Be sure to check out the Fully Mobilized Divisions Honor Roll
6/1/2010
5/14/2010
For New
York State Employees in the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
(PS&T) Unit
(MC employees may be
permitted to attend workshops if space is available.)
The recently
scheduled PSWP workshops below are grouped by region, and then listed in
chronological order by class date.
To reference
full workshop details and to register go to:
NYSLearn at
http://www.goer.state.ny.us/Training_Development/NYS-Learn/index.cfm
Capital District
E-Learning
Instructional Design: Elements of Good Design
This introductory workshop focuses on the universal
principles and elements of good design that exist regardless of the type of
e-learning environment in which the material is presented. Additional topics
will include: potential possibilities and limitations of e-learning,
considerations in converting classroom training to e-learning, engaging users,
chunking information, and evaluating e-learning.
Date/Time: 6/3/2010; 9 AM – 4 PM; Location: College of
Saint Rose, Albany NY
Registration Deadline: 5/27/2010
Central
Responding
to Challenging Student Behavior
This workshop is designed to provide classroom teachers with
a variety of techniques for preventing, interpreting and responding to
challenging student behavior. Workshop participants will apply behavioral
support principles to actual teaching situations through discussion,
observation, and role-playing. The workshop will be of great interest to staff
working in secure settings and others who deal with challenging student
behavior.
Date/Time: 6/15/2010; 9 AM – 4 PM; Location: SUNY
Cortland, Cortland NY
Registration Deadline: 6/8/2010
New York City
Managing
Multiple Priorities
This workshop is designed to help develop skills in setting
goals, prioritizing, and managing simultaneous responsibilities and activities
in today's fast-paced work environments. Participants will learn how to take
control of their workday to help enhance productivity and success while
minimizing stress.
Date/Time: 6/30/2010; 9 AM – 4 PM; Location: Pace
University, New York NY
Registration Deadline: 6/23/2010
3/30/2010
Public Service Workshops Program: Recently Announced Workshops—3/26/2010
For New York State Employees in the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (PS&T) Unit (MC employees may be permitted to attend workshops if space is available.)
The recently scheduled PSWP workshops below are grouped by region, and then listed in chronological order by class date.
To reference full workshop details and to register go to:
NYSLearn at http://www.goer.state.ny.us/Training_Development/NYS-Learn/index.cfm
Capital District
Network Basics
This workshop is designed for computer professionals who need a basic introduction to the main components of a computer network. Participants will learn about key terms and services, such as DNS,DHCP, and Active Directory. Participants also will examine network infrastructure components, such as routers, switches, and cabling.
Specific troubleshooting techniques will be demonstrated.
Date/Time: 5/27/2010; 9 AM – 4 PM; Location: University at Albany, Albany NY
Registration Deadline: 5/20/2010
Communication Skills for Non-Native English Speakers
This two-day workshop is designed to help non-native English speakers master techniques for adjusting accent and non-verbal cues particular to an ethnic background. It explores the fundamentals of presentation skills and delivery techniques, and through exercises and practice sessions, participants learn how to manage the fear of public speaking and how best to present a message.
Date/Time: 6/4/2010 and 6/11/2010; 9 AM – 4 PM; Location: College of Saint Rose, Albany NY
Registration Deadline: 5/28/2010
Network Security: An Introduction
This workshop provides attendees with basic security concepts related to physical and logical networks, wired and wireless networks, Ethernet, TCP/IP, network components, topologies, and architectures. The workshop provides a fundamental understanding of how networks work and the types of threats they face. By the conclusion of this workshop, participants will understand available defenses against attacks, such as firewalls and intrusion-detection devices.
Date/Time: 6/10/2010; 9 AM – 4 PM; Location: University at Albany, Albany NY
Registration Deadline: 6/3/2010
Electronic Investigations
This workshop addresses the issues faced by investigators in an increasingly high-tech world. The workshop will focus on the investigative aspect of electronic evidence; the use of software to assisting investigations, document management, keyword v. advanced conceptual searching, communicating with IT professionals, identifying possible fraud, and collecting and documenting electronic evidence.
Date/Time: 6/18/2010; 9 AM – 4 PM; Location: College of Saint Rose, Albany NY
Registration Deadline: 6/11/2010
Mid/Lower Hudson
Managing Change for Nurse Administrators
This workshop is designed to give nurse administrators the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to effectively manage change from a supervisory perspective. Topics to be discussed in this workshop include: the change process, building trust, and change management strategies and tools.
