Monday, August 16, 2010

PEF Endorses Cuomo for Governor

The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) announced its endorsement of Democrat Andrew Cuomo for governor at the New York State AFL-CIO COPE Convention held at The Desmond in Colonie. The endorsement was the result of a vote by PEF's Executive Board at its quarterly meeting.

"Andrew Cuomo earned our endorsement because of his positions on two key issues for us - reducing the state's wasteful use of consultants, and his plan to rein in hundreds of unaccountable public authorities that are packed with patronage appointments and duplicate services provided by state agencies," said PEF President Kenneth Brynien.

"We agree with Mr. Cuomo that New York deserves better government especially on these issues."

"Our members working in the state Department of Law have found state Attorney General Cuomo supportive of PEF's efforts to save the taxpayers' money by reducing the state's reliance on costly private consultants."

"We expect Mr. Cuomo to continue to reduce the state's reliance on consultants when he becomes governor."

"We support Andrew Cuomo's candidacy for governor and look forward to working with him in January," Brynien added.

Full list of PEF endorsements for 2010 are available on the PAC web site

Monday, August 16, 2010

PEF Endorses Richard Brodsky for Attorney General

Albany -  The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) today announced its endorsement of Richard Brodsky for Attorney General.

“In the Assembly, Richard Brodsky has led the fight to reform the 700 public authorities that litter state government,” said PEF President Kenneth Brynien.

“These authorities all too often duplicate the work of state agencies, wasting taxpayer dollars, operating with less accountability and transparency, and serving as dumping grounds for political cronies. In 2009, as Chair of the Committee on Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions, Brodsky spearheaded the enactment of the Public Authorities Reform Act, which has shed much needed light on New York’s shadow government, something PEF has long called for.

“Brodsky also has been supportive of PEF’s “Go Public” campaign which includes legislation requiring the state to perform a cost-benefit analysis before entering into contracts for services.

“Brodsky has always been responsive to his constituents. He has had an open door policy to hear the concerns of PEF members and has been a strong advocate for the needs of middle-class families. He has proven himself an open and honest candidate and effective leader in the state assembly. We believe those qualities will help make him a strong attorney general.

“Brodsky also has sought to safeguard the New York State pension fund. He has sponsored legislation that would allow public pension funds and other institutional investors to recoup damages through the Martin Act from massive investment losses that result from fraudulent practices on Wall Street,” Brynien said.

"I am honored to receive the political support from a labor union that has so diligently worked to help its members who provide such a great service to all New Yorkers,” said Richard Brodsky. “I am proud to have worked with President Kenneth Brynien and the members of PEF on reforming how New York’s public authorities do business; shedding light on these Soviet-style bureaucracies. I look forward to campaigning with PEF members as we continue to build a strong field operation throughout New York," Brodsky said.

 Thursday, August 12, 2010

PEF Endorses Tom DiNapoli for State Comptroller

Albany - The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) today announced its endorsement of Tom DiNapoli for State Comptroller. As Comptroller, Tom DiNapoli is responsible for managing the New York State and Local Employees Retirement System (NYSLERS), the pension fund that covers most state workers.

“Since taking office, Tom has worked hard to improve the management of this fund, to protect both retirees and taxpayers,” said PEF President Kenneth Brynien.

“He has adopted new, stronger ethics standards to prevent conflicts of interest and his reforms have resulted in greater oversight and public accountability. He has identified more than $1.8 billion dollars of cost savings and waste through his expanded audits. He is looking out for New York’s working men and women, and I am pleased to announce PEF’s endorsement of his candidacy,” Brynien said.

“Receiving the endorsement of PEF is truly a great honor and it is my pleasure to accept the backing of the 58,000 members of New York’s professional work force,” said Comptroller DiNapoli. “Voters are facing a choice in this year’s election for comptroller. I share the values of the working men and women of New York State and my record of saving taxpayer money and making every dollar count speaks to that. My opponent’s values are out of step with New Yorkers. He represents all that is wrong with Wall Street. His plans for the office include increasing the tax burden on middle-class families and fundamentally changing the security of our pension system. I thank PEF for standing up for the values which matter to New Yorkers; together we will win this election.”

As a result of Tom DiNapoli’s careful management of the state pension fund, it has been recognized as the ‘Nationwide pension leader’ by Governing Magazine. In addition, the Pew Center, an independent national good government research center, and Institutional Investor magazine cite New York’s pension fund as one of strongest in the country. DiNapoli’s effective management of the pension fund helps to insure income security for thousands of retired workers who depend on their pension checks.

