MAYVILLE In a news release today, CSEA stated it is taking the first step toward controlling costs and increasing revenue as suggested in a recent report and study of operations at the Chautauqua County Home. The union has sent a letter to County Executive Greg Edwards asking him to negotiate terms and conditions of employment for employees of the Home that are separate from those of other county workers represented by the union.
"We are committed to nursing home residents and taxpayers who demand quality long term care and access to the care that only the Chautauqua County Home provides," said Chautauqua County Unit President David Fagerstrom. "This offer demonstrates that commitment. We are hopeful these negotiations can begin immediately and that measures recommended by the Legislature's Ad Hoc Committee on the County Home and the Center for Governmental Research can be implemented."
Under the union proposal, nursing home workers would remain members of CSEA Chautauqua County Unit 6300, but a separate section of the contract would include articles specific only to county home employees. The union's request is contingent on the full funding of the county home, including Intergovernmental Transfer funds (IGT) and the implementation of other cost savings and revenue enhancing measures recommended in the Center for Governmental Research Report the legislature received earlier in the year.
"It is important for the home to be fully funded as negotiations take place, and for other recommendations in the study to be considered for implementation as well," Fagerstrom said. "The Chautauqua County Home is an asset owned by county residents, and an important safety net that provides care for all regardless of ability to pay. We believe it can remain taxpayer-owned and thrive if the CGR report is fully and seriously considered."
CSEA is New York State's leading union, representing employees of New York State and its counties, towns, villages, school districts, library systems, authorities and public corporations. Together with a growing population of private sector members and retirees, CSEA forms a union 290,000 strong. It is also the largest affiliate (and Local 1000) of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) which, in turn, is one of the largest affiliates of the AFL-CIO.
