Benson: The state of the union is strong
Leadership tallies PEF’s victories; urges continued mobilization
By DARRYL MCGRATH
The union has achieved outstanding victories in the last year, but there is still work to be done in the ongoing effort to improve working conditions for PEF members, PEF President Roger Benson told delegates at the 26th Annual Convention in October.
“The union is stronger than ever, both financially and from our delegate base. Our strength comes from the understanding for the need to be united, and the willingness to fight,” Benson said, urging continued mobilization as he echoed the convention’s motto, “Unite to Fight!”
“Mobilization and coordinated political action are the tools that enhance our members’ lives and the jobs they do,” Benson added.
Lays out the agenda
Benson laid out a legislative agenda for the upcoming year that addresses workers’ rights, health issues, benefits and a greater national perspective with PEF’s first-ever federal legislative agenda.
The action plan for 2005 comes against the backdrop of successful negotiations with the state. PEF’s new four-year contract, overwhelmingly approved in September, provides an $800 bonus for full-time employees; consecutive raises from 2004-2006, a base salary addition of $800 in 2007; and enhancements to dental benefits and longevity awards, among other gains.
With the contract victory, PEF will continue to fight for improvements to work conditions, Benson said.
“Salary is not the only component of compensation, and we cannot ignore the realities of pension and benefits,” he told delegates.
Financial health strong
Secretary-Treasurer Jane Hallum reported that the union is also in its best financial shape ever. She told delegates that for the first time in PEF’s history, the union’s auditors have not found anything to report to the trustees in the management letter. Hallum added that the union is well prepared for any future contract campaigns, with a war chest that will reach $2.791 million by the first quarter of 2005, and total annual union revenues of $26 million.|
“In 1998, we had no war chest,” Hallum said. “Today, we have a war chest, and it’s been invaluable. Having that war chest was absolutely essential to staging the contract rallies, and I hope the delegates will continue to support the war chest.”
The union is also operating more efficiently and cost-effectively, Hallum said, with more computers than ever before; a new accounting procedures manual that should satisfy a suggestion made in a recent audit; and stable staffing levels but more efficient and better-equipped staff operations that better serve the membership.
Overall, the state of the union is good, Benson said, and “PEF is a union of which we can be proud.”
The
Communicator Dec.04-Jan.05
Inside This Issue
Features
Convention Recap:
Delegates set union's '05 agenda
Benson and Hallum speeches
Nurses:
Stay unified on overtime..
Workshop:
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