November Topics:

Environmental Advocates - they are our allies, lobbying the legislature and DEC management for attention and resources for strong environmental protection.

Bulletin Board Hearing - On November 18^th PEF and GOER faced off over PEF/encon bulletin boards - find out what went on.

Questions and Answers - Let us know your concerns.                  

Have a safe , happy Thanksgiving!

The state legislature and the governor have finally reached agreement on a Superfund Reauthorization and Brownfields Law that provides a stable funding mechanism for the Department to continue to clean up hazardous sites around New York State. Up to 55 positions may be funded at DEC by the new law. PEF/encon will continue to monitor implementation of this important program.

The trail of misery will be returning this winter, providing an icy walk from the Water Street parking lots to 625 Broadway. Improvements that PEF/encon has advocated for have not been completed. Please be careful as you make your way on days of inclement weather, and after snowfalls, the paths can be treacherous. Dress warmly and report any problems on the walkway to DEC Building Maintenance and please copy a PEF Steward.

Bulletin Board Grievance

An Arbitration Hearing on PEF/encon’s grievance against DEC management over PEF Bulletin Boards at 625 Broadway was held on Tuesday November 18^th at the GOER Offices in Agency Building 2 at the Empire State Plaza. PEF/encon Division Leader Mike Keenan testified on behalf of PEF. Mike explained the fact that PEF/encon had used bulletin boards in the elevator lobbies at 50 Wolf Road for over 20 years and had hoped to continue with boards in those locations at 625 Broadway. Other locations provide less visibility for the boards, and less convenience for our members. Briefs on the case are due to the arbitrator before the end of December. PEF/encon should get the arbitrator’s decision in early 2004.

You can now order discount tickets for movies, skiing, video rentals, and CDTA Swiper Cards from PEF Membership Benefits right on the Web. Save time and money. They will mail them right to your home. For additional information, call 800 342-4306, ext.243.

December 5, 2003 from 5 - 10PM at West Albany Fire House. All Region 8 PEF Members welcome, please bring an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. Food, refreshment, prizes. (PEF Region 8 - Albany, Columbia, Greene, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Rensselaer, Warren, Washington counties)

Contract Table Talk

We continued negotiations this week with the State presenting additional details about its health insurance proposals. The specifics of some of their proposals confirmed how difficult an area this is for both the State and PEF, but both sides agreed to continue our dialogue to find common ground on various changes both sides could accept. The State also indicated that they were continuing the internal discussions that were necessary before they could finalize the remainder of their health insurance proposals.

"Bargaining success (i.e., a fair and just settlement) is the result of a partnership between the negotiators and its membership. As we saw in the last round of bargaining, a success at the bargaining table results from actions away from the table." PEF 2003 Contract Team

Mark your Calendars - December Membership Meeting is on December 23^rd.