
Be sure to check out the Fully Mobilized Divisions Honor Roll
6/24/2009
VOLUNTEER SUMMER PROGRAM-AFT
We need YOU...
By volunteering to spend two weeks this summer organizing
teachers and PSRPs in the South, you will be building the national strength of
your union, learning new skills, forming relationships that last a lifetime, and
helping to bring real change to our colleagues in need.
This is not a job for everyone. The work is demanding and each volunteer
signs-up for a minimum two week commitment.
YOU are responsible for bringing desire and determination to
make things better for our brothers and sisters who struggle against anti-union
and anti-public school hostility. The Amercian Federation of Teachers (AFT)
provides everything else. We supply the high-quality organizing training,
ongoing coaching and supervision, and overall campaign coordination. AFT also
pays for your travel, hotel, meal allowances and incidentals.
To bring
some hope and be part of the solution, click on the link below.
www.aft.org/back2school2009
e-HealthBeat
- Empire Plan Copay Changes
Coming 7/1/09
www.pef.org/healthbenefits/newspromos.htm
If you're enrolled in the Empire Plan, look for these benefit changes,
authorized in the 2007-2011 PS&T contract, to start July 1, 2009.
Benefit
Current Copay/Copay as of 7/1/09
Office visit/office surgery $18
$20
Radiology
$18
$20
Diagnostic lab services $18
$20
- More
www.pef.org/healthbenefits/newspromos.htm
- Flex Spending Account Online Claims Submission
www.pef.org/healthbenefits/newspromos.htm
The Flex Spending Account plan administrator, FBMC, has implemented a new online
claims submission process. As a result, Flex Spending Account enrollees
are now able to submit reimbursement requests for the Health Care Spending
Account (HCSA) and the Dependent Care Advantage Account (DCAA) online through
www.myFBMC.com....
PEF Membership Benefits Program (MBP)
New eStore coming soon to PEF
Membership Benefits Program website,
www.buymbp.com.
There is a new sign-in process and other features to make online shopping easier
and more convenient for PEF Members. Recently MBP sent out simple instructions
and your temporary password for unlocking great saving in our new eStore. These
instructions will walk you through the new step by step login process.
Exciting new special offers will be available. The first 500 PEF members that
sign in and provide their updated personal email address are eligible to receive
a FREE recycled shopping bag. Once you have provided your email address, under
categories select special offers and add the FREE recycled shopping bag to your
shopping cart.
Please feel free to call Membership Benefits Program at 800 342-4306 ext. 243
with any questions you may have. MBP looks forward to virtually seeing you on
our new site.
5/13/2009
HIGH
LEVEL DISCUSSIONS CONTINUE
PEF’s president and
the Governor (directly and thru their representatives) continue discussions
regarding the threatened lay-offs and the budget crisis. We continue to offer
options that will provide the cost savings necessary to avert layoffs. As we
have historically, we do not jeopardize discussions/negotiations by
making details public during sensitive periods of the talks. Rest assured that
our primary goal remains protecting the jobs and working conditions of our
membership.
When we
have developments which can be reported they will be sent out on AIM and posted
at our website –
www.pef.org
EXECUTIVE ORDER No. 6: Ensuring the Cost-Effectiveness of Contracts for Personal
Services
The NYS Division of
Budget (DOB) has issued a Bulletin that addresses the provisions of Governor
Paterson’s Executive Order No. 6 which established procedural and reporting
requirements regarding certain State agency contracts for personal services.
Executive Order No. 6, issued on June 4, 2008 aims to ensure that
agencies enter into such contracts only after considering whether State
employees can practicably meet the same needs by providing services of the same
or better quality at an equivalent or lower cost.
The Executive Order creates the Governor’s Task Force on
Personal Services Contracting (“Task Force”), and requires agencies provide
certain reports on personal services contracts to the Task Force.
Beginning October 1, 2009 and annually thereafter, the Task Force will be
responsible for issuing a public report to the Governor on the progress the
State is making toward the goal of limiting the number of contracts for personal
service to those that comply with the criteria set forth in the Bulletin.
In its initial report, the Task Force will specifically examine
contracting out in two areas: transportation engineering and information
technology. The report will include recommendations as to whether and how such
contracting may be limited, including regulatory, legislative and/or budgetary
proposals.
