1/15/2008

CONTRACT UPDATE #32
TABLE TALK
The Governor's Office of Employee Relations (GOER) is responsible for negotiating contracts with 14 units. As of this writing, six have settled, including the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) whose members recently ratified their 4 agreements. In each of these negotiations GOER provided significant economic relief in an area of concern expressed by the union.

When PEF negotiators were refused comparability of treatment we moved the dispute up the food chain. On January 14 PEF President Ken Brynien, Secretary - Treasurer Arlea Igoe, Vice President and Contract Team Chair Lou Matrazzo, and staff met with top administration officials at the Capitol in Albany.  PEF presented its case for a deal comparable to those provided our co-workers. Specifically,

 - 10's of millions of dollars in additional benefits were provided to our co workers and an equivalent offering has not been made to us

-  Our dental and vision programs are in need of substantial improvement. We seek to raise our benefits to a level comparable to that currently available to the majority of other unionized state employees. We have two proposals which would accomplish this without adding significant economic cost to the employer. 

A thorough presentation was made and the Governor's representatives told us our positions and factual substantiations were clear. 

President Brynien closed the meeting with a statement emphasizing the serious nature of the impasse.  The State promised an equally serious review of our issues with a higher level authority. They will get back with their position prior to close of business January 25.  

Your negotiators insist that PEF members and their families be treated equitably. We ask that you stand with us on this fundamental principle. And as important, be ready to join with us in a fight for what is right should it become necessary.  

For current updates, visit the PEF Web site, click on contract, or sign-up and read the Active Informed Member (AIM) bulletins.