Brynien declares union in ‘good shape,’ but warns of rough road ahead

By Darcy Wells
PEF President Ken Brynien addressed more than 800 delegates at the 28th Annual Convention held in Lake Placid October 15-18, highlighting the past year’s successes and the dangers that lie ahead.

“The union is in good shape, I’m very glad to say. We have approximately 56,000 members which is more than we’ve had in a very long time,” Brynien said in his first State of the Union address.

“But, we face huge challenges now and next year.”

First the good news
Brynien told delegates 29 bills supported by PEF were passed by both houses of the Legislature. Eight of them were signed into law.

“Most unions talk about getting one or two bills passed,” Brynien said. “Getting 29 bills passed is a major accomplishment.”

Not one of the bills PEF opposed was signed into law.

He declared the union finances to be solvent and said the union will continue to focus on job security, improving contracts, retirement benefits and enforcing civil service rules.

Brynien referred to a new contract for probation officers in Albany County as another victory.

“We just concluded negotiations with Albany County with the probation unit,” Brynien said. “It was ratified by the Executive Board and our probation officers. It’s a great contract.”

Brynien updated delegates on financial help for members hurt by flooding earlier in the year in central New York.

“We provided checks for 18 members and their families. Each received $500. We have more coming in and we’ll help them as well.”

The bad news
Brynien warned delegates of huge challenges that lie ahead, the biggest being the state budget.

“The governor has called for all state agencies to submit a no-growth budget for next year, which does not sound good.

“A $3 billion shortfall is projected for next year and it just gets worse after that. We need to be aware of attempts to further contract out our jobs and privatize state operations. We need to be wary of attacks on retiree health benefits,” Brynien said.

“In previous years, this state has attempted to reduce the benefits of our retirees — legislatively for current retirees and by negotiation for future retirees. We’ve been able to rebuff those attempts the last couple of years, but that won’t stop them from trying again,” he added.

Brynien also focused on public-employee pensions, telling delegates their pensions are under attack.

“As private companies dump their pensions, we’ll be the only ones left. We need to be on the side of everyone who has a pension and risks losing it. Anytime we see a report or editorial that talks about getting rid of pensions, PEF is sending in a response.”

It was a promise followed by applause from the convention floor.

Wheeling and dealing
During his speech to delegates, Brynien also talked about the the dangers of political patronage.

“The governor has been busy getting his friends jobs in state agencies. He’s making appointments all over the state. And if he can’t get them into the top-paying jobs, he’s settling for second best.

“We’re getting our opinion in whenever we can in an attempt to slow things down and let the next governor make those decisions,” Brynien said.
It was a commitment that once again gained applause from delegates.

Among deals being cut by the governor according to Brynien, include moving some PEF members out of Albany and into areas such as Geneva and Utica where favors are owed.

“We are aware of these threats, we are already fighting these threats and we are hopeful for a friendlier future once a new governor takes office.

Three themes
Brynien wrapped up his address highlighting three themes including this year’s convention theme of “Moving Forward Together.”

“With the PEF election behind us, it’s time to unify the membership, bring everyone together and get everyone involved and focused on the same message.”

To do that, Brynien incorporated the convention theme from the American Federation of Teachers, “Count Me In.”

“Our strength is in our numbers,” Brynien said.” When we organize rallies, members must participate. When we call on members to get active sending postcards and faxes to legislators, you must respond.”

The convention theme from the Service Employees International Union six years ago, “Yes We Can,” was his final message.

“We have the determination, strength in numbers and skilled staff to achieve our goals,” Brynien said. “When our members are unsure of themselves and don’t know if we can achieve those goals, what do we say? Yes we can!”