COMMITTEE ON LABOR
MINUTES
FEBRUARY 7, 2000
GUESTS: TONY PAGANO, GARY CONLEY {CSEA 860}, PAUL RYAN (WEST/PUTNAM AFL-CIO)
OTHERS: ETTERE, DODDS, HOCH (BOL); INGRID BENT (CE OFFICE); JO BRILL (LWV)
The meeting was called to order at 11:44 a.m.
MINUTES:
Chair Mosiello introduced Tony Pagano, President for the Westchester/Putnam AFL-CIO. Also present were Gary Conley, Vice-President, and Paul Ryan, Secretary/ Treasurer.
Mr. Pagano stated that the AFL-CIO/Central Labor Body represents all organized labor in Westchester and Putnam, both in the public and private sectors. Dutchess County may soon join this unit. Their goals include organizing and mobilizing these organizations in any direction they see fit regarding politics, public safety, safety in the work place and community service. The AFL-CIO is represented on national, state and local levels. The state level represents approximately 2 ½ million members. The national level sets the agenda and the local organization adds to it when needed.
Mr. Pagano would like to see the Committee on Labor…
¨ Address concerns from individuals or local organizations relating to Westchester County’s operations.
¨ Act as a mediator.
¨ Make changes in the minimum wage or living wage.
¨ Form a sub-committee with a representative from each organization that can meet periodically and express concerns.
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Mr. Paul Ryan believes open dialogue is important in creating good relationships.
Mr. Conley feels if the Committee is successful that it will act as an example to local cities, towns and school districts. It can encourage them to sit down, hear the concerns of labor organizations and resolve the issues at hand.
Chair Mosiello mentioned that Mr. Pagano has invited him to attend the Executive Meeting of the Central Labor Body this Wednesday evening. At the meeting, he will request a membership list that will facilitate this Committee in having an updated and accurate list. Mr. Pagano encourages any legislator to attend their meetings. They meet the second Wednesday of every month starting at 6:00 p.m.
Mr. Pagano stated that the AFL-CIO/Central Labor Body is an umbrella organization to many types of labor groups. Such organizations include:
¨ Building Trade organizations (which include the Steamfitters, Sheet Metal, HBAC, Painters, Electricians, Laborers, Mason, Lathers, Cement and Carpenter workers)
¨ Teachers
¨ 1199 (which are the Health & Hospital workers)
¨ Retail workers (which include Food Chain workers)
¨ Police
¨ Firefighters
¨ Postal workers
¨ CSEA
¨ Communications Workers of America
¨ Operating Engineers
Mr. Pagano explained that each organization must join national, state and local units separately. Many labor organizations have dual memberships. For example, carpenters may be enrolled in the Building Trade Organization and the AFL-CIO. Some groups may be members on a national level but not even realize that they are not members of the Westchester/Putnam AFL-CIO. He expects
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membership from building trades organizations to increase due to the leadership of President Ed Doyle of the Building Trade Organization.
Chair Mosiello stated that this Committee wanted to also reach out to organizations such as OSHA and PERB. Mr. Pagano commented that the Department of Labor is, technically, OSHA. He also advised the Committee that PERB is the last resort labor organizations use. PERB is where complaints and grievances are filed and he hopes that the Committee will act as a mediator before any organization has to take that course of action.
Chair Mosiello explained that during the next month this Committee would be educating themselves through Committee meetings and guests concerning the process and make-up of several labor organizations in this County.
There was a brief discussion regarding suggestions on future guests.
¨ County Attorney – To discuss how PERB operates on a County level.
¨ Administration – To discuss prevailing wage.
¨ PESH (Public Employee Safety & Health) – Deals only with NYS and is part of OSHA.
¨ Mike Wittenberg – Consultant hired by the County to help negotiate CSEA and Teamster contracts.
Chairman Latimer recommended the Committee become aware of State and Federal bills that may affect Westchester County. Vice-Chair Wishnie suggested that the Committee obtain the agendas for the NYS Committees on Labor.
Chair Mosiello and Vice-Chair Wishnie spoke highly of Mr. Pagano stating that he will “breathe new life” into the AFL-CIO and is doing a terrific job. Mr. Pagano’s visiblity will be important to this Committee. He also goes “above and beyond” his call of duty when it comes to charitable drives and community service.
Vice-Chair Wishnie made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 12:19 p.m. and was seconded by Legislator Ryan.