Members key to PEF’s success
By KENNETH BRYNIEN
Over any given time period PEF deals with issues that affect the terms and conditions of employment of our members, from budget cuts, legislative action and regulations, to labor-management issues, just to name a few.

Recently, we have achieved success on two fronts that are directly related to our efforts: first, the governor’s most recent proposals to eliminate the projected $3 billion deficit for the current budget year without targeting the state work force; and, second, the recent court action granting a temporary restraining order on the state regulation requiring vaccinations for seasonal and H1N1 influenza of health care workers. These two examples of success are the culmination of efforts on many levels.

PEF has many tools available from legal action to political action, from public relations to mobilization. These efforts may include letter writing and fax campaigns, testimony at public hearings, press conferences and media events, up to and including putting our members in the streets for rallies to support our message.

To be as effective as we can be, we must know our target, what the best message is and what the best tool is for the job. In some instances, that tool may be political action backed up with member action to support our message, in other instances such as our Go Public efforts, it is public relations and a strong argument combined with a fiscal crisis that focuses attention on wasteful spending by the state. With our most recent court victory, it was sound legal work and the credibility of our arguments that won the day. Many times, it is a combination of efforts that leads to our success.

However, a common thread through all of our efforts is the willingness of PEF’s members and leaders to stand with the union, and join in these struggles in many ways that may not seem significant — such as sending a fax or a letter to the editor, giving an interview in the newspaper or on television that effectively articulates our position or puts a face on the issue, providing information and expertise that establishes our credibility and, of course, the willingness to back up our message with clout the state’s leaders cannot ignore. All of these actions have led to our success.

PEF’s successes are your successes. You are our best advocates. As we continue to face the challenges presented to us, I am confident that with the right tools and your support our successes will continue.