PEF/encon
Correspondence
on Trying to Improve
DEC Picnic
for Central Office
|
|
PEF/encon Correspondence on Trying to Improve DEC Picnic for Central Office |
|
April 16, 2004 Dear Mr. Lattanzio: The PEF/Encon Council has decided not to participate in the planning of the 2004 Conservation Day Picnic because the issues raised in our September 10, 2003 letter have still not been addressed. For example, the caterer and picnic site have already been chosen and we would have no input in this regard. We would like to participate in the planning of the 2005 Conservation Day Picnic if we can become involved in the planning process from the very beginning and participate in all decisions to be made. We formally request to be notified of the first planning meeting for the 2005 Conservation Day picnic and that no decisions or deposits be made beforehand. Sincerely, Karl Berger Chief Shop Steward PEF/encon (Click Here for Adobe Version of Below Letter)
|
||
| September 10, 2003 Dear Mr. Lattanzio: This is a follow up to discussion from Tuesday morning meetings regarding concerns about the way that the Conservation Day picnic is being organized. PEF Encon proposes that a new Conservation Day Committee be formed to organize, promote and administer the picnic. Conservation Day is the day when Department staff, irrespective of their status, affiliations and titles, have an opportunity to interact in an informal setting. This event can improve employee moral and help develop a sense of community here at DEC. We recommend the proposed changes due to the following concerns: Poor quality food at the last several picnics; The caterer served at the 2002 picnic without a catering license and was recently fined for catering in early 2003 without a license (the Committee did not verify the existence of a license prior to contracting the caterer). The caterer served food at the 2002 picnic in storage containers in violation of health code. Until the DOH intervened (at the request of one of our stewards), he was prepared to use the same containers for our 2003 picnic. The Committee was verbally abusive to and uncooperative with PEF members who were on the Committee. The Conservation Day account lacks fiscal accountability. Many employees consider the ticket cost to be too high due to the subsidy of an open bar. Roughly two thirds of the employees did not attend the picnic this year. The current closed structure of the Committee does not facilitate participation in the planning process by others. Conservation Day can become a celebration of the environment for the employees who work hard at preserving it. Therefore, we propose the following: A new joint Labor Management Committee be formed with members from all bargaining units composed in approximate proportion to employee membership. That the cost of picnic tickets would no longer subsidize an open bar; alcoholic beverages could either be brought by employees or a cash bar could be offered. The new Committee would seek to have wildlife or environmentally related exhibits and activities (i.e. Berkshire Bird Paradise, Raptor Exhibit, kayaking/sailboarding demonstrations, etc). The venue for the picnic should be more conducive to group games, sporting activities & children. Since some of the arrangements, such as selection of caterer, related to the conservation day have to be made well in advance, we request that you take an action on this request as soon as possible.
Sincerely, Karl Berger PEFEncon Chief Shop Steward 625 Broadway cc: Council 82, CSEA , NYSCOBA |
Last Updated on April 26, 2004