06/29/2007

TABLE TALK
PEF's PS&T contract team continues to meet with negotiators from the Governor's Office of Employee Relations (GOER).

During the week ending June 25 negotiators discussed health benefits and longevity pay. As with the Union's proposals in many areas (we have 250 on the table) the State's health insurance proposals are extensive. At negotiations this week it became clear that the State has not prioritized their needs. It is thus impossible for the union negotiators to put the state demands in the proper perspective. Said differently we have no way of telling which of the employer's demands are real. The points raised and in some cases challenges launched by the union negotiators at the employer demands are intended to serve the state well in identifying which issues will cause us significant problems and thus delay coming to a negotiated settlement.  In negotiations one never wants to end up in a dispute accidentally.      

Union negotiators gave greater insight into its needs in the longevity area including increasing their current value and adding a 3rd level. 

Negotiators will not be at the main table next week but discussions between the parties involving Articles 33, 34 and 35 are expected to occur.

With the end this past week of the NYS legislative session union negotiators see an opportunity for the Governor to focus his attention on employee contracts. 

For up-to-date information on negotiations, visit the PEF Web site. You can read past updates and sign-up for AIM (Active Informed Member) e-mail bulletins by visiting us at  http://www.unionvoice.org/pef/home.html