PEF files improper practice charge against DOP
Mobilization empowers parole members
By DEBORAH A. MILES
Through a mobilization effort, PEF Division 236 members from the state Division of Parole (DOP) have reached a new level of union power by coming together to confront the DOP administration, which they say is not letting them do their jobs.
During this year, parole officers have united, rallied, held press conferences, and asked for the resignation of DOP Executive Director Anthony Ellis.
At PEF’s annual convention held in Rochester in September, they elected officers, approved a budget, and organized a health and safety committee.
“There has been a healing with our members in parole,” said PEF Director of Labor Relations Roger Scales. “Exciting things are happening in that division. They hammered-out a lot of things at the convention, and they have a leader who is responsible. She steps-up to the plate.”
Council Leader Manuelita Clemente, a highly decorated parole officer, was targeted by management after she asked for Ellis’ resignation and protested new work rules and procedures implemented by DOP management.
DOP retaliates
On August 30, DOP launched a smear campaign against Clemente by sending an unsigned letter to the Albany Times Union containing false and damaging information about her and other parole officers. The same letter containing these false statements was sent to parole officers through DOP intra-agency mail.
The allegations from the year 2000 had been fully investigated by DOP and determined to be unfounded.
Clemente was also reassigned from her field duties to a research project after attending a PEF-sponsored rally in July. It was only after PEF intervened the directive was rescinded and Clemente was returned to the field.
This prompted PEF to file an improper practice charge on October 6 with the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) against DOP for retaliation, intimidation and discrimination against a high-ranking union official.
“Mr. Ellis is not concerned with public safety,” Clemente said. “He doesn’t respond and refuses to meet with PEF stewards. This shows us he doesn’t care about the people in the communities. There is no communication. His only goal is to bring us down.”
Sign your name
To boost the campaign against the DOP administration, PEF Division 236 stewards met in Albany on October 13 to plan for a labor-management meeting and finalize a petition that will be circulated among the state’s 1,100 parole officers.
Clemente said the petition focuses on the redundant paperwork imposed by DOP, harassment of parole officers, and putting an end to hostile working conditions. If you are a PEF Division 236 member and wish to sign, contact your steward.
Clemente said the petitions will be sent to the governor, and the fight against Ellis is only starting.
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