Press Releases

Albany…..The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) today announced its endorsement of Kirsten Gillibrand for U.S. Senator from New York.

“PEF has had a long standing relationship with Senator Gillibrand,” said PEF President Ken Brynien. “She has proven herself as an advocate for working families and has remained supportive of public employees. The PEF leadership has made its decision based on her record to fight for jobs, especially during the economic downturn.”

PEF Vice President Joe Fox and chair of PEF’s Political Action Committee (PAC) said, “PEF is delighted to join the many congressional endorsements that Kirsten Gillibrand has already garnered. We are pleased to be the first statewide union to support her as she seeks election to the United States Senate.

“PEF was particularly pleased to see Gillibrand work with U.S. Senator Charles Schumer on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 that will invest more than $1.3 million at medical research facilities in western NY,” Fox said.

“Gillibrand cares about the needs and concerns of New Yorkers,” said PEF Vice President and PAC co-chair Pat Baker. “She has been supportive of the working class in many ways. She fights for lowering taxes for middle class families, seeks alternatives to greener energy sources, and remembers our troops and veterans.”

Negotiations with Governor Paterson regarding layoffs have concluded with an agreement.

The agreement provides for a two year no-layoff pledge, a non-pensionable targeted severance buyout of $20,000 for eligible employees, and more access by our members to programs that allow for voluntary reductions in work schedules. Under the agreement, PEF will not oppose the Governor’s proposal for a Tier V in the retirement system for future hires.

Given the significant movement by the governor from his original demands for concessions from the state’s work force and in consideration of the deteriorating condition of the state’s finances, this represents a reasonable accommodation which provides cost savings to the state in lieu of layoffs while preserving the integrity of our contracts.

We are disappointed the governor continued to insist on additional sacrifice from the state work force, beyond cuts already made to agency operations. Under these difficult circumstances, we stand ready to continue to provide high-quality services to the citizens of the state to the best of our ability.

We will continue to push the governor and legislature to reduce the reliance on costly consultants as a way for the state to address future financial crises.

Hundreds of state workers tell governor: “Cut the waste, not the workers”

Manhattan - “Cut the Waste, Not the Workers,” is what hundreds of union members from the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) shouted during a rally outside Gov. Paterson’s Manhattan office today.

PEF members and leaders were joined by other union’s including the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) to protest the governor’s plan to lay off 8,700 state employees.

"The governor’s plan will devastate the state’s economy and severely reduce state services, particularly to our most vulnerable citizens,” said PEF President Ken Brynien. “We recognize these are difficult times which is why we are here today to once again deliver to the governor alternatives to the layoffs that would result in more savings than the governor is hoping to achieve through his plan.”

PEF Vice President Pat Baker and Manhattan union leader, Vernetta Chesimard, walked across the street from the rally to the governor’s office delivering PEF’s revenue raising and cost-cutting proposals.

“Reducing the state’s reliance on costly consultants, cutting overtime costs by hiring employees and expanding the voluntary reduction in work schedule program will save the state $775 million over two years,” Baker said. “That’s almost twice what the governor hopes to save by adding thousands of state workers to the unemployment rolls.”

“We are appalled the governor continues to disregard President Obama’s directive to stimulate the economy. Instead, he is planning to add to the economic downturn by putting thousands of state employees out on the street,” Chesimard added.

“The governor continues to play a damaging game of politics with the state work force and their families,” said PEF Vice President Joe Fox who also attended the rally. “This has never been about achieving real savings. If it were, the governor would not be ignoring our suggestions. The governor merely wants a pound of flesh from state workers,” Fox said.

State employees to rally outside governor’s Manhattan office to protest layoffs, cuts to state services

Manhattan - State employees represented by the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) will rally outside Gov. David Paterson’s Manhattan office Thursday, April

PEF members and leaders will carry signs that read, “No Layoffs” and “Cut the Waste, Not the Workers.” They will be joined by members of the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) and other union members who are concerned about the governor’s plan to lay off 8,700 state workers.

The rally will take place across the street from the governor’s office at 633 3rd Avenue (between 40th and 41st streets) at 11:45 am. A special presentation will be made at noon.

The rally will focus on avoiding the layoffs and saving the state workforce, in addition to sending a message to the governor about better ways to reduce costs that won’t damage the services New York citizens rely upon.

PEF members to picket Paterson fundraiser protesting layoffs and cuts to state services

Manhattan - State employees represented by the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) will be outside a fundraiser for Gov. Paterson Thursday, April 23, protesting his plan to lay off thousands of state workers.

PEF members and leaders will carry signs that read “No Layoffs” and “Cut the Waste, Not the Workers.” They also will distribute flyers with examples of how the state is wasting money on thousands of private consultants while claiming it can’t afford 8,700 state workers.

A group calling itself “Lawyers for Paterson” is holding a fundraiser for Paterson at The Harvard Club of New York City Thursday, April 23 at noon. PEF members will begin gathering outside the event at 35 West 44th Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues) at 11:30 am. The informational picket will focus on avoiding the layoffs and saving the state workforce, in addition to sending a message to the governor about better ways to reduce costs that won’t damage the services New York citizens rely on.

Saratoga Springs — Members of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) and the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) will hold an

Scores of union leaders and members will protest against the state layoffs proposed by Gov. David Paterson as he speaks at the New York State Democratic Rural Conference.

The rally will focus on avoiding the layoffs and saving the state workforce, in addition to sending a message to the governor there are better ways to reduce costs that won’t damage the service New York citizens rely on.

“Governor David Paterson continues to play a damaging game of politics with the state workforce and their families. We are disappointed that he continues to claim to have only two choices: concessions or layoffs,” New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) President Kenneth Brynien stated at a press conference today held at the union’s headquarters in Latham.

“PEF recognizes these are difficult times. We recognize that people’s wages are being frozen or cut and jobs are being lost all across this great state. Like the governor, we, too, do not take our decision lightly. If we weren’t so certain there is a better way to save the state the $481 million, our position might be very different.

“The governor claims to “have taken a major step toward restoring our state’s fiscal and economic strength.” We do not believe that calling for the layoff of nearly 9,000 employees and the economic ripple effect this will have on the state’s economy is consistent with his goal. We continue to offer proposals that will meet the governor’s financial need as well as eliminate the need for contract concessions and layoffs by making state government more efficient and cost-effective. Unfortunately, these proposals have been largely ignored, as the governor insists on sacrifice that he has been unwilling to demand from others.

“The governor has insulated his political appointees from cuts ensuring that all of the reductions fall on the people actually doing the work. Cuts in agencies such as the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities will be on the people working directly with New York’s most vulnerable citizens. In a time when some of these citizens died in a fire because of low staffing, the governor cuts even more staff. “

We demand that the governor stop playing politics with peoples’ lives and realize there are less damaging ways to cut the cost of state government than by laying off hard working public employees.

Buffalo-Some good news was buried in the state budget agreement: At the request of Sen. Antoine Thompson the governor and Legislature have restored $14.5 million in funding for cancer research at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo.

“We applaud legislative leaders for this courageous move,” said Kenneth Brynien, president of the state Public Employees Federation (PEF).

“The initial Executive Budget proposal did not include these funds, and unfortunately Roswell Park administrators blamed that loss of funding as the primary reason for eliminating 24 cancer researchers represented by PEF.

