As New York’s largest independent Union, Suffolk AME is continuously advocating on our members’ behalf for priority legislation, increased benefits, and a wide array of other member needs. Over our Union’s history, there is much to be proud of. Here are just some of our recent accomplishments: 

Workplace Improvements and Increased Benefits

• Delivered one of the most valuable contracts to AME members in the Union’s history
• Over 12% in raises over eight years
• Took full control of the Benefit Fund and increased the level of management contribution by $775,000 annually
• Created a new VSF benefit, which will be worth thousands for each member annually after separation from service
• Increased the value of longevity payments
• Instituted a new on-call benefit for impacted members
• Amended the previously punitive sick leave abuser policy, giving members more flexibility to use their sick time at their discretion without punishment
• Successfully lobbied for the passage of the Paid Leave Expansion Bill, guaranteeing coverage for public sector workers who contract Covid
• Negotiated Covid protections and the presumption those infected contracted it on-the-job
• Staved off attempts to institute a lag payroll during the Covid crisis
• Worked with the County Legislature on the creation and passage of legislation seeking to improve access to telework and flexible work scheduling options locally while pushing for hazard pay benefits at the State level for those members who would not benefit from remote work opportunities
•  Expanded benefits through the Fund including access to a legal fund, raise dependent coverage from age 19 to age 26, and greatly enhanced dental including no-cost dental implants
• Negotiated pay for comp-time worked by members Grade 24 and higher which was previously use or lose annually 
• Ensured rapid Covid-19 testing was offered to members and their dependents
• Fought to ensure all unused vacation time in 2020 could be rolled over to 2021

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Legislative Agenda and Government Policy

• Amended the Taylor Law for enhanced labor protections
• Recognized by the NYS Comptroller for helping to protect the Pension Fund from the divestiture
• Updated the Salary and Classification plan to reflect 21st Century responsibilities
• Successfully protected government revenue streams our members rely upon
• Worked to create and pass legislation to protect our members from harmful Federal rule changes that would have allowed harassment and intimidation by anti-Union forces 
• Successfully lobbied for the inclusion of a Budget Amendment in the 2021 Operating Budget ensuring any realized revenues are used to prevent layoffs and honor contractual obligations

Political Action

• AME has seen the unprecedented success of AME-endorsed candidates under this leadership team, with more than 85% of endorsed candidates winning elations since 2017
• Defeated the Constitutional Convention referendum in 2017 and recognized by Newsday as a leading opponent 
• Successfully campaigned for the passage of Proposition 2 of 2020, providing hundreds of millions of dollars to the General Fund to support AME positions and prevent layoffs
• Delivered the election and re-election of Assemblyman Joe DeStefano, the first AME member elected to a state office
• AME was recognized for playing a pivotal role in reshaping the power structure of the NYS Senate
• Re-establishment of AME Lobby Day to amplify AME member’s voices in Albany

Community Engagement

• As a major sponsor of the Suffolk County Marathon, AME has helped raise more than $600,000 for local Suffolk County veterans
•  In 2017, AME re-established a relationship with the United Way of Long Island, allowing members to make pre-tax donations to the charitable organizations
• Through efforts to partner with Long Island Cares: The Harry Chapin Food Bank by the Executive Board, AME members donated enough food to feed 300 families two years in a row 
• Title sponsor of the nonprofit cancer organization Mondays at Racine’s annual Laugh Out Loud Fundraiser
• Brought partners in Labor together with thousands of members of the public for the May Day Music Festival, helping to raise awareness of unionism and the work our members do
• Created the “Suffolk Matters” radio show, which has reached 800,000 weekly listeners according to Nielsen ratings

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Accomplishments by Unit

• Consistently advocated for the funding of additional revenue-generating positions, like those in Consumer Affairs
• Worked with the County Legislature on a bill currently before the Legislature which will ensure a significant percentage of School Bus Photo Violation Program revenues are used to fund additional Crossing Guard positions 
• Successfully lobbied for the passage of a law that provided increased transparency of Asset Forfeiture funds and provided increased awareness of the role and value of civilian employees
• Successfully fought for amendments to the 2019 Discovery Law changes, increasing revenue for staffing and loosening timeline requirements
• Worked with the legislature to ensure the 2020 Omnibus budget included funding for additional AME positions, which was then leveraged to secure additional custodial positions through negotiations with the administration 
• Negotiated on-call pay in the most recent contract
• Worked with the legislature to ensure the 2020 Omnibus budget included funding for additional AME positions, which was then leveraged to secure additional DSS and CPS positions through negotiations with the administration 
• Successfully passed legislation in 2019 and 2020 to provide increased oversight to ensure safe staffing levels in DSS and CPS are adhered to
• Successfully passed legislation in 2019 and 2020 to provide increased oversight to ensure safe staffing levels in Public Safety Dispatcher and Emergency Complaint Operator positions are adhered to
• Working with Assemblyman Joe DeStefano to create a bill that will recognize Emergency Complaint Operators legally as first responders 
• Consistently advocated for the funding of additional revenue-generating positions
• Secured funding to address health and safety concerns and to improve the Medical Examiners lab’s fume hood and ventilation system
• Ensured that any member hired before 2013 will not have to pay into healthcare upon retirement 
• Successfully negotiated a college contract that gave members parity with their County counterparts

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