The state CSEA is stripping power from Nassau chapter leadership as it fights with the county over health care benefits

The head of the state's civil service association has stripped power from the Nassau local board amid an ongoing dispute between the union and county Executive Bruce Blakeman over employee health insurance.

In an Oct. 21 letter to members obtained by Newsday, state CSEA President Mary Sullivan said they were recalling Local 830 President Ron Gurrieri and Vice President Bob Arciello and placing the chapter “into administration effective immediately.” “ will transfer and appoint two co-administrators “Ensure that the day-to-day operations and continuity of union operations of this location are maintained.”

The move came after members expressed dissatisfaction with local leadership in a petition with 1,770 signatures and asked the state CSEA to intervene to negotiate better health insurance on their behalf.

“This decision was not made lightly,” Sullivan wrote in a separate message to union members obtained by Newsday. “However, to ensure that your interests are best represented and we are able to ensure equitable health insurance coverage for all members of your community, this was a necessary action.”

State CSEA officials did not respond to Newsday's calls and email questions.

Sullivan continued: “I understand how troubling this moment may be for you and your family. But we are moving in a better direction and you can now trust that your union will be transparent and honest with you.”

Gurrieri, a police paramedic coordinator, has been president of CSEA Local 830 since 2020. Arciello works as a deputy sheriff. Gurrieri did not return calls seeking comment and Arciello declined to comment.

CSEA Local 830 represents about 4,200 workers in Nassau and is the largest of the five major public employee unions in the county. The broad membership includes workers with job titles ranging from certified nursing assistants and emergency personnel to office workers and road maintenance workers.

A bitter public dispute between the union and Blakeman, a Republican, that included controversial billboards and mailers, began after the termination of a government-sponsored health insurance plan called Excelsior, promised in the most recent collective bargaining agreement. The plan was replaced by another one called Empire.

As Newsday first reported, Nassau officials had to scramble in August to find a new health insurance plan for CSEA members, ultimately presenting them with two options that members said came with higher deductibles and deductibles. County workers represented by CSEA have until November 1 to enroll in one of the plans that will cover them starting January 1, 2025.

Blakeman spokesman Chris Boyle said in an emailed statement Wednesday that the government negotiated “in good faith” with union leaders who demanded the Excelsior plan in return for higher starting salaries and raises included in the contract.

“After the state eliminated the union health care plan, the county board is prepared to negotiate in good faith with new union leadership to ensure quality health care without overburdening taxpayers,” Boyle said.

Empire's move to Excelsior was expected to save the county about $280 million compared to CSEA's 13-year contract. Nassau's current budget is about $4 billion.

Nassau County Budget Director Andy Persich testified before the county Legislature in August that the 2024 budget shortfall due to Excelsior's hiring would be as high as $43 million.