PEF invited to participate in prestigious labor relations Triad 2024

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July 1, 2024 — President Wayne Spence and Vice President Randi DiAntonio jumped into their fourth term (Wayne) and third term (Randi), heading to Manhattan at the invitation of the ILERA 20th Triennial World Congress to participate in a study group on public sector employment.

The prestigious event is one of three meetings held together and dubbed “Triad 2024” – the Congress, the FMCS 2024 National Labor-Management Conference and the LERA 76th Annual Meeting.

Participation in the World Congress is a great honor not afforded to many in the labor movement. President Spence and VP DiAntonio participated in the Improving Employment Opportunities and Working Conditions for Vulnerable Groups in Public Sector (Financed) Jobs in New York.

The group took a closer look at public sector employment relations in New York and New York City and included two talks by researchers – Phillip Thompson, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Anne Marie Brady, Cornell University – followed by the discussion facilitated by President Spence and VP DiAntonio.

The event was also a chance for PEF to get its issues in front of heavy hitters of the labor movement, advancing Fund Our Future initiatives on a large scale.

Social Worker Title Restructuring FAQ

Posted on Posted on: | Updated: by ccanham

The PEF Civil Service Enforcement/Research Department put together a FAQ covering commonly asked questions about the Social Worker title restructuring. Access it here.

PEF will continue to advocate and maintain a dialogue with the Department of Civil Service and affected agencies and provide updates as more information becomes available.

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New NY dental insurer: What we know as of June 14, 2024

Posted on Posted on: | Updated: by rmerrill

PEF led a multi-year, multi-union campaign advocating for the State to change its dental insurer. Our main objective was finding a plan that provides you with a more robust provider network. We consistently heard that EmblemHealth’s deficient network cost way too much in out-of-pocket expenses when you had no choice but to go to an out-of-network dentist. As a result of this advocacy, the State put the NYSHIP dental contract out to bid for the first time in over two decades and recently awarded the contract to Anthem Blue Cross (Anthem), effective October 1, 2024. With Anthem’s more robust network, many more members will be able to access network dentists, which will help alleviate the out-of-pocket expenses caused by having to use out-of-network providers.

We want to dispel some misinformation at this point in the implementation process. We have heard concerns that with Anthem there will be a lower level of benefit or co-pays where none previously existed. This is absolutely not true. Anthem has many different dental plans. The new NYSHIP dental plan is a unique Anthem plan and details have not yet been published on the Anthem website. The level of benefit is governed by our collective bargaining agreement, including enhancements achieved during the negotiation of the 2019-2023 PEF/State Agreement, such as a higher annual maximum allowance of $3,000 per person, an increase to $3,000 for the orthodontic lifetime maximum per child, inclusion of a $600 implant allowance, and long overdue coverage for precious/upgraded metal fillings. All of these enhanced contractual benefits will continue and will certainly not be diminished. As always, we will seek to build on these improvements in the next round of contract negotiations. Most importantly, with Anthem, our members will have access to a more robust dental network.

The Department of Civil Service informs us they will be sending out the following mailings to NYSHIP dental plan enrollees:

NYS Dental Plan Administrator Change Letter
In July, the Department of Civil Service will mail this letter to enrollees’ homes. This letter will explain the change to Anthem and will highlight how enrollees can access and search the applicable Anthem Blue Cross network of dental providers.

Anthem Blue Cross NYS Dental Plan Benefit Documents and Benefit Card
In September, enrollees will receive a welcome letter from Anthem Blue Cross, which will include their new benefit card along with information on how to access benefit information and documents online through a secure member portal.

Please note that dental providers interested in joining the Anthem NYSHIP network can call 1-866-947-9398 to speak to a designated Anthem representative. Please feel free to share this number with your dental provider so they can join the applicable Anthem network if they are not already an Anthem participating provider.

We will provide more information as it becomes available. PEF will vigorously monitor the changeover to Anthem to make sure it meets all our expectations. If for some reason it does not, we will take immediate action to assure all necessary corrections are made.

PEF Telephone Town Hall for Social Workers: June 13, 2024

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Telephone TownhallPEF President Wayne Spence and Vice President Randi DiAntonio, a Licensed Master Social Worker at OPWDD, held a Telephone Town Hall on June 13, 2024, to update members on the reallocation of the social worker title series.

