Barouth, (Dem, Rochester, Brighton)

25^th LD: John Lightfoot, (Dem, Rochester)

26^th LD: Yversha Roman, (Dem, Gates, Greece, Rochester)

28^th LD:  Cynthia Kaleh, (Dem, Rochester)

29^th LD: Ernest Flagler, (Dem, Rochester)

It should be noted that there was no endorsement for Monroe County Executive.  Election Day is November 3^rd – if you do not know your local representative you can find information at the Monroe County Board of Elections website at http://www.monroecounty.gov/etc/voter/

CSEA Annual Delegates Meeting Oct 5 -9

During the 105th Annual Delegates Meeting in Buffalo, hundreds of CSEA leaders and activists were empowered to face the union’s challenges and lead CSEA into the future. The five-day meeting was not only filled with numerous plenary programs and workshops to develop delegates’ leadership skills and knowledge, but included powerful addresses from A. Philip Randolph Institute President Clayola Brown and AFSCME International President Lee Saunders.

Local CSEA 828 Delegate Angela Muscinase and Local Treasurer Debbie Ake attending a workshop

A. Philip Randolph Institute President Clayola Brown  

AFSCME President Lee Saunders

Town of Irondequoit Library Grand Opening

After many years the Town of Irondequoit had their Grand Opening for their beautiful new library on September 12th.  Dignitaries throughout the State of New York attended the ribbon cutting including Congresswoman Louise Slaughter and Assemblyman Joe Morelle.  The rainy weather did not keep people away.  The library is staffed with CSEA members who worked tirelessly to make this day a success.   Congratulations on a job well done! 

The entrance to the new library

Balloons reflecting the lights from the ceiling

Mouse from 'Give the Mouse a Cookie' Fame and Curious George joined in the celebration.

  

Rochester Labor Day Parade

Support your Union by walking in the
Labor Day Parade!

Join us and bring your family!!

Monday, September 7^th, 2015
Line-up: 9-10 am meet at Pitkin St. between E Main St/East Ave
Parade starts at 11:00AM (Streets close at 10:30)
T-shirts to all members who attend, Family welcome!

We'll be joined by CSEA Local 1000 President Danny Donohue!

PDF FLYER FOR POSTING AT THIS LINK

New York Safety Program

AFSCME Next Wave Report

This year’s AFSCME Next Wave Assembly, held June 11-14^th in St. Louis, MO, had an overwhelming theme of what is means to be “AFSCME Strong” and the importance of what it means to belong to an union.  The message of AFSCME Strong simply stated stands for “Union, Family, and Future.”  AFSCME is about our Union, our Family, and about our Future as workers.  CSEA has a delegation of 21 from all over New York State.  CSEA Local 828, sent April Spring-Buckley, Melissa Burley, and Carrie Chapman as representatives.  Training mainly was in the area of organizing and activist training.  Some of the other workshops attended were on the area of how to film a video during a rally with your smartphone, inter-generational communication meaning being able to communicate with different generations.  If I came back with one major point to share, is that it’s important to be heard in our workplace and the union can help accomplish this!      

-April Spring-Buckley, Chair Next Wave, MCC Unit 7402

I recently attended the AFSCME Next Wave Assembly in St. Louis.  It was my first experience attending a conference.  The high level of enthusiasm towards the topic of strong unions and why they are crucial for not only present day but in the future was so inspiring to me.   It was clear to see the fight for fair and equal rights spans across our country and is not easily obtained and protected.  Listening to the stories of others and sharing ideas confirmed the fact that the numbers truly can speak volumes when one might think their voice won’t be heard.   This conference instilled in me a mission to want to get more involved because the future, no matter how far off it may be, is up to us, the Next Wave!

