Haverstraw EMS workers win union election

Paid workers from Haverstraw Ambulance Corps voted unanimously to join the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) in an election held on Wednesday, December 4.  

“I was thrilled to see that our hometown heroes at the Haverstraw Ambulance Corps voted to join CSEA. These people are there for us when we need them most, and deserve to be respected at work with a livable wage, benefits and retirement options. They now have the seat at the table that they need to obtain all of these,” said Patrick Carroll, Assemblyman for the 96 District.

 CSEA has a rapidly growing EMS union membership in New York State. EMS professionals are improving the profession through collective bargaining and political action, while pushing back against cuts and declining standards.

“Our number one priority is the quality care we give to the community. A strong voice on the job is very important to be able to advocate for that care. We united for safety, professionalism and community care. Having a union means a guaranteed contract with our employer, having an open dialogue and being able to make changes on the job like working conditions, benefits and pay. We are so excited to join CSEA,” said Brittany Delahanty, Emergency Medica Technician (EMT-B). 

“Safety is a major concern for all first responders. Our job is dangerous, as members we will now have access to the CSEA Occupational Safety and Health professionals in addition to the opportunity to collectively bargain for better training and equipment. Now, we can work with our employer on raising safety standards and also adhering to best practices. We are on the ground every day and know the issues best,” Greg Scharfenberg, EMT-B

 “Maintaining professionalism is a top priority. We see our community members at what could be the worst day of their lives. We have standards and decorum to uphold. Improvements to our working conditions and tools dedicated to helping us deal with the trauma we see and experience also means better care for our community’s residents,” said Peter Graziano, EMT-B.

 Haverstraw EMS is also now united with 25,000 EMS workers in AFSCME (CSEA is its largest affiliate) and nearly 3,000 CSEA members in represented in emergency medical services positions.