PEF ready to do whatever it takes

By Kenneth Brynien
As this issue of The Communicator goes to press, we await the governor’s Executive Budget proposal.
No doubt, with the state facing a projected $4.3 billion deficit, there will be challenges for PEF in the budget proposal and in our contract negotiations.

We have already received notice of the governor’s plans for closures and consolidations in the Department of Correctional Services (DOCS) and in the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). The governor’s State of the State Address proposed tapping the state’s lottery through private investment or financing, which could mean a privatization proposal.

Any announcement concerning our members’ job security or the possibility for privatization puts us at high alert. Our uppermost concern is the employment security of our members and we will use all options available to us to protect their employment.

What is different this time, than in the past, is the governor and his administration have shown a willingness to listen and work with us. The governor understands the value of the state workforce; this is encouraging, and his actions, so far, bear this out. You have to read no further than the article on page 8 of this issue on hiring at the state Transportation Department for verification. However, even though we can graciously accept the governor’s cooperation and goodwill, there will be times when a cooperative relationship won’t work.

Inevitably, there will be times when, in order to achieve what we rightfully deserve, we will have to back up our positions with more than just a good argument. There are times when we will have to back up our positions with membership action. In the previous issue of The Communicator, I wrote on the benefits and power of coalitions in achieving our goals. Like membership action, this is just one more weapon in the arsenal we have to achieve our members’ goals.

As we face the challenges ahead – from protecting the job security and retirement benefits of our members, to bringing home the best contract we can, to fighting unnecessary and wasteful contracting out and privatization – you have my commitment that we will use all options available to bring about the best results for our members.

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On the record – PEF President Ken Brynien is interviewed by a Long Island television reporter during the October cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) rally held in Hauppauge.           
                               — Photo by Darcy Wells