“We expect the administration will now use the restored funds to rehire the experienced cancer researchers who were terminated last week.

“PEF had strongly criticized Roswell administrators for ignoring a commitment by President Barack Obama to find a cure for cancer. The president singled out cancer research as a priority during his February 24 address to a joint session of Congress.

“Now, Roswell has an opportunity to restore it’s credibility and renew it’s commitment to cancer research,” Brynien said.

Roswell was the nation’s first cancer research hospital and has a reputation as a renowned research and treatment facility as a result, in part, of work by its scientists and research associates.

PEF is calling on the administrators at Roswell Park to rehire the 24 cancer researchers to allow them to resume their important mission.

Albany - Today State Division of the Budget Director Laura Anglin announced the need for 8,900 state employee layoffs unless public employee unions agree to contract concessions proposed in the Executive Budget.

There is absolutely no need to do layoffs. It will not save the money that the governor thinks it will.

PEF's position is clear and unchanged. We will not agree to any changes in our contract that reduce compensation.

We also take exception to Director Anglin’s assertion that the public employees have offered no counter proposals to address the state’s budget crisis. We have been offering alternatives to raising revenue and cutting costs for months.

Once again we offer suggestions that will reduce the deficit without resorting to damaging cuts to state services while maintaining the inviolability of the state's collective-bargaining agreements.

Use the federal stimulus funds New York will receive for their intended purpose, to limit cuts in state services and jobs. Drastic cuts in the state budget will lower economic activity and negate the stimulus package’s overall impact.

Reduce the state’s reliance on costly consultants who are being overpaid to do the jobs state workers can do at a much lower cost. Currently the state spends almost $3 billion annually for consultant services. The state could save $730 million over three years by replacing half of the consultants with state employees.

Reduce overtime costs. The state spent $485.7 million on overtime costs in fiscal year 2007-08. Hiring employees, instead of paying overtime, would generate new jobs and save $160 million.

Make our income tax system fairer by increasing the income tax on wealthier New Yorker’s. This would generate between $2 billion and $7 billion in revenue, depending on the income levels and rates.

Generate approximately $100 million a year in savings by using the state’s purchasing power to negotiate lower costs for prescription drugs for Medicaid, state employees and other state programs.

Tax Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) in the same manner as other insurance companies and close other corporate tax loopholes. The state Division of Budget calculated this would add revenue of $300 million per year.

Improve accountability of economic development programs to level the playing field among businesses in NYS including improving the effectiveness and accountability of industrial Development Agencies, applying Brownfield Clean Up Program reforms to “grandfathered” projects, and reform the Empire Zones program. This will save $50 million per year to start, rising to $500 million after 10 years.

Expand the Voluntary Reduction in Work Schedule (VRWS) program to allow more employees the ability to adjust their work week and pay. This program could save an additional $70 million costs for PEF represented employees alone.

We believe a combination of Federal aid, tax reform and moderate budget cuts can solve the state’s deficit without adversely affecting state services or the workers who provide them.

ALBANY, NY (03/20/2009; 0951)(readMedia)-- Public Employees Federation Vice President Louis Matrazzo passed away suddenly Thursday morning, March 19 at Albany Medical Center Hospital, PEF President Kenneth Brynien announced today.

"All of us at PEF are shocked and saddened by Lou's sudden passing," Brynien said.

"Lou has 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 PEF Contract Committee. It is a huge loss for all of us.

"Lou always loved a good fight and all PEF members have benefitted from Lou's efforts, from his role on two contract teams, and leadership at rallies to his commitment to improving working conditions for members in the Capital Region. We are all better for having known him.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Lou's family during this most difficult time."

PEF is the state's second-largest state-employee union, representing 59,000 professional, scientific and technical employees.

Buffalo-Research Associates represented by the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) who work at Roswell Park Cancer Institute have been put on notice their positions have been abolished. Administrators at Roswell gave layoff notices to all of its research associates last Friday eliminating 24 positions.

“This is in direct contrast with President Barack Obama’s commitment to find a cure for cancer,” said PEF President Ken Brynien addressing reporters at a press conference today outside the institute.

“In his February 24 address to a joint session of Congress, the president singled out cancer research as a priority, promising to commit significant federal funding toward finding a cure. Apparently, Roswell Park Cancer Institute has decided to sit this one out.”

Roswell was the nation’s first cancer research hospital and has a reputation as a renowned research and treatment facility as a result, in part, of work by its scientists and research associates.

“The administration at Roswell is putting cancer research on the back burner,” said PEF Buffalo area coordinator, Kevin Hintz. “The layoffs send a strong message they are turning their backs on cancer patients hopeful for a cure.”

PEF is calling on Roswell’s chief operations officer, Michael Sexton, to stop the layoffs and restore the funding necessary for the research associates to resume their important mission

“The administration at Roswell is committed to cancer treatment, but any reduction in a commitment to research is a move toward giving up on finding a cure,” Brynien said.

PEF is the state’s second-largest state-employee union, representing 59,000 professional, scientific and technical employees including 1,200 members at Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

Albany - The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) today announced its endorsement of Scott Murphy to become the U.S. representative in the 20th Congressional District.

“At a time when our members are being asked to bear a disproportionate share of the state’s budget deficit, PEF trusts that Scott Murphy will be a strong advocate for public employees and the services we provide,” said PEF Vice President Joe Fox, who chairs the the union’s political action committee.

“We made our decision based on our review of Scott Murphy’s qualifications and stated positions on a variety of issues,” Fox added. “Issues that are of great importance to the 59,000 professional, scientific, and technical state employees we represent.”

Murphy is campaigning for the 20th congressional seat vacated by Kirsten Gillibrand when Governor Paterson appointed her to the United States Senate.

Albany regional coordinator, Tom Comanzo, said PEF’s endorsement of Murphy will give his campaign access to seasoned volunteers who will work hard to get him elected.

“We look forward to also working with Murphy after he is elected on issues such as job security, pension protection and health care,” said Comanzo.

2/04/2009

PEF President testifies on state work force issues Criticizes plan to break state workers’ contract and cut state services

Albany - The president of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) testified today before the state Assembly Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees on work force issues citing several areas of concern.

“We are deeply concerned about the governor’s plans to close six state Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) facilities, downsize two others and close three evening reporting centers in Albany, Buffalo and Syracuse,” said PEF President Ken Brynien.

“Closing so many facilities is dangerous and irresponsible and could force the placement of young people in private programs unable to address their needs, leading to greater recidivism and higher costs to the state,” Brynien testified.

“Additionally, we have a great deal of concern about plans to eliminate the state Department of Economic Development (DED) and the NYS Foundation for Science, Technology, and Innovation and merge them into the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC). The right way to reform the state’s economic development programs is to merge ESDC into DED, where the Legislature and Comptroller would have more oversight of its economic development activities,” Brynien added.

The PEF president also pointed out the budget proposal unfairly targets the middle class by raising taxes and fees on working New Yorkers.

“The fact is, since 1990, spending for state employee wages have declined in real terms by almost a billion dollars which is a 7 percent decrease, yet the governor also wants to take away state workers’ contractual 3 percent raise, strip away one week’s pay, water down their pension, and significantly increase retirees’ health insurance costs. The loss of salary and benefits would mean the budget will cost the average state employee and many retirees in excess of $2,800 this year,” Brynien said.

