State’s IT transformation project stirs concerns


By DEBORAH A. MILES The state’s Information Technology (IT)


Transformation Project has begun. Approximately 4,000 PEF members will be affected by the governor’s plan to consolidate and merge IT services. Some members are frustrated by the


process, and by not having enough information. “PEF understands the concern of our


members who work in IT,” said PEF President Susan Kent. “The union is working closely with the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations (GOER) and the Office of Information Technology Services (OITS) to get news and updates about the IT Transformation Project. This information is then posted on the PEF website. “Council leaders will be made aware of


KENT


specific points so they can communicate directly with their members. Because of the importance of the issues relating to the IT transformation, I have appointed a statewide IT committee and will do everything possible to assist members.” “Our members are talented and


creative,” said Penny Howansky, chair of the PEF IT Committee. “One positive aspect is the governor has placed technology as a priority to help facilitate efficiency in state government. “PEF members have already used their


expertise to help streamline the way we do business in New York, such as developing a way for New Yorkers to


register their vehicles online, or file electronic income tax forms. These accomplishments, and many others pioneered by PEF members, have reduced standing in line to do business with New York.”


Gradual changes The OITS will begin by maintaining the


same IT services an agency receives through a combination of Enterprise-and Cluster-provided services. These services are outlined in service agreements established with each agency. A cluster is a group of agencies


associated with each other based on a similarity of their business missions, and who often share similar customers, data, business processes and common IT needs. There are six cluster groups: Health and Human Services; Public Safety; General Government; Transportation/Economic Development; Finance/Regulation/Gaming; and Environment and Energy. Under the transformation plan, staff


who are functionally performing IT duties will be transferred to OITS using Civil Service Law Section 70.2, beginning November 22. PEF is working to ensure its members’ rights, under the Civil Service Law and the collective bargaining agreement, are protected during this transformation. “The state has


protecting his rights and still has the opportunity to file a protest. A protest must be in writing to the head of his current agency with a copy to OITS, and must include specific reasons for the protest. It appears the workforce transition


timeline will be slightly different for members based on whether they are on the administrative or institution payrolls. Employees on the administrative payroll will be transferred November 22. Employees on the institution payroll may be transferred November 29.


PEF’s stance While on face value the state’s IT


transformation vision seems to have merit, the union remains wary of the plan. As part of the governor’s April 2012


aspect is the governor has placed technology as a priority. The governor has


“O


budget, union leaders have repeatedly been told one goal of the IT Transformation Project is to reduce the state’s reliance on consultants and maximize use of the state’s IT workforce. However, PEF has yet to see any significant movement to reduce the use of IT consultants. The state has


ne positive


recognized PEF members have already instituted solutions that streamline the way we do business in New York.”


assured PEF moving staff to OITS will not result in members losing their jobs. We are urging employees to accept transfer offers so they can retain all rights to their positions,” Kent said. An employee who is notified his


position is being transferred to OITS must accept or decline the transfer offer within 10 days of receipt of notice. A failure to respond within 10 days will be deemed a declination of the transfer. By accepting a transfer, a member is


www.pef.org — Penny Howansky Chair of the PEF IT Committee


indicated OITS will assume responsibility for the IT contracts for consultants currently working at other state agencies. PEF will monitor closely whether OITS takes the opportunity of this consolidation to streamline and reduce the state’s


reliance on consultants. Recent news reports say the state is


contracting with companies that employ foreign workers. It is PEF’s hope the governor will look at this issue as OITS reviews contracts currently in place. Check the PEF website, www.pef.org,


for information and updates as the IT Transformation Project is implemented.


The Communicator November 2012—Page 13


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