'Give us a fair contract now'
"This
is the first time I've gotten involved. I don't think
we're being treated fairly. A couple of years ago there
were layoffs and we had to work overtime and stick
together to get the job done. Now, I feel the state
should be there when we need it. There are things my
family and I have put off doing because of this contract
stalemate. We're on a strict budget now."Terry Laibach
environmental program specialist
New Paltz
"You need these numbers of people
at this kind of rally, or the governor and all the
politicians won't listen. The governor has taken care of
everybody else, but he won't negotiate with us, because
we can't strike."
Bill Reilly
program analyst
Albany
"I'm upset that the governor
wants to take our benefits away and not give us a fair
raise. When they offered us zeros - that's when I got
really upset. I am not a zero!"E. Deborah Curry
OMH nurse
Binghamton
"We
need a fair contract. That's why I'm here!"
Bob Lapp
corrections counselor
Elmira C.F.
"The governor and the
legislators have provided themselves tremendous raises.
With the surplus that exists in the state, the workers
who do the actual work in the field deserve a raise. I
will have a net decrease in pay if we get 3 percent
because of all the increases in prescription and
health-care costs (tied to the pay-raise offer). As
parole officers, we deserve equity with other
law-enforcement agencies. We put our lives on the line every day."
Gary Stern
parole officer
Rochester
"We
hope to let the governor and all the lawmakers know that
we're not happy and we would like something that is fair.
Our raises haven't been able to keep up with inflation.
We help the state of New York look good and the governor
look better. Where is the respect for what we do?"
Mary Pierce
public education specialist
Syracuse
"I'd like to ask the governor
why he isn't treating us fairly."Emmett Ferris
program analyst
Albany
"I want a fair contract. I
hope more people will see that we need a fair contract.
Convincing the public to put pressure on the governor and
the Legislature may be the only answer to this
situation."
Ed Kaufman
program analyst
Albany
"I've been with the state for
two years, having moved over from the city. I love what I
do, but I should get paid for it. I'm a single mom and
we're struggling. I've had to take a second job to break
even. I'm tired. I think my expertise is worth a better
salary. I believe the governor should lead by
example."Josephine Pagan
community development assistant
Manhattan
"This
is an opportunity to make a stand and make a difference.
There are relatively few opportunities like this that
rank-and-file members have. If I could talk to Pataki
face-to-face, I'd tell the governor that at a time when
there is a record state surplus and high raises for his
appointees, it is only right and fair that rank-and-file
employees who need the raises more should get a fair and
reasonable contract."
Drew Lent
engineering geologist
New Paltz