PEF launches second ad campaign to promote alternatives to governor’s attack on middle class

Albany - The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) has launched a second round of television, Web site and print advertisements in an effort to educate the public and convince legislative leaders there are better solutions to the governor’s budget proposal.

PEF recognizes the seriousness of the current fiscal crisis, but the governor’s budget would impose so many taxes and fees on middle class working New Yorkers and job cuts, pay and benefit cuts to state workers, that it would cost the state economy almost $2 billion dollars.

“We are in the worst fiscal crisis since the Great Depression,” said PEF President Ken Brynien. “This is not the time to punish the middle class and cut vital state services that taxpayers will turn to now more than ever.”

The ads will run in February on broadcast and cable television statewide. Print advertisements have been placed in targeted newspapers since mid-January and will be supported by ads on Web sites including the New York Times, New York Post and Daily News.

“The ads send the message that targeting the middle class, while millionaires and private contractors go unscathed, is unfair and counter-productive. PEF has several cost-cutting and revenue-raising alternatives that we have previously shared with the governor and legislators. We have held press conferences, testified at hearings, rallied during the governor’s State of the State address and continue to lobby lawmakers to ensure our message is heard,” Brynien said.

Several months ago, PEF ran the first series of ads which included statewide television, radio and print.

“We are willing to shoulder our fair share of the burden but, up until now, most of the cuts have occurred in state agency operations. Our members have already been doing more with less. It won’t be long before taxpayers will notice the cuts when the services they have come to rely on are no longer available.”

PEF President Ken Brynien calls for smooth transition during change in leadership at state Division of Parole

Albany – “State parole officers, represented by the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) will work to ensure the services they provide and the safety of the public is not compromised during this difficult time,” said PEF President Ken Brynien.

“It’s our understanding the governor accepted the resignation of state Division of Parole Chairman George Alexander on Friday.

“We are calling on the governor to act swiftly in appointing a new chairman. We expect the governor will appoint someone who understands the vital services our members provide, their value in protecting our communities, as well as the ability to manage the Division and work with parole officers to ensure a smooth transition,” Brynien said.

Albany - “We agree with the governor that our economy is shrinking and people are suffering, but his proposed 2009-10 budget includes destructive cuts in state services and the state work force while ignoring cost-cutting options that can save the state billions,” said state Public Employees Federation (PEF) President Ken Brynien.

“We are disappointed to learn the governor continues to rely on savings from state-worker givebacks that amount to far less money than the savings that can be realized by cutting the use of high-priced consultants.

“Many of the proposals, particularly regarding benefits, do nothing to address the fiscal crisis, but appear to be decisions based more on ideology rather than the need to provide immediate savings.

“Make no mistake, reopening our contract is not an option. We will not ask our members to give up a hard- earned 3 percent raise when spending on consultants increased during the first 7 months of this year by 13.5 percent. Now, more than ever, the state needs to rely less on costly consultants and more on state workers who can do the work for less, even when you take into consideration the cost of benefits.

“The governor’s proposal would have a disproportionate impact on some of the neediest residents. Cutting 450 beds from the state Office of Mental Health would poke a hole in the safety net for the mentally ill. His budget would abandon many of our troubled youths by eliminating needed services with the closure of state Office of Children and Family Services facilities. And those closures would be realized before the governor’s own task force on the future direction of the juvenile justice system even has a chance to make recommendations

“The governor’s attempt to streamline and improve the delivery of economic development services is a good idea, but goes in the wrong direction. If there is a merger, it should be the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) and the New York State Foundation of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR) that merge into the state’s Department of Economic Development. This would ensure that New York has a transparent economic development program run by professionals selected through the merit system, not run by an unaccountable shadow agency staffed with political appointees making much more money than civil servants.

“We believe there are better, less damaging ways to address the state’s budget deficit and we will take the governor up on his stated willingness to accept advice and adjustments to his proposal. Therefore, we will continue to offer better options to close the budget gap, including increasing the income tax on the wealthiest New Yorkers, relying on the rainy day fund and reducing the use of costly consultants.”

PEF offers alternative to state employee givebacks

Albany –The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) released new research showing the state can save as much as $705 million annually by kicking its addiction to consultants. That’s more than double the amount the governor is seeking through givebacks from state employees.

PEF President Ken Brynien revealed at a press conference in Albany today that state agencies spent $2.78 billion on consultants last year, which is $100 million more than the previous year.

“New York is clearly addicted to consultants and this addiction is costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars at a time when they can least afford it,” said Brynien.

“The state has a hiring freeze on state workers, yet it continues to hire more costly consultants to do work state employees can do for less.

“The state is expecting employees, many of whom live paycheck-to-paycheck to give up a hard earned 3 percent raise and other benefits to help close a multi-billion-dollar budget gap, while consultants continue to live high-on-the-hog at a much higher cost to taxpayers,” Brynien added.

The contract disclosure law, enacted in 2006, requires state agencies to itemize how much they spend on consultants, yet PEF’s research reveals agencies only itemized 17 percent of their consultant expenditures last year, resulting in the underreporting of $2.3 billion spent on consultants.

“Agencies are misleading the public,” said Brynien. “They only report employing 3,813 full-time-equivalent consultants this fiscal year, but the true number is six times higher, with an estimated 22,000 full-time-equivalent consultants on the payroll.”

The agencies with the highest itemized consultant expenditures are the state Department of Transportation (DOT) with $107 million, the state Department of Health (DOH) with $52 million, the state Office of General Services (OGS) with $44 million, and the State University of New York (SUNY) with $46 million. The true amount of consultant expenditures is significantly higher.

PEF is calling on the state to institute a consultant-reduction plan by freezing all state agency contracts not funded with capital project funds, require a cost-benefit analysis to determine if consultants or state employees should be hired and set savings targets for each agency for consultant spending which, all-told, could save the state $705 million over three years.

PEF is the state’s second-largest state-employee union, representing 59,000 professional, scientific and technical employees.

ALBANY— The working people of New York will take to the streets around the state Capitol in the March for Main Street on January 7, 2009, when Gov. David Paterson delivers his State of the State address.

All working New Yorkers live on “Main Street” and thousands of them will march for fairness in New York’s taxes, budget and services. Their voices need to be heard and respected as tough budget decisions are made.

The event is being coordinated by the NYS AFL-CIO, CSEA, PEF, UUP, SEIU 1199 and AFSCME, which combined represent nearly 1 million working New Yorkers. All have offered a range of alternative ideas to address the state’s fiscal challenges through better choices than what Governor Paterson has put forward.

“The labor movement recognizes the urgency of the current fiscal crisis,” said NYS AFL-CIO President Denis Hughes. “However, what is needed is a well thought-out solution to a very complex problem. The New York State AFL-CIO believes in a balanced approach to navigating New York out of this downturn. Budget cuts are not a cure all. While cuts will be part of the equation, we must also ensure some degree of economic stimulus while reasonably maintaining the services vital to the lives and well-being of all New Yorkers. It is important to keep in mind that we are at the very beginning of this process. As such, we must consider a long term, responsible solution that does more than just cut our way out of this economic downturn,” Hughes said.