Date/Time: 5/18/2010; 9 AM – 4 PM; Location: Pace University, White Plains NY
Registration Deadline: 5/11/2010
The Public Service Workshops Program is funded through the negotiated Agreement between the State of New York and the Public Employees Federation. The Program is administered by the Professional Development Program of the Nelson A. Rockefeller College of Public Affairs at the University at Albany, under contract with the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations. March 2010
New York City
Professional Writing: Mechanics for Non-Native English Speakers
This workshop provides participants with a review of the mechanics of writing including word choice and sentence structure. The workshop includes a review of the parts of speech, phrases and clauses, and the use of modifiers. Participants will also review the rules of punctuation. This workshop focuses on the basics of grammar and writing
mechanics and the barriers to clear writing in the English language by non-native English speakers.
Date/Time: 5/18/2010; 9 AM – 4 PM; Location: Hunter College, New York NY
Registration Deadline: 5/11/2010
The Public Service Workshops Program is funded through the negotiated Agreement between the State of New York and the Public Employees Federation. The Program is administered by the Professional Development Program of the Nelson A. Rockefeller College of Public Affairs at the University at Albany, under contract with the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations. March 2010
Kimberly Loccisano
PEF Education Department
Phone #- 1-800-342-4306 ext. 240
e-mail -
kloccisano@pef.org
3/22/2010
Public Service Workshops Program: Recently Announced Workshops—3/22/2010
For New York State Employees in the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (PS&T) Unit (MC employees may be permitted to attend workshops if space is available.)
The recently scheduled PSWP workshops below are grouped by region, and then listed in chronological order by class date.
To reference full workshop details and to register go to: NYSLearn at http://www.goer.state.ny.us/Training_Development/NYS-Learn/index.cfm
Capital District
This two-day workshop develops skills for visualizing and analyzing data. Topics include descriptive statistics, histograms, cross tabulations and pivot tables, correlation and regression, and confidence intervals. Use of graphs to explore patterns and relationships in the data is emphasized. Data sets are provided for practice in building statistical analysis skills. The workshop uses Microsoft Excel 2007 as a tool for learning about data analysis and is held in a digital classroom where each participant has a computer for doing the exercises. Students should bring a USB (flash) drive to class to store the files that they will be using. Prerequisite: Familiarity with Excel, including knowing how to enter simple formulas and use built-in functions. An introductory statistics course is recommended.
Date/Time: 4/23/2010 and 4/30/2010; 9 AM – 4 PM; Location: College of Saint
Rose, Albany NY
Registration Deadline: 4/16/2010
Computer Security Basics
This workshop provides an introduction to fundamental computer security concepts, focusing on the Windows operating system and personal computers. Topics include basic computer security tools and practices, including the management of user rights and privileges. Participants will understand the current threat matrix targeting workstations, issues in managing security for desktop computers, and effective countermeasures for protecting agency workstations.
Date/Time: 5/10/2010; 9 AM – 4 PM; Location: University at Albany, Albany NY
Registration Deadline: 5/3/2010
Investigative Interviewing
This workshop examines techniques for interviewing subjects for purposes of fact-finding and obtaining information about compliance, fraud, and abuse. It is designed for individuals who testify in administrative hearings or other proceedings. Topics include discussion of legal parameters, strategies for handling reluctant and hostile interviewees, and the importance of accurate field notes. The workshop focuses on interviewing external witnesses involved in underlying cases. Scenarios such as interviewing an office worker in a Medicaid Fraud investigation or the school nurse in a child abuse case will be included. NOTE: Parking is available for participants in Lot 11 at Albany Law School; permits are needed for parking in Lot 11 and will be available prior to the start of the class.
Date/Time: 6/4/2010; 9 AM – 4 PM; Location: Albany Law School, Albany NY
The Public Service Workshops Program is funded through the negotiated Agreement between the State of New York and the Public Employees Federation. The Program is administered by the Professional Development Program of the Nelson A. Rockefeller College of Public Affairs at the University at Albany, under contract with the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations. March 2010
Kimberly Loccisano
PEF Education Department
Phone #- 1-800-342-4306 ext. 240
e-mail -
9/25/2009
EXPRESS SCRIPTS
SECURITY BREACH
Many members have contacted PEF regarding a letter they recently received from
Express Scripts, Inc. (ESI), the Pharmacy Benefit Manager for the Empire Plan
Prescription Drug Program for the period 1/1/99 - 12/31/05. The letter
notifies Empire Plan enrollees of an incident that resulted in unauthorized
access to Empire Plan enrollee information including name, social security
number, date of birth and possibly prescription information. PEF is
working with the NYS Department of Civil Service, the state agency responsible
for administering the New York State Health Insurance Program, to obtain more
information regarding the security breach.
ESI is unaware at this time of any actual misuse of Empire Plan information, and
is continuing to work with the FBI to investigate. ESI has set up a
website, www.esisupports.com, which
contains helpful information and resources for affected Empire Plan enrollees.