The
recently issued DOB Bulletin summarizes the requirements of the order; further
clarifies parameters of the order’s requirements; and details agencies’
compliance obligations under the order. You can read the bulletin here:
http://www.budget.state.ny.us/guide/bprm/bulletins/b-1187.html
VALUABLE INFORMATION ON RIF PROCESS POSTED ON THE PEF WEB-SITE -
http://www.pef.org/contract_resources/index.htm
3/24/2009
PAYMENT DATES
ESTABLISHED
The NYS Office of the
State Comptroller (OSC) has issued the payroll bulletins for the April 2009
contractually negotiated raises. The base salary changes (including the
3% raise, increments, merit advances) will take effect March 26 (check date
April 23) for Institution payroll and April 2 (check date April 29) for the
Administrative payroll.
Longevity checks are separate
from payroll checks and will be distributed on April 15 Admin payroll and April
23 Institution Payroll. The OSC
bulletins have all been posted on the compensation” page of PEF’s
ContractResourceCenter:
http://www.pef.org/contract_resources/index.htm
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PEF VP and CONTRACT
NEGOTIATIONS CHAIRPERSON
Louis
G. (Lou) Matrazzo, 58, of Anthony Road, Clifton Park, died suddenly this
past Thursday morning, March 19, 2009 at Albany Medical Center, after
being stricken. Born in Troy, November 5, 1950, son of Anthony and
Lillian Castelli Matrazzo. A graduate of Mechanicville High School,
class of 1968, and Hudson Valley Community College, he was employed at
the NYS Department of Health as a information technology specialist IV
at the Albany campus. Lou had been a fixture at PEF over the last decade
as a steward, executive board member, Albany area regional coordinator,
vice president and chair of the 2007 – 2001 PEF Contract Committee. |
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Lou lived life to its fullest. As a union advocate he exhibited extraordinary
courage, honesty, and passion. Lou was a man of strong convictions. The gains
made in the 2007 – 2011 contract negotiations are just some of the fruits of his
labor. All said and done, though,
Lou will probably be remembered best by those of us who knew him for the love
and dedication he showed those dear to him; especially his daughter Michelle.
Donations in Lou’s memory may be made to the
Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York
965 Albany Shaker Road
Latham, NY 12110
Expressions of sympathy can be sent to Lou’s daughter
Michelle:
Michelle Matrazzo
In Care Of Mary Grace Parker (Lou’s Sister)
146 Cheese Factory Road
Greenwich, NY 12834
CIVIL SERVICE EXAM FEES
(From the PEF Information Line for
Monday March 18, 2009)
In January, the state Department of Civil Service announced
as part of its budget effort, plans to impose fees for promotional exams and
increase the fees for open competitive exams for new examination announcements
issued after March 13, and effective for exams administered on or after May 30.
PEF is currently evaluating its options under the PS&T
Agreement and Taylor Law to determine its recourse to challenge these fees, as
they may be subject to a contract grievance or improper practice charge. Updates
will continue as information becomes available.
If you have a question about the new promotion examination
fees, contact PEF’s Civil Service Enforcement/Research Department or the
Contract Administration Department at 1-800-342-4306.
Public Service Workshops
Program: Recently Announced Workshops—3/23/09
For New York State Employees in
the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (PS&T) Unit
(MC employees may be
permitted to attend workshops if space is available.)
To reference full workshop
details and to register go to: NYSLearn at
http://goer.state.ny.us/nyslearn
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- Network Basics This workshop is designed for computer professionals
who need a basic introduction to the main components of a computer
network. Participants will learn about key terms and services, such as
DNS, DHCP, and Active Directory. Participants also will examine network
infrastructure components, such as routers, switches, and cabling.
Specific troubleshooting techniques will be demonstrated. Date/Time: 6/3/2009; 9 AM – 4 PM; Location:
University at Albany, Albany, NY Registration Deadline: 5/20/2009 |
This workshop will cover the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and its
impact on New York State employees. It will provide a review of key provisions
of the act, including the scope of the term "issuer" (public companies whose
stock is traded on an exchange, or "Over-The-Counter"); strengthening of audit
committees; improper influence on audits; internal financial controls; code of
ethics; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
certification of disclosure; other disclosure enhancements, such as off-balance
sheet transactions; substantive transactional provisions, such as forfeiture by
an issuer’s CEO and CFO of any bonuses, or incentive compensation; accurate,
complete, and timely determination of materiality and disclosure obligations;
fair representation of financial condition and results; high quality audit and
review of public company financial statements; preventing conflict of interest;
and proper retention of audit documents and records.