“The governor keeps saying that ‘everything is on the table’ but his proposals have only been about cutting back essential public services and shifting more burden to working New Yorkers,” said CSEA President Danny Donohue. “We have put forward a number of responsible alternatives to save and generate several billion dollars for the state, which have so far been ignored. We have no doubt the governor will hear us on January 7.”

“The state work force has already shared the pain of closing this budget gap with the 10 percent cuts to state agencies,” said PEF President Ken Brynien. “The state already implemented $1.6 billion in cuts including $1.2 billion cuts to the state work force. The workers of New York State did not cause this budget deficit, we should not be asked to make all the sacrifices necessary to solve it. We have suggested many other responsible options that could reduce the deficit by as much as $10 billion.”

“In times of economic crisis, the state needs a strong public university system more than ever,” said Phillip H. Smith, president of United University Professions. “We are urging the governor to look for ways to raise revenues to balance the state budget, instead of slashing more funds from the State University of New York on top of the $148 million already slashed this year. “Cutting state dollars for SUNY will block access to college for thousands of potential students, delay graduation for thousands of current SUNY students, and undermine efforts to develop the educated work force we need to help speed our economic recovery.”

“We remain hopeful that Governor Paterson's proposed budget for 2009-10 will truly embrace the governor's call for shared sacrifice,” said George Gresham, president of 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. “The proposals that have been put forth to date by the governor have fallen painfully short of this standard, putting the full brunt of the budget crisis on the backs of working and middle-class families. It is simply unacceptable for Albany to continue with massive cuts to crucial services without also asking New York's wealthiest to shoulder some of the burden as well. We are proud to join this broad coalition of New Yorkers who are standing up for fairness as we try to make it through these challenging economic times. We know that only by going into this troubling period together, with all of us making sacrifices, will we be able to come out of it together.”

Other unions and organizations are also expected to join the March for Main Street.

Albany-Members of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) carried signs that read “We’re All In This Together,” as they listened to speeches from groups concerned about how the state intends to close a growing multi-billion dollar budget gap.

PEF President Ken Brynien reminded hundreds of education, public service, health care workers, community groups and religious leaders gathered at a rally on the west steps of the Capitol that the state’s fiscal problems are the result of corporate greed, recklessness and corporate New York’s failure to pay their fair share of taxes.

“The wealthiest New Yorkers only pay about 6 percent of their income in state and local taxes, while the rest of us pay 12 percent,” Brynien said. “There has been too much focus on state spending when we should be focused on the revenue that has been lost.”

The state implemented tax cuts over the last 20 years primarily for the wealthy and big corporations which this year alone amounts to $16 billion in lost revenue.

“The state work force has already shared the pain of closing this budget gap with the 10 percent cuts to state agencies,” Brynien said. “Our members are doing more with less. The state already implemented $1.6 billion in cuts with $1.2 billion at the expense of the state work force.”

PEF has already submitted proposals to the governor and Legislature that have the potential of reducing the budget deficit by as much as $10 billion without severe cuts to programs and services. PEF’s proposals include, using the $1 billion rainy day fund, increasing the income taxes on wealthy New Yorker’s, closing corporate tax loopholes, and reducing the state’s reliance on costly private contractors.

“We can no longer allow middle and low income workers and their children to bear the brunt of spending cuts while corporate New York and wealthy New Yorkers are not asked to make any sacrifices,” Brynien said.

PEF calls on Governor to stop OCFS closures

Albany –The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) is calling on the governor to stop the proposed closures of six state Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) facilities and the downsizing of other programs that will result in a loss of critical services and the reduction of 250 jobs.

PEF believes these actions are premature as the governor just recently assembled a task force to determine the direction OCFS should take in addressing the needs of our troubled youth.

"The Governor's Task Force on Transforming New York's Juvenile Justice System has barely gotten off the ground and the system is already being dismantled," said PEF President Ken Brynien.

One of the models being explored by the task force calls for small facilities and additional staffing yet OCFS Commissioner Gladys Carrion wants to close small facilities and reduce staff. Models also under consideration stress the importance of youth being placed in facilities close to their homes yet Carrion's plan would eliminate centers in Western New York.

Commissioner Carrion has always had her own vision of what the juvenile justice system should look like. Since her appointment by former Gov. Eliot Spitzer, Carrion has single mindedly pursued that vision by deliberately emptying facilities.

"Gov. Paterson decided to take another approach; to rely on the expertise of task force members to determine the future of the juvenile justice system. This latest announcement by Commissioner Carrion is a clear contradiction of that decision," Brynien said.

"As a member of the task force I remain committed to working with the governor to identify the appropriate model for New York's juvenile justice system. We need the Commissioner to make that same commitment," Brynien added.

The OCFS facilities slated for closure are the Adirondack Residential Center in Clinton County, the Cattaraugus Residential Center and Great Valley Residential Center in Cattaraugus County, the Pyramid Reception Center in the Bronx, the Rochester Community Residential Home in Monroe County and the Syracuse Community Residential Home in Onondaga County. The plan also calls for the downsizing of the Allen Residential Center in Delaware County and the Tryon Residential Center in Fulton County.

PEF Nurses to picket Buffalo Psychiatric Center

Buffalo-On Tuesday, September 30, nurses who are members of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) will hold an informational picket outside Buffalo Psychiatric Center. The gathering will raise awareness to scheduling changes by management that penalizes the most experienced nurses and worsens the nursing shortage at the facility.

PEF nurses will detail how management is forcing nurses, some with more than 20 years on the job, to work weekends while ignoring the union’s scheduling solutions that addresses staffing needs and lowers the reliance on overtime.

Informational Picket
Tuesday, September 30
4 pm
Buffalo Psychiatric Center
Corner of Forest and Elmwood

The Buffalo Psychiatric Center is operated by the state Office of Mental Health which is already struggling to recruit and retain nurses statewide due to poor working conditions. Buffalo Psychiatric Center’s plan to require senior nurses to work weekends is making a bad situation worse.

PEF Endorses Marc Butler for state Assembly

Albany-The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) today announced its endorsement of Marc Butler who is seeking re-election to the New York State Assembly.

“Assemblyman Marc Butler has been a strong advocate for workers in his district,” said PEF Regional Coordinator Bob Varano. “He has listened to his constituents and has spoken out about the need to improve workplace safety in hazardous work locations. Marc most recently showed his support for our members who work at the state Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) Tryon Residential Center in Fulton County. He wrote a letter to OCFS Commissioner Gladys Carrion on behalf of members demanding increased protection for employees at the facility and continues to advocate for OCFS services in the Mohawk Valley.

“Marc was also a strong supporter of PEF nurses in their call for a law to eliminate the unsafe practice of mandatory overtime. We feel fortunate to have Marc Butler in the Assembly and we enthusiastically support his re-election,” Varano added.

Marc Butler serves the 117th Assembly District which includes Herkimer, Fulton and Northeastern portions of Otsego County.

PEF is the state’s second-largest state-employee union, representing 59,000 professional, scientific and technical employees.

PEF hails Gov. Paterson for signing bill restricting nurse overtime

ALBANY – Leaders of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) today commended Gov. David Paterson for signing legislation that will finally set limits on mandatory overtime for nurses.

“We salute the governor for delivering on his promise to sign this bill which offers the first real hope for alleviating the shortage of nurses in our hospitals and other health care institutions throughout New York state,” said PEF President Kenneth Brynien.