“As Comptroller, Tom DiNapoli recognizes that his efforts to protect the public interest require his office to be staffed by well-qualified professionals who deserve respect and support for their work on behalf of the taxpayers of New York,” Brynien added.

Thrusday, August 5, 2010

PEF members' Day of Golf raises $5,000 for American Heart Association

COLONIE – Members of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) are donating $5,000 today to the American Heart Association (AHA) in the memory of the late PEF Vice President Lou Matrazzo. The check is being presented to the AHA during a meeting of PEF’s Executive Board this morning at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center in Colonie.

One hundred thirty-six PEF members and retirees raised the $5,000 when they participated in the union’s first Lou Matrazzo Golf Tournament, held June 30 at the Mohawk River Country Club in Rexford. The union members used their vacation time to attend the event.

“This donation represents our commitment to fighting our nation’s number one killer – heart disease,” said PEF President Kenneth Brynien.

“Members from a wide range of state agencies came together in memory of our late vice president Lou Matrazzo, creating a real sense of community and a shared goal of making a difference,” Brynien said.

“We are honored to accept this donation from the members of PEF. These funds will help us carry out our mission to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.” Said Ashley Edwards, regional executive director of the American Heart Association.

At the golf tournament, PEF member Patty Mason who works at the State Insurance Fund, won the 50/50 drawing and donated the $250.00 prize to the AHA.

Lou Matrazzo was a beloved leader of PEF and a fixture at the union over the last decade as a steward, Executive Board member, Albany-area regional coordinator, vice president and chair of the PEF Contract Committee. Lou suffered from heart disease and died suddenly in March 2009.

Wendnesday, August 4, 2010

Quality of Care at Risk Amid Proposed Changes at the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities

Manhattan - A member of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) with 26-years experience caring for the developmentally disabled warned a Senate task force of the dangers related to recent cost-cutting initiatives at the agency.

Ed Snow, an Intermediate Care Facility Program Manager at Sunmount DDSO, testified about changes related to Medicaid Service Coordination (MSC) which is leading to increased caseloads and a substantial decrease in the number of face-to-face visits with consumers. (MSC assists community based developmentally disabled consumers and their families in gaining access to supports and services appropriate to their needs.)

“These drastic changes will severely and negatively impact those consumers served by the state,” Snow said. “Case managers will now only meet with their clients, face-to-face in their homes once each year, as part of the cost-cutting measure. How can we effectively update a consumer’s care by only seeing that consumer once?” Snow said.

Higher caseloads which have recently increased from a ratio of 1:30 to as high as 1:50 expected this Fall is transforming MSC from a consumer-based service to a paper-based service.

“That is not in the best interest of the consumer,” Snow said. “Private providers already cherry pick the easiest consumers, leaving the state with the most challenging to serve consumers. We have become the provider of last resort, and now more than ever, quality of care for our consumers is in jeopardy,” Snow testified.

The agency’s own website boasts of a mission to help people with developmental disabilities live richer lives by putting people first. The changes related to MSC severely limits the hands-on work case managers currently provide and seems to put cost cutting ahead of the people it serves.

“We urge the task force to take a closer look at salaries and qualifications of employees at private providers when considering recommendations for cost savings. This is where savings can be realized without compromising the needs of consumers and the agency’s vital mission.” Snow added.

Snow gave his testimony to the Senate Task Force on Government Efficiency exploring spending at the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). PEF represents 4,800 members at OPWDD.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Statement of PEF President Kenneth Brynien on Renewed Threat of Layoffs

It is irresponsible for the Paterson administration to suggest the possibility of layoffs within the state workforce when it is still unclear how many state employees will be leaving state service through the early retirement incentive (ERI).

The director of the state Divison of Budget (DOB) is quoted in the press suggesting the early retirement program may fail to reach a savings goal of $250 million and if that is the case, plans for layoffs may have to be developed. Before deeming the ERI a failure, the DOB should, instead, be pressuring its agency directors to fully comply with the program.

As was the case with the voluntary severance program offered earlier this year, many PEF members who were willing to leave state service were denied the opportunity to participate in the program. We anticipate the same will hold true for the ERI.

It's unnecessary and irresponsible to threaten to layoff state employees at a time when so many people are turning to state services during these difficult financial times. We call on the Paterson administration to focus on making the ERI program a success, rather than planning for failure.

In addition, PEF reminds the governor of the millions the state could save by relying less on high-priced consultants when research proves state employees can often do the same work for less. One step in the direction of realizing recurring savings is passage of the cost-benefit analysis bill. The bill has already passed in the Assembly. It would require a cost-benefit analysis before contracting out state services. PEF is calling on the Senate to stop taypayer abuse and pass the cost-benefit bill.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Albany - PEF President Kenneth Brynien and PEF members who work for the state Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) will be among the speakers at a public forum to examine the state’s juvenile justice system. The forum is being hosted by the Special Legislative Task Force for Reform of the New York State Juvenile Justice System.