 -Carrie Chapman, MCC Unit 7402

I have attended various CSEA conferences in the past but this was my first national conference. It was enlightening to see so many ASFCME members come together in one place. It was clear to see that all members deal with the same types of issues. The speeches that were given by President Saunders, the keynote speakers, and the guest panel were filled with passion and enthusiasm and they were very inspiring. I was surprised by some of the statistics that were presented in the Racial and Economic Justice Panel. It reaffirmed the reasons why we need to stand together collectively to strengthen our voice in the workplace and in the community and that we need to lead this union to stand strong today and in the future!

-Melissa Burley, MCC Unit 7402

Carrie Chapman - April Spring-Buckley & Melissa Burley

Tichacek and Overmyer honored at reception

Overmyer (at left) and Tichacek.
Photo by Bess Watts

Webster, NY-- On July 1, CSEA Monroe County Local 828 Executive Board sponsored a lakeside dinner reception to honor two long-term union activists from the Rochester and Monroe County area. Many activists and CSEA staff from the Western Region attended the event, including CSEA Western Region President Flo Tripi.

Joe Tichacek, a 35-year member of the Town of Webster Highway Department, officially retired in January of this year. Joe served as Unit President for nearly a dozen years and was also a Local Vice President. He also served on many Local and Region committees. Joe has earned a stellar reputation for his loyalty, sense of humor, honesty and due diligence when it comes to workplace issues. He will be sorely missed by his union colleagues.

Ove Overmyer was also honored at the dinner. Ove served as Unit President of the City of Rochester Library Workers since 2006 and was also a Local Vice President. Ove was employed at the Rochester Public Library for nearly 18 years and resigned June 5 to accept a new career opportunity as the CSEA WNY Region 6 Communications Specialist. Overmyer also served for many years as the Local Political Action Chair and Western Region Technology Chair.

At the dinner, attendees shared memories and stories about Joe and Ove. Bess Watts, President of Local 828, delivered some parting gifts and publicly wished her two longtime friends the best of luck in their future endeavors.

Next Wave & Women's Committee Event July 26th

Link to PDF

Four Webster, NY students win CSEA scholarships

Webster, NY area students win CSEA Scholarships
On June 1, four Webster area students were presented checks for $1,000 in college scholarship prize money at a picnic supper banquet at Liberty Lodge, Finn Park, Webster, NY. From left to right: Trevor Maciejewski (Webster Thomas HS), Erica Blair (Webster Thomas HS) and Austin Ocwieja (Webster Schroeder HS). Not pictured is second year scholarship award winner Jacqueline Gier, who will be attending SUNY-ESF this fall. Photo by Ove Overmyer, ©2015

Four Webster area students win CSEA Scholarships

Webster, N.Y.—On Monday, June 1, CSEA Monroe County Local 828 Executive Board and the Local 828 Scholarship Committee hosted the 22nd Annual Scholarship Awards Dinner at Liberty Lodge at Finn Park, 850 Maple Dr., Webster, N.Y.

At the picnic supper, Local and Unit officers formally announced the winners of the CSEA Local 828 George M. Growney Memorial Scholarships and Unit 7400 Scholarship Awards for 2015. This year, $10,000.00 was awarded to deserving area students whose parents or caregivers are members in good standing of CSEA Monroe County Local 828. Four students from Webster High Schools landed scholarship prize money.

Mr. Growney was a long time local labor leader and activist. He was employed as a probation officer with Monroe County. He served as local president for nearly two decades before his retirement in 1995. George had a passion for kids to succeed, and would be proud that his union brothers and sisters have carried on his legacy of love and commitment to youth. George M. Growney died on August 10, 1997. The scholarship program was named in his honor in 1998—one year after his passing.

A $1,000 second year scholarship was awarded to Jacqueline Gier, who spent her college freshman year at Niagara University, NY. She will be transferring to SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry, Syracuse, NY majoring in Environmental Studies.

Erica Blair, a senior at Webster Thomas High School, was awarded a first year $1,000 scholarship and will be attending North Carolina’s Duke University this fall.