“By putting realistic restraints on employers to force nurses to work double or even triple shifts, this law will relieve the terrible strain on nurses and their families and it will ensure patients have the quality of care they need,” Brynien added. “We strongly believe this will open the door for many nurses who left their profession feeling burned-out and exhausted to return with fresh enthusiasm and vigor for their chosen vocation.”

“New York now joins the ranks of other enlightened states that have recognized the level of care improves when the nurses and other caregivers are not forced to work long hours beyond their regular workdays.

Brynien also praised New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and former Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno who brought the bill successfully through the Legislature this spring.

“Special accolades go to state Sen. Thomas Morahan and Assembly Member Aileen Gunther who sponsored this bill and worked for years to get it enacted,” Brynien said. “Their loyalty and determination to bring this issue to a successful conclusion kept hope alive in the hearts of thousands of nurses in PEF and many others throughout the state.”

PEF, parole officers show support for officer under investigation

Syracuse–Leaders of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) and parole officers represented by PEF will be in Syracuse Thursday, August 7, to show their support for a New York state parole officer whose account of how he was injured during the pursuit of a fleeing parole violator has been questioned.

Officer Christopher Thomas has a proven record in law enforcement that dates back to 1998 when he worked with the state Department of Correctional Services (DOCS). Thomas has worked as a parole officer in Syracuse for the past year.

“The Syracuse community is being denied the services of a dedicated public servant,” said PEF President Ken Brynien. “We stand behind Officer Thomas during this difficult time. It’s important for the Syracuse community to know that the presumption of innocence should prevail throughout the anticipated proceedings.”

Thomas was assigned to office duties as a result of an investigation into the apprehension of a fleeing parolee December 19, 2007.

Parole officers from as far away as New York City and Albany will be in Syracuse to show support for Thomas.

“Officer Thomas is committed to making the streets of Syracuse and the surrounding communities safe,” said PEF Division 236 Council Leader and NYC parole officer Manuelita Clemente. “He was injured in the line of duty. As parole officers we understand the danger Officer Thomas faces on a daily basis. We are proud to stand alongside Officer Thomas during this most difficult time.”

PEF is New York’s second-largest state-employee union, representing 59,000 professional, scientific and technical employees including 1,100 parole officers.

July 30, 2008

PEF backs state workforce; offers solutions to recession

Albany – The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF), the state’s largest white-collar union, today extends its recommendations to help address the state’s fiscal crisis after Gov. David Paterson officially announced this morning the state is in a recession.

“The governor’s willingness to work with labor and be open to ways to address the plummeting revenues related to a deteriorating economy is encouraging,” said PEF President Ken Brynien.

“No one wants to see families suffer during hard times. But taking jobs away from people only creates more hard times,” Brynien said. “The state was in a recession after Sept. 11 and pulled out of it. New York can do it again by focusing on options to reduce state spending while maintaining the backbone of the state, its workforce.

“We agree with the governor that responsibility needs to be shared during this fiscal crisis,” Brynien said. “But the union is disappointed and does not agree the state workforce should be taking a disproportionate share of the burden.

“There are ways to reduce costs without adversely affecting services. Last year, the state spent $3.1 billion on consultants. If state employees were hired to do this work, the state could save between $500 and $750 million annually.

“The state also spent more than $518 million last year in all overtime expenses had the state hired state employees instead of paying overtime, it could save $150 million a year,” Brynien said.

The union president also noted that the bigger better bottle bill, New York’s Returnable Container Act, would raise $25 million this year and $100 million a year, thereafter.

“And, a fourth way we could save $200 million annually is by using combined purchasing for all state-funded health care programs. This would allow the state to use its purchasing power to negotiate lower prices from the drug companies and cut costs for not only the state, but for local governments too,” Brynien said.

“Our top priority is the job security of our members. We strongly oppose cuts to the state workforce that could result in layoffs and will take whatever action is necessary to preserve the job security of our members and the services they provide. But PEF also remains available to work creatively and wisely address the fiscal downturn,” Brynien said.

July 29, 2008

PEF recommends alternatives to rebuild economy

Albany – The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF), the state’s largest white-collar union, today responded to Gov. David Paterson’s concern that the state tax revenue is anticipated to be lower than expected with a longer economic downturn time.

“We understand there will be hardships for the citizens of New York state as a result of the economic downturn, but the state workforce or state services should not bear a disproportionate amount of the burden,” said PEF President Ken Brynien.

“State agency budgets have already been cut by a half-billion dollars as steps were being taken to restore the state’s ability to provide services to its citizens. There needs to be a balance between cost cutting and additional revenue,” Brynien said.

A significant reduction in spending during an economic downturn is not the right way to go.

The union leader said he was encouraged Gov. Paterson was seeking the counsel of Joseph Stiglitz, the noted economist and 2001 Nobel Prize winner in Economics, to explore alternatives to service cuts.

“An alternative previously suggested by Stiglitz to safeguard our workforce, yet address the economic downturn, is to place a temporary surcharge on the wealthiest New Yorkers,” Brynien said. “People in New York whose income exceeds a half-million dollars only pay 6.5 percent of their income in state and local taxes. The rest of the taxpayers pay 12 percent. We can address this issue by temporarily raising taxes on millionaires which would generate up to $3.75 billion dollars a year.”

The state could also save almost a billion dollars by reducing the use of overtime and consultants, according to Brynien.

“The proposal for public private partnerships will not address the immediate fiscal crisis and selling public assets has been a spectacular failure in many other states including Virginia, Texas, Florida and California,” Brynien said.

Friday, July 25, 2008

PEF Endorses Barack Obama for President

Albany – The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF), the state’s largest white-collar union and second-largest state-employee union, today announced its support of Barack Obama to become the next president of the United States.

The PEF Executive Board voted overwhelmingly to endorse Obama.

Barack Obama has been a strong supporter of labor and was previously endorsed by PEF’s international affiliates, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

“We are confident Barack Obama will be a strong advocate for the hard-working men and women of this country,” said PEF President Ken Brynien.

“As a senator, Obama has demonstrated his support for a more open and accountable government, working families and civil rights, all issues important to our members.

“Sen. Obama has consistently supported federal programs that provide critical funding to New York state. These federal funds ensure our members can continue to provide the vital services that the citizens of New York rely on.

“Our endorsement gives Barack Obama’s campaign access to a network of thousands of seasoned volunteers across-the-state of New York who will work hard to get him elected,” Brynien said.

“Throughout the presidential primaries and in the last presidential election we were able to send volunteers to Texas, Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire. We look forward to working for Barack Obama to bring much needed change to Washington,” Brynien added.

PEF is the state’s second-largest state-employee union, representing 59,000 professional, scientific and technical employees.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

PEF applauds governor and legislative leaders for putting patient safety first and ending mandatory overtime for nurses

Albany - Leaders of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) commended action by the governor and legislative leaders that will finally set limits on mandatory overtime for nurses.

“This is an important step toward ensuring quality patient care and alleviating the nursing crisis in New York state,” said PEF President Ken Brynien. “Mandatory overtime has made recruiting and retaining nurses nearly impossible in several state agencies. Now, with a ban on mandatory overtime, we are confident nurses will once again return to the profession.”

PEF has been fighting for an end to mandatory overtime for nearly a decade. Nurses from all across the state have rallied, lobbied legislators and shared their stories of being forced to work double shifts.

