9/4/2003

Table Talk
Negotiations were held on September 3. We discussed the balance of PEF‘s Article 12 demands as well as the union needs in Articles 27, 31 and 38. This led to questions and comments from the employer, debate between the parties, and a clearer understanding of areas of mutual interest.

On Tap
The negotiators will meet on September 10 and 11. PEF previously provided written contract language on all of its demands. On September 10 the union is set to complete its presentation on the last of the articles and answer any questions the state may have. Changes to the VRWS program lead the agenda.

The State has indicated its preparedness to discuss tentative agreements in Articles 36 (No Discrimination) and 41 (Payroll). If this occurs it would be significant because to date – over 6 months into bargaining - the State has only put pen to paper on two tentative agreements – ground rules and a compilation of contract articles the parties mutually agreed would not be opened. Although the tone of recent bargaining sessions has been positive this shyness toward sign-offs will need to be reversed if we are to move closer to the settlement phase.

Lastly, on September 10 the State will make a presentation of its traditional “employer costing out of the union’s initial proposals” - just another feature of negotiations employed by the State - and many other employers. .

On September 11 an all day session on Health Insurance is slated.


How Can You Help Your Negotiators?
What can you do to help your negotiation’s team to achieve a fair contract from the state?

The success of our negotiations and the maintenance of our members’ job security are directly related to our getting more money into the state coffers. Join PEF’s “cut state waste” campaign! The State could save more than a quarter of a billion dollars by halting the excessive use of expensive contractors and consultants and transferring the work to the experienced and dedicated state employees!

Get involved in the campaign. Fax a letter to Governor Pataki today. Tell him - "CUT STATE WASTE!" Go to the PEF Action Center and follow the directions. In less than a minute a fax will be on its way!

http://www.pef.org/action/index.htm