Show of solidarity Morgenstern’s moving
remarks hit home to many PEF members in attendance. “I came to support my
WEINGARTEN —Headshots by Deborah
A.Miles
to work with New York’s Legislature. Randi Weingarten, president of the
American Federation of Teachers, said, “I don’t want to hear anymore that you can be replaced by someone who doesn’t have your skills or experience.” Weingarten said downsizing public
services will shift work to nonprofit organizations. “The underlying theme of these reductions and closures is privatization,” she said. Assembly Member James Tedisco talked
about Bob Woodward’s (Watergate reporter) theory that “in darkness democracy dies.” Tedisco said New York should not have a secret government and sent this message to the governor: “Keep your hands off our state workers.” Legislators such as Assembly Members
Donna Lupardo (the rally sponsor) and Aileen Gunther, and state Senators David Carlucci and Kathy Marchione echoed the importance for the Legislature, governor and labor to work together. The crowd shouted “save our services,”
but listened intently as Don Morgenstern spoke. The PEF council leader at SUNY Downstate Medical Center talked about the substantial reduction in the hospital’s nursing staff, and the layoff notice he and three other research scientists had received.
KINLEY
brothers and sisters,” said Mike Kinley. “I work at the state Education Department in the Office of Professions. Right now, we are not concerned
about losing any services, but you never know what can happen down the road. I feel the governor doesn’t understand what is going on.” June Beckford from
the state Health Department used to work for OMH at a few downstate facilities. “I know first-hand how
vital and important these services are for families and communities. That’s why I’m here,” Beckford said. Jim Romeyn, a council
BECKFORD ROMEYN
leader at the state Department of Transportation put it simply. “We need to stop the war against working people.” A PEF retiree from
New Hartford, Gail Rice,
said, “I was always an activist when I was working at the state Education Department. My mindset hasn’t changed. I believe we are being shortchanged by many of the initiatives the governor is putting into place. I still want to support my brothers and sisters in the labor movement.”
Passionate mishaps As the speakers
continued to energize the crowd, some directed harsh words at the
KENT andMORGENSTERN —Photo by Sherry Halbrook RICE
GETTHE MESSAGE – Michele Routi holds a sign in support of saving services for children on
GETTING READY – Members selectT- shirts to be worn as a sign of solidarity. —Photo by Dan Steen
www.pef.org
Long Island. —Photo by Dan Steen
governor and news reporters at the rally focused on some of those remarks. Kent and Weingarten released a joint
statement after the rally saying the poor word choices made by some should not overshadow the purpose of the rally. The statement emphasized the importance of investing in public services, especially services for those with mental illness or developmental disabilities. It called for a substantive dialogue with the governor about the direction the state needs to take to serve all its citizens. PEF Secretary-Treasurer Carlos J.
Garcia, the final speaker, delivered an uplifting message. “Every time the people come together,
they make history. And we made history today,” Garcia said. “We are not going to be asleep at the wheel when the governor is taking our tax money and then reducing the services we provide. We are going to continue to educate ourselves and our members. When the time comes, we will have the knowledge to win our battles.”
GARCIA
—Photo byTim Raab
THOUSANDS OF SIGNATURES - PEF Organizing Director Joel LeFevre and Legislative staffmember Christopher Leo deliver petitions to the governor after the rally.
—Photo by Sherry Halbrook The Communicator March 2014—Page 5
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