Updated leave guidance
Annexed are three DCAS documents and one NYCHA document for your reference:
CSBA continues to proactively advocate, through the Mayor’s Office of Labor Relations and directly through numerous agencies where we work, for the ability of our members to safely telecommute in virtually every situation. Where this allegedly cannot be done, demonstrate to our satisfaction why the work in fact cannot be performed remotely. COVID-19 is a worldwide pandemic, and whereas NYC is no longer its epicenter, make no mistake: It is still here, dangerous and deadly, and likely to surge again without notice. Read more…
Testimony of Saul Fishman, President of the Civil Service Bar Association, on behalf of the Civil Service Bar Association and Teamsters Local 237, with which CSBA is affiliated – submitted to the NYC Council Committee on Civil Service and Labor, November 20, 2020
UPDATE 12/08/2020: We have been contacted by the Mayor’s Office of Labor Relations, which is seeking to defer paying a very significant amount towards our welfare fund as a way of helping the city bridge its revenue shortfall. Numbers are being crunched, and we have to see if what they are suggesting is feasible.
Needless to say, we are hopeful that there will be no CSBA member layoffs, and are now working in conjunction with City Employees Union Teamsters Local 237 in arriving at an agreement with the City. We must, at the same time, structure whatever agreement in a manner that allows our welfare fund to continue providing the range of benefits specified in our plan description.
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As you undoubtedly heard, Mayor de Blasio and the City Council reached a budget filled with pain and cutbacks for fiscal 2021, primarily due to the severe damage inflicted on the NYC economy by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly every agency and program is being forced to accept significant budget cuts.
The Mayor is specifically demanding $1 Billion in savings from “Labor”, i.e. city workers. He has stated that if the unions do not agree to a plan to reduce the city’s expenses in that tremendously high amount by October 1st [or alternatively, if the Federal government does not provide relief or the State does not increase NYC’s ability to borrow the money], twenty-two thousand (22,000) hardworking municipal workers will be terminated.
It is too early to predict what will happen, particularly its impact on our titles, Agency Attorneys, Agency Attorney Internes and Attorneys-at-Law. The Municipal Labor Committee (“the MLC”), which is comprised of approximately 100 NYC employee unions representing over 200,000 city workers (including us), is exploring that which is feasible with city officials to save jobs, money and services. Some form of retirement incentive, which would require State legislation, and assistance with financing city obligations and expenses, are reportedly being discussed. Redeployment/ transfer and presumably furloughs are among the other potential outcomes.
In the meantime, if you are curious as to the contractual protections, priorities and procedure related to layoffs, they can be found within Article XVII of the DC 37 Citywide Agreement (negotiated years ago but still in effect). It is readily available by searching the web with “DC 37 Citywide Agreement” or as a link to this site.
Prominently mentioned is the requirement that the city provide us, at least thirty days in advance, with a detailed list of the names, titles and agency of each at-risk bargaining unit member. Although such a list is reportedly being created, it is important to remember that being on the list merely indicates that you are “at risk”, not that you will in fact be laid off.
Few of these potential options are desirable, with the possible exception of an early retirement incentive package. Again, it is still too early to know how this will play out. We will let you know more when there is something tangible to share. Needless to say, we will do whatever we reasonably can to protect our members’ interests.
As previously expressed on our Facebook page [CSBA Attorneys, 6/01/2020], this union of approximately one thousand NYC government Agency Attorneys, Attorney Interns and Attorneys-at-Law strongly supports the Black Lives Matter movement. The recent murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and Rayshard Brooks by police officers have underscored the importance of police reform. Here in New York, we still remember how Amadou Diallo, Sean Bell and Eric Garner died at the hands of police officers simply because they were Black. Recently, we were appalled to see numerous instances of police brutality against peaceful protestors. Read more…
As CSBA members potentially are required to return to work after the lifting of COVID 19 restrictions, there will be many challenges facing us. Among the immediate issues are: a) Telecommuting has been proven to work, should this be permanently allowed; b) How can our work environments be made as safe as possible; and c) How do we address the looming NYC budget deficit? Toward that end, we ask that you complete and submit this confidential online member survey as instructed on this link.
As you have undoubtedly heard, the US Supreme Court issued a ruling which potentially could undercut the financial viability of public sector unions, including CSBA and the larger union with which we are affiliated, Local 237 Teamsters. Janus vs AFSCME is the culmination of years of attacks on the labor movement by well-funded forces seeking to weaken the ability of unions to fight for higher wages, defined benefit pensions, quality health care, as well as better benefits and working conditions for millions of working people, including us.
I want you to know that we will continue to work hard and smart to represent you, and to earn your continued trust and support. We will survive, and become better and stronger than ever! Please see the FAQ page for why being a CSBA member can make all the difference!
CSBA Main Number: (212) 675-0519
Website: www.csbanyc.org
E-Mail: csbainfo@local237.org
Facebook: CSBA Attorneys
CSBA Welfare Fund (for all benefits except prescription drugs) =
Alicare: (866) 647-4617
Local 237 Welfare Fund (for prescription drug benefit only): (212) 924-7220
Aetna Rx Member Services: (855) 352-1599
NYC Employee Assistance Program (“EAP”): (212) 306-7660; eap@olr.nyc.gov
New York City Employees Retirement System (“NYCERS”): (347) 643-3000
