THE POWER OF
UNITY — PEF President Roger Benson addresses nearly
900 delegates to the 24th Annual PEF Convention in
Buffalo. — Photo by Bill Sachs, Backdrop design by
Mario Bruni
Union sticks with Pataki, Hevesi
Convention
delegates assess PEF’s strength-building efforts
By SHERRY HALBROOK
“Building the strength to succeed” was the
theme of PEF’s 24th Annual Convention and the nearly
900 delegates seemed to have the need for a clear,
unified voice in mind as they affirmed the union’s
endorsement of Republican George Pataki’s bid for a
third four-year term as governor of the Empire State.
By more than two-to-one, the delegates defeated a
resolution that would have overturned PEF’s August
endorsement of Pataki by the union’s Executive
Board, in favor of his Democratic opponent H. Carl
McCall.
The vote came on October 7, the first day of the
union’s three-day annual convention, held this year
at the Buffalo Convention Center.
TAKING NOTES —
Delegates listen to speakers at the PEF convention.
— Photo by John Epting
Staying
the course
“After a direct and comprehensive debate, PEF’s
delegates have clearly stated their support of the
Executive Board’s endorsement of Gov. Pataki two
months ago,” said PEF President Roger Benson.
“The delegates understood that switching our
endorsement would have eroded our ability to protect and
enhance our members’ rights and benefits.
“I am pleased we are, once again, speaking with one
voice in representing the best interests of all our
members,” he added.
The convention delegates refused to take up a review of
the union’s August endorsement of Democrat Alan
Hevesi for state comptroller after news accounts on
October 8 reported Hevesi would consider appointing an
advisory board of public employee unions and retirees to
discuss investment policies for state pension funds.
PEF opposes the creation of any advisory body which could
diminish the state comptroller’s responsibility and
accountability as sole administrator of the NYS
Retirement Funds.
While concerns were raised on the convention floor, the
PEF delegates declined to reconsider the Hevesi
endorsement, citing the need for PEF to remain steadfast
in its political endorsements once they have been made
through the union’s rigorous and democratic process.
(See Legislative Action)
Stronger every
day
In their annual reports to the convention, PEF officers
stressed the union’s growing strength
organizationally, politically and financially.
Benson cited the union’s impressive gains,
particularly in the areas of job security and better
pensions.
Both he and Secretary-Treasurer Jane Hallum said
PEF’s financial condition is better than ever and
gives the union plenty of fiscal muscle for the rigors of
negotiating a new PS&T contract — an effort that
will begin this winter.
Hallum said she is focused on getting PEF’s finances
and accounts under clear and firm control to achieve
maximum efficiency and she constantly seeks ways for the
union to operate more effectively, faster and for less
money.
Benson stressed the union’s growing skills and
achievements legislatively and politically, as well as
its impressive communication and mobilization
capabilities.
All the union’s strength will be tested, he said, in
the next PS&T contract struggle.
Although the national and state “economic
environment does not favor big gains,” Benson said,
“we will not submit a contract to our board (for
approval) that has one zero in it.”
For inspiration and hard-headed practical advice on how
to get a good agreement in bad times, guest speaker Randi
Weingarten, president of the United Federation of
Teachers in New York City, told the delegates how her
union recently won a new contract with New York City with
annual raises in the range of 6 percent to 8 percent for
UFT’s 140,000 members.
UFT’s success required “timing, strategy and
patience,” in finding key opportunities and knowing
exactly when and how to exploit them she said. (See related article)
Long working
sessions
PEF’s 24th convention had a
“down-to-business” tone and pace that kept
delegates working through long days and into the evenings
as they took part in departmental and committee meetings
and workshops.
During the convention’s plenary sessions, delegates
heard and discussed reports, honed the union’s
legislative agenda, dealt with 20 resolutions, presented
awards and scholarships and paused to remember and honor
long-time leaders and activists, such as the late Region
8 Coordinator Jeff Satz and former Executive Board Member
Lois DiSanto, who died since the last convention.
Several state legislators and national leaders joined
large groups of delegates at the annual nurses’ and
veterans’ luncheons to discuss issues and
legislative initiatives.
 Activism earns allies
US Representative Jack Quinn, a Republican from Buffalo,
and Democratic Assembly Member RoAnn Destito of Utica
addressed the convention on October 9 when they received
PEF Quality Service Awards for their leadership and help
to PEF on important legislative issues.
Quinn, who was honored for his efforts in Washington on
veterans’ and labor issues, told the delegates,
“I believe working men and women ought to have a
seat at the table in Washington every single day.”
The congressman said he has created a “Labor Round
Table” group of labor leaders in the 30th
Congressional District to meet with him quarterly and
discuss economic and labor concerns for the area and how
he can help at the federal level.
Quinn has worked closely for several years with PEF
Executive Board Member Dennis Beagle to protect and
improve veterans’ services provided through national
and state labor departments. That relationship has
permitted Beagle to testify before congressional
subcommittees and help prevent privatization of those
services.
The congressman said he appreciated being recognized by
PEF for his work.
“Thank you for singling me out,” Quinn said.
“It means a great deal to me and I will never forget
it.”
 Destito expressed equal pleasure at
being chosen by PEF for its highest award.
“This is the first statewide award I have
received,” she said, “and I’ll never
forget it was the Public Employees Federation which gave
it to me.”
She earned the award by sponsoring the Privacy Protection
Bill which PEF sought that would restrict the
state’s use of its employees’ Social Security
numbers and reduce the chances of identity theft.
Although the governor vetoed the bill this year, Destito
said she intends to reintroduce it next year in a form
that addresses the governor’s concerns.
Both of her parents were public employees, Destito said.
In fact, her mother is a retired state nurse and PEF
member. So, the Assembly member readily understands and
supports PEF’s efforts to obtain safe staffing
legislation and restrictions on mandatory overtime for
nurses.
Destito praised PEF members for both the high quality of
their work for the state, and for their activism in both
the political and legislative arenas.
“I especially want to thank your members in Region
6,” she said. “They’ve been there for me
from the beginning. They’ve been working for me at
the grassroots level.”
PEF members’ efforts to educate legislators about
state services and issues is very important, she
said.“Legislation only works when people such as you
get involved.”
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COMMUNICATOR HOMEPAGE
Inside This
Issue:
Features
Union sticks with Pataki,
Hevesi
Benson pledges: No more
zeroes
Hallum: Strict fiscal
controls, methods paying off
UFT leader shares
negotiating tips
Convention delegates adopt
eight resolutions
Delegates amend PEF
Constitution
Departments
President's Message:
Standing together
You Said It: Member's
letters this month
Member Mobilization: Div.
240 awards
Legislative Action:
Delegates give thumbs-up
Nurses' Station: Convention
roundtable on OT
Health Notes: Flex
Spending/Dependent Care
Member Mobilization:
Divisions testing system
PEF Membership Benefits
Program & Travel Corp
Union Matters
PEF brings tough new outlook
to contract talks
Early retirement window
opens at Mental Health
PEF to launch new ad
campaign
Arbitrator overturns
member’s suspension at DOH
Multi-union program mentors
future leaders
Member honored for her
unique role
PEF endorses 7 more
candidates in Nov. 5 election
Financial Statement
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