5/09/2003

Contracting-out stifles economy, jobs

A presentation by PEF’s Contract Team to representatives from the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations at the May 7 meeting demonstrated that the excessive use of contractors by the state costs taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars more per year, than if the state used public servant state employees.

PEF’s Chief Negotiator Roger Scales told GOER, “We expect that as negotiations proceed, the state will want to know how PEF plans to pay for its proposals. Your contract proposals express a willingness to discuss economic issues in the context of the state’s fiscal condition and the obligation of the state to pursue a fiscally responsible course of action.

“Reducing wasteful spending on these contracts is a great start down the path of fiscal prudence,” Scales said. “There is money to pay for PS&T Unit services, if you discontinue the funding of other corporate patronage that so many of these contractors view as an entitlement.

“The data PEF’s contract team presented demonstrates that the state annually spends hundreds of millions of dollars, much of it needlessly, to have private employees do the work that PEF members do better and more efficiently,” Scales added.

Studies document the advantages of having state employees provide state services. Through PEF’s contract proposals, the contract team is seeking to discontinue this program of corporate welfare - a program which exists at our members and the public’s expense.

Ponderable Table Quote

“At this point in time, I haven’t gone through any of your proposals. I am only now starting to develop questions.”  Rebecca Caudle, NYS Chief Spokesperson - 5/07/2003  (13 weeks into negotiations).

Next Session

Negotiators will again meet on Wednesday, May 14. Subjects on tap for discussion include the special nature of the ten-month teacher employment and Contract Article 15, including PSTP, PSWP and tuition reimbursement.