 
LEARNING LABOR LAW
— Tom Privitere, director of PEF’s western
field services, tells participants at the Region 10
training conference about improper labor practices and
the Taylor Law. — Photo by Bill Sachs
Playing to
Win: Tools for Success
Training
conference focuses on current labor issues
By DEBORAH A. MILES
More than 50 council leaders and stewards from a dozen
agencies in Region 10 walked away with timely information
after attending the annual training conference,
”Playing to Win: Tools for Success” in April.
“The theme of the conference reflects our commitment
to be successful in dealing with the issues that face the
union today,” said Region 10 Coordinator Jennifer
Faucher. “One of the issues on everyone’s mind
is contract negotiations, that’s why we asked Roger
Toussaint to be our keynote speaker.”
Toussaint, president of Transport Workers Union of
America Local 100, told participants about his
union’s fight for a successful contract.
Carrot and stick approach
He advised PEF leaders to carry a carrot and a stick in
negotiations. “When management refuses to cower,
negotiators must be convincing enough to make management
believe they will use the stick,” he said.
Toussaint said health benefits topped the list among his
members, pointing out how they achieved enhanced benefits
in their new contract.
“You have to back up your demands with numbers,
that’s why you need your membership behind
you,” he said.
“This is reflective of PEF’s member
mobilization program,” said Faucher. “Mr.
Toussaint’s union set the trend of what is possible
in this particular economic time.”
Something for everyone
Several committees organized the conference in order to
offer something for everyone, with a strong emphasis on
taking back and sharing information with co-workers.
For example, one of the workshops focused on the process
of contract negotiations. “Members may think going
into negotiations, the person who bangs on the table the
hardest will win. This workshop taught us a lot of
posturing and dynamics take place,” Faucher said.
Some of the other workshop topics included Getting
Results through Mobilization, Improper Labor Practices
and the Taylor Law, and Navigating through the Civil
Service System.
“All the workshops got rave reviews,” Faucher
said.
PEF President Roger Benson also addressed the
participants and said “playing to win” depends
on PEF leaders bringing their membership to a higher
level of participation.
 Communication key in
reaching Binghamton members
Full
mobilization creates union power in Region 5
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COMMUNICATOR HOMEPAGE
Inside This Issue:
Features
PEF pushes to plug corporate
tax loopholes
Members fight proposal to
merge NYSPI
PEF leads demonstration to
protect patients, RNs
Annual lobbying pays off for
PEF nurses
Union gets preliminary
injunction
Departments
President's Message: PEF is
major player
You Said It: Member's
letters this month
Member Mobilization:
Training with rallies
Nurses' Station: PEF acts to
protect nurses
Legislative Update: PEF gets
record restorations
Health Benefits: Empire Plan
Update
Legal Issues: Members win
grievance at DOL
PS&T Contract Update:
Talks continuing
Member Highlights
Retirees In Action: Huge
health hikes threaten
PEF Membership Benefits
Program & Travel Corp
Union Matters
PEF RNs deliver quality care
at Elmira PC
Full mobilization creates
union power in Reg. 5
PEF wins Article 78
Members bring Benson team
back for 3rd term
PEF Election Guide: Download
Supplement
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