reject these plans, they may not amend them. The governor’s press release on the


budget says it authorizes his Spending and Government Efficiency (SAGE) Commission to reduce the number of agencies, authorities and commissions by 20 percent. The governor created the SAGE Commission by executive order and said it must make its recommendations by May 1. However, in mid-April when he announced most of the appointments to the commission, Cuomo extended their deadline to June 1.


Youth services The enacted budget authorizes the state


to close youth facilities, significantly reduce services and staffing and/or transfer programs and services to the private sector. The budget does not specify the number


of beds to be closed in facilities now operated by the state Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). However, the governor’s press release said the facilities’ capacity will be reduced by more than 30 percent, which equates to at least 350 beds. The Legislature asserted its authority by


requiring OCFS to report to it on costs and operating capacities, census, staffing and transfers of youths among facilities.


HEAROUR SIDE—StateAssemblyMemberWilliamMagnarelli listens to PEF leaders as they discuss the governor’s proposal to eliminate the state subsidy to the SUNY hospitals. —Photo by Richard Dillard


Corrections, parole The state Department of Correctional


Services and the state Division of Parole will merge into the “Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS).” The governor, rather than a prison task


force, is authorized to close some prisons in this fiscal year with just 60 days notice to the Legislature. The number, names and locations of the


prisons to be closed are to be determined by the governor “in consultation with the Legislature.” In his press release, the governor said


the system’s capacity will be reduced by 3,700 beds. The state Parole Board will remain an


independent entity with the authority over parole release, the conditions of parole


PEF fights for a fair contract


By DEBORAH A. MILES The state of New York and Council 82


reached a tentative agreement April 13, but PEF leaders were quick to point out the agreement in no way sets the groundwork for PEF’s continuing negotiations with the state. PEF Director of Labor Relations and


chief negotiator Robert Carrothers said the state offered PEF a similar proposal earlier in negotiations. PEF President Ken Brynien said PEF


has not accepted the state’s initial offer because it would impose an unfair burden, including long-term hardships, on members and their families. “The state’s proposal would require an


average PEF member to give up as much as $10,000 in salary and benefits every year of the contract,” Brynien said. “Additionally, the state made it clear accepting these concessions would not ensure PEF members would not be laid off anyway.” PEF Vice President and contract chair


Tom Comanzo added, “Council 82’s tentative agreement with the governor covers less than 1 percent of the state work force and it is a very specialized unit that


www.pef.org


has been working without a contract since 2005. It’s also important to remember it is not a done deal until its members cast their votes to either accept or reject the tentative agreement.” Council 82 announced it will post the


results of the votes on its website by the close of business Tuesday, May 3. In the meantime, Carrothers said PEF’s


negotiating team continues to meet with the state. “PEF has a counter proposal on the


table that addresses our members’ needs while achieving the savings the state needs for this fiscal year,” Carrothers said. Brynien also said the union is willing to


accept short-term hardships for what may very well be a short-term fiscal crisis, but will not accept long-term givebacks. The negotiating team and PEF leaders


recognize the frustration of some members who seek details of the current negotiations. Comanzo said both PEF and the state have agreed to a media blackout, as confidentiality at the table is an important part of strategy. He said the best way to achieve a fair contract is for members to support the team by being ready to participate in any fight-back


efforts. Members


have been involved when the negotiating team traveled across the state


beginning in October 2010. The contract team met with members in every PEF region to gather their input for negotiations. Members also received a contract survey, participated in a tele-town hall meeting in March, and were polled about possible concessions. “When PEF reaches a tentative


agreement, it will be up to the members to have the final say,” Comanzo said. “The PEF Executive Board reviews it. If the board approves it, the tentative agreement is sent to PS&T members for ratification or rejection. If either the Executive Board or members reject it, the team resumes bargaining.” Visit the PEF website, pef.org, on a


regular basis and sign up to receive the Active Informed Member bulletins with contract updates and calls for action. PEF also is on Facebook at facebook.com/ PublicEmployeesFederation.


The Communicator May 2011—Page 5


release, revocations and the appointment and removal of hearing officers. PEF has been told the role of parole


officers will not change. Hearing officers and attorneys will


function independently of DOCCS and report directly to the board; but administrative matters of general applicability within DOCCS will apply to all hearing officers and attorneys. All employees of both agencies are


transferred to DOCCS to the same or similar job titles, in the same bargaining units and with the same civil service classifications, status and rights.


Mental health services Brooklyn Children’s Psychiatric Center will be closed and converted to a


Continued on next page


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