PEF urges members to write letters against layoffs

PEF is asking all its members, especially those who may be directly affected by Governor Paterson’s layoff plan, to contact Governor-Elect Andrew Cuomo to help put a face on the layoffs.  PEF leaders have sent a letter to Governor-Elect Cuomo asking him to suspend the layoffs and to reopen the Early Retirement Incentive (ERI). And PEF is asking you to send a letter too.

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.

PEF urges members to help fight layoffs

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

Nearly 700 PEF members who wanted to take the ERI were denied.  It is likely other state bargaining units also have members who were denied.  PEF President Ken Brynien said the state should make sure those who want the ERI are offered it, before anyone is laid off.

Brynien said PEF will continue to fight the layoffs using whatever tools are available to the union, including member mobilization, political action and public relations.  If there are layoffs before December 31^st, in violation of the MOU, PEF will challenge those in court.

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.

PEF responds to work force reductions

Gov. David Paterson announced late last week his plan to lay off state workers. PEF President Ken Brynien said the union will hold the governor to the memorandum of understanding that states he cannot impose layoffs through the end of this year.

Brynien called the governor’s announcement an outrage, and that he is ignoring the responsibility of providing state services. The state already has 11,500 fewer employees today than in 2008. Brynien also said if the governor really wanted to save the state money, he would allow vacancies to be filled with new entry-level employees instead of allowing agencies to rack-up overtime.

PEF’s Executive Board met last week, and voted to approve a statewide media campaign to fight the layoffs.