Austin Ocwieja, a senior at Webster Schroeder High School, was awarded a first year $1,000 scholarship and will be attending the University of Buffalo, NY to study Mechanical Engineering.

Trevor Maciejewski, a senior at Webster Thomas High School, was awarded a first year $1,000 scholarship and will be majoring in Psychology at St. John Fisher College, Rochester, NY this fall.

“This is one of the best things we do as union activists,” said Bess Watts, President of Local 828. She added, “It’s very rewarding to know we are helping our young people succeed in life.”

The scholarship committees have reviewed thousands of applications in the past 22 years, which demonstrates the significant need of financial resources for young adults continuing their formal education. Scholarships applicants are judged on academic achievement, a written essay, financial need and potential.

Since 1993, CSEA Local 828 has awarded over $140,000 in scholarship prize money. In 1993, the Monroe County Employees Unit 7400, the largest Unit in the Local, created their own scholarship program and have distributed more than $23,000.

CSEA Local 828 Scholarship Awards Dinner

CSEA Monroe County 828 holds Scholarship Awards Dinner

2015 CSEA Local 828 Scholarship Award Winners.
Pictured far left: Jim D'Amico and Bess Watts. Photo by Ove Overmyer

Webster, N.Y.—On Monday, June 1, CSEA Monroe County Local 828 Executive Board, Local 828 Scholarship Committee hosted the 22nd Annual Scholarship Awards Dinner at Liberty Lodge at Finn Park, 850 Maple Dr., Webster, N.Y. Many members from the Retirees Local 912 also served on the Scholarship Committee as well.

At the picnic supper, Local officers formally announced the winners of the CSEA Local 828 George M. Growney Memorial Scholarships and Unit 7400 Scholarship Awards for 2015. This year, $10,000.00 will be awarded to deserving area students whose parents or caregivers are members in good standing of CSEA Monroe County Local 828.

Since 1993, CSEA Local 828 has awarded over $140,000 in scholarship prize money. In 1993, the Monroe County Employees Unit 7400, the largest Unit in the Local, created their own scholarship program and have distributed more than $23,000.

Mr. Growney was a long time local labor leader and activist. He was employed as a probation officer with Monroe County. He served as local president for nearly two decades before his retirement in 1995. George had a passion for kids to succeed, and would be proud that his union brothers and sisters have carried on his legacy of love and commitment to youth. George M. Growney died on August 10, 1997. The scholarship program was named in his honor in 1998—one year after his passing.

“This is one of the best things we do as union activists,” said Bess Watts, President of Local 828. She added, “It’s very rewarding to know we are helping our young people succeed in life.”

CSEA Local 828 Scholarships are open to graduating high school seniors whose parents and caregivers are members or agency shop fee payers of Monroe County Local 828. The scholarship committees have reviewed thousands of applications in the past 23 years, which demonstrates the significant need of financial resources for young adults continuing their formal education. Scholarships applicants are judged on academic achievement, a written essay, financial need and potential.

This year, no applicant met the requirements to be awarded the Jane McManus Scholarship. The JMS is given to a student whose parent or caregiver is a CSEA represented employee at the Rochester Public Library Unit 7420. The scholarship award money will roll over to next year.

Here are the winners:

What happens to unwanted books?

By Ove Overmyer

From time to time, library workers, book sellers and avid readers everywhere are confronted with the age-old conundrum of deciding what to do with older unwanted books that do not circulate or no one wants to buy or read. This is especially true after libraries hold their annual books sales-- and contemplate the next steps for those titles left on the shelves. Some library purists will tell you that every book should live forever; that’s not practical, nor is it true. In fact, there are plenty of good options for a book’s end of life. Every book has its own provenance-- and some are just doomed for failure at some point. Here are some insights on what might just happen to some everyday books that have lost their appeal or usefulness.

