CSEA NASSAU COUNTY LOCAL 830

EXPRESS Your Union Newsletter October 2020 • Vol. 25, No. 9 Message from CSEA Local 830 President Ron Gurrieri Important information about COVID-19 leave laws Dear Members, complicated federal and state leave laws that date information from CSEA Local 830. were enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. n lieu of my regularly scheduled column I hope everyone is staying safe and as always, We Are Nassau Strong Ithis month, please enjoy this informative if you haven’t already, please make sure to sign piece written by CSEA Local 830 Vice President up for our email blast at www.CSEA830.org in Ron Gurrieri Glen Tuifel that attempts to sort out the various order to have access to all of the most up-to- CSEA Local 830 President

had to take time off due to a COVID-19 related benefits under the FFCRA: the Emergency Paid Sick Leave 6) The employee is experiencing any other substantially “Iillness, quarantine, or isolation and I am so confused Act (EPSLA) and the Emergency Family Medical Leave similar condition specified by the Secretary of Health and about what laws apply to my leave entitlements.” Over Expansion Act (EFMLEA). Human Services in consultation with the Secretary of the the last several months, we have been hearing this type All Emergency Responders, as previously defined are Treasury and the Secretary of Labor. CSEA is unaware of of statement from many of the members. To be honest, exempt from EPSLA, which provides for up to 14 days of any conditions which currently meet this requirement. it took us some time to get familiar with these laws, but fully paid sick leave without charge to leave accruals, or hopefully, we can make these complex issues as simple as for part timers,their 14-day equivalent for the following 3 Under scenarios (4), (5), and (6) an employee is eligible possible for everyone to understand. qualifying reasons: for 2/3 of his/her regular rate of pay, up to $200 daily and There are both state and federal laws that affect $2,000 total. Under EFMLA for only reason (5) above, COVID-19 related leave, and they are all explained below 1) The employee is subject to a federal, state, or local employees are eligible for an additional 10 weeks of paid - but as always, please call the Local 830 Office with any quarantine or isolation order related to COVID-19. You sick leave and expanded family and medical leave which is specific questions, as each situation is unique. must obtain and keep a copy of this directive. paid at 2/3 of his/her regular rate of pay, up to $200 daily NYS COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave provides up to 14 2) The employee has been advised by a health care and $12,000 total. For EFMLA leave, the employee should calendar days of fully paid sick leave without charge provider to self-quarantine due to concerns related be aware that the first 10 days of this leave are unpaid, but to leave accruals (or for part timers, their 14-day to COVID-19. You must be able to provide the name, the employee may choose to utilize their leave entitlements equivalent). However, to qualify for this paid leave you address, and phone number of this health care provider, during this 10-day period. must have had a mandatory or precautionary order of and if possible, get these medical directions in writing. CSEA Local 830 is aware of Nassau County’s practice quarantine or isolation from the Health Department, or 3) The employee is experiencing symptoms of of denying earned CBA leave entitlements (½ Vacation any other governmental entity authorized to issue such COVID-19 and is seeking a medical diagnosis. You must and ½ Sick per pay period) for many of our members who an order. To use and access NYS COVID-19 Paid Sick again be able to provide the name, address, and phone have utilized some of these COVID-19 leave laws, and we Leave, you must not be eligible for Federal Paid Sick number of this health care provider, and if possible, these are pursuing a class action grievance on behalf of all these Leave under the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act medical directions in writing. affected members. Additionally, this class action grievance (“FFCRA,” discussed below). This exclusion applies to Under scenarios (1), (2), and (3), your leave is paid will cover the modification of leave progression dates our “Emergency Responders,” which Nassau County without charge to leave entitlements up $511 daily and (your anniversary date) for a multitude of members. has defined as all employees who work for Offices of $5,110 total. These cases are working their way through our Emergency Management (OEM), Fire Commission, grievance process and will likely take some time for a Health Department, Medical Examiner, Probation 4) The employee is caring for an individual who is final resolution, so please stand by. Additionally, in the Department, Police Department, Department of Public subject to an order as described in (1) or has been advised event that your particular Department does not appear to Works, Sheriff’s Department, and the Correctional Center. as described in (2). You must obtain and keep a copy of be following these laws, document all information, and All employees in these Departments are excluded by law this directive or be able to provide the name, address, and contact our Grievance