Members at
the state Division of Criminal Justice Services
Information Technology unit penned notes of contract
frustration to the governor on their “certificates
of appreciation.” Here are excerpts:
“Show me the
respect I deserve by giving me a fair contract, with a
fair pay raise, with no givebacks. That will show me that
you truly appreciate the effort I put forth each and
every day.”
– Scott Parslow
“I would really appreciate a fair contract and
decent raise.”
– Dot McMullen
“Does anyone really care how hard we work? I can
hold my head up high when I say that I deserve a
raise!”
– Wendy Colello
“Really, come on, the Gov. doesn’t care about
us! If he did, he would show us the ‘money’
instead of all the ‘bull’ he keeps throwing at
us which is piling up like the snow in my driveway.”
– Steve Byer
RETURN
TO SENDER
Division 204 returns
‘certificates of appreciation’
Members tell Pataki praise rings hollow without contract
Words of praise and appreciation are all well and good,
but they sound a lot more sincere when accompanied by
tangible rewards.
And that’s just what dozens of PEF members at the
state Division of Criminal Justice Services told Gov.
George Pataki when their agency presented them with
certificates of appreciation for their
“extraordinary efforts during the transition to the
Year 2000.”
Instead of displaying the certificates in their offices
with pride in a job well done, the indignant members sent
the certificates to the governor with notes and letters
pointing to the sharp contrast between the words of
praise and the state’s PS&T contract offers.
“Your Director of Criminal Justice, Katherine Lapp,
distributed the certificates in appreciation of our hard
work, long hours and professionalism,” Carol Caloro
wrote to Pataki. “We thank and applaud Director
Lapp’s recognition of us. She has shown her
confidence in the only way she is allowed and we
sincerely appreciate it.
“When will you listen to your commissioners and
other managers?” Caloro asked Pataki. “Unlike
the business world you claim to emulate, IT (Information
Technology) professionals were never given the respect or
compensation found in private industry. In fact, we were
given a royal slap in the face when you offered us no
salary increases after giving yourself a 38 percent
raise.
“We want a contract that treats us with respect,
dignity and professionalism,” Caloro told him.
“We want a contract that will pay us what we have
earned. Lip service does not buy clothes for the
children. It does not pay for the medicines we need. It
doesn’t pay our taxes.
“Governor, it is time for you to stop being unfair
and treat your employees with respect,” she said.
— Sherry Halbrook