SENDING THE MESSAGE — PEF President Roger Benson encourages a statewide rally of PEF nurses to lobby lawmakers to address the issues of mandatory overtime and short staffing after a rally on the steps of the state Capitol on May 5th. — Photo by Deborah A. Miles

Vision, stability make PEF major player

By ROGER E. BENSON
You know PEF has arrived as a political force in New York State politics when the NY Post editorial board and columnists criticize us for winning benefits for our members, as they criticized PEF last month.

PEF has grown over the past six years in its strength and stability. For the first time in its history PEF has returned an administration for a third term. This is a credit to the members and leaders of PEF. We have been able to create the vision and stability necessary to become a major player in the arena of state politics, and our members have benefited. We have been able to change PEF from a union of professionals to a professional union, mobilizing and creating the political pressure necessary to achieve our goals.

As reported in this edition of The Communicator, we achieved the largest single legislative budget restoration in the history of PEF. This was accomplished through PEF’s leadership on the tax surcharge and closing corporate tax loopholes issues, and the pressure you created through your mobilization. However, our fight isn’t over. The governor has threatened to veto the job-saving additions to the budget we fought for. And, while we trust the leaders of the Legislature to keep their word to override any vetoes, we can’t take anything for granted.

As we begin our third term, this administration will continue to build PEF’s power, and put the members’ needs first. We look forward to achieving more successes and to many more articles about PEF in the NY Post.

Thank you, for your continued support.

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

Other Links
Professional Directory
Members' Classified
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PEF Pride Store
The Communicator Staff

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