Dates/Time: 5/19/2009; 9 AM – 4 PM; Location: Pace
University, New York, NY
Registration Deadline: 5/5/2009
This two-day workshop explores the impact of situational
leadership on management problem solving. Topics include participatory
management and motivational tactics; effects of dwindling resources on an
organization; the need for time management; and re-engineering approaches when
faced with reduced resources.
Dates/Time: 6/3/2009 & 6/10/2009; 9 AM – 4 PM; Location: Pace
University, New York, NY
Registration Deadline: 5/20/2009
PEF Education Department
Phone #- 1-800-342-4306 ext. 240
e-mail -
kloccisano@pef.org
1/27/2009
LET'S "GET ACTIVE"!
PEF utilizes "GET ACTIVE" software allowing our members and supporters to easily
communicate with policy makers. The program also allows each letter to be
personalized / edited by each participant and when final it is automatically
faxed or emailed to the addressed policy maker(s). Here are three "GET
ACTIVE" Campaigns we are currently asking our members and supporters to
participate in. If you haven't joined the thousands who have already
participated in these actions please do so today!
-
Jump start our economy NOW! Urge Congress to Pass an Economic Recovery Package!
NY State faces a deficit of over $13 billion in 2009. Governor Paterson
has proposed cutting over 3,000 state jobs. This will further hurt our
economy. NY State needs Federal aid to avoid these cuts as well as drastic
cuts to schools, healthcare and state services.
http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/jump_start_our_economy
- There is a Better Way: Merge ESDC and NYSTAR into
DED
The 2009-10 Executive Budget
proposes merging the Department of Economic Development (DED) and the Foundation
for Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR) into the Empire State
Development Corporation (ESDC) creating the ultimate off-budget shadow agency.
Most of the employees would be non-civil service, and eventually all of the
employees could become non-civil service and lose union representation. In
addition job reductions could fall disproportionately on state employees at DED
and NYSTAR.
PEF
supports a DED-led merger, which protects the civil service and union rights of
employees, while achieving the benefits of consolidation. With DED at the
head, public accountability will not be sacrificed. PEF also supports
restoration of funds to prevent the layoff of economic development professionals
in DED and NYSTAR.
http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/ded_merger
- Stop The Governor's Giveback Proposals
The middle class - public
employees in particular - will be squeezed if the Governor's Executive Budget is
enacted. Instead of shared sacrifice, public employees who have already
borne the brunt of deficit reduction actions to date would be targeted once
again with a devastating combination of salary and benefit reductions, on top of
new and increased taxes and fees which will which fall disproportionately on
middle class New Yorkers. We must contact our legislators and urge them to
reject budget proposals that would reduce public employee salary and benefits
such as eliminating negotiated pay increases and lagging our payroll, which
together would reduce our salary by an average of $3100 per employee in 2009.
We must also fight against reductions to a state workforce that is already
stretched thin. The budget reduces the state workforce by over 3000
positions, including over 500 by layoff.
http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/2009_10ExecutiveBudget
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BUDGET FIGHT-BACK FACT SHEETS - 2009 |
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Dept. of
Environmental Conservation
Dept. of
Correctional Services
Manhattan Addiction
Treatment Center |
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PSWP (Public Service Workshops Program:
Recently Announced Workshops 1/23/09)
For New York State Employees in the Professional, Scientific and Technical
Services (PS&T) Unit (MC employees may be permitted to attend workshops if space
is available.)
The recently scheduled PSWP workshops below are grouped by region, and then
listed in chronological order by class date. Enroll now to prevent workshop
cancellation due to low enrollment. To reference full workshop details and to
register go to: NYSLearn at
http://goer.state.ny.us/nyslearn
CAPITAL DISTRICT
-
State Environmental Quality Review: An Overview
This workshop provides an
overview of environmental policy in New York State as it relates to the
purchase, sale, or leasing of real property. Participants will learn what
triggers SEQRA, how to do a preliminary inspection, and complete an
Environmental Assessment Form. Significant issues arising under the SEQRA and
current cases will also be discussed.
