— Photo by Peter Yurkewicz
Union, state agree on health benefits	PLAY FAIR — PEF President Roger Benson leads Region 1 members as they picket and rally in Buffalo for a fair contract.  — Photo by J. Caroline Esposito

By DEBORAH A. MILES
What a difference a day can make. 

For the past seven weeks, the health benefits issue in the PS&T contract negotiations became a roadblock, with the state refusing to answer specific questions and demanding a “take it or leave it” deal. All official bargaining came to a halt.

Then negotiators from the two teams met on May 18, and what seemed to be an insurmountable bump in bargaining was ironed out within eight hours.

“We have a tentative agreement on health benefits subject to agreement on an overall deal,” said PEF Vice President and Contract Chair Ken Brynien. “It is no longer the major stumbling block that prevented us from moving forward.”

Brynien said the state had refused to discuss other contract issues until the health benefits issue was resolved. But, in one productive session, both teams jumped the health benefits hurdle and moved the process along, after 16 months of negotiating.

“We need to recognize our mobilization efforts, the political activity and the behind-the-scenes work of people like Tony Wildman our NYSUT/AFT representative and member of our bargaining team,” said Roger Scales, PEF director of labor relations and chief contract negotiator. 

Scales said the May 17 contract rally in Buffalo, coupled with PEF newspaper ads aimed at the governor, worked like an engine to get the state back at the bargaining table. 

“This is a perfect example of how action away from the table, brings action to the table.” 
Because of the progress the teams made in one day, the union decided to postpone a similar rally scheduled for Syracuse on May 19.

“If we need further pressure in the future, we will again call upon our activists,” Scales said.

Tackling other issues
As The Communicator goes to press, the contract teams are discussing other issues such as cost-of-living adjustments, increases for hazardous pay, mandatory overtime and 200 days sick leave for retirement service credit.

And of course, raises.

Brynien said a rumor has been floating around that PEF turned down the same contract deal the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) accepted.

“We were never offered the CSEA deal,” Brynien said. “What the state offered to PEF members was far inferior. 

“The ball is in their court. If the state is prepared to move ahead with a deal that meets our members' needs, we're ready to finish this up. If, however, they continue their position that PEF members deserve less than other state employees, we will increase the pressure on the governor and wait for as long as it takes to achieve a fair contract.”

Activists on call
Although the PEF contract team is hoping a final agreement will be reached in the near future, they are also preparing for more mobilization action, just in case. 

Union leaders may go ahead with plans to shadow the governor this summer by holding informational picketing at events he is scheduled to attend. (See page 5).

“We are prepared to take the time and actions necessary to achieve a fair deal rather than simply capitulate to a poor one,” said PEF President Roger Benson. “Our members deserve no less.”

For the latest in contract developments CLICK HERE.