NEGOTIATIONS 2003 FAQ's
OCTOBER 2, 2003
Other Relevant FAQ's
When did we start negotiations with the State?
The bargaining teams for PEF and the State first met to kick off negotiations on January 30, 2003. Formal conceptual proposals were exchanged by both parties on February 12, 2003.
How often is the bargaining team meeting with State negotiators?
The Union is meeting with State negotiators at least once a week for “main table negotiations.” The parties also meet periodically in additional bargaining sessions specifically focused on health insurance issues or the side agreements at the State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind or at Roswell Park Cancer Institutes.
What are PEF’s key demands at the bargaining table?
The Union’s top three priorities in this round of negotiations are: achieving base wage increases in each year of the agreement; successfully fending off any significant health insurance concessions sought by the State; and, enhancing the dental benefit.
The Union has already achieved an earlier priority, namely correcting the now historic disparity between members in PEF getting 10 days of sick leave while others in both PEF and other unions get 13 days of sick leave per year.
What other demands is the PEF bargaining team advancing at the bargaining table?
The bargaining team has advanced a comprehensive package of demands at the table which we developed based on information we received from: the surveys of members and leaders via e-mail and The Communicator; the contract team’s meetings with the membership at over 50 contract meetings across the State prior to beginning negotiations; and the knowledge and experience of the various members of the bargaining team as leaders in the union. You may review this package of conceptual proposals by clicking here.
What appear to be the State’s goals at the bargaining table?
To date, the State has not yet fully fleshed out or clearly prioritized its demands at the bargaining table. However, concern over the State’s current fiscal condition is clearly playing a significant role in shaping the State’s position at the table. Based on information we have received at the table so far, it is clear that attempting to address escalating health insurance costs is one of the State’s key concerns at the table.
What happens to my compensation and other benefits since the 1999-2003 Agreement has expired while negotiations continue?
PEF has been successful over the past several negotiations in removing many significant “sunsets” from the contract. A “sunset” provides that a particular benefit ceases with the expiration of the contract or at some other agreed upon time. Benefits that do not “sunset” must continue until a new agreement is negotiated. This is a New York State Taylor Law protection. Those benefits that do not sunset include salary, health insurance, prescription coverage, dental coverage, performance (longevity) awards for those who currently earn them, performance advances, travel reimbursements, standby/on-call pay, etc.
Following the expiration of the contract the State did “sunset” the following benefits:
· The tuition reimbursement, PSWP and PSTP programs (PEF has formally requested that the State continue tuition reimbursement following contract expiration, arguing that “sunsetting” this program was detrimental not only to bargaining unit members but also to the State’s interests in the program. Despite this, the State has refused to do so);
· Family Benefits Committee programs including “Lifeworks” and the employer contribution to DCAAccounts. However, the State has not “sunsetted” the DCAAccount itself. Employees with work related dependant care expenses may still enroll to pay these expenses on a pre-tax basis;
· Funding for reimbursement for personal property damage provided by Article 27.2 of the contract.
Beginning April 2004, the State may choose to sunset the following benefits:
· Employees who first accrue eligibility for a performance award after April 1, 2003 may not receive it in April 2004 (although the parties have an unresolved dispute over this). Employees who were eligible for a performance award before April 1, 2003 and received it in April 2003, will continue to do so thereafter, as long as they remain eligible;
· Annual vision exams and glasses for adults with medical conditions affecting vision. This benefit originally contained a sunset of April 1, 2003. However, following PEF’s request, the State agreed to extend this benefit at least until April 1, 2004. If the State chooses to sunset this benefit in April 2004, eligible individuals will still be covered by the 24 month benefit available for other adult vision plan participants.
What role do PEF members like me play in contract negotiations?
Responding to any “call to action” issued by the PEF Bargaining Team and leadership is the primary role of each PEF member. Bargaining success (i.e., a fair and just settlement) is the result of a partnership between the negotiators and its membership. As we saw in the last round of bargaining, a success at the bargaining table results from membership actions away from the table.
Staying informed on the status of negotiations and the union’s positions at the table, keeping other members informed, responding to “calls to action” issued by the PEF leadership, and leading the fight where necessary are significant components of this partnership.
I want to stay informed throughout negotiations. What is the best way?
Regular updates on the bargaining process are posted on the PEF website (www.PEF.org). In addition, weekly e-mail updates go to members on the PEF Action Center distribution list. You will also see regular articles on negotiations in the monthly Communicator.
If you do not currently get PEF’s weekly AIM (Active Informed Member) updates, sign up today at http://www.unionvoice.org/pef/join.html.