The rise of electronic books

It’s hard to talk about the demise of printed books without first mentioning the use of electronic books. With the advent of e-readers and devices that make it easy to carry a lot of books around, some readers have speculated that e-books will eventually kill printed books altogether. Not so fast! As a matter of fact, publishers large and small keep printing hardcover and paperback books-- and librarians and the general public have not stopped buying and devouring them. Recent studies indicate the printed book is going nowhere-- and small and large printers and publishers have no plans on slowing down production anytime soon.

Here are some facts. Nicholas Carr of The Wall Street Journal writes, “It's looking like traditional books are going to be around for a long while, and maybe forever.” He argues that e-books are probably best suited to complement traditional reading, rather than totally replacing it. Here's the biggest reason why: 59 percent of Americans have no interest in buying an e-book, according to a 2012 survey by Bowker Market Research.

Carr also assembled a bunch of other surveys that, taken together, show how the printed book isn't on its deathbed-- just yet anyway. So, as library collections are weeded and titles are de-accessioned, chances are that more books will be printed and bought to fill our library shelves and your retail bookstore. Studies also show that growth in e-books sales is slowing.

Book donations in the United States

Most public libraries in the United States accept gift books with the proviso that the library is free to decide whether to keep the book in the library's collection, put it in a book sale to raise funds for the library, or discard it if it proves to have no purpose or value. Persons seeking to donate books to libraries are encouraged to contact their local library and ask about the donation process first so reasonable expectations are matched.

Library workers also suggest contacting your state library. A public library or academic library in your area can supply the address and telephone number for your state library (often a toll-free call for in-state residents).  Additionally, there are many private groups that distribute book donations -- but most only distribute new books. Donations of used books are not generally accepted by these organizations.

Book donations to countries overseas

There are several organizations that distribute books to other countries. Many of these organizations distribute books overseas at no cost to the donating person or library other than shipping costs to the U.S. facility. As an example, your local Rotarians are steeped in their mission to get new books and related materials into the hands of needy children around the world.

Other book donation programs

Many U.S. prisons, penal institutions and nonprofit entities are looking for book donations. The American Library Association (ALA) provides a Prisoner Resource List of groups accepting donated books for institutions all across the country. There's also a map and a full page of links to Other Books to Prisoners Programs available through the ALA. Some libraries have donation guidelines posted on their website; others you will need to contact by phone. Your local library can provide acceptable donation guidelines.

Remember, not all books have a resale value on the Internet; therefore, we encourage book donors to do their homework first and find out whether the materials are easy or difficult to sell before contacting their local library.

Altered books

You may ask, “Can physical books serve any other purpose?” Well, all you would need to do is ask the artist living next door to you. An altered book is a form of mixed media artwork that changes a book from its original character into a different form, altering its appearance or its original meaning. Altered book art is becoming increasing popular these days and can fetch hefty sums in the marketplace.

Recycled books and library discards

Last but not least, some library books eventually end up at paper recycling centers and are processed into raw materials. Sadly, books that are selected for recycling have reached their end of life—only to be reincarnated. Many times old recycled books become new books or magazines, yielding eco-friendly materials that continue to inspire, educate and entertain audiences everywhere.

In conclusion

This article just scratches the surface addressing issues around accountability and proper handling of books nearing end of life-- and where those books might go to die. Truth be told, booksellers and library advocates everywhere make educated critical decisions daily to explore what options and best practices are available when considering where a book might go next. Rest assured, most library professionals are master stewards of taxpayer dollars and usually make the right decisions. Library patrons can do their part educating readers everywhere on proper end-of-life book handling by starting a conversation in their community today.

Union to Stage Rally at the Rochester-Genesee Regional Transit Authority

The Amalgamated Transit Union Local 282 and their supporters will make a statement regarding recent decisions made by CEO Bill Carpenter

Rochester, NY-- On Thursday, May 7, 2015, members of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 282 and their supporters will rally at the RGRTA headquarters this Thursday protesting the decisions made by CEO Bill Carpenter that will cost 144 workers their jobs, and leave the Rochester City School District trying to figure out transportation for 9,000 students to and from school as of July 1st of this year. 

