PEF Division 329 members at the state Division of Human Rights (DHR) will be getting a new commissioner, and the change in leadership is something they welcome.
The former commissioner, Kumiki Gibson, resigned under pressure in April. Since she was appointed in January 2007, PEF members at DHR were up-in-arms as Gibson refused to engage in any labor-management negotiations. Subsequently, she faced four improper practice charges filed with the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB), and was instrumental in the resignation of one-third of the division’s professional staff.
“We are looking forward to moving ahead at Human Rights and with our PEF division,” said Council Leader Margaret Jackson. “On behalf of the membership, we are very relieved Gibson resigned.”
Jackson said PEF members working at DHR have dedicated their lives to serving the citizens of New York and have worked to support the ideals of fairness and equity the division was created to uphold. Members feared the adverse effect on the public that the policies imposed by Gibson would have, not only in curtailing their ability as staff to effectively perform their jobs, but on their professional and personal lives as well.
“We tried to work with her when she first came aboard, but things just escalated. Changes were made without any discussion with PEF or the Civil Service Employees Association,” Jackson said.
Some of the changes concerned the transfer of intake functions to the agency aides, new tasks and standards for prosecuting attorneys which involved having more cases with less time to prepare, and changes in tasks and standards for administrative law judges.
Jackson said a number of factors probably tilted the scales in favor of Gibson’s resignation.
“Our PEF division members came together because we felt we were in a crisis mode. PEF President Ken Brynien and Vice President Pat Baker had meetings with Gibson to no avail.
“PEF supported us every step of the way in our struggles,” Jackson said. President Brynien also spoke to Gov. David Paterson on our behalf. And people from the outside who were aggrieved were actually beginning to speak up about what they perceived as wrongdoing at Human Rights. It was a collaborative effort.”
Jackson said the staff at DHR is looking forward to the appointment of a new commissioner with hopes of mutual respect for a better working environment and better public service.
