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Collective action is the cornerstone of union activism.<\/p>\nCollective action is the cornerstone of union activism.<\/p>\n
When legislators receive thousands of personalized letters from voters who live and work in their districts, it sends a clear message that the issue matters and people are paying attention and demanding action. Letters put a human face on issues and are a vital tool in PEF’s legislative lobbying efforts.<\/p>\n
Sending a letter to your elected leaders is a powerful way to get involved. Take a few minutes to click the links below<\/strong> and send a letter today!<\/p>\n When we work together, we can make a difference.<\/p>\n At the State Level<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Fix Tier 6 \u2013 Pension Reform<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Inequities in the New York State pension system have been identified as one of the main reasons why employees leave state service. The Tier 6 plan for workers hired after 2012 provides lower benefits, and while there have been several legislative wins thanks to labor’s advocacy, more needs to be done to improve the pension and attract and retain talented individuals to state service. Send a message to your elected officials urging them to support changes to the retirement age and contribution levels so that members in Tiers 5 and 6 can achieve pension equity with members in Tier 4. Prohibit the use of AI for Parolee Determinations at DOCCS<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Software used for years by DOCCS to create plans for parolees is biased and should be discontinued. Now there’s legislation to prohibit the use of COMPAS to do work that is more efficiently and effectively done by humans. Please send a letter to your State lawmaker if you agree. Mental Health Counseling for DOCCS Staff<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Working behind the walls is one of the most dangerous jobs in New York State. Tell your legislators that staff who choose to do it and then experience mental or emotional difficulties due to job-related stress should have access to quality mental health care! Improve Security and Safety for all at DOCCS<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Over the last decade, assaults against staff working in New York\u2019s correctional facilities have tripled and assaults against other incarcerated individuals have more than doubled. It is long past time for a suite of reforms at DOCCS to make conditions inside facilities safer for everyone. Urge your legislators to enact crucial changes! Improve the Workplace Violence Prevention law<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n While New York\u2019s Workplace Violence Prevention Law has been an important first step in keeping workers safe, it has several shortcomings that require attention. This legislation expands the coverage areas to reflect that more public employees are working in non-traditional and residential settings, expands the use of technology to keep employees safe, and provides for a much more robust system of enforcement and accountability to keep workers safe. Expand Nurse Staffing Committees<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n In 2021, New York State enacted a law providing nurse staffing committees at hospitals. It has worked well, offering both labor and management an opportunity to express staffing concerns and work together to deal with them. Now, it’s time to expand the law and apply it to all state facilities where two or more nurses are currently on duty at the same time. Body Scanners at OMH, OPWDD<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n There has been a surge in assaults and violence against patients and staff in various State facilities. PEF is calling on lawmakers to permit the use of scanners at secure and forensic OMH and OPWDD facilities so they can detect any smuggling attempts of weapons and other contraband. Prohibit Impersonating Union Representatives<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n The Internet and Artificial Intelligence make it easier than ever for fraudulent actors to impersonate someone or something, including unions. It’s hard enough engaging busy, hardworking professionals in the business of their union — ask lawmakers to crack down on this fraud. Disclose A.I. Use and Make it Subject to Bargaining<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Is anybody going to regulate Artificial Intelligence or are we all OK just letting machines make decisions? Labor unions like PEF are the loudest voices pushing for regulations to disclose the use of AI and make it the subject of bargaining. Pave the way for more telecommuting<\/a> At the Federal Level<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
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\nThe benefits of telecommuting are obvious more than six years after the Covid pandemic — less congestion, less pollution, lower costs and increased productivity. This bill does not mandate telework, but provides a legislative framework that would make it easier for State employees to telecommute.
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