Brynien offers the unique perspective of having served as a member of the Governor’s Task Force on Transforming Juvenile Justice in New York State. He will talk about how OCFS Commissioner Gladys Carrion’s polices have resulted in OCFS being identified as the most dangerous agency in which to work in New York State, more unsafe than either the Department of Correctional Services or the Office of Mental Health. Brynien will also explain how recent proposals for “reform” will destroy rather than rebuild the state’s juvenile justice system.

PEF members who legitimately fear reprisal from their employer will also speak out publicly on Carrion’s policies and how those policies have deeply affected, not only facility operations, but the employees’ personal lives.

Albany -The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) applauds and supports state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli’s stand on protecting the state’s pension fund.

Comptroller DiNapoli has proven himself a tenacious defender of the fund and we have full faith and confidence in his ability to continue to protect the fund.

New York State’s pension fund is one of the few pension funds in the country that has remained fully funded during the economic downturn. The comptroller’s commitment to protect the fund from political tampering is one of the reasons the fund hasn’t slipped, the way many other public pension funds have.

June 11, 2010

Statement of PEF President Kenneth Brynien on Potential Government Shutdown

ALBANY, NY (06/11/2010) - We have been informed by the Governor's Office of Employee Relations state agencies are being directed by the governor to plan for a potential shutdown of New York state government.

We believe a state-government shutdown is unnecessary and wasteful. While Gov. Paterson is telling agencies to bar state employees from working, he is telling them it is okay to use costly contract consultants to fill the void.

Holding New York state's work force and the citizens who rely on state services hostage as a part of budget negotiations is unconscionable.

Nearly 30 years ago, Gov. Hugh Carey faced a similar budget situation and he managed to keep state government operating. We call on Gov. Paterson to do the same. The Legislature also should act to stop the unnecessary shutdown of state governmental services.

PEF will do whatever is necessary to ensure the contractual rights of our members and their ability to provide services to the public are protected.

June 7, 2010

PEF calls for investigation into DOT consultant spending and conflicts of interest

The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) calls on the state Inspector General and the Legislature to investigate the Department of Transportation (DOT) as it continues to waste millions of taxpayer dollars hiring private consultants to do work state employees can do for much less.

“It is not uncommon for DOT regional directors, chief engineers, and other high ranking DOT management to find employment with engineering firms that receive significant consulting contracts from DOT,” said PEF President Kenneth Brynien. “This may explain why DOT has made no progress in reducing its reliance on consultant engineers.

“We are asking the Inspector General and Legislature to investigate the post-state employment practices of upper DOT management to determine whether they comply with the current ethics laws, and whether or not current ethics laws provide adequate protection against conflict of interests in DOT’s consultant contracting process,” Brynien said.

PEF has discovered the DOT consultants failed to account for more than $250 million of their expenditures in state fiscal year 2008-09. The department increased consultant spending by $9 million last year and $79 million since 2004.

“The DOT habitually contracts out for engineering-related expenditures, including project design, construction inspection and bridge inspection knowing it costs significantly more. The department is required by law to make its consultants disclose specific costs associated with these contracts, yet more than half of DOT consultant engineering expenditures in the last fiscal year were simply not accounted for. It’s no wonder there is a budget gap. Imagine trying to operate a business without knowing what your employees spend your money on,” said Brynien.

"Time and again, DOT has failed to reign in its wasteful spending practices. If we are ever going to get New York's fiscal house in order, we must begin with cutting inefficient spending right in our own backyard," said State Senator and Deputy Majority Leader Jeffrey D. Klein, Chair of the Senate Task Force on Government Efficiency.

“For the last decade, I have been a strong advocate of replacing consultants with state employees when it can be shown to save the state money. I am particularly disappointed with the Department of Transportation's lack of progress and failure to reduce their use of consultants,” said State Senator Neil D. Breslin.

The state is currently in one of the worse fiscal crises since the Great Depression, yet overall spending on consultants increased by more than $36.6 million last fiscal year totaling $2.925 billion.

“It is unconscionable that DOT has failed to take any meaningful steps to reduce its reliance on costly consultants even though consultants cost up to 150 percent more than state employees who do the same work,” Brynien said.

“DOT could save up to $84.3 million annually by replacing most of its engineering consultants with state employees.

