PEF preps for battle to save OCFS jobs

By DENYCE DUNCAN LACY
PEF is developing a comprehensive fight-back plan to head off the imminent threat of layoffs at the state Office of Children and Family Services.

The agency has received layoff authority and has begun issuing “blue cards” to as many as 120 employees, including approximately 40 PEF members at secure and limited-secure facilities serving the most serious offenders. Most of the layoffs would affect employees at the agency’s Harlem Valley facility in the mid-Hudson area, Oatka and Industry facilities in the Rochester area and at Tryon Boys’ facility in Johnstown.

The agency has announced plans to close Harlem Valley and move the youths in that facility to Oatka by March 31st.

According to Executive Deputy to the President Marty O’Connor, who is leading the effort to stop the layoffs, OCFS has targeted youth counselors, teachers, vocational instructors and recreation specialists.

“These layoffs are being precipitated in part by a plan to divert these troubled youths to community-based programs,” said O’Connor. “But the state intended to place 1,000 youths in these programs by the end of the fiscal year and only 30 have been placed so far. Clearly, going forward with these layoffs would be premature. The state should stop the layoffs until there’s proof that the community-based programs work.”

PEF President Roger Benson is scheduling top-level meetings with state officials to discuss ways to avoid layoffs.

“Your job security continues to be PEF’s highest priority,” Benson told OCFS members. “You will be getting additional information from your statewide and local PEF leaders, including L/M Co-Chairs Paula Hennessy and Ron Greene, on the fight back campaign and how you can take an active role in preventing these layoffs.

“Our members should stand by for an urgent call to mobilize in opposition to these layoffs,” Benson added. “Watch the PEF Web site and e-mail networks for a possible Call to Action on this very serious situation.”

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