TEAMWORK — AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Linda Chavez-Thompson with President Benson at the PEF convention.— Photo by Ken Dischel
Stronger together
By ROGER BENSON
Together, we have worked to achieve unheard of legislative gains, pension reforms and the best PEF contract we have had in over a decade.
At PEF’s annual convention last month, delegates voted to continue to move PEF forward in our ability to represent you both here in Albany and in Washington through our international affiliates, SEIU and AFT. The delegates voted overwhelmingly to increase dues from .8 percent to .9 percent of annual salary, and with that vote made a strong statement that they understood what it takes to continue to succeed and to continue to build PEF’s strength.
Pursuing a dues increase was a very difficult decision, a decision that was not made without a full exploration of all options and serious consideration of the potential consequences. However, to enter into negotiations without grassroots mobilization, without the necessary political influence, and without the ability to fight against the imposition of weak bargaining patterns by management and other unions, would have been irresponsible leadership. To effectively build the strength necessary to meet our challenges requires additional resources that could only be achieved through a dues increase.
The revenue derived from the dues change will give us the resources needed to achieve our goals. When the delegates voted to increase dues, they affirmed the success we have achieved, and affirmed the need to continue to build our strength to achieve stronger contracts, job security and improved retirement benefits.
Although we have just completed the ratification of our last contract, we must begin to look ahead to the next. It won’t be long before we will begin the process of preparing to negotiate our next contract. While negotiations are about give and take, we have taken a major step to further increase our strength at the table. When we have the necessary resources and speak with one voice, we are stronger.