“Last weekend the engineering firm hired for the $42 million Exit 6 bridge replacement project in Latham added four more consultants to cover work scheduled to be done by two state employees. The governor’s new policy eliminating most state employee overtime now means the state will spend more money on higher-priced consultants to do the work state employees could have done for less,” Brynien added.

Based on what PEF has uncovered, it is clear the state could save hundreds of millions of dollars by performing cost-benefit analysis prior to contracting out for consultant services. PEF is encouraging the passage of the cost-benefit bill (A9934/S7011) introduced by Assembly Member Susan John and Senator Jeffrey Klein. The bill requires agencies to perform a cost-benefit analysis prior to contracting out for consultant services in excess of $500,000 annually.

PEF’s examination of DOT consultant engineering contracts shows that DOT wastes million in every region of the state. Below are just a few examples of expenditures for bridge inspections or design services in the last fiscal year 2008-09:

Capital District – Civil Engineering bridge inspection work billed at $112 per hour for a total of $1.2 million. We estimate that DOT engineers could have done the work for $536,000 for a savings of almost $700,000. (Contract #D030511 for Bi-annual and interim bridge inspection in Capital District).

North Country – Civil Engineering design services billed at $98.06 per hour for a total of $230,000. We estimate that DOT engineers could have done the work for $117,000 for a savings of $113,000. (Contract #D015454 for design work in North Country).

Hudson Valley – Civil Engineering bridge inspection work billed at $97.16 per hour for a total of $1.33 million. We estimate that DOT engineers could have done the work for $724,000 for a savings of $614,000. (Contract #D030517 for Bi-annual and interim bridge inspection in the Hudson Valley).

Southern Tier – Civil Engineering bridge inspection work billed at $92.17 per hour for a total of $1.7 million. We estimate that DOT engineers could have done the work for $870,000 for a savings of $824,000. (Contract #D030518 for Bridge Inspections in Southern Tier).

Long Island – Civil Engineering bridge inspection work billed at $130.50 per hour for a total of $613,000. We estimate that DOT engineers could have done the work for $234,000 for a savings of $378,000. (Contract #D015612 for Bridge Inspections in Long Island region).

New York City – Civil Engineering bridge inspection work billed at $100 per hour for a total of $3.4 million. We estimate that DOT engineers could have done the work for $1.7 million for a savings of $1.7 million. (Contract #D015608 & D015610 for Bi-annual and interim bridge inspection in the Bronx and Queens).

Using just this small sample, the state could have had an additional $5.3 million to use on road and bridge maintenance and repair if DOT engineers were used rather than costly consultants.

June 1, 2010

PEF continues to focus on making government more efficient

Governor focuses on punishing state employees 

Albany - The governor stated today he is putting together a plan to layoff state employees. He continues to say his priority is to save the state money, but it appears his real priority is punishing the state work force.

There are other alternatives. In fact, just last week, Judge Lawrence Kahn agreed with PEF that the state needs to explore alternatives to employee givebacks.

“PEF remains willing to work with this governor to achieve the savings in state operations necessary to balance this budget,” said PEF President Kenneth Brynien. “Our suggestions include ways to make state government more efficient by reducing the reliance on higher-priced private consultants and allowing state employees to do the work for less.

“Unfortunately, the governor seems less interested in savings and more interested in getting a pound of flesh from state employees.

“The governor is in such a rush to discuss layoffs, he hasn’t even allowed his commissioners time to implement the early retirement incentive. It’s possible he could achieve the savings he is seeking by properly executing that plan.

“Even though our members continue to do more with less, we are willing to reduce the size of the state work force through retirement and attrition if it means avoiding layoffs.

“The governor’s suggestion, that he may be able to challenge the Memorandum Of Understanding he has with PEF not to impose layoffs for the remainder of the year, is misguided.

“Once again while the governor wastes billions of dollars on consultants, he threatens the state work force with layoffs. While Judge Kahn ruled it is not PEF’s responsibility to close the budget gap, PEF continues to find savings. The union will be releasing another report next week on how the state can save more money replacing costly consultants with state employees.

“We are optimistic that on January 1, we will be working with a governor who is focused on making government more efficient without sacrificing the state work force,” Brynien said.

May 28, 2010

PEF Wins Preliminary Injunction Stopping Furloughs

Judge Directs Governor to Abide by Contracts

The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) was granted a preliminary injunction today preventing the governor from implementing his plan to furlough state employees.

In issuing his decision in U.S. District Court, Northern District, Judge Lawrence Kahn recognized the furlough legislation substantially impaired PEF's collective-bargaining agreement with the state. The ruling found payless furloughs would have caused irreparable harm, as employees would suffer a permanent 20 percent reduction in salary, and the employees reasonably relied upon the salaries negotiated years earlier by PEF.

