HONORING PAROLE OFFICERS — PEF President Roger Benson addresses an audience of 600 parole officers and their families at the dedication of a new memorial at the Empire State Plaza in Albany. The memorial is a tribute to six officers who died in the line of duty. — Photo by Deborah A. Miles

Mobilization: many forms, many results

By ROGER E. BENSON
I was honored to speak at the dedication of the Parole Officers Memorial in May. Our leaders and members at the state Division of Parole tirelessly lobbied management and the Legislature to make the creation of the memorial possible. The very fact that there even was a memorial is an example of the value of mobilization.

Often it is issues which aren’t directly related to our contract or legislative activities that are the best introduction to mobilization — creating opportunities to involve our membership and building a foundation for success in other areas. But the principle of mobilization is the same throughout — we are stronger when we are united and active, no matter what the cause. Collectively we can achieve what we only hope for individually.

Mobilization around our issues is at the core of our strategy to build the strength of our union. The more we are involved, the more we know, the more we are willing to speak out, and the more we are united, the greater the chance for success.

Last month, we rallied with our members in Utica and Batavia who work in the state Schools for the Deaf and Blind. We brought in hundreds to support the contract fight for 191 of our members who had been working more than three years without a contract. Our leaders and members had fought hard for a fair contract; they were patient and unfaltering, remaining steadfast in their demands that they were entitled to the same contract terms and conditions as all of the 55,000 state employees we represent, and our mobilization got results.

Our members at the Schools for the Deaf and Blind now have a contract which meets their needs. And, to ensure the state no longer splits our members when we negotiate contracts, we will continue the principle of mobilization and united action. If there is a lesson we have learned from this prolonged struggle, it is that PEF cannot agree to a contract for the state Professional, Scientific and Technical (PS&T) bargaining unit until all of the other state-unit contracts are agreed upon as well.

In a few months, we will begin PS&T contract negotiations with the state. I urge you to become active in PEF and be prepared to stand up and fight for what we deserve. Our ability to succeed will depend largely on our strength, and our ability to unite and mobilize builds our strength.

Whether it is action around a contract or a memorial, when we are united we are stronger. When we are stronger we will succeed.

The Communicator
July/August 2002
The Official Online Edition of
The New York State Public Employees Federation

Inside This Issue:
Features
ERI, 25/55 retirement options
FAQs about ERI and 25/55
Contract Success: Schools for the Deaf & Blind
PEF testifies on adult homes
Funding restored for youth program
Workload hurting nursing-home surveyors
Member works to empower newcomers to USA

Departments
President's Message: Mobilization forms results
You Said It:
Member Mobilization: Get your Division mobilized
Members mailbag
Legislative Action: privacy & parking
Health Notes: Empire Plan enrollees counter costs
Retirees In Action: Legislative issues homework
PEF Membership Benefits Program &
Travel Corp: We've Moved to HQ

Union Matters
PEF PS&T members: Contract Survey
Union honors parole officers
Four E. Board seats filled, one at T&F vacant
PEF Scholarships Galore
NYS Museum, Archives, Library to stay at SED
Fight Back Against Privatization" Award Nomination Form
PEF committee targets civil service issues

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