Westchester County Board of Legislators

Labor Committee

Minutes: Meeting of Monday, March 25, 2002

PRESENT:     Committee members – M. Kaplowitz, J. Maisano,

    L. Mosiello,R. Wishnie, G. Latimer (Chair)

Staff – J. Cloidt, B. Dodds, C. Finger (Committee

    Counsel)

Guests – B. Randolph (County Executive’s Office);

                       Brishen Rogers (32BJ)

1.       Call to Order

          The meeting was called to order at 4:40 p.m. by Chair Latimer.

2.       CSEA Update

Chair Latimer informed the committee that he had received correspondence from Jack McPhillips, that there was an impasse with the County with regards to negotiations.  CSEA was writing to PERB for a mediator.

Chair Latimer stated that at the next meeting information would be shared about Suffolk County that he had Barbara Dodds research.

3.       Guest: Brishen Rogers – 32BJ

Chair Latimer introduced Mr. Rogers who is the Political Organizer for 32BJ.  Mr. Rogers explained that they represent 70,000 building services workers.  He then introduced Claudia Salidano who spoke through an interpreter.  She explained that before the Union came in they received $5.75 an hour with no benefits, but now with a contract and union representation by 32BJ they have a brighter future.  Their wages will be $10.75 full time and $9.75 part-time.  They also have benefits such as time off, health, etc. 

It was explained that Ashcroft and Accent are two vendors that do not abide by this contract; both organizations have taken over cleaning services and let workers go that are a part of the union.  These two companies have major contracts with businesses on Westchester Avenue and Corporate Park Drive in White Plains.

Mr. Rogers then proposed a resolution to the committee. There was discussion about wording, changed in part to reflect “sub-standard” rather than poverty level wages.  Motion made to accept resolution by Wishnie, seconded by Kaplowitz.  All in favor – Unanimously voted out (4-0).

Chair Latimer told Mr. Rogers that the Committee will seek to place the resolution on the floor of the full Board that evening with unanimous consent.

4.       Minutes

Motion made by Kaplowitz, seconded by Latimer.  Vote – 2 to 0 in favor

On motion of Mr. Kaplowitz, seconded by Chair Latimer, the meeting was adjourned at 5:15 p.m.