CSEA Stands Behind Correction Center Support Staff at Leg.

Jerry speaks before the legislature

MINEOLA- The June 18th meeting of the Nassau County Legislature brought members from SHOA (Nassau County Sheriffs Officers Association) protesting their need to have a contract with Nassau County, after being out of one for 2 _ years. CSEA Local 830 President Jerry Laricchiuta, spoke before the legislature and supported the fact that the Correction Officers deserve a fair contract as soon as possible.

But, there was a lot more to be discussed than just SHOA’s contract squabble. CSEA Local 830 had a large number of members on hand as well to combat any notion that CSEA would be looking to civilianize or privatize Correction Officer positions.

Media presence of News 12, News 55 and Long Island News Tonight also latched on to the story and got Laricchiuta’s thoughts on it. “CSEA is the largest public union in the state and on Long Island, so privatizing is the last thing we would want to do,” he said.

Jerry Laricchiuta speaks to Long Island News Tonight and to News 55’s Tom Allen

This all stems from CSEA’s hope of passing a bill that would enable all “CC” titled employees to assume limited peace officer status, which includes the Sheriff’s Support Staff that are CSEA members. “This long overdue bill would grant our members same the protection as Correction Officers,” Laricchiuta said. He also went on to say that CSEA has no inclination at all of doing any correction officer duties.

Another issue dates back to the last SHOA contract in 2001, which agreed to civilianize 55 positions. To this date only approximately one-third of that amount has been filled. SHOA’s President John Duer refuted that fact, but Laricchiuta said, “I have the list. If anyone wants to see that it’s only been 19 they can call the Nassau County Sheriff and ask him.”

CSEA plans on standing strong behind their members from the Nassau County Correctional Center to ensure they receive the rights that they deserve.

CSEA members hold up banners saying “Protect the ‘CC’ title”

Check back soon to see footage from the June 18th legislative hearing, in the special features section.