Statement of PEF President Ken Brynien

ALBANY, NY (09/30/2011)(readMedia)-- "The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) is prepared to meet with the state to discuss how we can alter the tentative contract agreement that our members rejected," said PEF President Ken Brynien.

"I heard the governor's willingness to have open communication with us and I am encouraged the governor is willing to hear our ideas. At this time, we see no evidence to suggest that a revote would result in an different outcome.

"We are anxious to discuss with the governor's negotiators how we can reach an agreement my members are willing to ratify while preserving state services and meeting the savings the state requires.

"Our team remains in place, ready and willing to meet with the governor's negotiators. We are now in the process of making those arrangements," Brynien said.

The governor discussed the tentative agreement during an interview this morning on The Capitol Press Room with Susan Arbetter.

PEF is the state's second-largest state-employee union, representing 56,000 professional, scientific and technical (PS&T) employees and other public and private employees. The contract covers the PS&T employees.