(COMMACK, NEW YORK) – Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Members in the City of Long Beach and Town of Oyster Bay are among our Union Members who are key to helping Workers who are living with developmental disabilities thrive on the job while providing essential services to the community.

Two CSEA City of Long Beach Part-Time Members who have autism were recently promoted to Full-Time Workers due to our Union’s dedication to inclusion. 

CSEA City of Long Beach Unit President John Mooney said: “Both sets of parents wanted to get their sons jobs so they could get work experience and be more part of the community.  As a Unit, we really wanted to push to make them full time because we recognize they’ve been dealt a rough hand.  It’s up to us as CSEA Leaders to break those barriers to make sure they have a voice just like everybody else.”

When they learned of their sons’ promotions to Full-Time Workers, the Members’ parents cried tears of joy.

“One day, their parents will not be here,” CSEA City of Long Beach Unit member Thomas Canner, a Maintenance Superintendent, said. “With these jobs, they are developing skills that will prepare them to live a fuller life.  They also have medical benefits and a pension that they will need in the future.”

One of the new Full-Time Workers is based in Long Beach City Hall doing filing and paperwork for administration.

The other new Worker cleans public buses.

As for their quality of work, it can’t be matched.

“Shane (Apple) and Michael (Hartman) are amazing young men and two of the best Workers we have,” Canner said. “They take a lot of pride in their jobs and we love having them here.” 

Several CSEA City of Long Beach Unit Members have children who have disabilities.

The Members noted they are happy to see the promotions because it gives them hope for their own children’s futures. 

To Directly Access This Labor News Story, Go To: Inclusion of members strengthens our union (cseany.org)

CSEA Editor’s Note: Pictured above - CSEA City of Long Beach Full-Time Unit Members Shane Apple and Michael Hartman, standing center, wearing Union caps and sweatshirts, are congratulated by their families, CSEA City of Long Beach Unit Officers and City Officials for becoming Full-Time Employees. (Photo provided by City of Long Beach Full-Time Unit President John Mooney, standing, far left.)