Statement of Danny Donohue on the passing of Jerome Lefkowitz

ALBANY, NY (12/23/2017) (readMedia)-- It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that CSEA mourns the loss of Jerome "Jerry" Lefkowitz, former CSEA deputy counsel and state Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) chairperson.

Jerry had a long, distinguished career as an advocate for labor and public employees. He was a driving force behind the 1967 Public Employees' Fair Employment Act, commonly known as the Taylor Law. This law gave New York's public employees the right to negotiate fair wages, strong health benefits and workplace protections.

As a key member of the commission that drafted the law, Jerry's contribution to its development and the protections it offers cannot be overstated. After the Taylor Law was enacted, Jerry was employed as deputy chairperson of PERB, the state agency that administers the law. He served in that position for 19 years before joining CSEA in 1987.

Jerry was a valued colleague, a champion of labor and a dear friend to us at CSEA and to working people everywhere. He will be deeply missed.

In 2007, Jerry left CSEA after he was appointed as chairperson of PERB. His tenure at the agency was marked by fairness, balance and neutral application of the very laws he helped craft.

We at CSEA extend our most heartfelt condolences to Jerry's family and friends during this difficult time.

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