“No one wants to be the patient being cared for by a nurse, exhausted after being forced to work overtime,” Brynien said. “This is long over due and will go a long way toward fixing a broken health care system. Mandatory overtime forced far too many nurses to leave their calling. At least 14 other states have passed laws or adopted new regulations to protect the public by limiting the number of hours caregivers can work. Now, New York can be added to the list of state’s committed to protecting patient safety,” Brynien added.

“Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno have been strong advocates for action to improve quality of care by eliminating mandatory overtime. Gov. Paterson’s leadership has been crucial in bringing all of the interested parties together to achieve this agreement.

“We would also like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Assembly Member Aileen Gunther and Senator Thomas Morahan. They kept this issue front and center and would not allow it to be set aside. This is the kind of leadership that every citizen can respect,” Brynien said.

Union Nurses join forces for patient safety

Hundreds rally at Capitol urging safe staffing, end to mandatory overtime

Albany – June 10, 2008 - Hundreds of nurses from five prominent nurses’ unions filled the plaza in front of the Capitol steps today calling for legislation that would ban mandatory overtime and ensure safe nurse staffing levels. Busloads of nurses from across the state including members of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF), the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA), the Communications Workers of America (CWA), the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT), and the Nurse Alliance of 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East wore brightly colored t-shirts, waved signs and blew whistles to make sure their voices were heard. Mandatory overtime is a major cause of the current nursing shortage nationwide. Every major nurses union in New York supports legislative bill S.6342 (Morahan)/A.1898 B (Gunther) to prohibit mandatory overtime.

“New York’s health care system is in a crisis mode,” said PEF President Ken Brynien. “Mandatory overtime has done nothing but make nurses leave their calling. Almost 30 percent, or 69,000 of the 237,000 registered nurses licensed in New York are choosing not to practice in large part because of mandatory overtime. At least 14 other states have passed laws or adopted new regulations to protect the public by limiting the number of hours caregivers can work. Let this be a historic year in Albany with legislation, passed by both the Senate and Assembly and signed by the governor, to protect patients across the state.”

“If you’re a nurse, the prospect of working mandatory overtime puts you in a difficult position,” said Barbara Crane, RN, president of the New York State Nurses Association Delegate Assembly. “If you leave, you could be charged with patient abandonment and loss of your license, your career, and your livelihood. If you stay, you’re working in fear of not being as sharp as you need to be and making a mistake that could cost some poor innocent soul their life. We already have laws and regulations to set the maximum hours for airline pilots, train engineers, and truck drivers. Why is there nothing for nurses?”

Norma Amsterdam, RN, MA, executive vice president of 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, explained that, “Mandatory overtime and unsafe staffing are nursing and patient care issues that affect all nurses and all patients in New York State. The nurses of 1199SEIU/United Healthcare Workers East have fought to win these protections for our patients and our profession. We choose to unite to overcome these barriers to quality patient care. Nothing is more important today, and we urge our lawmakers to act now.”

“The remedy for the nursing shortage is to recruit and retain qualified Registered Nurses. This can be accomplished by improving our working conditions. We call on our legislators to protect our patients and the nurses that take care of them by stopping abusive mandatory overtime. Not only is it impossible for exhausted, short-staffed RNs to provide quality care for their patients, but they also have responsibilities to their families outside of work,” states Terri Schelter, RN, the legislative political director of CWA 1168, Nurses United. CWA represents around 10,000 health care workers in NYS.

Friday, June 6, 2008

PEF praises governor’s effort to save taxpayer dollars

Albany - The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) today applauded Gov. David Paterson’s executive order requiring that contracts between state agencies and private consultants be justified by savings to the taxpayers, and open to full public scrutiny.

In recent years, bipartisan reports by separate comptrollers and a study by the Fiscal Policy Institute (FPI) determined millions of tax dollars were wasted annually through the use of expensive private consultants when, in most cases, public employees could do the same work for less.

“This is a great day for New York state taxpayers and it’s public servants,” said PEF President Ken Brynien. “It ensures the taxpayer gets the best value, and it’s an acknowledgement of the efficiency of public employees.”

“The effective implementation of this executive order could result in hundreds of millions of dollars in savings for taxpayers,” added FPI Executive Director Frank Mauro.

In addition to thanking Gov. Paterson, Brynien also acknowledged the work of state Sen. Joseph Robach, and Assembly Member Donna Lupardo, who spearheaded a legislative effort related to the order by sponsoring legislation adopted in 2006 requiring the cost of state contracts with private consultants be fully disclosed.

President Brynien also recognized the important advocacy of state Assembly Member Susan John, and Sen. Vincent Leibell, who sponsored legislation calling for cost-benefit analysis of consultant contracts. “The John/Leibell bill was the stimulus that helped to initiate the discussions leading to this executive order,” Brynien said.

Republican former state Comptroller Ned Regan and Democratic former state Comptroller H. Carl McCall were among the first to alert the public to the high cost and inefficiency of using private consultants at the New York State Department of Transportation. State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli has also been supportive of PEF’s efforts to reduce the use of unnecessary consultants in state agencies. Follow up research done by the FPI showed that similarly wasteful contracts were undertaken for many different types of consultant work across all state agencies.

“The governor’s executive order is a major first step toward cutting a significant amount of waste in state spending,” Brynien added.

PEF is the state’s second-largest state-employee union, representing 58,000 professional, scientific and technical employees.

Note: The Governor's office has also issued a press release on this subject which is being posted at http://www.state.ny.us/governor/press/index.html

Tupper Lake –– Nurses represented by the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) gathered outside the Sunmount Developmental Disabilities Services Office (DDSO) in Tupper Lake today to call attention to the nursing shortage which has reached a crisis stage at the facility.

“Recruitment and retention of nurses is already at critical levels at most state agencies,” said PEF Vice President Joe Fox. “The situation is even worse at state Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD) facilities, including Sunmount, where inadequate staffing, the potential for workplace violence and stagnant pay make working at these facilities less appealing.”

“The average salary for a nurse at Sunmount is 39 percent lower than salaries offered by other health care centers in the same region,” said Ed Snow, intermediate care facility program manager at Sunmount. “The wage disparity makes it almost impossible to recruit and retain nurses. Nurse staffing ratios have, therefore, created dangerous situations for both consumers and staff.”

Martha Spetla is a registered nurse at Sunmount. “There are times when one nurse is responsible for covering anywhere from 60 to 200 consumers in multiple locations across the Sunmount campus,” Spetla said. “Nurses are spread so thin, we can’t keep up. That opens the door to mistakes and puts patient safety at risk.”

The nurses were joined by members of several other unions who carried signs that read, “Safe Staffing Now,” and “I’m a nurse. I feel your pain.”

“We can’t have our nurses working to the point of exhaustion,” added PEF Regional Coordinator William Crotty. “It’s time to increase the salaries of Sunmount nurses in order to fill nursing vacancies and provide the care critical to the well-being of the people they serve.”

MEDIA ADVISORY

State employees to rally at Sunmount to protest nursing shortage

Tupper Lake – On Thursday, May 29, members of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) will join members from the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) for a rally to draw attention to the nursing shortage at Sunmount Developmental Disabilities Services Office (DDSO), Tupper Lake.

The facility relies on overtime to fill nursing vacancies more than any other Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD) facility in New York state.

