Union Leadership: An Interview with Karen Pecora

In 1990, Karen Pecora began a 32-year long career with Westchester County. She began as a receptionist at Playland Park and became a member of the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) where she was appointed as Shop Steward. In 2001, she was elected the 1st Vice President for Unit 9200 of the CSEA. Later, in 2009, she successfully ran for President and completed a four-year term. After losing her re-election, she decided to run again in 2017 and won another term. Although no longer a union officer, Ms. Pecora remains an active member of her community. Her experience as an advocate and negotiator offers vast insight for those in or pursuing union leadership.

How did you first become involved in the union?

It’s a funny story. I was working as a receptionist at Playland, and a coworker was putting up signs for a union meeting; I was surprised to learn he was a Shop Steward. I asked the office for the name of the union representative and said that I worked in administration for Playland. The representative didn’t even know the office had union members, meanwhile there were thirty of us! I became a Shop Steward in 1992.

What led you to pursue leadership options?

At the time, I did not know a lot about the hierarchy of the union. But others and I were upset with the recent contract. So, I decided to run for President. Before running, I was introduced to someone else that planned to run for President. He said that he had the voters to win and wanted me to come on as 1st Vice President. I agreed, and we won in 2001.

Has the union helped you along your career?

During the 2013 budget, while I was union President, my position was eliminated, and I was laid off. I was able to get a position at the Board of Elections which allowed me to remain a union member, but the salary was $15,000 less a year. My union attorney filed a grievance immediately. In December of that year, I won the grievance. The county was mandated to give me a position equivalent to what I had before, back pay for the entire year, and they had to publicly post the decision in the county office building. The precedent was set, no union officer can be laid off while in office. It was a great victory for union members everywhere in Westchester County.

What is the most important lesson you learned during contract negotiations?

It is so important to remain calm and keep your cool. You don’t want the county or management to think your hotheads during the process. If you get upset, it makes you look like you don’t know what you’re doing, or that you’re insecure.

You also have to listen to what the other side is saying. Sometimes, they’re not being honest. We had one negotiation where someone came right in and said that the county has the money, but just did not want to give it to us.

What has your experience been with mediation?

There was a point when we needed to look for a mediator because we were at an impasse. We had a list of three people. One was a friend of the county negotiator, and at first, we really did not want him. But we agreed and it ended up being the best decision we could have made. He told his friend to take the deal, and we ended up with the best contract.

Do you have any favorite memories from the job?

Being a union President is the best job in the world. I loved being able to help members and save jobs. We had a lot of great events, including scholarship awards for the members’ children, family days at Playland, and holiday parties.

One of my favorite memories was a demonstration during negotiations outside of County Executive George Latimer’s house. We all parked at the beach and walked down to his house. He knew we were coming, and left cookies and juice outside for us!

Do you have any advice for those interested in a similar career path?

It is important to get to know your union. Learn about the structure, meet the officers, and really get to know the members. Try to become a Shop Steward; activism should come first.