ESI has contracted with Kroll Inc., the world?s leading risk-consulting company,
to provide expert assistance to members who believe their data may have been
misused because of this incident. If an enrollee does experience identity
theft resulting from this incident, he or she will be assigned a licensed
investigator at Kroll who will work to validate and address all concerns.
ESI will provide identity restoration services from Kroll for all legitimate and
approved cases of identity theft caused by this incident. If you received
a letter from ESI advising you of the security breach, and you have concerns
about your personal information, you may contact Kroll, at no charge to you, at
866-795-9350, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
(Central Time), to discuss your concerns with a U.S.-based customer care
representative specially trained in handling privacy breach events, fraud, and
identity theft issues.
As more information becomes available, we will share it with members as quickly
as possible.
PSWP
- Public Service Workshops Program: Recently Announced Workshops - 9/23/09
For New York State Employees in the Professional, Scientific and Technical
Services (PS&T) Unit (MC employees may be permitted to attend workshops if space
is available.) The recently scheduled PSWP workshops below are grouped by
region, and then listed in chronological order by class date. To reference full
workshop details and to register go to: NYSLearn at
http://goer.state.ny.us/nyslearn
Capital District
- Auditing Fundamentals
This workshop provides an overview of auditing, including basic concepts,
techniques, and auditing applications. Topics include the audit risk model,
professional ethics, and computer auditing. Basic financial derivative
transactions will also be introduced. Participants are encouraged to register
for the PSWP workshop 'Advanced Auditing Processes' to get a complete review of
auditing related topics.
Dates/Time: 11/10/2009; 9 AM - 4 PM; Location: Sage College of Albany, Albany,
NY
Registration Deadline: 10/27/2009
- Wireless Technology
This workshop provides an overview of wireless technologies and why
organizations are choosing to adopt them. The different types and the advantages
and disadvantages of wireless technologies will be explored, including security
issues and concerns that most likely affect a wireless network. The workshop
will also cover what is required to deploy a wireless solution, and how to
integrate wireless and wired.
Dates/Time: 12/7/2009; 9 AM - 4 PM; Location: University at Albany, Albany, NY
Registration Deadline: 11/23/2009
Northern
- Legal Writing for Non-Attorneys
This workshop provides an introduction to basic legal writing principles for
employees who are not attorneys but must deal with legal materials and
documents. The workshop provides an understanding of legal writing formats,
applications of legal rules in a persuasive argument, an explanation of commonly
used legal terms and phrases, and how to incorporate a plain English writing
style into legal documents.
Dates/Time: 11/19/2009; 9 AM - 4 PM; Location: North Country Community College,
Saranac Lake, NY
Registration Deadline: 11/5/2009
Kimberly Loccisano
PEF Education Department
Phone #- 1-800-342-4306 ext. 240
e-mail -
kloccisano@pef.org
VSP and VRWS
PEF has been contacted by a number of members who are frustrated that the State
has not made the Voluntary Severance Program (VSP) and Voluntary Reduction in
Work Schedule Program (VRWS) more widely available to PEF members.
To demonstrate the on-going interest in these programs, PEF is collecting the
names of those people who are interested in either of these two programs.
http://www.pef.org/contract_resources/vspform.htm
THE HOUSE OF LABOR
-AFL-CIO Convention Update
The 2009 AFL-CIO Convention was convened in Pittsburgh on Sunday September 13
and adjourned Thursday the 17th. 43 percent of AFL-CIO union delegates his year
were women, people of color and LGBT. They elected Richard Trumka president, Liz
Shuler, secretary-treasurer, and re-elected Arlene Holt Baker executive vice
president. It's the first time the top leadership of the AFL-CIO includes two
women, and Shuler, 39, is the youngest-ever unionist to hold so high a position
in the labor movement. The event was covered in depth at their website.
Videos of the speakers, all Executive Council Reports, the final text of all
Constitutional and Convention Resolutions and daily narrative reports, and more
are all available on the net. The gateway to all of this information is
http://www.aflcio.org/aboutus/thisistheaflcio/convention/2009/index.cfm
-How Did Labor Get Here? How Do We
Rebuild?
Bill Moyers Journal - September 18,
2009 -
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/09182009/profile.html
The AFL-CIO held its convention the week of September 14, 2009, in a time of uncertainty. A new Gallup poll showed support for unions at the lowest level since they began posing the question in 1936. And, although there was an up tick in membership in 2008, the percentage of American workers represented by a union is down to about 12 percent from more than 25 percent in 1950.