PEF and CSEA members who work at Sunmount will gather outside the administration building, 2445 State Route 30, Tupper Lake at 4 p.m. to discuss the nursing shortage. Members are prepared to talk about the negative effect the shortage has on patients and staff at the facility, and will offer their proposed solutions to the shortage.

PEF plan reveals recurring and realistic savings for state taxpayers

Albany - Leaders of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) released ground-breaking research during a press conference in Albany today that includes a plan to save the state more than three-quarters of a billion dollars over the next three years.

“Everyone is quick to throw out the popular and overused phrase ‘hiring freeze’ to solve the state’s budget gap,” said PEF President Ken Brynien. “Our report, based on research from the Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) proves the real savings is in a consultant freeze.”

The research, the result of analyzing data provided under the new contract disclosure law, for the first time reveals new insights into how much the state spends on consultants and how much the state could save by having state employees do the work, even when the cost of employee benefits are included.

“Prior administrations have made headlines cutting the size of state government,” Brynien said. “Meanwhile, no one was paying attention to the dramatic increase in the use and cost of professional consultant services.”

According to the OSC, more than 23,000 private consultants are employed by state agencies at an estimated cost of $704 million in 2006-07.

“Compounded over three years, our plan, which calls for eliminating about half of all consultants, would save state taxpayers $765 million,” Brynien said. “Half or more of the savings could come just by replacing information technology (IT) and engineering and architectural consultants with state employees. It’s a plan that can be easily implemented and would provide recurring and realistic savings,” Brynien added.

“Our audits of 1990 and 1998 on the use of consultants in the state Department of Transportation (DOT) found that the state could have saved money by having state employees do that work,” State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli said. “Going forward, we should continue to look closely at the use of outside consultants to maximize those savings."

PEF members overwhelmingly ratify contract with state

April 11, 2008
Albany - In a landslide vote of 34,758 to 1,214 –a 96.63 percent approval rating –members of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) today approved a four-year contract with the state. It was the highest number of votes ever cast for a new contract.

The highlights of the agreement include a 3 percent salary increase retroactive to April 2, 2007, and a 3 percent raise retroactive to April 1, 2008. It also includes another 3 percent salary increase effective April 1, 2009, and a 4 percent raise effective April 1, 2010.

The votes were counted by the American Arbitration Association in New York City this afternoon where it was ratified overwhelmingly in every region of the state by between 93 and 98 percent. Nearly two-thirds of the members voted.

“This contract was extremely popular with our members as exemplified by the vote,” said PEF President Ken Brynien. “The contract addresses the needs of our members today and in the future. The state clearly recognizes the value of public employees and the services they provide.”

The new pact includes a health insurance package with additional benefits and modest co-pay increases, extension of educational programs, and cost-of-living increases for members who live in high-cost areas of the state.

The agreement was reached in nine months, as compared to the 19-month bargaining stretch it took to negotiate the previous agreement.

PEF is the state’s second-largest state-employee union, representing 58,000 professional, scientific and technical employees.

State employees rally to save Pyramid Reception Center

Bronx – Members of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) joined members of the Civil Service Employees Associatio (CSEA)at a rally to save the Pyramid Reception Center in the Bronx. The center is the state’s only intake center for the state Office of Childrenand Family Services (OCFS).

PEF and CSEA members who work at the center were joined by supporters including parents of children who have successfully completed programs at the center.

“The Pyramid Reception Center is vital to the metropolitan area,” said PEF Vice President Pat Baker. “It’s central location, structured layout and experienced staff make it the logical site for the optimal provision of assessment, orientation and transportation services for youths entering OCFS facilities.”

OCFS announced in January plans to close Pyramid, which is the main reception and assessment center for all adjudicated juvenile delinquents entering OCFS care.

“It is shortsighted to close Pyramid at a time when arrests in New York City of youths under 15 increased 8 percent over last year,” said PEF Region 10 (Manhattan, Bronx) Coordinator Vernetta Chesimard.

Members talked about the negative effect the closing would have on troubled youths and their families, most of whom reside in the metropolitan area. Pyramid is an important step for troubled youths.

John Ruiz is Division 352 council leader representing PEF employees at Pyramid.

“Pyramid provides psychological, medical, dental and optical assessments for all youths entering OCFS care,” Ruiz said. “Providing these assessments under one roof at one time allows for accurate assessments essential for proper treatment.”

“The OCFS commissioner talks about the importance of treating the youths in the community in which they live,” said Roxane Rosario, a youth counselor at Pyramid. “Closing Pyramid will have the opposite effect. Seventy percent of all the youths entering OCFS care come from the New York City area.”

PEF is asking state lawmakers to restore funding to keep the center open, pointing out that Pyramid is located in a neighborhood currently experiencing an economic revival. OCFS is sacrificing services to youths for real estate profits.

PEF nurses protest short staffing at Attica Correctional Facility

Sunday, March 2, 2008 -Attica - Dozens of nurses represented by the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) gathered outside the Attica Correctional Facility this afternoon to call attention to the nursing shortage at the facility. The nursing shortage is also at critical levels at other state Department of Correctional Services (DOCS) facilities statewide.

“Recruitment and retention of nurses is a national problem and has reached the crisis stage in New York State,” said PEF President Ken Brynien. “It’s even worse within the state correctional system where certain workplace conditions – including mandatory overtime, inadequate staffing, and the potential for workplace violence – exist.”

Nurses, some of them with their children in tow, carrying signs that read, “My Mommy’s Never Home, ” and “Safe Staffing Now,” shared their stories of being forced to work double shifts on little or no advance notice.

“Nurses end up working to the point of exhaustion, which is no good for the patients, no good for the nurses and no good for their families,” said DOCS RN Donna Baker. “Part of the problem is finding nurses willing to work here. Our nurses are paid significantly less than their counterparts in private-sector health care. That has to change.”

Tom Donahue is the PEF chairman of the DOCS Labor-Management Committee. “This problem could be solved at the state Department of Civil Service and Division of Budget,” Donahue said. “They have the ability to address the poor salary structure, which is the biggest hurdle toward solving short-staffing issues.”

Assemblyman Daniel Burling also attended the event. Nurses will take their message to state lawmakers in Albany June 10 as part of their annual nurses’ rally.

February 28, 2008

MEDIA ADVISORY

Nurses to hold informational picket at Attica Correctional Facility

Attica - On Sunday, March 2, nurses, represented by the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF), will be joined by their family members, PEF leaders, and state lawmakers for an informational picket outside Attica Correctional Facility.

The informational picket will be held at 1:30 in front of the facility on Exchange Street in Attica and will include remarks from PEF President Ken Brynien and state lawmakers who have been invited to attend.

Dozens of PEF nurses, some of them with their children in-tow carrying signs that read, “my mommy's never home,” will be protesting low-staffing levels that result in mandatory overtime and ultimately, a lack of nursing care at Attica.

Nurse staffing levels at Attica Correctional Facility have been consistently low for several years. The nursing shortage is also at a critical level at other state Department of Correctional Services (DOCS) facilities statewide.

PEF leader testifies on workforce issues

Criticizes plans to close or consolidate prison camps and youth facilities

Albany - A top leader of The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) testified today before the state Assembly Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees on workforce issues citing two critical areas of concern.

