In an appalling display of insensitivity and opportunism, Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Local 830 President Ron Gurrieri has been rightfully criticized for pushing for more overtime pay during the funeral of NYPD officer Jonathan Diller. This incident not only highlights a profound disconnect from the principles of public service but also underscores why more CSEA members quit their union than any other union in New York.
Imagine the scene: A solemn funeral service for a brave officer who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. His family, friends, and colleagues gathered to honor his sacrifice — a moment that should be steeped in respect and dignity. But amidst this atmosphere of grief and reverence, Ron Gurrieri chose to seize the opportunity to push for more overtime pay.
This is more than distasteful; it is a stark betrayal of the values held dear by public servants across the nation.
Public service is built on the pillars of duty, honor and respect. Those who serve do so with a commitment to the greater good, often putting their own lives at risk.
Gurrieri’s actions, however, reveal a disturbing prioritization of financial gain over the sanctity of such a significant moment. This is not what union representation should look like.
Union leaders are supposed to advocate for the well-being of their members, but they must also embody the ethical standards and integrity that public service demands.
By choosing to push for more overtime pay at a funeral, Gurrieri demonstrated a complete disregard for the very essence of public service.
This incident raises a critical question: Are these leaders truly focused on the best interests of their members, or are they driven by a relentless pursuit of additional financial gains at any cost?
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen such behavior. Time and again, union leadership has shown that they are out of touch with the everyday realities and moral expectations of their members. Gurrieri’s gaffe is a glaring example of misplaced priorities, highlighting the need for a serious reassessment of what members are funding with their dues.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, in a June 24 resopnse, blasted Gurrieri for exploiting the funeral of a hero to make more overtime on the taxpayer dime. “Not only is your assertion incorrect,” he said, “but I also find the whole premise distasteful and disturbing.”
He wasn’t alone. The head of the pro-police advocacy group Blue Lives Matter, Joe Imperatrice, also condemned Gurrieri’s complaint as insensitive and selfish.
“This guy has to get over himself,” he said. “We’re talking about a funeral for a hero police officer who was killed in the line of duty.”
Given such behavior, it’s no wonder that New Yorkers are leaving the union in droves. CSEA has consistently seen more of its members cancel their union dues than any other government union in the state, as members are increasingly disillusioned with a leadership that prioritizes financial gain over ethical standards and respect for public service.
By withholding their financial support, members are sending a powerful message that they will not support leadership that acts without regard for decency and respect.
This isn’t just about saving money; it’s about reclaiming the integrity of public service.
Let’s honor the memory of Officer Jonathan Diller and all those who serve by insisting on the highest standards of ethics and respect from our union leaders.
It’s time for CSEA leadership to take a hard look at their priorities and actions.
