State Workers to rally statewide to protest lack of respect and layoffs and to call for a fair contract

ALBANY, NY (06/17/2011)(readMedia)-- Thousands of state workers will gather at 13 different locations across the state to send a message to Governor Cuomo asking for fairness and respect. The rallies are 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. Leaders of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) entered into good-faith bargaining 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 on the union's offers. PEF's proposal was fair and would achieve the savings needed to avoid layoffs and preserve vital services.

The statewide day of action will be held Monday, June 20, 2011, at the following locations:

ALBANY - 12 pm, West Capitol Park

BUFFALO - 12 pm, Ellicott Square Building - 295 Main Street

SYRACUSE - 12 pm, State Office Building - 333 East Washington Street

WATERTOWN - 12 pm, Dulles State Office Building - 317 Washington Street

BINGHAMTON - 12 pm, State Office Building - 44 Hawley Street

HORNELL - 3:30 pm, DOT Main Office - 107 Broadway

ELMIRA - 4:30 pm, Senator O'Mara's Office - 333 East Water Street

POUGHKEEPSIE - 12 pm, DOT State Office Building

UTICA - 12 pm, State Office Building - 207 Genesee Street

MANHATTAN - 12 pm, Governor's Office - 633 3rd Avenue

ROCHESTER - 12 pm, Rochester Psychiatric Center - 1111 Elmwood Avenue

MALONE - 3:30 pm, Malone PEF Office - 7 Finney Blvd.

HAUPPAUGE - 12 pm, Hauppauge State Office Building