The decision by Bill Carpenter to pull the plug on busing city school students came without a vote from the board, and is heavily contested by the school district and the workers who are employed by the RGRTA. Carpenter defended his decision as a resolution to recent violence in the downtown transit center.

“It goes without saying that ATU Local 282 Executives and members want to see an end to violence at the Transit Center,” says Local 282’s President, Jacques Chapman. “The solution, however, is certainly not what Bill Carpenter is proposing.”

Chapman warns, that if fully implemented, Carpenter's plan will trigger consequences the CEO does not want to make public.  7000 student riders whose express transfer buses never went to the Transit Center now will be penalized and forced to take regular line service buses to the Transit Center potentially leaving no seats or standing room for regular paying customers.  Because of the decision not to renew the Rochester City School District contract, which had been subsidizing RTS operations, bus fares will have to be increased.  Eliminating 40 maintenance personnel will strain that department so much that techs will have difficulty maintaining and repairing buses causing even more daily cuts and missed trips for scheduled route service leaving more customers on the street.

The workers and supporters of the RTS services will be at a rally calling for the replacement of Bill Carpenter as CEO of the RGRTA to the Board of Commissioners with a competent CEO who can manage in adversity and efficiently utilize available resources. 

PLEASE JOIN THESE WORKERS AND CUSTOMERS OF THE RGRTA

WHEN: Thursday, May 7, 2015 at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: RGRTA Headquarters located at 1372 E. Main St. in Rochester, NY 14609

2015 George M. Growney Scholarship Award Winners Announced; Award Ceremony Slated for June 1

Webster, N.Y.—On Monday, June 1, CSEA Monroe County Local 828 Executive Board, Local 828 Scholarship Committee and CSEA Retirees Local 902 will host the 23rd Annual Scholarship Award Dinner at Liberty Lodge in Finn Park, 850 Maple Dr., Webster, N.Y.

At the picnic supper, Local officers will formally announce the winners of the CSEA Local 828 George M. Growney Memorial Scholarships, Unit 7400 and the Jane McManus Scholarship Award for 2015. This year, $10,000.00 will be awarded to deserving area students whose parents or caregivers are members in good standing of CSEA Monroe County Local 828.

Since 1993, CSEA Local 828 has awarded over $140,000 in scholarship prize money. In 1993, the Monroe County Employees Unit 7400, the largest Unit in the Local, created their own scholarship program and have distributed more than $23,000.

George M. Growney Memorial Scholarships Local 828 & Unit 7400

Mr. Growney was a long time local labor leader and activist. He was employed as a probation officer with Monroe County. He served as local president for nearly two decades before his retirement in 1995. George had a passion for kids to succeed, and would be proud that his union brothers and sisters have carried on his legacy of love and commitment to youth. George M. Growney died on August 10, 1997. The scholarship program was named in his honor in 1998—one year after his passing.

“This is one of the best things we do as union activists,” said Bess Watts, President of Local 828. She added, “It’s very rewarding to know we are helping our young people succeed in life.”

CSEA Local 828 Scholarships are open to graduating high school seniors whose parents and caregivers are members or agency shop fee payers of Monroe County Local 828. The scholarship committees have reviewed thousands of applications in the past 23 years, which demonstrates the significant need of financial resources for young adults continuing their formal education. Scholarships applicants are judged on academic achievement, a written essay, financial need and potential.

Jane McManus Scholarship Unit 7420

Jane McManus

This year, no applicant met the general criteria to win the Jane McManus Scholarship. Therefore, the funds for this year will roll over to the 2016 Scholarship.

In 1974, Jane McManus started her public service career at the Rochester Public Library as a Senior Library Clerk. While a full-time employee, she also worked in the Literature and Local History Divisions. Shortly thereafter, Jane was promoted to part-time Library Assistant while working in the Reynolds Audio-Visual Department of the Central Library. In 1991, she transferred to the Winton Branch Library and has been The Story Lady for over two decades.

