The COMMUNICATOR July/August 2015 The official publication of NYS Public Employees Federation, AFL-CIO www.TheCommunicator.org • www.PEF.org


Letters To The Editor .............................................................2 Roots Of Struggle: Labor History .......................................2 PEF Members Choose New Leaders ................................ 4 Health And Safety Conference Overview .........................5 Testimony Focuses On Mentally Ill Children ....................6 President’s Message .............................................................7 Boating Tips For Safe Summer Fun ...................................8 Retirees In Action .................................................................10 Executive Board Report ......................................................11 Region 8 Announces Weight Loss Winners .................13 Members Request Leave Donation .................................14 Health Notes ..........................................................................15 PEF Convention Delegate List ...........................................16 State Lawmakers Pass PEF Bills ......................................19 Grant Enhances Workplace Safety ................................. 20 Member Appointed To Parole Board .............................. 20 August Golf Tournament On The Horizon ...................... 20 Topics Discussed At DOCCS Conference ...................... 20 Fond Farewells ...................................................................... 22 Communication Notes ....................................................... 25


THE COMMUNICATOR Volume 32, No. 6 July/August 2015 (0745-6514)


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.


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 J. Garcia Secretary-Treasurer Wayne Bayer, Wayne Spence, Barbara Ulmer Vice Presidents


Kevin Hintz, John Prince, Peter Banks, James Moffitt, Jeanette St. Mary, Ed Snow, Nikki Brate, Vivian Street, Sheik Nabijohn, Jemma Hanson and Nora Geiser, Regional Coordinators


Ronald Brown, Kenneth Johnson, Maureen Kellman, Trustees


PEF Regional Field Offices Region 1 Buffalo 1-800-462-1462 Region 2 Elmira/Hornell 1-800-724-5001 Region 3 Rochester 1-800-724-5003 Region 4 Syracuse 1-800-724-5004 Region 5 Binghamton 1-800-724-4998 Region 6 Utica 1-800-724-5005 Region 7 Malone 1-888-498-8532 Region 8 Albany 1-800-342-4306 Region 9 Poughkeepsie 1-800-548-4870 Region 10 Manhattan/Bronx 1-800-522-8700 Region 11 Brooklyn/Queens/Staten Island 1-866-897-9775 Region 12 Long Island 1-800-832-5284


Metro NY Labor Communications Council


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Cover illustration by Mario Bruni, Sr. Graphic Designer


The Communicator Staff Scott Morlock Executive Editor Sherry Halbrook Editor Mario Bruni Senior Graphic Designer Deborah A. Miles Reporter/Writer Paul R. Seeger Junior 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 800-342-4306, ext. 221. PEF is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO and Services Employees International Union.


The Communicator July/August 2015 — Page 3


Health & Safety .................5


Boat Smart ............................8


Convention Preview ......16


Lobbying Works ...............19


TABLE OF 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