“We are deeply concerned over the governor’s proposal to close several state Office of Children and Family Services facilities (OCFS) including Adirondack Wilderness Challenge in Clinton County, Auburn Residential Center in Cayuga County, Brace Residential Center in Delaware County, Great Valley Residential Center in Cattaraugus County and Pyramid Reception Center in the Bronx, as well as plans to downsize the Lansing youth facility in Tompkins County,” said PEF Secretary-Treasurer Arlea Igoe of Albany.

Igoe warned lawmakers of dangers, including the possibility the closings could force the placement of young people in private programs unable to address their needs, leading to greater recidivism and higher costs to the state.

“One-third of youths placed by OCFS in private facilities fail in these placements and end up being transferred to OCFS facilities,” Igoe testified. “If the state wants to cut recidivism, it should improve the teacher-student and counselor-youth ratios in OCFS facilities’, not shut them down.”

“Additionally we have a great deal of concern about plans to close three minimum-security Department of Correctional Services (DOCS) facilities including Camp Gabriels in Franklin County, Camp McGregor in Saratoga County and Camp Pharsalia in Chenango County as well as the medium-security Hudson facility,” Igoe said.

“The closings would affect our members’ job security, careers, families and communities,” Igoe testified. “It could reduce public safety and the states’ ability to prepare inmates to return to our communities. Closing these facilities also may lead to increased ‘double bunking’ of inmates, creating a more dangerous environment.”

PEF Endorses Barclay in Special State Senate Election

February 6, 2008 -The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF), the state’s second-largest state-employee union, today announced its endorsement of Republican Assemblyman Will Barclay for state Senate in the special election being held February 26.

“PEF’s endorsement is based on our review of Will Barclay’s record as an assemblyman,” said PEF President Ken Brynien. “Will Barclay has supported legislation important to our members, including bills to restrict mandatory overtime for nurses, bills to protect the health insurance of retired public employees and a bill to improve safety by preventing workplace violence. Assemblyman Barclay has been accessible to his constituents and we are confident he will be an effective senator.”

The special election is being held to fill the vacancy in the 48th Senate District, which includes Jefferson, St. Lawrence and Oswego Counties.

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

PEF, state negotiators reach tentative contract agreement

The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) – the state's second-largest public-employee union – today announced it has reached a tentative agreement with the state on a new contract that includes enhancements in nearly all contract areas.

The tentative four-year pact would cover more than 58,000 PEF members in the professional, scientific and technical (PS&T) unit of the state workforce. The agreement, reached in nine months, includes four across-the-board raises during the term of the agreement, cost-of-living adjustments for members who live in high-cost areas of the state, and no significant changes to health insurance coverage.

The agreement would not increase the employees' share of the cost of health insurance premiums, and entails only modest increases in their co-pays.

“This contract is fair and meets the needs of our members,” said PEF President Ken Brynien. “It provides annual raises, maintains strong health benefits and addresses location pay. I applaud the efforts of our negotiators and the governor. The bargaining balances the interests of the state workforce and New York taxpayers.”

The previous collective-bargaining agreement with the state expired April 1, 2007. The new package covers the period beginning April 2, 2007 through April 1, 2011 and includes the following major elements:

3 percent salary increase retroactive to April 2, 2007;
3 percent salary increase effective April 1, 2008;
3 percent salary increase effective April 1, 2009; and,
4 percent salary increase effective April 1, 2010.

The agreement also features improvements to salaries including:

A realignment of the salary schedule in April 2010 which raises the top of grade pay for employees in state grades 19-25 to levels paid other units;
An additional $1,000 increase in April 2010 in the job rate of employees in grades 26 through 37;
Significant improvements to downstate and mid-Hudson salary adjustments to reflect cost-of-living.

The current downstate adjustment of $1,302 will increase to $1,850 on April 1, 2008 and to $3,026 on October 1, 2008. The Mid-Hudson adjustment, currently $651 will increase to $1,000 on April 1, 2008 and to $1,513 on October 1, 2008.

The state has also agreed to enhancements to the current vision plan benefit, as well as $600,000 to study the creation of a state fund as a means to provide improved dental and vision benefits while also resulting in a savings for the state. The agreement also continues language to allow conversion to the fund during the term of the contract.

The tentative pact must still be approved by the union’s Executive Board, which is holding a special meeting on February 20, 2008 and be ratified by the membership. After the Executive Board approves the agreement, ballots will be mailed to PEF members. Union leaders expect the entire ratification process will be completed in about two months.

PEF's state contract negotiating team consists of 22 members from across the state, supported by the union's professional staff negotiators.

MORE DETAILS WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE PEF WEBSITE ON FRIDAY AT 5PM.

1/22/2008

PEF President responds to proposed State Budget

Albany - “The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) is satisfied with most aspects of Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s budget proposal,” said PEF President Ken Brynien.

“We are encouraged to see the continued progress toward reducing the reliance on costly private consultants. We are pleased to see the governor has listened and is responding to our calls to reduce workplace violence and is also increasing the ability of the state Division of Parole to better supervise parolees.

“It’s clear the governor recognizes the value that the state workforce represents to the states’ taxpayers and the savings that can be realized by replacing high-priced private contractors with lower-cost state employees. The best example is the governor’s proposal to add 392 jobs in the state Department of Transportation for bridge maintenance and inspection personnel.

“We are also pleased the governor is responding to our concerns to stop workplace violence by adding 152 positions to the state Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities to develop programs designed to reduce violence in the workplace.

“We remain concerned over the planned facility closings and consolidations in the state Department of Corrections and Office of Children and Family Services, and their impact on our members and the affected communities.

“We also await the details on the governor’s plan to tap into the state Division of Lottery revenue. PEF represents the professionals who work at that agency and have dedicated their careers to ensuring the integrity of the agency’s operation.

“Finally, while the governor is taking the necessary steps to cut spending by reducing the state’s reliance on costly private contractors, PEF will continue to press ahead with it’s Go Public campaign to make the point that still more savings can be realized by relying less on private consultants and more on state employees,” Brynien said.

PEF is the state’s second-largest state-employee union, representing 58,000 professional, scientific and technical employees.

PEF endorses Kirsten Gillibrand for U.S. Senate seat	6/19/2009
CSEA, PEF Reach Agreement with Paterson Administration to Avoid State Layoffs Without....	6/5/2009
Negotiations with Governor Paterson regarding layoffs have concluded with an agreement.	6/5/2009
Hundreds of state workers tell governor: “Cut the waste, not the workers”	4/30/2009
State employees to rally outside governor’s Manhattan office to protest layoffs, cuts to state services	4/29/2009
PEF members to picket Paterson fundraiser protesting layoffs and cuts to state services	4/22/2009
PEF, CSEA plan informational picket against state layoffs	4/16/2009
PEF demands governor stop playing politics with people’s lives	4/08/2009
PEF applauds legislators for restoring funding at Roswell	3/30/2009
Statement by PEF President Ken Brynien on DOB Layoff Announcement	3/24/2009
PEF Vice President Passes Away Suddenly	3/20/2009
PEF members fight to keep cancer research at Roswell	3/13/2009
PEF Endorses Scott Murphy for Congress	2/20/2009
PEF President testifies on state work force issues Criticizes plan to break state workers’ contract	2/04/2009
PEF launches second ad campaign to promote alternatives to governor’s attack on middle class	2/02/2009


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