Negotiations continued on October 1. The Union passed across the table a compilation of public sector contract settlements all of which have been reached in a difficult fiscal climate (You can see the list at http://www.pef.org/pst2003/wage_settlements.htm).

The parties had a significant discussion regarding the money the State could save if it shifted work it currently contracts out to the more cost efficient and higher quality civil service workforce. The Union calculates that this step alone would improve the current short staffing crisis and save the State a quarter of a billion dollars per year (money that could be used to fund just contract settlements).

Follow the lead of your bargaining team! 1600 of your colleagues have already done so! Take a moment to tell the Governor to CUT STATE WASTE by going to the PEF Action Center and faxing him a letter on the subject. It only takes a minute or two. Simply click here and follow the instructions. http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/cut_waste_not_workers

The balance of the day was spent discussing VRWS and Article 36 (non-discrimination). The State asked for further clarification regarding the PEF proposals to enhance VRWS. After much dialogue the State expressed opposition to any improvements to the program. As to Article 36 they observed several changes they would need in the Article in order to accept the changes PEF negotiators were looking for. The Union asked that they put those changes in the form of a counter proposal so that the entire article could be reviewed in total. We await their response.

Negotiations continue on October 8 and 9. October 9 will be devoted exclusively to Health Benefits discussions. The State Employee Coalition on Health Insurance Negotiations meeting previously scheduled for the same day has been advanced to October 7.

TIMES UNION

Governor wants to discuss cost cuts
Albany-- Comptroller Hevesi calls for restraint in borrowing, spending
 
By JAMES M. ODATO, Capitol bureau
First published: Wednesday, October 1, 2003

Gov. George Pataki wants the Legislature to return to talk about money-saving strategies, but Assembly Democrats want to negotiate a complete budget for next year, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said Tuesday. "I am interested in coming back to get a head start on the whole package," Silver said.

Pataki, he said, has suggested just looking at cuts. The deficit next year is estimated at $6 billion.

Silver said the Assembly will return next Wednesday to pass a bill that cleans up problems with the budget passed this year, but he hasn't agreed to Pataki's proposal.

On Monday, Budget Director Carole Stone asked state commissioners to hold spending plans for next year to current levels. She said cuts may be needed because the state is at "a critical crossroads."

Stone said the next budget must not allow spending to exceed ongoing revenues -- a challenge Comptroller Alan Hevesi outlined in a report issued Tuesday.

Hevesi said the state relied on almost $12 billion in nonrecurring funds to close gaps during the past two years and that those actions will exacerbate future shortfalls.

Hevesi pegged the deficit at $5.3 billion next year and $6.9 billion the year after.

He said a combination of indicators, including lagging job growth, high debt and a reliance on one-time revenues could contribute to difficult financial times ahead.

"Given the continued volatile economic outlook, the coming year will be an important one for New York's fiscal future," he warned.

He called for more long-term financial planning and more restraint in borrowing and spending.

Kevin Quinn, a spokesman for Pataki's Division of Budget, said the administration shares Hevesi's concerns about the state's fiscal future. He said he is unaware of the governor pitching a return of the Legislature.

"The fact is the budget that was passed over the governor's objections has placed New York in far worse fiscal situation than we would be facing had the governor's proposed budget been enacted," he said.

Drawn from the CHIEF Leader, 9.26.03 (for a more complete list of settlement info go to http://www.pef.org/pst2003/wage_settlements.htm)

Nassau County Police Officers will receive raises of just over 21 percent and improved longevity steps under a six-year contract award issued by an arbitration panel. The County won a number of cost-saving contract changes including a retroactive one year wage freeze, an additional freeze of six months in 2005, ability to “civilianize” up to 100 positions currently held by officers, a change in the number of hours used to calculate holiday pay, overtime pay and shift differentials, a loss of 1-3 holidays depending on hire date, and the right to reduce minimum staffing in car assignments. The County did not achieve its goal of having the police pay 50 percent of their health insurance costs.

The wage package is as follows:

2001 - Wage freeze

2002 - 3.9 percent effective January 1

2003 – 3.9 percent effective January 1

2004 – 3.9 percent effective January 1

2005 - 3.9 percent effective July 1, 2005

2006 – 3.9 percent effective July 1, 2006