NYS Department of Civil Service Commissioner Timothy R. Hogues joined the call along with members of his staff to walk PEF social workers through the process and how they gathered and analyzed data to make their recommendations.  The call lasted about an hour, but we have provided some time codes below if members are interested in a particular speaker or topic.

00:00 — PEF President Spence introduces participants, stresses that the union advocated on behalf of ALL PEF Social Workers, but the process is discretionary and agencies must now decide

02:00 — NYS Department of Civil Service Commissioner Timothy R. Hogues introduces his staff, emphasizes the transparency of his department and says “our people are the greatest resource that we have.”

04:10 — PEF Vice President Randi DiAntonio, a Licensed Master Social Worker 2 with 28 years of State service at OPWDD, provides a timeline of the process and the actions PEF took to advocate on behalf of Social Workers. At about the 10:00 mark, she recaps what PEF has heard back from the various “O” agencies about their plans to implement the restructuring.

11:00 — PEF Director of Contract Administration Debra Greenberg outlines the four major changes included in the reallocation — title structure changes, the creation of new titles, upward reallocations, and geographic and shift salary differentials.

17:30 — PEF Vice President Randi DiAntonio summarizes the questions submitted by PEF Social Workers that staff from the Department of Civil Service will answer.

19:20 — NYS Department of Civil Service Director of Class & Compensation Abner JeanPierre discusses how his department approaches reallocation requests and the analysis involved.

25:45 — NYS Department of Civil Service Manager of Classification & Compensation KelliAnn Sardella further discusses the process specific to the Social Worker title series and answers questions from PEF members that were submitted in advance.

43:30 — PEF Vice President Randi DiAntonio asks a question to clarify the process about how State agencies will go about requesting new Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) positions in their workforce.

46:10 — NYS Department of Civil Service Director of Class & Compensation JeanPierre addresses concerns that using the NY HELPS program could result in agencies bypassing internal candidates for new LCSW positions or other promotions.

48:00 — NYS Department of Civil Service Manager of Classification & Compensation Sardella on updating classification standards for the new positions and PEF’s role in that process.

50:20 — PEF Director of Contract Administration Debra Greenberg on the impact the reallocation could have on longevity payments.

54:00 — PEF Vice President Randi DiAntonio delivers closing remarks, highlighting the options for PEF Social Workers interested in obtaining the new LCSW title, including tuition reimbursement as provided in the PEF contract.

Click to listen to the PEF Telephone Town Hall for Social Workers on June 13, 2024

(Note: We are aware that listeners are unable to fast forward the audio and jump to a specific section without logging in to or creating a free SoundCloud account.)

 

 

 

Citing “Unintended Consequences,” Governor Hochul Hits Pause Button on NYC Congestion Pricing Plan

Posted on Posted on: | Updated: by ksheehan

After listening to concerns from various public employee unions, including those raised by PEF President Wayne Spence, Governor Kathy Hochul announced in June 6, 2024, that Manhattan’s congestion pricing program would be put on hold indefinitely.  Absent this action, the plan would have taken effect on June 30 would have cost drivers $15 per day to enter Manhattan south of 60th street, with commercial vehicles and trucks paying steeper tolls.  Citing concerns around various unintended consequences – which would include the significant new out-of-pocket costs for PEF members and other workers who travel into Manhattan for work — Governor Hochul announced the suspension of the program.

“PEF appreciates that Governor Hochul is listening to the concerns of workers with the current congestion pricing plan.  We look forward to working with her and city officials to address the unintended consequences of the current plan on PEF members and other workers who travel into Manhattan for work,”  said President Spence.

This is a major win for the thousands of PEF members who rely on their own vehicles to get to work in lower Manhattan and who would have seen their commuting costs grow exponentially.

PEF will keep members apprised of developments as they occur.

Memorial Day

Posted on Posted on: | Updated: by ccanham

On this Memorial Day 2024, we remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. From our PEF family to yours, thank you!

Leadership Development Program accepting applications

Posted on Posted on: | Updated: by ksheehan

May 15, 2024 — In accordance with Article 15 of the PEF Contract, the Leadership Development Program (LDP) for 2024 is now enrolling Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (PS&T) unit employees at Grade 23 and above.  The program is offered by the Office of Employee Relations (OER) and works to provide employees with the skills to lead New York State agencies.  