But, there is also a new AFL-CIO leader, a new president in the White House and a Secretary of Labor who support some of organized labor's priorities like the Employee Free Choice Act. Bill Moyers talked with experts Bill Fletcher, co-author of SOLIDARITY DIVIDED: THE CRISIS IN ORGANIZED LABOR AND A NEW PATH TOWARD SOCIAL JUSTICE and Michael Zweig, director of the Center for the Study of Working Class Life at SUNY Stony Brook, about the state of organized labor and what it needs to do face the challenges of the 21st-century economy.
"Organized labor remains in a crisis...Right now the question for organized labor is whether or not it actually can become a class movement. A movement of workers. And not simply unions representing people in different workplaces." -Bill Fletcher
"I don't think that the labor movement can
successfully organize in particular places without a context of a broad social
movement that addresses the power of capital. Not just in the particular
workplace, but in the society as a whole." -Michael Zweig
Visit PBS here to read/watch the entire thought provoking program!
Watch Video
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/09182009/watch2.html
Read Transcript
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/09182009/transcript2.html
-AFL-CIO President on CNBC and MSNBC
Immediately following the convention, the new leadership began a tour around the
country. President Trumka's first stop was Wall Street. For those of you who
weren't able to catch President Trumka on CNBC in front of Wall Street - as well
as his appearance LIVE on the Rachel Maddow show - here are the clips.
http://mms.tveyes.com/Transcript.asp?StationID=205&DateTime=9%2F21%2F2009+11%3A50%3A29+PM&LineNumber=&MediaStationID=205&playclip=True&RefPage=
Rachel Maddow - MSNBC
-Toyota To Close Only Unionized U.S. Plant
-A FACTORY LIKE A CITY-
By David Bacon, TruthOut 9/16/09
http://www.truthout.org/091609A?n
Last month Toyota announced it would close the New United Motor Manufacturing
Inc. (NUMMI) plant in Fremont, California, after General Motors announced it was
withdrawing from the partnership under which the plant has operated for over two
decades. The plant employs 4500 workers directly, and the jobs of another
30,000 throughout northern California are dependent on its continued operation.
Taking families into account, the threatened closure will eliminate the income
of over 100,000 people.
Read article in its entirety here:
http://www.truthout.org/091609A?n
PROTEST SIGNS OF 2009
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/21/the-funniest-protest-sign_n_292342.html
PONDERABLE QUOTE
"The integrity of a person is seen, not in
falling, but in rising after each fall."
African proverb
8/7/2009
VALT BENEFITS FOR IT TITLES
Under a special arrangement between GOER, PEF and GTC, PS&T Unit employees in
Information Technology (IT) positions will be able to use their VALT benefits
for the upcoming GTC training without incurring out-of-pocket expenses, as long
as they have funds remaining from their VALT total annual maximum of $600.
A listing of course offerings can be found here:
http://www.govtech.com/events/gtceast2009
Please note that this is first-come, first-served, and only
20 seats have been set aside in each class. PS&T Unit employees utilizing the
VALT benefit can register for one class only through NYS-Learn. Only those using
VALT benefits can register through NYS-Learn. Employees in other bargaining
units, and PS&T unit employees who are not using the VALT program, cannot
register for GTC through NYS-Learn.
This
announcement has been sent to your agency CIO as well. Please ensure that all
eligible PS&T Unit employees in IT titles are notified. If you have questions
about this initiative, they can be sent to:
nyslearn@goer.state.ny.us
IS YOUR STUDENT
READY FOR COLLEGE?
Do you have a son or
daughter getting ready to start college in August? If the answer is yes, chances
are you already have a to-do list of things to buy and errands to run before the
big day when you load up the car and make the trip to campus. There are some
important health benefits matters to take care of before sending your son or
daughter to college miles from home. The following checklist is designed to help
you have everything ready by the time your new freshman leaves for campus.
To read this entire article visit us here:
http://www.pef.org/healthbenefits/newspromos.htm
NYS-Ride
CELEBRATES ONE - YEAR ANNIVERSARY
www.nysride.com
NYS-Ride is celebrating the
one-year anniversary of the program's July 2008 statewide rollout. This program
allows PEF-represented employees to set aside pre-tax salary for eligible
commuting expenses. Over 8,200 state employees are currently saving up to 40% on
the cost of their monthly mass transit expenses by using NYS-Ride. For the
typical state employee this represents a savings of more than $400 per year.
Mass transit expenses covered by NYS-Ride include qualified fares for riding
buses, trains, subways, ferries, and vanpools. Through January 1, 2011, the
Emergency Economic Recovery Act has increased from $120 to $230 per month the
pre-tax amount an employee can set aside. By enrolling in NYS-Ride,
PEF-represented employees can save money and support a greener New York. For
more information, log on to
www.nysride.com
or call 1-866-428-7781 (TDD 1-866-353-8058).
