The Communicator Letters policy We welcome letters to the editor about union issues and events relevant to PEF's diverse membership. All letters are subject to editing for space, fairness and good taste. Please keep them brief (up to one page, double-spaced or a maximum of 250 words), and please include your name and phone number for verification. Send letters to: The Communicator Public Employees Federation P.O. Box 12414 Albany, N.Y. 12212-2414 email Denyce Duncan Lacy, Executive Editor The Communicator - Director of Public Relations dduncanlacy@pef.org Sherry Halbrook, Editor of The Communicator- shalbrook@pef.org Wants Article 17 arbitration To the Editor: In response to Larry Woodward’s letter condemning out-of-title work, the sad truth is there is not much we can do about it under our contract. I, too, am working 100 percent in a higher grade — working at grade 23, but getting paid as a grade 18. Under PS&T Contract Article 17, when this happens, a grievance can be filed with management. But all they have to do is say no. The appeal is to the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations (GOER), and they back up management — kind of like the fox watching the hen house. That’s as far as we can go under this contract. Out-of-title work should be handled like any serious grievance, because it could involve a change in compensation. It should be allowed to go to arbitration and be decided by a third party. ALAN HOXIE Syracuse Editor’s Note: PEF can appeal GOER’s decision in state Supreme Court through an Article 78 proceeding. PEF followed this process in the Woodward case and won in the courts. Why PEF’s dual affiliation? To the Editor: After reviewing the PEF financial reports you have published, I wonder why we are affiliates of both the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). When we pay “per capita” dues to them, is it for the total membership to both? Clarification and further elaboration would be helpful. EVA NORDHAUSER Suffern Editor’s Note: PEF is affiliated with both international unions because AFT and SEIU worked together to form PEF and win election as the collective-bargaining agent for the state’s PS&T bargaining unit in the late 1970s. For purposes of dues to the international unions, PEF’S membership is split. PEF pays only once for each of its members. --------------- Field rep did admirable job To the Editor: I am writing to express my appreciation and gratitude for the legal and moral support the union extended to me through Michele Routi, Region 12 field representative. Throughout my grievances and arbitration, Michele always went the extra mile to make sure every possible avenue was explored. Her dedication was admirable and I was always informed and involved in the details of the case. Her knowledge and dedication were rewarded when my grievance was settled to my satisfaction. I highly commend Michele for maintaining her enthusiasm, professionalism and focus throughout the very long procedure that lasted from May 20 to December 2001. As a PEF member, I am proud to be represented by such a wonderful person. Niharendu Paul Long Island Push state to reduce SS# use To the Editor: I was very pleased to read in the November issue of The Communicator that delegates to the 2001 PEF Convention passed a resolution to try to get the state to establish a new form of employee identification, independent of the Social Security number for use wherever individual identification is needed, and to remove SS numbers from existing records, other than those related to tax and payroll. Ever since I had learned about the crime of identity theft, I have been concerned about the use of Social Security numbers when not necessary, such as for health insurance identification numbers. I hope PEF will work to get this resolution implemented ASAP, as this will help to decrease the probability of identity theft. GAIL E. PETERS New York City Editor’s note: PEF has already instituted use of a PEF Member ID number to replace the SS number for use in PEF elections.