The LDP is a multi-day program with two separate sessions.  Members may choose to attend either, but do not need to attend both.  Session one is made up of seven (7) full days of classroom instruction in Albany.  Session two consists of 14 half-day virtual trainings, about three and a half hours each.  Proper equipment, like a webcam and microphone, is required to attend session two.  In both sessions, participants will complete a job-related project, targeted at improving the performance of employees and the unit where they work. 

This year, session one orientation begins on Aug. 20, 2024.  The seven-day session runs from August 21-23 and Sept. 23-26, 2024.  Graduation day for session one is December 5, 2024. 

Session two begins with orientation on Aug. 23, with virtual instruction Aug. 27-28, Sept. 9-12, Oct. 21-23, and Oct. 28-31, 2024.  Graduation day for session two is Jan. 23, 2025. 

Both sessions will cover: 

  • The Mindset of a Professional Manager and Leader
  • Project Management: A Framework for Today’s Environment
  • Creative Problem Solving and Innovation
  • Non-technical Skills for Leaders
  • Practical Applications of Leadership Perspectives

Members who apply and are accepted into the program are expected to complete all assignments and attend all training days, including the orientation and graduation.  Completion of the job-related project and evaluation surveys are required.  

Participants will be able to attend all training days without having to use their personal time or leave accruals.  This includes orientation and graduation days.  Agencies commit to making sure employees do not have to use accruals and they will provide any resources required to complete the job-related project. 

Interested PS&T members who are Grade 23 or above must complete this application and obtain the required signatures from a supervisor and agency head.  Applicants may also seek the recommendation of a PEF Representative.  Completed applications should be sent to the LDP Selection Committee at ljackson@albany.edu before the application deadline of May 31, 2024.  Leadership Development Program candidates will be selected by June 28, 2024, and notified. 

Click here for the complete LDP Course Description. 

 

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Tell your elected leaders to focus on issues important to PEF members!

Posted on Posted on: | Updated: by rmerrill

Sign Now - Legislative Letters

As the end of the 2024 New York State Legislative Session approaches, we have 7 active letter writing campaigns. Click the links below to send an email to your elected lawmakers. The software will automatically select your State Senator and Assemblymember based on your zip code. Lawmakers are currently scheduled to wrap up their work by June 6, so time is of the essence! Please sign now and let PEF’s voice be heard!

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PEF Telephone Town Hall: May 8, 2024 

Posted on Posted on: | Updated: by rmerrill

A PEF Telephone Town Hall held on May 8, 2024, brought together PEF President Wayne Spence, Vice Presidents Randi DiAntonio and Darlene Williams, PEF Legislative Director Patrick Lyons and PEF Contract Administration Director Debra Greenberg to discuss budget accomplishments, the future of the Fund Our Future campaign, and more. Here are some general time codes indicating what was discussed and when: 

  • 00:00 – 06:55:  Update about ongoing efforts of the Fund Our Future campaign, and the future of the campaign. 
  • 06:56 – 12:35:  Budget discussion on ending lag payroll system and making New York an attractive employer. 
  • 12:35 – 15:20:  Budget accomplishments regarding mental health beds, keeping New York out of the Nursing Compact, and avoiding cuts to retiree healthcare. 
  • 15:21 – 17:40:   New York State Museum, State Archives and State Library earned additional funding in the budget.  
  • 17:41 – 19:04:  Design Build budget accomplishment.  
  • 19:05 – 28:15:  More changes to Tier 6 contained in State budget and discussion of future pension plans reforms.  
  • 28:16 – 30:15:  Second $400 dental stipend for members being processed. 
  • 30:16 – 35:50:  Details about the State’s new dental insurance carrier, Anthem Blue Cross, and potential network changes. 
  • 35:51 – 38:40: Updates about agency issues concerning the $600 Higher Education Differential payments for PS&T members. 
  • 38:41 – 41:50:  Article 15 tuition reimbursement updates, increases and improvements. 
  • 41:51 – 44:30:  License reimbursement updates, increases and closing remarks from President Spence.
(Note: We are aware that listeners are unable to fast forward the audio and jump to a specific section. We have logged that bug and are attempting to squash it! For now, you can click above and listen from start to finish, but if you try to jump ahead, it will prompt you to login or create a Soundcloud account.)