Laid-off members invited to attend ‘information day’

If you have been recently laid-off and need some assistance, PEF has planned an information day for members on Thursday, January 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at PEF Headquarters, 1168-70 Troy-Schenectady Road in Latham.

Specialists from various companies and agencies will be able to assist you with debt consolidation, deferred compensation accounts, EAP benefits, unemployment insurance, health insurance, resume writing, benefits for members and preferred list rights. Coffee and light refreshments will be provided. If you would like to attend, please call (518) 785-1900 ext. 480.

PEF plans statewide vigils to oppose layoff plan

PEF leaders are urging members to participate in a statewide candlelight vigil Wednesday, December 29 to oppose state layoffs.

PEF Region 2 will hold two vigils, one at the office of state Senator Tom O’Mara, and another at the PEF Office in Hornell.

Members in PEF Region 5 will gather at 2001 East Perimeter Road in Endicott.

Another vigil will take place at the state Office Building in Utica for PEF Region 6 members.

PEF Region 8 will gather at the steps on the west side of the State Capitol.

Most of the vigils are scheduled to take place between 4:30 and 5 p.m., but check with your regional office for exact times, or call the PEF Mobilization Department at 1-800-342-4306.

PEF president responds to governor’s layoff plan

In a press release issued late last week, PEF President Ken Brynien called Gov. David’s Paterson’s formal layoff notification to more than 900 state employees “unnecessary and unconscionable.”

Brynien said the loss of nearly 900 employees will take $363,080,054 out of the state’s economy at a time when it can least afford it.

“PEF has tried to reason with the governor on numerous occasions and has pointed out there are already 11,500 fewer state employees today than in 2008. PEF presented the governor with many options on how to close the budget deficit without layoffs, and the subsequent lack of services in New York. Instead, Paterson chose to cut the jobs of 900 workers,” Brynien said.

For updates and fight back efforts, visit the PEF website.

PEF plans Day of Action

In response to Gov. David Paterson’s plan to lay off nearly 900 state employees, PEF is asking members in all agencies and facilities to participate in a Day of Action, Thursday, December 9 by wearing a “No Layoffs – Keep Vital State Services” sticker.

PEF President Ken Brynien said, “By wearing a sticker, it will show PEF is united and it also will send a message to the governor, managers and the public. Layoffs will only cause a devastating ripple effect, as people will cut back on their purchases and spend less money in their communities.”

Stickers are available from field representatives or regional PEF offices.

Fight continues to stop layoffs

PEF is asking all its members, especially those who may be directly affected by Governor Paterson’s layoff plan, to send Governor-Elect Andrew Cuomo a letter to suspend the layoffs and reopen the Early Retirement Incentive (ERI).

The PEF website has a sample letter. In your letter, include how these layoffs affect you personally, such as how many years you have worked for the state, your position, and the vital services you provide to taxpayers. Also send a copy of your letter to PEF. If you are eligible for the ERI, explain you would rather take that than be laid off.