Date/Time: 3/16/2009; 9 AM - 4 PM; Location: Albany Law School, Albany, NY
Registration Deadline: 2/27/2009
-
Professional Presentation Skills
This workshop is designed for individuals who speak at or moderate meetings,
deliver presentations, or participate in panel discussions. Participants will
explore the guidelines for crafting and making effective presentations,
the importance and role of the speaker, and how to manage nervousness associated
with speaking in public. Topics include the organization and development of a
presentation, an analysis of voice and diction skills, audience interaction,
awareness of body language, effective listening, use of visual aids, and the
role of humor.
Date/Time: 4/2/2009; 9 AM - 4 PM; Location: Sage College of Albany,
Albany, NY
Registration Deadline: 3/17/2009
-
Investigative Interviewing
This workshop examines techniques for interviewing subjects for purposes of
fact-finding and obtaining information about compliance, fraud, and abuse.
It is designed for individuals who testify in administrative hearings or other
proceedings. Topics include discussion of legal parameters, strategies for
handling reluctant and hostile interviewees, and the importance of accurate
field notes. The workshop focuses on interviewing external witnesses involved in
underlying cases. Scenarios such as interviewing an office worker in a
Medicaid Fraud investigation or the school nurse in a child abuse case will be
included.
Date/Time: 5/19/2009; 9 AM - 4 PM; Location: Albany Law School, Albany, NY
Registration Deadline: 5/1/2009
CENTRAL REGION
- Conflict
Resolution
In this interactive workshop, participants have an opportunity to improve their
skills in dealing with and managing conflict. The workshop provides practical
tools and techniques for conflict management and dispute resolution. Topics
include conflict theory, to individual styles for resolving conflict,
differentiating between positions and interests, and determining how differences
impact communication. The focus is upon making the participants more effective
problem solvers.
Date/Time: 3/19/2009; 9 AM - 4 PM; Location: Binghamton University, Binghamton,
NY
Registration Deadline: 3/3/2009
NEW
YORK CITY REGION
- The Sarbanes-Oxley Act for Auditors
This workshop will cover the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act and its impact on New York State employees. It will provide a
review of key provisions of the act, including the scope of the term "issuer"
(public companies whose stock is traded on an exchange, or "Over-The-Counter");
strengthening of audit committees; improper influence on audits; internal
financial controls; code of ethics; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief
Financial Officer (CFO) certification of disclosure; other disclosure
enhancements, such as off-balance sheet transactions; substantive transactional
provisions, such as forfeiture by an issuer?s CEO and CFO of any bonuses, or
incentive compensation; accurate, complete, and timely determination of
materiality and disclosure obligations; fair representation of financial
condition and results; high quality audit and review of public company financial
statements; preventing conflict of interest; and proper retention of audit
documents and records.
Date/Time: 3/3/2009; 9 AM - 4 PM; Location: Pace University, New York, NY
Registration Deadline: 2/13/2009
eHEALH Beat: UnitedHealth Care
Must Overhaul Databases Used to Pay Non-par Claims
New York state attorney general Andrew Cuomo has ordered
UnitedHealth Care (UHC) to overhaul the Reasonable and Customary (R&C) Charge
databases it uses to determine how much to pay when an enrollee uses a
non-participating provider. Ingenix, a subsidiary of UHC, controls the
databases.
Many other health insurance carriers use Ingenix databases to
pay claims. The attorney general's office said, by using these databases, the
health insurance industry had engaged in 'a scheme to defraud consumers' by
systematically underpaying patients. A one-year investigation found the data had
understated the true market rates of medical care by as much as 28%.
The order to overhaul the R&C databases is part of a
settlement with UHC. It requires the creation of a new, independently operated
database, to be run by a university to be determined. UHC will pay $50 million
to create the new database. In the interim, Ingenix is allowed to continue
operating. No criminal charges have been sought in the case, nor was UHC
required to pay restitution to consumers.
When choosing a health care provider, Empire Plan enrollees
should keep in mind that using an in-network or par provider is the least costly
option. Enrollees only have to pay a copayment, if any. When a non-network or
non-par provider is used, the enrollee has to satisfy a deductible and pay
coinsurance, plus any balance exceeding the R&C charge.
The strength of PEF is dependent on the participation of an active informed membership. Action without timely, accurate information is misguided. Information undelivered is unheard and unheeded. The PEF Member Mobilizer Network and the PEF AIM E-Mail Network for Active Informed Members get information to all members quickly and economically. Register/Volunteer for one or both networks at PEFonline@pef.org