UPDATES ON EDUCATION AND TRAINING REIMBURSEMENTS

Please be advised that as of September 10, 2012, the Workshop Seminar Reimbursement (WSR) Program and the Certification and Licensure Exam Fee Reimbursement (CLEFR) programs have been reinstated for members of the PS&T unit to utilize. These two programs are both retroactive to 1/1/12.

The Nurses Enhanced Workshop Seminar Reimbursement (WSR) Program is also available for members as of September 10, 2012.  However, the Nurses Enhanced WSR program is retroactive to 4/1/12.  Members should review the guidelines and details of these programs as well as apply online by following this link:  http://www.goer.ny.gov/Training_Development/PEF/index.cfm

PEF is still pursuing the Tuition Reimbursement program.  We recently learned that there were over 60 members who contacted PEF inquiring about the Tuition Reimbursement program.  We recognize the value of our members’ education and professional development and PEF would like to hear from concerned members who have utilized this program in the past by emailing Paula Hennessy, Director of Education and Training at .  The PEF Contract Administration Department has filed a statewide grievance directly at Step 3 challenging the State’s refusal to provide a tuition program within the constraints of the remaining Article 15 funding.  We are awaiting a response from the State.

The PEF Training and Education Department is responsible for working with PEF’s elected leaders, members and staff to assess professional development needs and to make available opportunities and resources to enhance knowledge, skills and abilities around:

• Understanding and representing PEF member’s contractual and legal rights, 

• Leading and implementing the initiatives, policies and procedures adopted by the Union, 

• Advocating to protect and enhance members’ rights and benefits,

• Enhancing job performance skills and career mobility; maintaining professional licensure and accreditation

Staff in PEF Training and Education partner with internal PEF resources, such as Field Services, Civil Service Enforcement and Contract Administration and with outside academic and topic area experts, including international unions and venders to develop and deliver training through conferences, classroom sessions, online and other media training modalities. The Department responds to requested training by designing programs tailored to the specific identified needs of the group or location to be trained. The training reflects  real work life issues and scenarios  experienced by PEF members on the job in New York State. 

The Department also brokers educational opportunities available contractually through the various Articles and Agreements with the State of New York. Staff represent the Union’s training and educational needs at the  Article 15 Professional Development Committee (PDC) meetings with the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations.

Providing supportive training and educational services to PEF membership, elected leaders, and staff is critical to developing and maintaining an informed, actively engaged Union that is both powerful and influential.

"The end of all education should surely be service to others." Cesar E. Chavez