Judge Kahn agreed with PEF that the state failed to demonstrate it was reasonable and necessary to impair its obligation of contract; thus, violating the Contracts Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

"This is a victory for state employees and for state taxpayers," said PEF President Kenneth Brynien. "This decision will allow state services to continue uninterrupted and prevent hardships to the taxpayers who depend on them.

"We are equally pleased the court found the state has other means to address its budget deficit, as PEF has maintained all along.

"We remain ready and willing to work with the governor and legislative leaders to achieve the savings the governor seeks, by implementing PEF's budget solutions," Brynien said.

Judge Kahn also directed the state not to submit any further extender appropriations bills which include the furloughs or exclude the payment of contractually obligated salary increases. Those salary increases were part of the two most recent extender bills passed into law, as required by the temporary restraining order Judge Kahn granted May 12.

"It is in the best interest of state taxpayers the governor accepts the court's ruling and avoids wasting more time and money needlessly appealing this decision," Brynien said.

May 26, 2010

May 13, 2010

Albany - While the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) is pleased with the court decision granting our temporary restraining order to stop the furloughs of state employees, there is more work to do toward closing the budget gap.

“The governor continues to insist state employee unions aren’t sacrificing and are uncooperative in helping to address the state’s fiscal crisis,” said PEF President Kenneth Brynien. “That is patently false. PEF has given the governor proposals to cut hundreds of millions of dollars, including cutting contract consultants, reducing overtime and expanding the voluntary severance program,” Brynien said.

May 12, 2010

May 10, 2010

Statement from PEF President Ken Brynien on Furloughs

"I am deeply disappointed the New York State Legislature has voted to authorize the illegal furlough of hardworking state employees," said PEF President Kenneth Brynien.

"The governor continues to insist that breaking contracts negotiated in good faith are the only way he can generate savings from the state work force. He knows this is untrue. PEF has provided the governor with alternative budget solutions that would avoid such hardships.

"PEF will be immediately filing for a temporary restraining order to stop the illegal furlough plan and protect our members from irreparable damage the loss of income will cause," Brynien said.

May, 7, 2010

Albany - Members of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) and members of the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) will hold simultaneous rallies outside state offices across New York to protest the governor’s furlough proposal.

State employees representing every state agency will spend the lunch hour drawing attention to the effect the governor’s proposal would have on state services and the state’s economy.

The governor's plan would reduce state employees’ pay by $312 million ($39 million for each furlough day), which would take more than half-a-billion dollars out of the state’s economy. That loss of revenue has the potential to result in the loss of 17,000 jobs, mostly in the private sector.

PEF and CSEA have identified alternative budget solutions that would more than meet the savings the governor is trying to achieve.

May, 4, 2010

PEF leader to testify on spending in the state Department of Transportation

Albany – A leader of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) will provide testimony at a Senate Task Force on Government Efficiency about spending in the state Department of Transportation.

PEF Vice President Tom Comanzo will point out how more than $84 million dollars are being wasted on an annual basis due to the excessive use of consultants for engineering and construction inspection.

PEF’s plan identifies how DOT can save between $55.6 million to $84.3 million a year, especially when the state is facing a $9.2 billion budget deficit.

Senate Task Force on Government Efficiency

Chair: Senator Jeffrey Klein

Spending in the State Department of Transportation

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

1 – 3 p.m.

Van Buren Hearing Room A – Second Floor

Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY

April 29, 2010

Binghamton - Members of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) who work at the state offices at the Glendale Facility will rally outside the building against the governor’s furlough proposal. More than 1,000 state employees, who work for the Department of Labor, State Insurance Fund, Department of Motor Vehicles, Division of Disability Determinations and the Office of Temporary Disability Assistance work at the facility.

PEF President Kenneth Brynien will join members as they rally with their coworkers from the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) as they spend their lunch hour drawing attention to the impact the governor’s proposal would have on state services and on the economy.

The governor’s plan would reduce state employees’ pay by $312 million ($39 million for each furlough day) which will take more than half a billion dollars out of the state’s economy. That loss of revenue has the potential to result in the loss of 17,000 jobs, most in the private sector. PEF has identified alternative budget solutions including replacing half the private consultants with state employees for a savings of $656 million over the next three years.

April 29, 2010ells@pef.org

Niagara Falls -Members of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) will rally outside the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Niagara Falls where the governor is scheduled to speak. The governor and several other elected officials are scheduled to attend a reception and dinner sponsored by the NYS Rural Democratic Conference.

PEF members will be drawing attention to the impact the governor’s furlough proposal would have on state services and on the economy.

