Out-of-stater feels left out

To the Editor:
Do you work for New York state, but live in another state such as New Jersey or Connecticut?

Did you know that parts of the PEF contract don’t apply to you?

My town experienced a horrible flood that forced some people to be evacuated in boats, and the governor declared a state of emergency for the area.

Needless to say, I could not get to work in New York that day.

Section 12.13(b) of the PS&T Contract (Absence—Extraordinary Circumstances), states: “In those instances in which the governor declares a state of emergency ... such absences shall be excused with no charge to leave credits.”

I was really surprised when my request for leave credit was rejected, but I was even more shocked by the reason: because I live over the border in New Jersey and “the governor” apparently refers to the governor of New York (even though it does not state that).

I am left to wonder, what other parts of the contract exclude those of us who live in New Jersey or Connecticut? And why are we, who live so close and pay the same dues, not given equal status and protection.

REBECCA LELAND
Orangeburg

Editor’s Note: Any references to “governor” in the contract refer to the governor of New York because he is the chief executive of New York state and the contract is between New York state and its employees.

The writer of the letter above omitted part of the sentence. The missing language indicates that it applies when the governor “ ... directs that employees whose official duty stations are within the specified (emergency) geographic area (are) not to report to work, .... ”

The language refers to excusing absences based on emergency conditions where you work, not where you live.

Get involved; protect values

To the Editor:
Invest in your retirement; be active in your union.

In a society in desperate need of government programs and services that address the needs of all its citizens, the trend, ironically, is moving in the opposite direction.

Scraps left over from tax cuts for the wealthiest citizens and corporations such as Wal-Mart have been served to the working and middle classes on a platinum platter.

Meanwhile, an increasing number of Americans can’t afford even to send their children to college, nor can they afford the out-of-pocket expenses for health care or prescription drugs. Above all, they can’t bank on retiring in dignity

This is why we need a union. We aren’t a labor corporation or a labor business. We are a movement that believes in something and has a point of view about decent jobs, health care and retirement.

In the next few years, decisions will be made regarding health care, pensions and job security. Working and middle classes can’t afford to sit on the sidelines and have the Bushes and Norquists dictate our future.

JIM CARR
Elmira

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.
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Albany, N.Y. 12212-2414
Email to Sherry Halbrook,  Editor or Darcy Wells, Editor-In Chief.

The Communicator May 2007

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