THE COMMUNICATOR September 2014 The official publication of the NYS Public Employees Federation www.TheCommunicator.org - www.pef.org


Ideas From Members......................................................2 Labor History .................................................................2 PEF Endorses Teachout For Governor ................................4 Candidates Selected For State And Congressional Elections ..4 President’s Message.......................................................7 PEF Makes Headway in Opt-Out Insurance Payments............7 Scholarship Winners Aim To Help Humanity........................8 Brooklyn Developmental Center’s Fight Continues.................9 Conference Inspires Women To Raise The Bar ....................9 Retirees In Action .........................................................10 AFT Convention Highlights Solidarity, Action ......................11 Online Training Empowers Members ................................11 Civil Service .................................................................12 Testimonies Target The Need For State Facilities ...............13 Health Notes................................................................14 Members Run In Marcum Workforce Challenge ................15 Parole Officers Unite To Salute Fallen Colleagues ...............16 Court Rules For PEF In Race Track Workers’ Wages ..........16 The World Of Parks, People And Public Employees.............18 Ailing Members Need Leave Donations ............................22 Region 4 Honored For Bold Action ..................................26 Group Effort Helps Members Attack Weight Loss Goals......26 Communication Notes ...................................................27 Fond Farewells .............................................................29 Executive Board Seats Need To Be Filled ..........................30 Accident Injuries Cause Death Of Retired Council Leader ....30 Labor On The Move.......................................................36


THE COMMUNICATOR


Volume 31, No. 7 September 2014 (0745-6514)


The Official Publication of the New York State Public Employees Federation, AFL-CIO, 1168-70 Troy-Schenectady Rd., 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.


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


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


Ronald Brown, Kenneth Johnson, Maureen Kellman, Trustees


PEF Regional Field 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.


Cover layout by Mario Bruni Sr. Graphic Designer, photo courtesy of Zephyr Teachout’s campaign website


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


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 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 Scott Morlock Executive Editor Sherry Halbrook Editor Mario Bruni Sr. Graphic Designer Deborah A. Miles Reporter/Writer Paul R. Seeger Jr. Graphic Artist Paul Murphy Secretary/Typesetter Kathi Blinn Advertising Account Executive


PUBLIC PARKS 18


Advertising in this publication does not represent an endorsement by PEF or its members. Members wishing to change their mailing address may call 800-342-4306, ext. 221. PEF is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO and Services Employees International Union.


ENDORSEMENTS


4


SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS


8


13 STRONG TESTIMONY


Communications Council


Metro NY Labor


Scan PEF.org The Communicator September 2014—Page 3


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  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36