The governor’s plan would reduce state employees’ pay by $312 million ($39 million for each furlough day) which will take more than half a billion dollars out of the state’s economy. That loss of revenue has the potential to result in the loss of 17,000 jobs, most in the private sector. PEF has identified alternative budget solutions including replacing half the private consultants with state employees for a savings of $656 million over the next three years.

April 27, 2010

Albany - “Gov. David Paterson’s proposal to furlough state employees is illegal,” said PEF President Kenneth Brynien.

“If the governor does furlough state employees, PEF will hold the state accountable.

“The governor, himself, has said breaking our contract is illegal.

“We will take every action necessary to stop the governor’s proposal.

“We again remind the governor of PEF’s solutions to help close the budget deficit, including millions in savings to be realized by replacing high-cost consultants with lower-cost state employees.”

April 27, 2010

Demoralized PEF Doctors, Nurses, Social Workers to Rally Outside Kingsboro PC

WHO: NYS Public Employees Federation doctors, nurses and social workers wearing red t-shirts with the message; "Patients our Choice, Union our Voice. We will not be Bullied," will be joined by their coworkers from the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA).

WHAT: To call attention to deplorable working conditions at Kingsboro Psychiatric Center due to inadequate staffing, lack of resources and bullying by management which is threatening patient care.

WHEN: Wednesday, April 28, 2010 - Noon to 2 PM

*PEF and CSEA members who work at Kingsboro will gather at noon, walk through the psychiatric center and then rally outside.

WHERE: Kingsboro Psychiatric Center, 681 Clarkson Avenue, Flatbush, Brooklyn

Friday, April 16, 2010

Albany - A member of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) who works for the state Division of Parole was shot as he sat at his desk in his downtown Brooklyn office Thursday night. Parole Officer Samuel Salters suffered a gunshot wound to his shoulder and remains in stable condition at Bellevue Hospital Center. Salters was shot by a paroled murderer who eye witnesses said sat in the waiting room of the parole office until his name was called, then calmly approached Officer Salters and shot him.

The incident has renewed calls for metal detectors in parole offices, something PEF has been trying to negotiate with the state Divison of Parole (DOP) for several years.

“The DOP agreed to a pilot program in 2009 that would install two metal detectors in offices in New York City,” said PEF President Kenneth Brynien. “That program has been stalled due to disagreement over how to staff the detectors. Our parole officers are being forced to choose between protecting their own safety and that of the public. Our officers are trying to deal with caseloads that have become unmanageably high. Pulling officers off caseloads to staff metal detectors puts public safety at risk.”

“This comes down to appropriate staffing levels,” said parole officer and PEF Council Leader Manuelita Clemente. “We recognize there is a hiring freeze due to the state’s fiscal crisis, but we are talking about life and death and the safety of our officers, visitors and parolees. The only deterrent at this time is a piece of paper on the wall that lists banned items including weapons,” Clemente said.

In March 2009, another parolee brought a weapon into a parole office in Queens. That parolee was shot to death at the Queens DOP office after grabbing a parole officer and holding a knife to her throat.

“This latest incident should serve as a warning, the state can no longer hide behind the budget deficit as an excuse not to staff metal detectors in the state’s parole offices,” Brynien added.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Statement of PEF President Kenneth Brynien on state worker pay raises

Albany - “If the governor withholds state employee raises, that is a violation of our contract,” said PEF President Kenneth Brynien.

“The New York State Public Employees Federation will hold the state accountable.

“The governor, himself, has said breaking our contract is illegal.

“We will take every action necessary to ensure our members get their negotiated raises.

“I met with the governor yesterday to discuss the financial problems the state is facing and we agreed to have further discussions. We reminded the governor of PEF’s solutions to help close the budget deficit, including the millions in savings to be realized by replacing high-cost consultants with lower-cost state employees.”

Monday, April 5, 2010

PEF launches statewide ad campaign offering solutions to budget deficit

Albany - The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) has launched a statewide television, radio, print and Web advertising campaign to educate the public and legislative leaders on how the state can achieve needed savings without cutting the state work force and sacrificing state services.

“PEF recognizes the seriousness of the current economic crisis, but the governor’s budget has the potential to seriously hamper services New York taxpayers rely on,” said PEF President Kenneth Brynien. “The ads point out PEF has offered several options for the state to achieve the same savings the governor is seeking in givebacks from the state work force,” Brynien said.

The ads, which feature a mad scientist character, will begin running April 5 on broadcast and cable television statewide and on radio in the Albany and New York City markets. Print advertisements have been placed in targeted newspapers across the state and will be supported by ads on newspaper Web sites including The New York Times, New York Post and NY Daily News.

