February 20, 2024 — Through Article 14 of the PS&T contract, PEF divisions can apply for a grant of up to $1,250 per year for certain kitchen appliances to improve breakroom/lunch areas at facilities that do not have them or where they aren’t in good working order.
The Quality of Work Life (QWL) Grants Pilot Program is a reimbursement program that can be used to pay for coffeemakers, microwaves, or refrigerators; the size, type, and quantity is determined by the number of employees the area serves.
From January to April last year, 23 PEF Divisions took advantage of the grant program, which was inactive until now while the contract was negotiated and ratified, and the application process was finalized. In 2022, 28 PEF Divisions participated.
Division 167 Council Leader Patricia Moran said these grants improve morale for members.
“We serve members from two important state agencies – the Office of Mental Health and the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities,” she said. “This grant has provided needed items to enhance the lives of dedicated PEF members, including a small refrigerator where our EAP coordinator keeps bottles of water when she meets with staff in crisis, a microwave for a new breakroom in one of our Day Habs, and a Keurig we utilize while meeting with members,” she said.
More Divisions should be taking advantage of this program. It’s a way to provide for members without using Division funds.
“In the future, we are hoping that Divisions like ours, where we serve so many members in two different agencies, can qualify for a larger grant amount,” Moran said.
Anyone can inquire about the grant, not just Council Leaders. In Divisions without one, Executive Board members can sign applications. You can contact Member Engagement Administrative Assistant Patricia Richardson at Patricia.Richardson@pef.org for more information.