State Workers Protest Lack of Respect, Layoffs and Call for a Fair Contract

ALBANY, NY (06/20/2011)(readMedia)-- Thousands of state workers gathered at 13 different locations across the state today to send a message to Governor Cuomo asking for fairness and respect. The rallies were in response to the announcement last week that thousands of state jobs will be cut. The governor has threatened to eliminate 9,800 positions if $450 million in work force savings could not be met.

"These rallies are as much about respect as they are about our jobs, the services we provide and our contract," said PEF President Ken Brynien.

The rallies were held in Albany, Buffalo, Binghamton, Elmira, Hauppauge, Hornell, Malone, Manhattan, Poughkeepsie, Rochester, Syracuse, Utica and Watertown.

"The governor has stated time and again that he wants to work with the unions, and we are willing to work with him where we can, but I don't think his negotiators are on the same page as he is," Brynien said.

Leaders of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) began negotiations with the state March 16. The state offered the union one contract proposal. PEF returned with a counter proposal and continues to await a formal response from the state. PEF's proposal was fair and would achieve the savings needed to avoid layoffs and preserve vital services.

"Since the state's fiscal crisis began in 2008, 15,000 state jobs have been eliminated. Most agencies are beyond bare bones and services are already at the breaking point," Brynien added.

Brynien reminded the crowd in Albany that even if a contract agreement is reached and the $450 million in savings realized, the governor has indicated he will still eliminate nearly 1,800 jobs as he closes facilities and consolidates agencies.

"If the layoffs are allowed to happen, state services will be decimated. We will continue to fight to make sure that doesn't happen and the citizens of this state continue to receive the quality services they need and deserve," Brynien said.

PEF is the state's second-largest state-employee union, representing 56,000 professional, scientific and technical employees.