Go online to stay in the contract loop
State stalls on details for hospital network plan

By DEBORAH A. MILES
As The Communicator goes to press, the negotiations over the Empire Hospital Network plan is the issue stalling PS&T contract talks and leaving PEF with many unanswered questions.

“To date, state negotiators have not responded to all the union’s questions about the plan and have refused to reveal any of the specifics about the agreements they have tentatively reached with other unions,” said PEF Vice President and Contract Chair Ken Brynien.

The tentative contract deals the state reached with the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) and the United University Professionals (UUP) play a role in how PEF will proceed, according to Brynien, because those agreements formed the pattern. 

“We need specific answers from the state,” Brynien said. “The only reason we are even discussing the hospital network plan is because it is alleged to be part of the agreements with the other unions.” 

PEF has prepared a list of “Frequently Asked Questions” designed to help members understand the state’s proposal on the hospital network plan.

“Although we are providing specific information about the state’s plan, it is important to remember PEF has not agreed to this demand at the table,” Brynien said. “Whether or not this proposal is contained in the final contract, the complexities of the issue require that we give members the details of it now, so the team can make an informed decision when bargaining moves ahead.”

The message the contract team is sending to members is “stay current.” You can stay in the contract loop by visiting the PEF Web site at www.pef.org and signing-up for the Active Informed Member (AIM) free, e-mail updates at www.unionvoice.org/pef/join.html.

Longevity awards remain
In other areas, more progress has been made at the bargaining table.

The 2004 longevity awards were paid to eligible members in separate checks during April, as the state agreed to make these payments to those who received the award in 2003 and who continue to be eligible. However, both bargaining teams still need to resolve the issue of how people who first become eligible for the five-or 10-year award in 2004 will be treated.

Assuming there is no change in the performance award program in the next contract, these monies will be paid retroactively once the contract is settled.

If you have questions about the payment or eligibility, please call PEF’s Contract Administration Department at 1-800-342-4306 ext. 223.

Vision benefit extended
There is good news for members who require vision benefits. 

PEF and the state signed a Memorandum of Agreement extending the annual vision benefit for adults with certain medical conditions through April 1, 2005, pending the outcome of the current collective-bargaining negotiations. 

Members with medical conditions such as diabetes, developing cataracts or those taking a prescription drug that causes a change in vision, or any other medical condition that causes a change in vision are entitled to the annual vision benefit.

PEF also entered a stipulation of settlement that creates a procedure for identifying and paying PS&T unit members who became eligible to receive overtime meal allowances between April 1999 and August 2000, following the negotiated expansion of the benefit.

For a detailed explanation of all of these benefits, log-on to www.pef.org/memos.htm. 

Communicator Home June 04

Inside This Issue
Features
Contract Update: State stalls...
Take agencies out of the shadows
Law could reduce contracting-out
Keep pressure to save Fulton CF
Heroes plant feet in NH

Departments
President's Message
Member's Mailbag
Nurses' Station
Retirees In Action
Members' Highlights
Back Cover Ad
PEF Member Benefits & Travel

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