NYS - BALANCE
www.nysbalance.ny.gov
Every month, NYS-Balance, our
new resource and referral service for state employees, features a new topic and
a related webinar on the NYS-Balance website.
Attached is the NYS-Balance flyer for
August 2009, featuring the topic of the month, Go Green! When you go to the
NYS-Balance website,
www.nysbalance.ny.gov,
you will note we are also highlighting OGS' green efforts and the NYS-Ride
program.
The August flyer is attached in both a graphic and plain text
version to comply with accessibility requirements.
Each month a webinar is held on the third Thursday from noon
to 1:00 p.m. Employees need an internet-connected PC and telephone to
participate fully in the webinar and must register in advance. This month?s
webinar, It?s Easy Being Green: Little Steps, Big Impact, is scheduled for
August 20, 2009, from noon to 1:00 p.m. If the time of the live webinar
does not mesh with employees' approved lunch or scheduled break time, the
archived webinar can be accessed at another time approved by the supervisor, or
from home.
ALBANY COUNTY
UNION RALLY
Please join us for a rally in Albany County on Monday, August 10, 2009 @ 5:30
p.m. Albany County Executive Michael Breslin plans on implementing a 5 day
furlough for County Workers. Show your solidarity by joining the protesters who
are asking the Albany County Legislatures for their support against this
reckless action!
Meet us at Albany City Hall @ 5:30 for a rally on August 10, 2009!
6/24/2009
VOLUNTEER SUMMER PROGRAM-AFT
We need YOU...
By volunteering to spend two weeks this summer organizing
teachers and PSRPs in the South, you will be building the national strength of
your union, learning new skills, forming relationships that last a lifetime, and
helping to bring real change to our colleagues in need.
This is not a job for everyone. The work is demanding and each volunteer
signs-up for a minimum two week commitment.
YOU are responsible for bringing desire and determination to
make things better for our brothers and sisters who struggle against anti-union
and anti-public school hostility. The Amercian Federation of Teachers (AFT)
provides everything else. We supply the high-quality organizing training,
ongoing coaching and supervision, and overall campaign coordination. AFT also
pays for your travel, hotel, meal allowances and incidentals.
To bring
some hope and be part of the solution, click on the link below.
www.aft.org/back2school2009
e-HealthBeat
- Empire Plan Copay Changes
Coming 7/1/09
www.pef.org/healthbenefits/newspromos.htm
If you're enrolled in the Empire Plan, look for these benefit changes,
authorized in the 2007-2011 PS&T contract, to start July 1, 2009.
Benefit
Current Copay/Copay as of 7/1/09
Office visit/office surgery $18
$20
Radiology
$18
$20
Diagnostic lab services $18
$20
- More
www.pef.org/healthbenefits/newspromos.htm
- Flex Spending Account Online Claims Submission
www.pef.org/healthbenefits/newspromos.htm
The Flex Spending Account plan administrator, FBMC, has implemented a new online
claims submission process. As a result, Flex Spending Account enrollees
are now able to submit reimbursement requests for the Health Care Spending
Account (HCSA) and the Dependent Care Advantage Account (DCAA) online through
www.myFBMC.com....
PEF Membership Benefits Program (MBP)
New eStore coming soon to PEF
Membership Benefits Program website,
www.buymbp.com.
There is a new sign-in process and other features to make online shopping easier
and more convenient for PEF Members. Recently MBP sent out simple instructions
and your temporary password for unlocking great saving in our new eStore. These
instructions will walk you through the new step by step login process.
Exciting new special offers will be available. The first 500 PEF members that
sign in and provide their updated personal email address are eligible to receive
a FREE recycled shopping bag. Once you have provided your email address, under
categories select special offers and add the FREE recycled shopping bag to your
shopping cart.
Please feel free to call Membership Benefits Program at 800 342-4306 ext. 243
with any questions you may have. MBP looks forward to virtually seeing you on
our new site.
5/13/2009
HIGH
LEVEL DISCUSSIONS CONTINUE
PEF’s president and
the Governor (directly and thru their representatives) continue discussions
regarding the threatened lay-offs and the budget crisis. We continue to offer
options that will provide the cost savings necessary to avert layoffs. As we
have historically, we do not jeopardize discussions/negotiations by
making details public during sensitive periods of the talks. Rest assured that
our primary goal remains protecting the jobs and working conditions of our
membership.
When we
have developments which can be reported they will be sent out on AIM and posted
at our website –
www.pef.org
EXECUTIVE ORDER No. 6: Ensuring the Cost-Effectiveness of Contracts for Personal
Services
The NYS Division of
Budget (DOB) has issued a Bulletin that addresses the provisions of Governor
Paterson’s Executive Order No. 6 which established procedural and reporting
requirements regarding certain State agency contracts for personal services.
