COMMITTEE ON LABOR
MINUTES
MARCH 6, 2000
A.M. GUESTS: CSEA: GARY CONLEY (PRES., LOCAL 860), JASON HAENEL (POLITICAL ACTION COORDINATOR), JANE FIORE (PRES., UNIT # 9200)
P.M. GUESTS: WCCFT: DR. CONSTANCE BECK (PRES.), FRANK CROWLEY, DONALD WEIGAND (EXEC. DIRECTOR)
A.M. OTHERS: ETTERE, DODDS (BOL); INGRID BENT (CE OFFICE)
P.M. OTHERS: ETTERE, DODDS (BOL); BILL RANDOLPH (CE OFFICE); VITO PINTO (LEGISLATOR)
The meeting was called to order at 11:40 a.m.
MINUTES:
Chair Mosiello asked the Members to review and adopt the Committee Blueprint. Legislator Wishnie requested the Committee hold over its adoption pending further review. All agreed.
Jane Fiore is the President of CSEA Unit #9200. This unit represents 3800 Westchester County Government Employees. She believes that she and her organization have a good relationship with the Board of Legislators (BOL). Ms. Fiore’s leadership has effected many departments throughout the County, especially the Department of Environmental Facilities. Ms. Fiore applauded the BOL for its creation of this Committee and requested that she be able to contact this Committee directly with any concerns as needed. Ms. Fiore believes that the County Executive is sometimes given misinformation, which can inhibit a solution. She hopes the Committee on Labor will act as an intermediary. Ms. Fiore stated that she has many concerns that she would like to bring to the Committee’s attention in the near future.
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Legislator Wishnie expressed the Committee’s anxiousness in giving everyone an opportunity to share his or her concerns. He stated that this Committee has a “fine line” where they can intervene regarding collective bargaining agreement issues. Legislator Wishnie suggested that the County Attorney be invited to define this Committee’s role and boundaries.
Gary Conley is the President of CSEA Local #860. This is the “umbrella organization” for all CSEA workers throughout Westchester County including County employees. Last July, enrollment exceeded 12,000 and recently has reached up to 13,000. One of Mr. Conley’s goals is to put CSEA in a more visible light, politically and in the community. Besides the full-time position with this organization, he is also a Vice President for the AFL-CIO/Central Labor Body (Westchester/Putnam). Local #860 is the second largest of any single labor organization unit in Westchester County. It has 97 individual units with Unit #9200 being the largest. Mr. Conley respects the chain of command and does not believe public exposure to be an answer. He stated that he has a calm temperament and is not one to over step boundaries. He feels this Committee will benefit CSEA and the Central Labor Body tremendously.
Jason Haenel works full time for CSEA as the Political Action Coordinator for Region 3. Region 3 (Hudson Valley) includes Westchester, Putnam Orange, Dutchess, Ulster, Sullivan and Rockland counties. He works under the direction of Fran Turner (Albany) and in cooperation with Carmine DiBattista (Pres.-Region 3) and Dan Donohue (Pres.-NYS). Mr. Haenel’s job is to advise and work with local political action committees on legislative issues. He also coordinates different events that involve lobbying and campaigning. Mr. Haenel believes communication is vital and is pleased to see this Committee has been formed.
Mr. Conley informed the Committee of a situation that is occurring at the Amawalk Joint Water Works Plant. Six to eight County workers are currently employed at this plant. Under a new initiative, maintenance will no longer be the responsibility of the County of Westchester but instead the job of the local municipalities. Mr. Conley must sign off on this transaction.
These workers will still be CSEA members but may form their own unit.
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They are concerned that the benefits they are currently receiving through the County might be effected and are additionally concerned with job security. Mr. Conley would like to obtain a guarantee of employment/benefits agreement for a period of 6 months to a year. He will be contacting Supervisors Cooper and Puglisi and will keep us informed of any updates.
At 12:10 p.m., Legislator Wishnie made a motion to recess until 3:00 p.m.
Chair Mosiello reconvened the meeting at 3:00 p.m.
Chair Mosiello welcomed Dr. Connie Beck, Frank Crowley and Don Weigand and stated that WCCFT representatives had requested the attention of this Committee at the “Citizens to be Heard” portion of the last BOL meeting. Chair Mosiello advised our guests that this Committee must be careful to not step beyond certain boundaries particularly concerning collective bargaining issues.
Dr. Beck is the President of the Westchester Community College Federation of Teachers (WCCFT) which represents 750 full- and part-time faculty members. This number can vary from semester to semester. Some 225, out of the 750, are full-time faculty; this number has not changed in twenty-five years despite increasing enrollment. The WCCFT would like to see their bargaining agreements done in a timely manner. When the previous agreement had expired the teachers were working with no contract for three (3) years before a deal was reached. They meet monthly with Dr. Flynn and advise him of concerns the WCCFT may have. She is pleased to see this Committee has been formed.
On February 28th, members of the WCCFT, including Dr. Beck, spoke at the Board meeting. They expressed anger and disappointment with the College Administration concerning proposals for Distance Learning initiatives (courses taught via the Internet). For the past four (4) years, WCCFT has been urging the Administration to sit down with them to discuss the impact Distance Learning courses would have on WCC. They
even suggested that WCC form a sub-committee to look into this matter. The Administration did not show any interest. Dr. Beck stated that
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supervising these types of courses require much more work and time than that of a classroom curriculum. There is security, classroom size, compensation, property rights and working condition issues that need immediate attention.
On January 18th, a memorandum from Dr. Flynn was distributed outlining proposals that the College Administration intended to implement by March 1st regarding Distance Learning initiatives. The NYS United Teachers (NYSUT) stated that the Taylor Law mandates collective bargaining on issues such as wages, hours and working conditions. The WCCFT requested, in writing, that the College immediately enter into negotiations. The College refused. The NYSUT has advised the WCCFT to file the appropriate papers with PERB (Public Employment Relations Board).
Mr. Weigand stated that they have not yet filed such papers but intend to do so if the College Administration does not enter into negotiations.
Dr. Beck stated that Suffolk Community College and its teachers union had negotiated many of these kinds of issues and included them in their contract. She had obtained a copy of that contractual language and submitted it to the College Administration.
Dr. Beck discussed the normal procedure for grievances as outlined in the WCCFT contract. She advised the Committee that because this matter falls under a direct (alleged) violation of the Taylor Law the WCCFT could skip this process.
Chair Mosiello thanked Dr. Beck, Mr. Crowley and Mr. Weigand for the enlightening information they have brought to this Committee’s attention. He suggested that the College Administration be invited to come before this Committee and discuss their views on this matter. Chair Mosiello asked Dr. Beck to keep this Committee informed of any change in the situation.
Mr. Crowley stated that there was another issue the WCCFT would like to bring to light. The WCCFT has requested that the College provide them with more copies of its collective bargaining agreement. They feel it is necessary for every full- and part-time faculty member to receive a copy of their contract. The 500 copies that are normally printed is well short of the
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number of faculty employed semester to semester. The College has refused.
Legislator Wishnie made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 3:50 p.m. and was seconded by Legislator Ryan.