CSEA Central Region 5

18/06/2026

CSEA-NYS CONTRACT CSEA has reached a tentative contract with New York state covering more than 55,000 state employees. The proposed five-year deal, which runs through April 1, 2031, includes annual salary increases, paid prenatal leave, increased location pay and health insurance improvements that r...

15/06/2026

Over the weekend, the Region hosted an Executive Board Meeting in Syracuse.

Here are some highlights:

✅ Jacob Finlayson, grandson of former Region Office Manager Doreen Brazaitis, was presented with one of the 2026 Region Scholarship Awards

✅ Political Action Coordinator Josh Schick gave a presentation on Tier 6 reform changes.

✅ Region 3rd Vice President Andy Maroney submitted his resignation. Andy will be accepting a role as an LRS in the Southern Tier. Ali Cottrell was moved to 2nd Vice President.

✅ Lee Bechtel, Cortland County Local 520 President, was sworn in as 3rd Vice President. Congrats, Lee!

✅ New Region Director Paul Markwitz had a chance to introduce himself to leaders and explain his goals and vision for the region.

15/06/2026

💰💸 Come learn from the best -- Central Region 5's own, Statewide Treasurer Nicole Meeks!

In-person Treasurer Training on July 7 at the CSEA Onondaga Local 834 office.

Register by June 30. Don't wait.

11/06/2026

VOTE - NYS PRIMARY

Voting is one of the most powerful ways CSEA members can make their voices heard, and 2026 offers several important opportunities to do just that. Early voting for the NYS Primary starts June 13 with Primary Election Day on June 23. Make a plan to vote. Visit cseany.org/vote for more information on endorsed candidates.

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TIER 6 REFORM INFORMATION MEETING

CSEA applauds Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state legislature for reaching an agreement on pension reform that will improve retirements for public employees under Tiers 5 and 6. This is a major step toward pension reform, but there is more work to do. Join us on Thursday, June 18 @ 6 p.m. on Zoom to learn more about how these changes impact you. You must register and then you will receive a link for the meeting.

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lll-P2lJSg6GvoVUtufkLA?link_id=1&can_id=4218b85defd2c14296ca6d06dd82de81&source=email-csea-central-region-5-updates-and-information&email_referrer=&email_subject=csea-central-region-5-updates-and-information&& #/registration

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PHONE BANKING FOR DINAPOLI

Join the Greater Syracuse Labor Council and the Central New York Area Labor Federation for a Union Phonebank to support our Union Strong candidates. Together, we will reach out to fellow union members, share what’s at stake, and help turn out the vote for candidates who stand with organized labor. Thursday, June 11 from 6 to 8 p.m.; Tuesday, June 16 from 6 to 8 p.m.; and Thursday June 18 from 6 to 8 p.m.

All you need is your cell phone and a laptop or tablet. We will provide a quick training at the beginning of the Zoom before we start calling, so you’ll be ready to jump in.

Our Union Strong candidates need us. Sign up, make calls, and help us get out the vote.

https://www.mobilize.us/nysaflcio/event/952463/?link_id=2&can_id=4218b85defd2c14296ca6d06dd82de81&source=email-csea-central-region-5-updates-and-information&email_referrer=&email_subject=csea-central-region-5-updates-and-information&&

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Tier 6 Reform. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

09/06/2026

The State Contract Negotiating Team is hosting meetings to teach you about the NYS tentative agreement and to answer any questions you might have.

Please take advantage of these opportunities and ask your local leaders about other meetings happening in your area.

08/06/2026

Virtual workshops this summer for our current and future leaders!

If you’re unable to use the link, please call the region office at 315-433-0050.

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05/06/2026

Join People for Livingston supporters for a rally at our headquarters. CSEA, WFP, Citizen Action, Tenant PAC and Caring Majority Rising members are especially welcome to join our volunteers as they talk to voters in District 123.

We'll be canvassing after the rally to encourage voters to get out and early vote in the week following this event.

Saturday, June 6
10:30am – 2:30pm EDT
150 Main St
Johnson City, NY 13790

Join LIVINGSTON supporters for a rally at our headquarters. CSEA, WFP, Citizen Action, Tenant PAC and Caring Majority Rising members are especially welcome to join our volunteers as they talk to voters in District 123. We'll be canvassing after the rally to encourage voters to get out and early vote...

26/05/2026

🎉 HUGE NEWS: Major Tier 6 Reforms Have Been Secured!

CSEA has secured the most significant Tier 6 reforms enacted since Tier 6 became law, a major step forward that delivers immediate financial relief to members and strengthens retirement security for the future!

Read more about this historic reform here: https://cseany.org/fix-tier-6/

22/05/2026

Central Region 3rd Vice President President Ali Cottrell spoke at a press conference this week with local leaders and Lt. Governor candidate Adrienne Adams about what the cost would be of Bruce Blakeman.

Blakeman has made decisions that harm CSEA county workers, retirees, public services, and taxpayer accountability.

Visit www.cseany.org/vote for more information on our union's endorsement process and make a plan to vote in the upcoming primary and November elections.

19/05/2026

Comptroller Tom DiNapoli is a true advocate for working people. Join us in supporting him on the virtual phone bank this week!

Our candidates need your support! Join us as we make phone calls for our Union Strong candidates! All you need is your cell phone plus your laptop/desktop or tablet! We will provide a quick training at the beginning of the ZOOM, before we start calling.