The PEF Contract Team, led by Vice President and Chair Darlene Williams, met with the Office of Employee Relations for the first time on February 2, launching negotiations for the PS&T unit’s next contract and presenting a full set of proposals to the State so we can get right down to business.
We all know times are tough, but our team has trained hard, is well-versed in negotiating tactics, and is more than ready for the challenges ahead. I have full confidence in their ability to secure the best deal possible and have advised them to keep members informed without negotiating in public. We will post any updates on the Contract page of our website, and link to it from all the union’s social media platforms, where we will also inform you of solidarity actions you can take to support the Contract Team as negotiations continue.
On January 15, PEF stood with one of our own at the sentencing hearing of Calvin Haskins, the Buffalo Psychiatric Center (BPC) patient who stabbed PEF member Edward Gordon and two other BPC staff members in April 2024. Haskins was sentenced to the maximum of 20 years, concurrently, on attempted murder and assault charges. For staff at BPC, this ends the criminal chapter of the case, but workplace safety concerns persist. Public Employee Safety and Health (PESH) reports identified five “serious violations” at BPC that need to be addressed, and we now await a plan of action from the Office of Mental Health (OMH) to rectify those issues. My thanks to Region 1 Coordinator Vincent Cicatello and BPC Council Leader Alexandre Donascimento for keeping the pressure on OMH.
Also in Western New York, we spoke to a PEF member at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center who played a role in clinical trials that led to FDA approval of a pill to treat a specific form of leukemia, giving patients new hope for recovery. Our members do amazing research in a wide range of areas, at Roswell and at other health laboratories across the state.
This issue also features SUNY Downstate nurse Joan Rosegreen, who was in Jamaica when Hurricane Melissa slammed into the island nation in late October. Despite challenges she is facing from that traumatic experience, she is doing amazing and important work as part of the recovery efforts. Hats off to Joan for her determination and willingness to help others.
And hats off to all of you as well, for delivering quality public services to New Yorkers despite challenges you face on the job. Your union remains committed to enforcing and improving the terms and conditions of your employment, and keeping you safe at work.
In Unity,
Wayne Spence
PEF President