Department to review your issues, from receiving FFCRA leave, and as such, the only venue phone number of this health care provider, and if possible, so that we may initiate a case on your behalf. For all of for this paid leave benefit for the Emergency Responders is get these medical directions in writing. these laws, CSEA understands that there may be some the NYS Law. 5) The employee is caring for a son or daughter of confusion, and we are here to discuss your particular The Federal Law — Families First Coronavirus Relief such employee if the school or place of care of the situation and offer our advice. Please call us at Act (FFCRA) — provides for up to 14 days of fully paid son or daughter has been closed, or the child care (516) 464-CSEA. sick leave without charge to leave accruals, or for part provider of such son or daughter is unavailable due to timers, their 14-day equivalent during the periods from COVID-19 precautions. Again, maintain as much written — Glen Tuifel, CSEA Local 830 Vice President 4/01/20 through 12/31/20. There are two types of leave documentation of this situation as is possible. 2 EXPRESS CSEA NASSAU COUNTY LOCAL 830 UNION MEMBER NEWS

The Work Force Nassau County needs to invest in CSEA NASSAU COUNTY LOCAL 830 EXPRESS public safety officers September 2020 • Vol. 25 No. 8 rguably, one of the best values for the county taxpayer incidents have been known about as these public safety A Monthly Publication of CSEA Nassau County Local 830 dollars are Nassau County Public Safety Officers! officers have considered it all in a day’s work. RON GURRIERI, President A Garrett Wakefield, Editor of the Express Public safety officers are tasked with 24/7 patrol of all Some of their valiant efforts include reuniting lost children (516) 464-CSEA Ext. #17 county buildings and county parks. Seems simple when it with families, discovering homicide victims from gang cases csea830.org is summed up, but let’s take a closer look: Nassau County and much more. These public safety officers also address manages more than 70 parks, preserves, museums, historic issues concerning many homeless people that many residents NASSAU LOCAL 830 Executive Officers: properties, and athletic facilities comprising of 6,000 acres are not even aware of, especially in the winter months as they RON GURRIERI, President SCOTT MULHOLLAND, Executive Vice President throughout the county. Taking it further, they also secure all go to lock up the restrooms in the parks. LYNNE KRAMER, 1st Vice President county government buildings, county courthouses and more. Also in the parks, officers face issues such as people setting ROBERT ARCIELLO, 2nd Vice President ANA O’GORMAN, 3rd Vice President However, like many other county departments, they are fire to county property and more. RICHARD DOPKIN, 4th Vice President understaffed. Currently, there is a hiring freeze as a result Armed with just a radio and a flashlight, these public GLEN TUIFEL, 5th Vice President KELVIN LEWIS, 6th Vice President of COVID-19. Unfortunately, that does not change the fact safety officers go out every shift to help improve and protect YVETTE GAYNOR, 7th Vice President that many county departments have requested and even won Nassau County. For many of these public safety officers, this JOHN ALOISIO III, 8th Vice President AURORA SCIFO, 9th Vice President grievances to get public safety officers stationed outside their may be their second career or even the beginning of a new ROBERT HARRIS, 10th Vice President JASON PERKOWSKY, 11th Vice President offices. They also perform TSA-type bag searches at Traffic career. They make a huge contribution to our county and we NANCY IANSON, Secretary Court, Social Services, County Clerk and Probation. need the county to make an investment in our public safety SUSAN CHODKOWSKI, Treasurer Through the years, the Nassau County Public Safety officers with pay and promotions. Unit Presidents/Executive Board: Officers have done an outstanding job. In some cases, Thank you to the current public safety officers and those JOHN ALOISIO III, Treasurer’s Office ROBERT ARCIELLO, Deputy Sheriffs their work has even been heroic in nature, but few of these who have retired. KELLY HILL Parks, Recreation & Museums AUDREY HADDEN, County Clerk JACK CLOUDMAN, Public Works Department BRYAN WHITE, Probation Department VIVIAN CROWLEY, General Services NANCY CUNNINGHAM, Police Civilians MICHAEL PENNA, Fleet Services ANDREA MOURADIAN, Assessment Unit FRANK FORTIS, Board of Elections KEN HAMEL, Sheriffs Support ROBERT HARRIS, A. Holly Patterson NANCY IANSON, Human Services/TPVA/VSA ROGER MILLER, Health Department STEVEN KORNFELD, County Attorney/District Attorney KRIS KALENDER, Police Medics DEIRDRE McGUIRE, Consumer Affairs Unit President SUSAN WALSH, Civil Service Commission DAVID BEEBE, Public Safety LYNNE KRAMER, Nassau University Medical Center GIORGIO MUTINO, Medical Examiners Office ANA O’GORMAN, Nassau Community College JASON PERKOWSKY, Social Services AURORA SCIFO, Comptroller’s Office SUSAN DAMBROSIO, Crossing Guards JAMES ALLEN, Fire & Rescue Services JAMES DELAHUNTY, Police Communications Operators JOHN KELLEHER, Fire Marshal’s Office

We welcome reader suggestions: Please address your comments to Garrett Wakefield, Editor of the Express at CSEA Nassau Co. Local 830, 400 County Seat Dr., Mineola, NY 11501-4137.