The television, radio, Web and print ads can be viewed at www.pef.org

This latest ad campaign follows a similar statewide ad campaign which ran in early March, 2010.

Wedneday, March 31, 2010

Albany -The President of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) testified before the Senate Task Force on Government Efficiency on spending at the Department of Correctional Services (DOCS).

Kenneth Brynien presented his testimony today, one day after speaking at a rally on proposed DOCS closures.

“The Department of Corrections has taken a meat-cleaver approach to achieve savings needed as a result of the state’s financial crisis, while ignoring the long-term savings that can be achieved by appropriately staffing program areas,” Brynien said.

Inmates earning a high school degree or successfully completing a substance abuse program in prison have significantly lower recidivism rates than inmates who do not complete these programs. Yet program staff was reduced by 140 positions during the current fiscal year. More than 30 percent of DOCS’s authorized program and health service positions are vacant.

“A 5 percent reduction in the recidivism rate could reduce the number of inmates returned to prison by 1,400, saving taxpayers $42 million,” Brynien said.

DOCS also is wasteful in the amount it spends on overtime to provide nursing care to inmates. According to the state Department of Labor, DOCS is the worst offender under the new law restricting mandatory overtime for nurses. Currently, DOCS has 139 nursing vacancies.

“We strongly recommend DOCS maintain and improve staffing in educational health care and drug-treatment programs, and reduce its management ranks, instead. It will do no good for the safety of our communities or for the long-term cost of corrections if we increase the long-term odds of recidivism in exchange for a short-term savings,” Brynien said.

On Tuesday, March 23, Brynien spoke at a rally outside the Capitol in support of keeping open North Country correctional facilities, including Ogdensburg medium-security prison, Lyon Mountain and Butler minimum secure prisons and the Moriah Shock Incarceration facility.

“Closing these facilities has the potential to increase recidivism, put public safety at risk and reduce the state’s ability to prepare inmates to safely return to our communities,” Brynien said.

March 12, 2010

WHO: NYS Public Employees Federation doctors, nurses and social workers and Brooklyn elected officials (NYS Senator Eric Adams; NYS Assemblyman Karim Camara; NYS Senator Kevin Parker; NYS Assemblyman William Boyland and a representative from NYS Senator John Sampson’s office)

WHAT: To call for resignation of Kingsboro Psychiatric Center Director for inadequate staffing, lack of resources and hostile work environment which is threatening patient care

The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) surveyors have picked up on the problems that management and the agency have allowed to occur; NYS stands to lose up to $22 million in Medicaid funding if it fails to correct problems cited in federal survey

*If management refuses to allow the media inside the Assembly Hall, Legislators and Union Leaders will be available for interviews beginning at 12:45 PM outside the facility.

WHERE:    Kingsboro Psychiatric Center
                    681 Clarkson Avenue
                    Flatbush, Brooklyn

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

PEF President sets record straight at hearing on work force issues

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 setting the record straight on the size of the state work force and how it affects state spending. PEF President Kenneth Brynien also laid out a detailed plan for how the state can save hundreds of millions of dollars without eliminating jobs and services.

“There has been no growth in the size of the state work force, yet the proposed budget is striking, once again, at the public servants who deliver vital services,” Brynien said. “If the proposed budget is enacted, the state work force will be the same size it was 10 years ago and more than 15,000 positions fewer than in 1994, despite an increased need for state services,” Brynien said.

Brynien pointed out the budget proposal includes a $250 million cut in the salary and benefits of state employees while agencies continue to increase spending on private consultants that already cost more than state employees.

“New York State continues to pay thousands of consultants performing professional services an average of $160,719 annually. That’s 62 percent more than it cost to have state employees do similar work, including the cost of their benefits,” Brynien testified.

Brynien also said the proposal to eliminate salary increases and to lag pay violate negotiated labor agreements, noting contracts negotiated in good faith must be honored.

PEF proposed ways to achieve the work force savings identified in the Executive Budget proposal, but without the negative effects that would come from cutting state services, and still honoring the state’s contractual commitments to its employees.

“This can be achieved by: instituting a consultant-reduction plan to save $656 million over the next three years; expanding the voluntary severance program; instituting a Workplace Injury Reduction Program to reduce workers compensation costs; and reducing overtime costs by 60 percent by hiring entry-level state employees for a savings of $33.5 million annually,” Brynien said.

2/8/2010

PEF President to testify on state work force issues

Albany - The President of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) will provide testimony at the Assembly Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees hearing on state work force issues.