In 1993, Jane was appointed to the Part-Time Benefits Committee at the Rochester Public Library. In 1995, Jane was one of the founding members who organized and established CSEA Local 828 Unit 7420. Jane was unanimously elected as the first ever President of the City of Rochester Library Workers Unit, where she remained as President of the Unit until April 2006.

Jane remains active in CSEA serving as a Steward, Contract Negotiations Team member, Grievance Rep, member of the Local 828 Health & Safety Committee, and member of the Local 828 Scholarship Committee. She’s a strong advocate for workers’ rights and childhood education. Her CSEA part time library co-workers in Unit 7420 proposed that a scholarship be named in her honor in 2010. They did so knowing full well that Jane's passion, leadership abilities and vision should be forever acknowledged in perpetuity. After 41 years of public service, Jane is planning her retirement for sometime this fall.

Here is a list of the 2015 Scholarship Award winners:

* Winners in red ink are Unit 7400 winners. Click on image for a larger view.

Rochester Unite For Marriage Rally Slated for Monday, April 27

Rochester, NY will host Unite for Marriage rally April 27

Rochester, NY-- This year, hundreds of local organizers across the country are working to plan events in communities large and small, conservative and liberal, and in all corners of the country to show that America is ready for marriage equality. Once again, Rochester, NY will be on that map. On Monday, April 27 a coalition of local organizations will be sponsoring a rally in front of the Kenneth Keating Federal Building, 100 State Street, Rochester, NY  14614 from 5:00 – 6:30 pm to call for equal protections for all citizens of the United States.

The national strategy to win marriage for same-sex couples has always focused on a final victory at the U.S. Supreme Court. In the past year alone, there have been 65 rulings in favor of marriage for same-sex couples -- clearly demonstrating that the country is ready and that the age-old arguments against the freedom to marry simply don’t survive judicial review.

Finally, the question of whether same-sex couples everywhere can marry will have its day before our nation’s highest court. In January, the Court granted review of cases from four states - Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee – with oral arguments to be held this week. This historic moment follows years of steady momentum, from increasing public support, to four referendum victories in 2012, to even the Court itself, when it denied petitions in five marriage cases in October 2014, thereby allowing the freedom to marry to take effect in 11 states.

Local advocates are raising their voices once more to proclaim it’s time for a national resolution by the Supreme Court when nearly 72 percent of Americans live in a state that grants marriage to same-sex couples. There are now just 13 states without the freedom to marry, and those families continue to face harm and discrimination every single day.

Scott Fearing, Executive Director of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley says when it comes to earning a living, having a place to call home, and sharing in public accommodations, everyone should be treated fairly under the law. He added, “All hardworking people deserve the right to marry and should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for their families. Marriage provides that stability for all our working families.”

This event is sponsored in part by The Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, The MOCHA Center, Pride at Work, AFL-CIO, Marriage Equality USA-Rochester, Empire State Pride Agenda and New York Civil Liberties Union among others.

ROCHESTER FIGHT FOR FIFTEEN RALLY & MARCH APRIL 15

Rochester, NY -- Let’s face some facts-- wealthy billion dollar corporations and the CEO's who run them dole out poverty wages so they can continue to exponentially line their own pockets. It's time to say, "Enough is Enough!"

We are asking all community members to join us tomorrow at our local Fight for 15 Rally-- and join tens of thousands of other concerned citizens around the country who care about eradicating poverty and reducing income inequality in our local communities. Please join us on Tax Day, April 15, 5:00 pm, at the University of Rochester, Rochester, New York!

In recent years, a growing movement has taken the public's attention calling for higher wages for all people. This movement, initiated by fast food workers has been taken up by airport workers, home health aides, Walmart workers, car wash workers, and thousands more.  We know that we're worth more, and we know that these multi-billion dollar corporations can afford to pay a living wage.

