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 Great support for Rome rally To the Editor: There’s not a lot to be said, but a gracious “Thank you!” and to express our elation in PEF Region 6 at the commitment from trade unionists and the labor community of central New York. On a very chilly, rainy May afternoon, about 200 fellow union members from around the central New York area took part in a rally at the state School for the Deaf in Rome. The labor community from Binghamton, Albany and our surrounding area showed strong support for the members of PEF Division 206 at the school. Walking side-by-side with Division 206 members were PEF and other labor activists from several state agencies, including the Departments of Labor, Transportation, Health, Education and Correctional Services, and the Offices of Mental Health and Mental Retardation. Supporters also included NYS United Teachers members from Rome, Westmoreland Holland Patent and Utica school districts, Mohawk Valley Community College Professionals, and the Oneida and Herkimer County BOCES. Still more representatives were there from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the Plumbers Union, the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees, the Communication Workers of America, the Civil Service Employees Association, along with delegates of the Central New York Labor Council of Utica, staff from the United Steelworkers of America , NYSUT staff, and PEF management and staff from Albany. If I have missed any organization or union, please forgive me. It’s not due to lack of respect. The turnout was so overwhelming, it was almost impossible to remember everyone. This demonstration of solidarity for our PEF brothers and sisters who work at the School for the Deaf shows management that the labor movement is alive and well in Rome, New York. We succeeded in getting the attention of the “powers that be” and, hopefully, it will lead to a settlement of the remaining contract issues facing these workers in Rome and at the state School for the Blind in Batavia. MICHAEL DEL PIANO PEF Region 6 Coordinator DCS, get better exam sites To the Editor: On April 6, I took my state promotional exam at the B. Rustin High School in NYC. I truly don’t understand why the state Department of Civil Service has to pick such an unhealthy, aged and under-construction/repairs school for state employees to take their promotional exams. The exam is stressful, even without the exam site adding to this stress. On April 6, I was assigned to the third floor and, upon entering the building, we were informed that the lavatory on our floor was out-of-service and we would have to use the fourth floor lavatory. When I reached the next floor, I found 12 men standing in line ahead of me. New York City has more than 100 high schools and I am sure the Civil Service Department could and should do a lot better when choosing an exam site. Since we no longer have a choice of sites on the application, let’s at least give our workers a decent exam site. I hope someone at Civil Service sees this letter and acts upon it. LARRY S. McMILLAN Bronx PEF constant comfort to him To the Editor: I would like to take this belated opportunity to thank you, your staff and PEF members for all the support and assistance that was provided since the loss of my wife, Diane Parsons, during the September 11 tragedy. The generous financial assistance certainly provided relief during these extraordinary times. PEF’s activities in this regard were a constant source of comfort for myself and our family. Please also convey our thanks to President Andrew Stern and the Service Employees International Union for their spontaneous and very generous financial support. HOWARD PARSONS Ballston Spa