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‘Liking’ us on Facebook is just another way to stay updated with all the latest CSEA news and to see CSEA photos not seen anywhere else! From left, Frank Cyr; Craig Germain; Paul Mendez; Angela Heitman; Phil Karlin; Jamie Williams and Dave Beebe. Go to facebook.com/csealocal830 and click the ‘Like’ button TODAY! CSEA NASSAU COUNTY LOCAL 830 UNION MEMBER NEWS EXPRESS 3 Local 830 member hailed for assistance in consumer case ver the last six months, we have COVID-19 pandemic began affecting New Simonelli pursued her case. listening to the details of my problems Obeen reminded that not all heroes York. The resident’s refrigerator, still under Simonelli contacted the vendor on with Sears with heartfelt sympathy for wear capes. A recent letter from a Nassau an extended warranty, was broken. behalf of the office to seek a resolution. me and bringing about the end of it all. County resident on how one of our CSEA Despite numerous attempts by the After numerous attempts to resolve the She is an expert mediator, negotiator and Local 830 members came to her aid vendor to repair the appliance, the unit matter, the resident received a refund for advocate for the people of Nassau County resonates with that sentiment. did not function and the woman’s food the refrigerator and restitution for the cost and a genuinely kind and gracious person.” Elizabeth Simonelli, a consumer was ruined. Her extended warranty was of food lost. As this edition went to press, the protection investigator I at the Nassau running out and the vendor was not The resident noted had it not been for resident had just purchased her new County Department of Consumer Affairs, replacing the appliance. She had to go the assistance of Simonelli, she would still refrigerator, finally making her whole recently assisted a county resident who out frequently to purchase food. She was be fighting for a replacement refrigerator. after this ordeal. Having this happen in endured a terrible ordeal with the Sears concerned about contracting COVID-19 “Elizabeth Simonelli was a major the midst of COVID-19 presented Protection Plan administrators and their and her medication required refrigeration. factor in the satisfactory conclusion of unique challenges. However Elizabeth subsidiaries. The woman soon contacted the county’s my complaint,” the resident stated. “She Simonelli of Consumer Affairs did an This all started in March, as the Department of Consumer Affairs, where worked tirelessly and with great patience outstanding job! CSEA Long Island Region endorsements LAURA CURRAN CAROLYN McCUMMINGS, MPH, PhD NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE COMMISSIONER U.S. House of Representatives NYS Assembly DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES CD 1 – No Endorsement AD 1 – CD 2 – No Endorsement AD 2 – No Endorsement CD 3 – Tom Suozzi AD 3 – Joseph DeStefano CD 4 – Kathleen Rice AD 4 – NASSAU COUNTY AD 5 – Doug Smith NYS Senate AD 6 – Phil Ramos EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM SD 1 – Anthony Palumbo AD 7 – Jarett Gandolfo Free, Confidential Counseling for County Employees & Their Families SD 2 – Mario Mattera AD 8 – No Endorsement SD 3 – Monica Martinez AD 9 – Michael Durso SD 4 – Phil Boyle AD 10 – SD 5 – Jim Gaughran AD 11 – Kimberly Jean-Pierre SD 6 – No Endorsement AD 12 – Michael Marcantonio • Video Counseling SD 7 – No Endorsement AD 13 – Charles Lavine SD 8 – John Brooks AD 14 – David McDonough SD 9 – AD 15 – No Endorsement AD 16 – AD 17 – YOURunion AD 18 – No Endorsement AD 19 – • Phone Counseling AD 20 – Melissa Miller YOURright AD 21 – Judy Griffin AD 22 – Michaelle Solages Find Out How At cseany.org/vote This Week • In-Person Counseling In Albany email alerts Call 516-571-7000 The quickest and easiest way to stay up-to-date on what is happening in Albany and Washington is “This Week in Albany.” Nassau County Employee Assistance Program 256 West Old Country Road, Suite D, Hicksville • Fax 516-571-7006 “This Week in Albany” Sign up for email alerts at Free, Confidential Counseling for County Employees & Their Families https://cseany.org/legislative-political-action 4 EXPRESS CSEA NASSAU COUNTY LOCAL 830 UNION MEMBER NEWS A message from Long Island Region President Jerry Laricchiuta Exercise your right to vote

ello to all Long Island Region One state and national levels. CSEA has its own Hmembers. As our beautiful, yet strange, Legislative and Political Action Department, summer winds down, we now prepare based in Albany. A great deal of time and ourselves for the inevitable return to school/ energy goes into that department every day. COVID-19 possibilities. A union endorsement is a strong I know that many of our school employee recommendation to our union family made members are quite concerned about what after a good deal of homework, research, to expect in the coming weeks. We all are. interviews and platforms of the candidates I like to believe that , especially of who “we” believe the best candidate is for Long Island, remains in the least infected YOU! It is not a