Executive Order No. 6, issued on June 4, 2008 aims to ensure that
agencies enter into such contracts only after considering whether State
employees can practicably meet the same needs by providing services of the same
or better quality at an equivalent or lower cost.
The Executive Order creates the Governor’s Task Force on
Personal Services Contracting (“Task Force”), and requires agencies provide
certain reports on personal services contracts to the Task Force.
Beginning October 1, 2009 and annually thereafter, the Task Force will be
responsible for issuing a public report to the Governor on the progress the
State is making toward the goal of limiting the number of contracts for personal
service to those that comply with the criteria set forth in the Bulletin.
In its initial report, the Task Force will specifically examine
contracting out in two areas: transportation engineering and information
technology. The report will include recommendations as to whether and how such
contracting may be limited, including regulatory, legislative and/or budgetary
proposals.
The
recently issued DOB Bulletin summarizes the requirements of the order; further
clarifies parameters of the order’s requirements; and details agencies’
compliance obligations under the order. You can read the bulletin here:
http://www.budget.ny.gov/guide/bprm/bulletins/b-1187.html
VALUABLE INFORMATION ON RIF PROCESS POSTED ON THE PEF WEB-SITE -
http://www.pef.org/contract_resources/index.htm
3/24/2009
PAYMENT DATES
ESTABLISHED
The NYS Office of the
State Comptroller (OSC) has issued the payroll bulletins for the April 2009
contractually negotiated raises. The base salary changes (including the
3% raise, increments, merit advances) will take effect March 26 (check date
April 23) for Institution payroll and April 2 (check date April 29) for the
Administrative payroll.
Longevity checks are separate
from payroll checks and will be distributed on April 15 Admin payroll and April
23 Institution Payroll. The OSC
bulletins have all been posted on the compensation” page of PEF’s
ContractResourceCenter:
http://www.pef.org/contract_resources/index.htm
|
|
||
|
PEF VP and CONTRACT
NEGOTIATIONS CHAIRPERSON
Louis
G. (Lou) Matrazzo, 58, of Anthony Road, Clifton Park, died suddenly this
past Thursday morning, March 19, 2009 at Albany Medical Center, after
being stricken. Born in Troy, November 5, 1950, son of Anthony and
Lillian Castelli Matrazzo. A graduate of Mechanicville High School,
class of 1968, and Hudson Valley Community College, he was employed at
the NYS Department of Health as a information technology specialist IV
at the Albany campus. Lou had been a fixture at PEF over the last decade
as a steward, executive board member, Albany area regional coordinator,
vice president and chair of the 2007 – 2001 PEF Contract Committee. |
||
Lou lived life to its fullest. As a union advocate he exhibited extraordinary
courage, honesty, and passion. Lou was a man of strong convictions. The gains
made in the 2007 – 2011 contract negotiations are just some of the fruits of his
labor. All said and done, though,
Lou will probably be remembered best by those of us who knew him for the love
and dedication he showed those dear to him; especially his daughter Michelle.
Donations in Lou’s memory may be made to the
Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York
965 Albany Shaker Road
Latham, NY 12110
Expressions of sympathy can be sent to Lou’s daughter
Michelle:
Michelle Matrazzo
In Care Of Mary Grace Parker (Lou’s Sister)
146 Cheese Factory Road
Greenwich, NY 12834
CIVIL SERVICE EXAM FEES
(From the PEF Information Line for
Monday March 18, 2009)
In January, the state Department of Civil Service announced
as part of its budget effort, plans to impose fees for promotional exams and
increase the fees for open competitive exams for new examination announcements
issued after March 13, and effective for exams administered on or after May 30.
PEF is currently evaluating its options under the PS&T
Agreement and Taylor Law to determine its recourse to challenge these fees, as
they may be subject to a contract grievance or improper practice charge. Updates
will continue as information becomes available.
If you have a question about the new promotion examination
fees, contact PEF’s Civil Service Enforcement/Research Department or the
Contract Administration Department at 1-800-342-4306.
Public Service Workshops
Program: Recently Announced Workshops—3/23/09
For New York State Employees in
the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (PS&T) Unit
(MC employees may be
permitted to attend workshops if space is available.)
To reference full workshop
details and to register go to: NYSLearn at
http://goer.state.ny.us/nyslearn
|
|
|
- Network Basics This workshop is designed for computer professionals
who need a basic introduction to the main components of a computer
network. Participants will learn about key terms and services, such as
DNS, DHCP, and Active Directory. Participants also will examine network
infrastructure components, such as routers, switches, and cabling.
