Exec Board focused on future
By SHERRY HALBROOK and MEGHAN ALLEN
With an eye to the future, the PEF Executive Board in June made the union’s first political endorsement for 2010 and selected sites for PEF’s annual conventions in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

At the meeting, held June 9 and 10 in Albany, the board members also supported a local union organizing effort. They heard reports on PEF finances and on state budget achievements and negotiations with the state to avoid layoffs. In addition, the board adopted an updated sexual harassment policy, discussed civil service and contractual issues, and approved sending a proposed constitutional amendment to the 2009 PEF convention delegates for action in September.

The board gave Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand its first early endorsement for the 2010 election. Later, Gillibrand called from Washington to thank the board for its support.

After hearing a report on bidding from hotels and convention centers in New York State to host the 2013-2014 conventions, the board debated various options and approved holding the conventions in Syracuse in 2012, Buffalo in 2013, and Niagara Falls in 2014.

The 2010 convention will be held in Washington and the 2011 event in Niagara Falls, as decided previously by the board.

PEF finances
The board approved cash reimbursements for four board members whose employee organizational leave (EOL) was denied by the state.

PEF Secretary-Treasurer Arlea Igoe updated the board on financial discussions with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), one of PEF’s two international affiliates. She said SEIU wants PEF to put $6 per member into a special fund or face a 50 percent penalty. SEIU also maintains PEF is liable for a $551,000 donation to the American Dream Fund.

Negotiations with SEIU will continue on these issues.

PEF Finance Director Valerie O’Dell said in late fall or early winter PEF will introduce a new Web site for the regions and divisions that will be updated daily to give a full account of their finances.

Civil service, contract issues
In response to a request, Brynien said PEF would ask the state Department of Civil Service (DCS) to track the people who are put on preferred lists for rehiring.

Board member Susan Kent said DCS is failing to hold timely exams so new hires don’t remain in provisional status and DCS is moving too many positions to noncompetitive and exempt status.

Brynien said PEF had filed a lawsuit against DCS affecting 1,700 PEF members in 29 medical titles that Civil Service was trying to change from competitive to noncompetitive. (PEF has subsequently won that lawsuit.)

Solidarity & scholarships
A number of board members joined picketers outside the Latham Holiday Inn Express where they protested anti-union actions against employees and the union attempting to organize them.

Board members personally contributed $470 to support the organizing effort.

Brynien drew the names of Kelly Shedler and Kendra Korzeniewski as winners of the Judy Scanlon Scholarship.

The board approved the minutes of its previous meeting.
Brynien presented plaques expressing appreciation to board members who were retiring. The board also observed a moment of silence to honor Lou Matrazzo, a PEF vice president, who died before his planned retirement.
Election to be held for Reg. 9 Coordinator

After 30 years of service to PEF and its members in the Hudson Valley and across the state, Neila Cardus has tendered her resignation as Region 9 coordinator. The resignation was effective September 30, 2009.
PEF President Ken Brynien has appointed PEF Vice President Tom Comanzo to fill the duties of the position until the vacancy can be filled through a special election in January.