PEF President Kenneth Brynien will testify on the impact the governor’s budget proposal will have on state services and state employees. Brynien will also offer several alternatives to the governor’s proposal to cut $250 million from salary and benefits of state employees. PEF’s plan identifies several options that will payfor the cost of employee salary givebacks the governor is demanding and the other restorations PEF is seeking.

Assembly Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees

Hearing on state work force issues

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

9:30 a.m.

Hearing Room B

Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY

1/19/2010

ALBANY, NY (01/19/2010)-- The governor's proposed 2010-11 budget calls for a quarter of a billion dollars in negotiated give-backs from state employees, when the savings could easily be achieved by reducing the state's reliance on costly private consultants, instead.

The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) applauds the governor for recognizing savings can be achieved by reducing the use of consultants. The governor recently proposed to reduce the use of information technology consultants for an estimated savings of as much as $15 million per year.The governor also identifies a savings in his proposed budget by reducing the state's use of more costly private contract insurance examiners.

However, the governor's consultant reduction plan is only the tip of the iceberg and does not go far enough. Our more aggressive proposal to cut the use of consultants across-the-board in state government can easily achieve the quarter of a billion dollars the governor is targeting from the state work force to close the budget gap.

I cannot and will not go to my members and ask them to reopen the contract we negotiated with the state in good faith when many of my members are sitting alongside more costly private contractors doing the same work. However, we are always willing to discuss issues that do not involve reopening our contract.

We await more details on the closures and consolidations the governor is proposing for the Office of Children and Family Services. We will seek to preserve the vital services our members provide to the state's troubled youths and ensure that troubled and sometimes dangerous youths are not recklessly cast into our communities without adequate support.

PEF has identified significant potential savings for the state, such as the reduction in the use of consultants and reducing workplace injuries and their associated costs and has communicated these proposals to the governor.

1/14/2010

Albany - The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) today released comprehensive research that reveals the state can save $656 million over three years by implementing PEF’s cost-savings recommendations. The research also includes examples of irresponsible uncontrolled spending by some state agencies, a complete disregard of state law by others, and sloppy and incomplete record keeping by many.

“At a time when the state is facing severe fiscal constraints, spending on consultants rose to $2.9 billion; a $100 million increase,” said PEF President Kenneth Brynien. “That’s the equivalent of 23,329 full-time consultants working for the state, over 2,500 more consultants than the previous fiscal year. If that many state employees were added to the payroll during this fiscal crisis, there would be outrage.”

PEF’s research revealed some state agencies incurred astronomical consultant costs. The Racing Association Oversight Board paid a New York City law firm $689,901 for 1,275.40 hours of legal services which breaks out to $541 an hour. The same board paid paralegals even more. The law firm billed the state $51,535 for 93.20 hours of work by paralegals. That comes to $553 an hour! These are just some of the examples of irresponsible spending.

The biggest savings is in replacing Information Technology (IT) and engineering consultants with state employees. This week, the governor announced an effort to in-source IT consultants for an estimated savings of as much as $3 million. While we applaud the governors acknowledgement of what PEF has been saying for years that state employees can do the same work for much less than consultant, the governors plan doesn’t go far enough. PEF’s proposal to cut the use of IT consultants is much more aggressive and can save the state a minimum of $116.9 million by replacing half of the IT consultants with state employees. Our plan to replace engineering consultants can achieve a minimum savings of $95 million annually.

The potential future savings from PEF’s consultant reduction plan could be even more because only 20 percent of total consultant expenditures are filed properly with the state Comptrollers Office as required by the contract disclosure law. Some reports that were filed are so riddled with errors and typos that the New York State Research Foundation reported paying a consultant less than a penny per hour.

“This out-of-control spending, and improper and sloppy filing is costing the state millions. New York’s professional workforce has come up with ways to change that. Now it’s up to the governor and legislative leaders to make that change happen,” Brynien said.

1/6/2010

Albany - “The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) is very supportive of the governor’s initiatives to build New York’s economy,” said PEF President Kenneth Brynien.

“We are optimistic the governor’s call to merge agencies that duplicate services is directed to New York’s shadow government of unaccountable and off-budget authorities. PEF members know where these cuts can be made and how best to achieve efficiencies through mergers.

“As the details of the budget unfold, we stand ready to offer the governor and the state’s taxpayers savings that will help close the state’s budget gap while maintaining the vital services New York’s citizens rely on.

“We look forward to working with the governor and have, in fact, shared with him many ways to save money and make the state more efficient particularly in the area of reducing wasteful contracting-out.

“We remain hopeful when the Executive Budget is released some of our cost-saving proposals will be included,” Brynien said.