Unionization Tug-of-War: Seneca Falls Officials Accused of Stalling Workers' Rights

In the town of Seneca Falls, a heated debate has erupted over the recognition of a new union for municipal workers. Town Supervisor Frank Schmitter and Councilmember Frank Sinicropi are facing criticism for allegedly delaying the unionization process, leading to accusations of misusing taxpayer funds and undermining the democratic rights of employees.

Empowering the Workforce: The Push for a CSEA Union

Majority Vote, Delayed Action

The dispute centers around a 3-2 board decision in August that favored recognizing the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) union for town workers. Despite this majority vote, Schmitter and Sinicropi have yet to act on the decision, prompting workers to file a formal request with the New York State Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) to certify the union. This move has set in motion a lengthier and more expensive process of union certification, even though a supermajority of workers have already signed authorization cards.

Accusations of Taxpayer Funds Misuse

The delays have raised concerns about the financial burden being placed on taxpayers. Employees argue that the town is wasting money on legal fees instead of moving forward with the unionization process. "The amount of town money being thrown at expensive attorneys is unnecessary," said Shawn Van Gee, a Heavy Equipment Operator with the Highway Department. "Our goal is to expedite this process and conserve town resources as we organize to be a well-equipped workforce that can meet the needs of our community."

Workers' Perspective: Prioritizing Community Needs

The workers' frustration is palpable, as they believe the town's resources could be better utilized to serve the community. "This money should be invested in our community," said Aaron Passalacqua, a Building Maintainer in the Buildings and Grounds Department. "Instead, it's being used to impede the recognition of our union. Town Supervisor Schmitter and Councilmember Sinicropi are spending unnecessary taxpayer dollars, padding the pockets of high-priced attorneys instead of doing what is best for our town."

The CSEA: A Powerful Union Advocate

The CSEA, one of New York's largest unions, has a long history of advocating for workers' rights across the state. As an affiliate of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the CSEA represents approximately 250,000 state, county, and municipal employees, making it a formidable force in the fight for workers' rights.

Navigating the PERB Process

The workers' decision to file a formal request with PERB has set in motion a lengthier and more expensive process of union certification. "It's disappointing that two of our Town Board members are stalling this democratic process," said Peter Porcelli, a Zoning and Code Enforcement Officer. "Workers want this, and the majority of the board already voted for it. Now we'll have to navigate the lengthy PERB process to get our new CSEA union certified."

Implications for the Town's Future

The ongoing dispute over the unionization of town workers has far-reaching implications for the future of Seneca Falls. The town's ability to attract and retain a skilled workforce, as well as its reputation as a community that values its employees, hangs in the balance. As the PERB process unfolds, the town's leadership will be closely watched, with the public scrutinizing their actions and their commitment to the well-being of their municipal workers.