Orange County government CSEA employees call for fair wages, benefits and essential worker pay

GOSHEN – Orange County CSEA employees addressed the Orange County Legislature Thursday afternoon, seeking fare wages and benefits.

Many sat in the chambers with signs promoting the union and its mission. 

Two issues were brought up by the CSEA members including salaries. Marie Murray, who works for the county Department of Social Services, said top county administrators receive double-digit raises, as much as 28 percent, that more than equal a rank-and-file member’s annual salary.

“The county’s message is loud and clear – you don’t value us, and you don’t respect us. As legislators you do not negotiate the contract, but you do have the power to influence Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus, to be fair to all employees, not just management, who routinely get double-digit raises yearly at its discretion,” she said.

Tisa Hanshaw, a 17-year county probation officer, brought up the issue of pandemic essential worker pay.

“During the time of the pandemic, we worked the PODS. We helped vaccinate over 88,000 people. We are essential workers; we were designated by the director as an essential worker,” she said. “During the time we worked the PODS, we did crowd control, transportation, crisis intervention, interpreter.”

At the conclusion of the remarks from the union employees, the legislature adjourned the otherwise routine monthly meeting on Thursday without comment.