4/18/2003

Contract Team addresses special issues

As PEF and other advocates continue the fight for a fair budget, the PEF Contract Team continues to meet with representatives from the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations (GOER). The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Family Benefits were the topic of discussion at our meeting on Wednesday, April 16.

On tap for next Wednesday, April 23, are Travel related demands of both parties, as well as a presentation by PEF on the special issues faced by institutional employees including PEF nurses.

A special contract addendum is required for PEF members who work for the state Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. This is because these members don't have coverage of either the state Attendance Rules or the Civil Service Law. GOER and PEF have agreed to open negotiations for the terms of this addendum on April 30.

Issues for discussion in May include the PEF funded and NYS Civil Service administered "Career Mobility Offices;” a presentation by PEF on the state contracting-out and the subsequent costs incurred by the public; a presentation by the state Department of Budget on the current fiscal climate; a mutual discussion regarding the special issues faced by PEF members who are teachers and work 10-months; and, a host of other issues including those covered by Articles 13, 14, 18, 20, 30, 36 and 41.