Article 18 encompasses health and safety in many ways


By DEBORAH A. MILES Article 18 in the PS&T contract deals


with health and safety, and provides for several measures to eliminate the potential of an on-the-job injury or illness that may result in a workers’ compensation claim. It also provides for a joint statewide


health and safety committee where PEF may advise the state of areas of concern, so proactive measures can be implemented to improve the health and safety in worksites. PEF Executive Board member Rocco


Brindisi is PEF’s chair of the Article 18 joint committee. He said PEF meets with representatives from the Governor’s Office of Employees Relations (GOER) on a quarterly basis. “We have worked to implement a better


system,” Brindisi said. “When a health or safety issue is first recognized, it is addressed by a local-level health and safety committee. If it is not resolved, the


issue is then discussed at the agency-level committee. If the agency cannot resolve the local issue, or has unresolved agency issues, they are directed to the statewide committee.” Brindisi said the good news is most of


the issues are being handled at the appropriate level, and that fewer items were being brought to the statewide committee. Article 18 deals with various issues


such as indoor air quality, ergonomics, violence and assaults on employees, infectious-disease control, toxic exposure and safety equipment. A recent issue involved safety in


parking garages in the Albany area where PEF members park their cars while at work, and where incidents of assaults have occurred. “The committee addressed this issue.


As a result, more surveillance cameras were installed in the garages and security


Lal joins contract team Prakash Lal, an information technology


specialist 4 at the state Office of Information Technology Services, has been appointed to the PS&T Contract negotiating team. The team is now complete with members representing various state agencies and who can provide expertise in their fields. The team is currently being


trained by PEF Contract Administration Department


staff, reviewing information and developing negotiation strategies. The team is also reviewing how the


existing contract language has been interpreted and addresses problems or issues raised by members. Additional member input also is being


reviewed that was submitted at PEF’s Annual Convention in September, through the online contract survey and emails sent to the Contract Administration Department. PEF staff has also added


guards are more visible,” Brindisi said. Another benefit of Article 18 is the


Safety and Health Initiatives Program (SHIP). The SHIP provides grant funding up to a maximum of $15,000 to assist in the development of safety and health programs and training. These grants may be used to support a variety of initiatives such as blood-borne pathogens and tuberculosis training, safe patient handling, hazard assessment and emergency preparedness/response. A developmental disabilities services


office in western NY was among several applicants for a SHIP grant, and was awarded one for creating a respectful environment to help prevent workplace violence. Brindisi said the committee has


revamped the application form which is available on the PEF website under Training/Education and Health/Safety.


input at the training based on its areas of experience and expertise. PEF continues to gather suggestions


from members regarding what they would like to see included in the next contract. All suggestions will be presented to the bargaining team for review and consideration as it readies for negotiations. If you have suggestions or want an area


of concern addressed in the next contract, send an email to 2015contract@pef.org. — Deborah A. Miles


AROUND THE TREE – PEF leaders and members from PEF Regions 5 and 11 pose for a group shot at a leadership conference. Approximately 120 members attended the three-day event that included workshops, networking and discussion time with PEF leaders. The conference was held in November at the Villa Roma Resort in Callicoon.


Watch PEF E Board meeting video


DISCUSSING ISSUES – PEF President Susan M. Kent speaks to state Sen. Kathy Marchione about concerns at a state Department of Labor PEF membership meeting. It took place at theWest Albany Italian Benevolent Society November 20. —Photo by Carlos J. Garcia


Page 8—The Communicator December 2014 - January 2015 Check the members-only section of


the PEF website for video coverage of the December meeting of the PEF Executive Board. The meeting will be held December 4 and 5 in Albany. PEF leaders have asked the union’s


public relations department to video record the meeting in the interest of greater transparency and full member accessibility to the board’s actions.


PEF Information Line: 1-800-553-2445


PS&T CONTRACT


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