THE COMMUNICATOR November 2012 The official publication of the NYS Public Employees Federation www.TheCommunicator.org - www.pef.org


Roots Of Struggle ...........................................................2 PEF’s 34th Annual Convention Overview .............................4 Kent’s State Of The Union Address....................................4 PEF In Sound Financial Condition .......................................6 President’s Message.......................................................7 Delegates Support Charities .............................................7 Convention Speakers Urge Unity........................................8 Delegates Adopt Resolutions ............................................9 Retirees In Action .........................................................10 Retired Member Makes World Better For Many................11 Political Action..............................................................12 Details On State’s IT Transformation ................................13 Health Notes................................................................14 Fundraiser For Diabetic Teen ..........................................15 A Day With A Dairy Specialist .........................................16 State Worker Dedicated To Job, Son, Union .....................17 Women Of Merit Honored..............................................18 SUNY Downstate Keeps Pressure On With Petitions..........18 Long Island Region Responds To Community Tragedy .........20 Help PEF Fight Parole-Counselor Title Merger....................20 September 11 Cancer Victims Get Financial Relief.............21 PEF Trustees’ Report.....................................................22


Cover art concept by Mario Bruni


We wish to thank our convention photographers: Richard Dillard, Ken Dischel, Lois Dysard, Anne Friedman, John Meloling and Chris Nicola


STATE OF THE UNION 4


IMPROVING LIVES


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KEEPING DAIRY SAFE


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A REAL STATE WORKER THE COMMUNICATOR Volume 29, No. 9 November 2012 (0745-6514)


The Official Publication of the New York State Public Employees Federation, AFL-CIO, 1168-70 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, NY 12110-1006. The Communicator is published monthly, except for January and August, for members of the New York State Public Employees Federation. Periodical postage paid at Latham, NY and additional mailing offices.


Postmaster: Send address changes to: Editor, PEF Communicator,


1168-70 Troy-Schenectady Road, P.O. Box 12414, Albany, NY 12212-2414. Phone (518) 785-1900, ext. 221.


Letters Policy: The Communicator welcomes letters to the editor about union issues and events relevant to PEF’s diverse membership. All letters are subject to editing for space, fairness and good taste. Please type your letters, keep them brief (up to 250 words), and include your name and phone number for verification. Send letters to: The Communicator, PEF, P.O. Box 12414, Albany, N.Y. 12212-2414


or e-mail to: thecommunicator@pef.org www.pef.org


Officers of PEF Susan M. Kent President Carlos Garcia Secretary-Treasurer Wayne Bayer, Wayne Spence, Barbara Ulmer Vice Presidents


Kevin Hintz, Bonnie Wood, John Prince, Peter Banks, James Moffitt, Kevin Conley, Tom Donahue, Nikki Brate, Vivian Street, Shiek Nabijohn, Jemma Hanson, Connie Batts Regional Coordinators


Ronald Brown, Kenneth Johnson, Maureen Kellman, Trustees


PEF Regional Field Offices Reg. 1 Buffalo 1-800-462-1462 Reg. 2 Elmira/Hornell 1-800-724-5001 Reg. 3 Rochester 1-800-724-5003 Reg. 4 Syracuse 1-800-724-5004 Reg. 5 Binghamton 1-800-724-4998 Reg. 6 Utica 1-800-724-5005


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Reg. 7 Malone 1-888-498-8532 Reg. 8 Albany 1-800-342-4306 Reg. 9 Poughkeepsie 1-800-548-4870 Reg. 10 Manhattan/Bronx 1-800-522-8700 Reg. 11 Brooklyn/Queens/Staten Island 1-866-897-9775


Reg. 12 Long Island 1-800-832-5284


The Communicator Staff Sherry Halbrook Editor Mario A. Bruni Graphic Designer Deborah A. Miles Reporter/Writer Barbara Valenti Jr. Graphic Artist Paul Murphy Secretary/Typesetter Kathi Blinn Advertising Account Executive


Advertising in this publication does not represent an endorsement by PEF or its members. Members wishing to change their mailing address may call 1-800-342-4306, ext. 221.


PEF is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO & Services Employees International Union.


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Communications Council


The Communicator November 2012 — Page 3


Metro NY Labor


CONTENTS


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32