May Topics:

Contract Update - reports from our PEF Executive Board Representatives, discussion of your concerns.

Questions and Answers - Let us know your concerns.

Please limit yourself to an appropriate amount of food , we try to order enough for all.

For more information and to stay up to date go to www.PEfencon.info, your source for all PEF related news and issues.

See you at the June 17th Membership Meeting!

May 21^st Contract Update

Negotiators met on May 18 and 19 and successfully broke through the roadblock that existed since April 6. The parties reached a tentative agreement on health insurance subject to an overall agreement on the contract. The door is now open to substantive discussions regarding the rest of the contract. Although PEF is hopeful, bargaining is not over. PEF asks that members remain alert to the possibility of future action that may be necessary to close the deal. Actions away from the bargaining table are just as important as those at the table in arriving at a fair contract. Negotiations continue on May 25 at which time the Union will be presenting a full package proposal to the State.

Indoor Air Quality Data

Under terms of the green building tax credit program, Picotte must test the indoor air at 625 Broadway each year. This year, unlike past years, Picotte has decided not to share the indoor air data with DEC staff. PEFencon is disappointed by this decision and will continue to press for disclosure.

Telecommuting, etc.

DEC management continues to hold up expansion of telecommuting and compressed pay period, without explanation and without reply to repeated PEF requests for their action. PEFencon is disappointed that all of DEC management’s rhetoric regarding pollution prevention, clean air, and responsible commuting is not backed up by any action.

PEF Convention News

There is an election for delegates to attend the PEF Convention in Lake Placid in October. Twenty-five members submitted petitions to fill 15 delegate positions. Please vote, and follow all election instructions. Ballots are due to the PEF PO Box by June 18^th.

Trail of Misery

Construction has begun on the north end of the Water Street walkway. PEFencon is hopeful that the changes make our walks to work safer. Let stewards know what you think of the work.

Anti - Outsourcing Committee

PEFencon has formed an Anti - Outsourcing Committee to fight against the onslaught of contractors that are taking PEF jobs everyday. Please contact any steward with information and suggestions as the committee develops our response to this ongoing issue.

Council Elections

The PEFencon steward council has elected their leaders and committee members for the 04-05 term. Please check out who is doing.

For more information and to stay up to date go to www.pefencon.info, your source for all PEF related news and issues.

See you at the June 17th Membership Meeting!