On April 15th, people around the world will make history as we hold rallies and marches demanding higher wages and economic justice in our communities. Thousands of working people will be marching in cities across the globe. We're making history and we're winning!

In Rochester, we will march with low-wage workers, church groups, unions, students, and community groups. Without hundreds of people taking bold, public action, nothing will change. It's time to march, time to chant, time to make our voices heard.

Organizers are requesting attendees to use the parking logistics information at the bottom of this page. The rally is on the Eastman Quadrangle, the Rush Rhees Library is the east end of the Quad. The march will proceed west on Elmwood Avenue to College Town (Mt Hope Avenue – east of UR Medical Center).

Organizations Endorsing Fight For Fifteen, Rochester, New York 

Metro Justice of Rochester
1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East
American Postal Workers Union (APWU) Rochester Area Local 215
Black Rose Anarchist Federation/Federación Anaquista Rosa Negra, Rochester
Buddhist Peace Fellowship Rochester Chapter
Calvary St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Parish
Citizen Action of New York
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA/AFSCME Local 1000)
Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) Rochester Chapter
Downtown United Presbyterian Church Social Justice Committee
First Unitarian Church of Rochester Social Justice Council
First Universalist Church Social Justice Committee
Friends of St. Bridget’s
Greater Rochester Community of Churches/Faith in Action Network
Interfaith Impact of New York State
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 86
International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Local 118
National Organization of Women (NOW) Rochester Chapter
New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) Region 3
New York State United Teachers (NYSUT/AFT/NEA)
Pauperis Advocates, Inc
Pride at Work, AFL-CIO Rochester Finger Lakes Chapter
Rochester Alliance of Communities Transforming Society (Roc/ACTS)
Rochester Committee on Latin America (ROCLA)
Rochester Friends Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends
Rochester Regional Joint Board - Workers United
Rochester and Vicinity Labor Council, AFL-CIO
Service Employees International Union Local 200United
Sisters of Mercy - New York, Pennsylvania, Pacific West - Justice Team
Sisters of Mercy - New York, Pennsylvania, Pacific West - Leadership Team
Social Welfare Action Alliance Rochester Chapter
The Interfaith Alliance of Rochester (TIAR)
United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) Local 1097
United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local One
Worker Justice Center of New York
Working Families Party of New York

Libraries Work Because We Do

National Library Week will be observed April 12-18, 2015 highlighting the theme, "Unlimited possibilities @ your library®." First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and our library workers. All types of libraries -- school, public, academic and special – will be participating again this year. AFSCME and AFSCME NY/CSEA represent more than 25,000 library workers nationwide. 

Celebrations during National Library Week include: National Library Workers Day, celebrated the Tuesday of National Library Week (April 14, 2015), is a day for library staff, users, administrators and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers; National Bookmobile Day, celebrated the Wednesday of National Library Week (April 15, 2015), is a day to recognize the contributions of our nation's bookmobiles and the dedicated professionals who make quality bookmobile outreach possible in their communities; and Celebrate Teen Literature Day, celebrated the Thursday of National Library Week (April 16, 2015), is aimed at raising awareness among the general public that young adult literature is a vibrant, growing genre with much to offer today's teens and young adults.

History: In the mid-1950's, research showed that Americans were spending less on books and more on radios, televisions and musical instruments. Concerned that Americans were reading less, the ALA and the American Book Publishers formed a nonprofit citizen’s organization called the National Book Committee in 1954. The committee's goals were ambitious. They ranged from "encouraging people to read in their increasing leisure time" to "improving incomes and health" and "developing strong and happy family life."

In 1957, the committee developed a plan for National Library Week based on the idea that once people were motivated to read, they would support and use libraries. With the cooperation of ALA and with help from the Advertising Council, the first National Library Week was observed in 1958 with the theme "Wake Up and Read!"

Strong Communities Work News April 2015