MORE THAN A THOUSAND HOURLY, SEASONAL WORKERS GET ORGANIZED BY CSEA

Westchester, N.Y.--  More than 1,000 hourly and seasonal employees of Westchester County overwhelmingly voted to become a part of Civil Service Employees Association, New York State's largest union.

The workers, who began organizing to join CSEA more than a year ago, voted in a representation election held by the New York State Public Employment Relations Board in July. The ballots were counted on Aug. 1.

The campaign, called H.O.U.R. Westchester – Hourlies Organized and United for Respect – began when unrepresented Westchester County workers approached CSEA about joining the union. Westchester County CSEA leaders saw the opportunity to assist these workers and strengthen the union, union leaders said.

The newly organized workers include some seasonal workers working at the county’s parks, pools, golf courses and an amusement park, and some year-round employees who work on an hourly basis with no benefits.

“We saw the need to protect our work and strengthen our union by bringing together all Westchester County workers,” said CSEA Westchester County Unit President Karen Pecora. “This organizing campaign is part of our broader effort to defend vital public services at a time when they are under attack.”