Specific troubleshooting techniques will be demonstrated. Date/Time: 6/3/2009; 9 AM – 4 PM; Location:
University at Albany, Albany, NY Registration Deadline: 5/20/2009 |
This workshop will cover the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and its
impact on New York State employees. It will provide a review of key provisions
of the act, including the scope of the term "issuer" (public companies whose
stock is traded on an exchange, or "Over-The-Counter"); strengthening of audit
committees; improper influence on audits; internal financial controls; code of
ethics; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
certification of disclosure; other disclosure enhancements, such as off-balance
sheet transactions; substantive transactional provisions, such as forfeiture by
an issuer’s CEO and CFO of any bonuses, or incentive compensation; accurate,
complete, and timely determination of materiality and disclosure obligations;
fair representation of financial condition and results; high quality audit and
review of public company financial statements; preventing conflict of interest;
and proper retention of audit documents and records.
Dates/Time: 5/19/2009; 9 AM – 4 PM; Location: Pace
University, New York, NY
Registration Deadline: 5/5/2009
This two-day workshop explores the impact of situational
leadership on management problem solving. Topics include participatory
management and motivational tactics; effects of dwindling resources on an
organization; the need for time management; and re-engineering approaches when
faced with reduced resources.
Dates/Time: 6/3/2009 & 6/10/2009; 9 AM – 4 PM; Location: Pace
University, New York, NY
Registration Deadline: 5/20/2009
PEF Education Department
Phone #- 1-800-342-4306 ext. 240
e-mail -
kloccisano@pef.org
1/27/2009
LET'S "GET ACTIVE"!
PEF utilizes "GET ACTIVE" software allowing our members and supporters to easily
communicate with policy makers. The program also allows each letter to be
personalized / edited by each participant and when final it is automatically
faxed or emailed to the addressed policy maker(s). Here are three "GET
ACTIVE" Campaigns we are currently asking our members and supporters to
participate in. If you haven't joined the thousands who have already
participated in these actions please do so today!
-
Jump start our economy NOW! Urge Congress to Pass an Economic Recovery Package!
NY State faces a deficit of over $13 billion in 2009. Governor Paterson
has proposed cutting over 3,000 state jobs. This will further hurt our
economy. NY State needs Federal aid to avoid these cuts as well as drastic
cuts to schools, healthcare and state services.
http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/jump_start_our_economy
- There is a Better Way: Merge ESDC and NYSTAR into
DED
The 2009-10 Executive Budget
proposes merging the Department of Economic Development (DED) and the Foundation
for Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR) into the Empire State
Development Corporation (ESDC) creating the ultimate off-budget shadow agency.
Most of the employees would be non-civil service, and eventually all of the
employees could become non-civil service and lose union representation. In
addition job reductions could fall disproportionately on state employees at DED
and NYSTAR.
PEF
supports a DED-led merger, which protects the civil service and union rights of
employees, while achieving the benefits of consolidation. With DED at the
head, public accountability will not be sacrificed. PEF also supports
restoration of funds to prevent the layoff of economic development professionals
in DED and NYSTAR.
http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/ded_merger
- Stop The Governor's Giveback Proposals
The middle class - public
employees in particular - will be squeezed if the Governor's Executive Budget is
enacted. Instead of shared sacrifice, public employees who have already
borne the brunt of deficit reduction actions to date would be targeted once
again with a devastating combination of salary and benefit reductions, on top of
new and increased taxes and fees which will which fall disproportionately on
middle class New Yorkers. We must contact our legislators and urge them to
reject budget proposals that would reduce public employee salary and benefits
such as eliminating negotiated pay increases and lagging our payroll, which
together would reduce our salary by an average of $3100 per employee in 2009.
We must also fight against reductions to a state workforce that is already
stretched thin. The budget reduces the state workforce by over 3000
positions, including over 500 by layoff.
http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/2009_10ExecutiveBudget
|
BUDGET FIGHT-BACK FACT SHEETS - 2009 |
|
|
|
Dept. of
Environmental Conservation
Dept. of
Correctional Services
Manhattan Addiction
Treatment Center |
||
PSWP (Public Service Workshops Program:
Recently Announced Workshops 1/23/09)
For New York State Employees in the Professional, Scientific and Technical
Services (PS&T) Unit (MC employees may be permitted to attend workshops if space
is available.)
The recently scheduled PSWP workshops below are grouped by region, and then
listed in chronological order by class date. Enroll now to prevent workshop
cancellation due to low enrollment. To reference full workshop details and to
register go to: NYSLearn at
http://goer.state.ny.us/nyslearn
CAPITAL DISTRICT
-
State Environmental Quality Review: An Overview
This workshop provides an
overview of environmental policy in New York State as it relates to the
purchase, sale, or leasing of real property. Participants will learn what
triggers SEQRA, how to do a preliminary inspection, and complete an
Environmental Assessment Form. Significant issues arising under the SEQRA and
current cases will also be discussed.
