TABLE TALK

Negotiators met on March 31. Discussion continued on health insurance. Significant time was again spent discussing the Empire Plan Hospital Network. The State has informed us that they intend to implement a network for M/Cs, retirees, participating employers, participating agencies and any unrepresented enrollees on January 1, 2005. We have another meeting on April 6 and expect to report significant details on this matter in the next AIM.

Negotiators signed a Memorandum of Agreement extending the annual vision benefit for adults with certain medical conditions through April 1, 2005, pending the outcome of the current collective bargaining negotiations. Article 9.25(b) of the 1999-2003 PEF/NYS contract includes an annual vision benefit for adults with certain documented medical conditions that may affect their vision. These medical conditions include diabetes, developing cataracts, taking a prescription drug that causes a change in vision, or any other medical condition that causes a change in vision.

This benefit was established as a pilot program, and was scheduled to expire on April 1, 2003 unless PEF and the state agreed to continue it. In a MOA signed on 2/12/03, it was extended for one year through April 1, 2004. It is now being extended another year through April 1, 2005, pending the outcome of negotiations.

If you have any questions regarding the extension of this benefit, please contact Lorraine Simpkins at PEF headquarters, 1-800-342-4306, ext. 283.

- ISSUE SPOTLIGHT - 2004 Performance Advance Payments and Performance Awards
PEF has issued an informational bulletin regarding the payment of Performance Advance and Performance Awards. Check it out at  http://www.pef.org/memos.htm

- NEGOTIATIONS RELATED WEB ADDRESSES
PEF Contract '03 Updates, FAQs, Meet the Team, etc.   http://www.pef.org/pst2003/index.htm

To read in depth information on the Rx - 3 Tier Plan on our bargaining table check out the PEF created Q&A at http://www.pef.org/pst2003/rxfaqs.htm

Read a Summary of CSEA's Recently Negotiated Contract at http://www.pef.org/pst2003/updates/03062004.htm

UUP's Contract Summary can be found at http://www.uupinfo.org/contract.pdf

Sign Up for regular e mail updates (AIM) at http://www.unionvoice.org/pef/join.html