NOW A LAW — Statewide union leaders watch as Gov.
Pataki signs the Labor Neutrality Act into law at a
ceremony at the Empire State Plaza in Albany on September
30. (L-R — NYS AFL-CIO President Denis Hughes;
United Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten;
Sen. Guy Velella (chair of the Senate Labor Committee);
Bruce Raynor, president of UNITE, PEF President Roger
Benson, and Alan Lubin, executive vice president of
NYSUT. — Photo by Steve Chamberlain
Standing
together, achieving our goals
BY ROGER E. BENSON
At last month’s 24th Annual Convention, PEF’s
delegates and leaders had the opportunity to deliberate
and act on many issues that will influence PEF’s
ability to protect our members and enhance their terms
and condition of employment.
Among the issues we addressed were potentially divisive
issues that tested our ability to speak with one voice,
and our credibility in the political and legislative
arena.
Perhaps the most important was the resolution that would
have reversed the Executive Board’s gubernatorial
endorsement.
Maintaining PEF’s credibility
The delegates understood the importance of maintaining
PEF’s political credibility, recognized the value of
PEF’s endorsement and the opportunities presented to
accrue benefits for our members, set aside personal
politics, and voted down the resolution.
I am proud of the work our convention delegates
accomplished. This was just one of many tests of our
unity and our ability to stand together; there will be
many more during the year ahead, as we strive for job
security, stronger contracts and retirement reform.
Our efforts in the campaigns of our endorsed candidates
have raised PEF’s political profile, given us a
strong voice in the political process, and have helped us
to gain tangible benefits for the upcoming contract
negotiations.
However, with the fiscal condition of the state
deteriorating, next year we will be just one of many
groups seeking accommodation in the state budget, and our
ability to achieve our goals will become more difficult.
Continue moving forward
We must work hard to be heard above the crowd. We must
continue moving forward, working to raise the profile of
our issues to enhance the prospects of success.
PEF is developing media and mobilization campaigns and
reaching out to other unions to strengthen the coalitions
necessary to achieve our goals.
Ultimately, however, it is you who hold the keys to our
success. Only with your continued support, involvement,
and action can we achieve our goals.
Only when we stand together and remain focused, can we
succeed.
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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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