mandate, or an order on areas of the country, so the fact that our how you must vote. We are all Americans children will be returning to school should and in this country, we have the right to vote not cause catastrophic events. Our infection for any candidate that we the people want to rate remains at around .7 percent, which vote for. Our union makes an endorsement compared to many other states is very good. by virtue of stating who it is the Union However, we must not forget some of the believes will make your life better. That is it. colleges that recently opened only to be If in the end on Election Day, you decide to closed because of a big spike in cases. College vote for another candidate that the union did students tend to be more daring, more ready not endorse, you are well within your rights to take a chance and less likely to be fully to do so. Nobody will question you; nobody attentive to school officials and authorities will give you a hard time and quite frankly, Zubeanie 1. Saute zucchini & eggplant in ¼ cup who try to get them to obey our new way of nobody will know who you voted for unless of olive oil over high heat until the social distancing. I hope and I pray our K-12 you tell them. 2 Medium Zucchini (Sliced longways, vegetables are brown, but still firm. students and members throughout Long In this year’s election, we are all very cut into ¾” chunks) 2. Remove from the pan; add some Island stay healthy and safe. much aware that America stands divided 1 Small Eggplant more oil and then add the onions I think the biggest question we all have and polarized. That also holds true for our 1 Large Onion (roughly chopped) & peppers. Saute over high heat to is, “Have our lives been changed forever or own membership. It is no secret that in this 3 Large Tomatoes (roughly chopped into soften them. will there be a huge victory with a vaccine election Americans battle each other over large chunks) 3. Add the tomatoes and lower the against this pandemic?” Remember if you which candidate is better for the country like 1 15.5oz Can of Kidney Beans (drained) heat. Stir and add salt and pepper to are old enough, polio and measles had never before in our lifetimes. That does not ¼ Cup Fresh Parsley (chopped) (or 1 Tbl. taste. When the tomatoes begin to become deadly pandemics and eventually remove the basic need of our union to make Dried) break down, add the zucchini and we did come up with a vaccine which ended an endorsement based on all the hard work 1 tsp Fresh Thyme (chopped) eggplant back into the pan. polio and pretty much took measles down to mentioned above. You do not have to agree 1 tsp Fresh Oregano (chopped) 4. Add the beans, spices, parsley, just a concern. I have faith in humanity and with it. However, I also do not believe it is (or ½ tsp dried) thyme & oregano. believe a time will come in the not too far necessary to take aim at your union and its 1 Red Pepper (small) 5. Add ¼ cup of water, the red wine future where we should make huge strides representatives because you disagree with 1 Green Pepper (small) against COVID-19. The most difficult part of their endorsement. Just vote what’s in your vinegar, and 6 dashes of tabasco 1 Tbl. Chili Powder sauce. Stir & simmer until it reduces that sentence of course is ‘not too far future.’ heart, because in America that is our most ½ Tbl. Paprika How many people will get sick? How many important basic right. with some liquid remaining. Serve ½ tsp Onion Powder with the grated cheese. will die? Let’s stay safe and remain healthy. Follow ½ tsp Garlic Powder For everything I wrote about above and so all the COVID-19 safety guidelines and 1 Tbl Red Wine Vinegar much more, this year’s election for President hopefully a vaccine will come to us in the Olive Oil of the United States could be one of the most near future. Remember, nobody is immune important elections in our modern history. from this pandemic. As of the writing of this Water For starters, let me explain the purpose of column, over 190,000 people in the United Tabasco Sauce unions endorsing candidates for any office. States have died from COVID-19. That is Salt & Pepper to Taste One of the main tasks of a labor union is to only since February 2020, or just less than ¾ cup grated cheddar (or feta) be very much politically involved. Add to eight months ago. Imagine losing almost CSEA Local 830 6th Vice President the argument that CSEA represents a vast four times the number of American lives in Kelvin Lewis, left, and Local 830 majority of public sector workers who must eight months, compared to the Vietnam War, activist Michael Lordi both work follow the directions and policies of elected which was close to 15 years! Hope to see you as cooks at the Nassau County government officials and it becomes very soon. Correctional Center. Off the job, clear as to why we must take an active role they also enjoy cooking. This month, in politics. That role includes endorsing Jerry Laricchiuta here’s a scary-good recipe that takes candidates for the many offices on local, Long Island Region President advantage of produce.