AFT's Weingarten, PEF's Kent on 'Poor Word Choices' by Some at PEF Rally

ALBANY, NY (01/31/2014)(readMedia)-- Statement by American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten and New York State Public Employees Federation President Susan M. Kent on "poor word choices" by some at PEF's Jan. 29 rally in Albany:

"New York's public employees raised serious issues at this week's rally about the state's need to invest, not privatize or outsource, essential public services. The poor word choices, which resulted from the passion expressed by some, diverted the attention away from the legitimate concerns of the more than 500 hardworking mental-health workers, correctional officers, caregivers for developmentally-disabled individuals, administrative personnel and others who attended the rally to call for substantive dialogue with the governor about the direction we need to take the Empire State so that it serves all its citizens well, especially the most vulnerable among us."