Date/Time: 3/16/2009; 9 AM - 4 PM; Location: Albany Law School, Albany, NY
Registration Deadline: 2/27/2009
-
Professional Presentation Skills
This workshop is designed for individuals who speak at or moderate meetings,
deliver presentations, or participate in panel discussions. Participants will
explore the guidelines for crafting and making effective presentations,
the importance and role of the speaker, and how to manage nervousness associated
with speaking in public. Topics include the organization and development of a
presentation, an analysis of voice and diction skills, audience interaction,
awareness of body language, effective listening, use of visual aids, and the
role of humor.
Date/Time: 4/2/2009; 9 AM - 4 PM; Location: Sage College of Albany,
Albany, NY
Registration Deadline: 3/17/2009
-
Investigative Interviewing
This workshop examines techniques for interviewing subjects for purposes of
fact-finding and obtaining information about compliance, fraud, and abuse.
It is designed for individuals who testify in administrative hearings or other
proceedings. Topics include discussion of legal parameters, strategies for
handling reluctant and hostile interviewees, and the importance of accurate
field notes. The workshop focuses on interviewing external witnesses involved in
underlying cases. Scenarios such as interviewing an office worker in a
Medicaid Fraud investigation or the school nurse in a child abuse case will be
included.
Date/Time: 5/19/2009; 9 AM - 4 PM; Location: Albany Law School, Albany, NY
Registration Deadline: 5/1/2009
CENTRAL REGION
- Conflict
Resolution
In this interactive workshop, participants have an opportunity to improve their
skills in dealing with and managing conflict. The workshop provides practical
tools and techniques for conflict management and dispute resolution. Topics
include conflict theory, to individual styles for resolving conflict,
differentiating between positions and interests, and determining how differences
impact communication. The focus is upon making the participants more effective
problem solvers.
Date/Time: 3/19/2009; 9 AM - 4 PM; Location: Binghamton University, Binghamton,
NY
Registration Deadline: 3/3/2009
NEW
YORK CITY REGION
- The Sarbanes-Oxley Act for Auditors
This workshop will cover the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act and its impact on New York State employees. It will provide a
review of key provisions of the act, including the scope of the term "issuer"
(public companies whose stock is traded on an exchange, or "Over-The-Counter");
strengthening of audit committees; improper influence on audits; internal
financial controls; code of ethics; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief
Financial Officer (CFO) certification of disclosure; other disclosure
enhancements, such as off-balance sheet transactions; substantive transactional
provisions, such as forfeiture by an issuer?s CEO and CFO of any bonuses, or
incentive compensation; accurate, complete, and timely determination of
materiality and disclosure obligations; fair representation of financial
condition and results; high quality audit and review of public company financial
statements; preventing conflict of interest; and proper retention of audit
documents and records.
Date/Time: 3/3/2009; 9 AM - 4 PM; Location: Pace University, New York, NY
Registration Deadline: 2/13/2009
eHEALH Beat: UnitedHealth Care
Must Overhaul Databases Used to Pay Non-par Claims
New York state attorney general Andrew Cuomo has ordered
UnitedHealth Care (UHC) to overhaul the Reasonable and Customary (R&C) Charge
databases it uses to determine how much to pay when an enrollee uses a
non-participating provider. Ingenix, a subsidiary of UHC, controls the
databases.
Many other health insurance carriers use Ingenix databases to
pay claims. The attorney general's office said, by using these databases, the
health insurance industry had engaged in 'a scheme to defraud consumers' by
systematically underpaying patients. A one-year investigation found the data had
understated the true market rates of medical care by as much as 28%.
The order to overhaul the R&C databases is part of a
settlement with UHC. It requires the creation of a new, independently operated
database, to be run by a university to be determined. UHC will pay $50 million
to create the new database. In the interim, Ingenix is allowed to continue
operating. No criminal charges have been sought in the case, nor was UHC
required to pay restitution to consumers.
When choosing a health care provider, Empire Plan enrollees
should keep in mind that using an in-network or par provider is the least costly
option. Enrollees only have to pay a copayment, if any. When a non-network or
non-par provider is used, the enrollee has to satisfy a deductible and pay
coinsurance, plus any balance exceeding the R&C charge.
The strength of PEF is dependent on the participation of an active informed membership. Action without timely, accurate information is misguided. Information undelivered is unheard and unheeded. The PEF Member Mobilizer Network and the PEF AIM E-Mail Network for Active Informed Members get information to all members quickly and economically. Register/Volunteer for one or both networks at PEFonline@pef.org
