CSEA Editor’s Note: Steve Healy serves as President of Civil Service Employees Association’s (CSEA) Western Region, which covers 14 Western New York Counties and supports 46,000 Public Workers who are Members in more than 80 Locals and 220 Units, and who work in state government, local government, school districts, library systems, public authorities and in the Private Sector.

In 2020, it became apparent to me Union affiliation provided our CSEA Members with a safeguard against the harsh economic toll that was instigated by a worldwide health care pandemic.

Despite high Private Sector unemployment figures and our workforce being targeted for furloughs and layoffs because of crumbling revenues and exploding municipal budgets, this national study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals Union Membership rates overall actually rose in the Public Sector.

This is remarkable considering our economy has stumbled so drastically this past year.

This study also illustrates the fact Union Members experienced less job loss than their Non-Union counterparts.

In short, it’s good to be Union.

While it still hurts to recognize the fact that some of our Members have recently suffered tremendous hardships, I want our Members and Retirees to know we are doing everything within our power to provide resources and assistance to make sure they don’t fall through the cracks.

Our CSEA Staff is working overtime to provide us with information and services to keep those affected families whole.

To find some assistance and answers, all you would have to do is reach out to me, our region’s Executive Board Members or to your workplace leadership.

We are here to help.

There are also several good reasons to be optimistic about the future and growing our ranks now that we have a steadfastly Pro-Labor President of the United States.

It’s also a comfort to know his appointed leaders also understand the importance and value of collective bargaining and the freedom to join a Union.

The recent Bureau of Labor Statistics report reaffirms that fact when Working People have the prerogative to organize and join a Union, they achieve greater economic stability and a higher standard of living.

It’s no secret Union Members earn more than their Non-Union counterparts, with the Union difference being especially significant for Women and People of Color.

Stay Union.

Stay Safe.

Stay Strong.

For More On The BLS Report, Go To: https://www.wnylabortoday.com/news/2021/01/24/labor-news-from-washington-d.c./u.s.-union-membership-numbers-are-down-but-union-density-is-up-as-the-labor-movement-continues-to-deal-with-the-coronavirus-pandemic/ And https://www.wnylabortoday.com/news/2021/01/24/new-york-state-labor-news/despite-the-coronavirus-pandemic-the-percentage-of-union-membership-increases-across-new-york-state/