Welcome To PEF Families

I am a PEF member and NYState worker for over 35 years. I know many of my colleagues are not aware that another Cuomo, Mario, caused a lot of turmoil shortly after winning the election in the 1980's. In fact that was the first and only time I had ever received a "pink slip" That experience followed me all these years, even though the layoffs were rescinded at the last minute. I fully anticipated the same scenario for my colleagues these many years later. I want to let everyone know that I voted "YES" to the contract despite not receiving a lay-off notice. Many veterans of NY State do care what happens to our co-workers and are willing to make many sacrifices to save our friends and colleagues the anguish and despair of losing a job. I urge veteran state workers to stand with those who will suffer the most and vote "YES" the second time around. The rest of it can be dealt with later. The most important thing we can do is save our jobs... and that means everyone's.

Reading comments from state employees that will or will not be laid off is sad. A union is supposed to be a source of strength not stubbornness, greed and give me. So many will suffer from these layoffs but I must wonder how we got to this point. It is my thought the state management hired far to many people and created far to many "unnecessary" positions because money was available in earlier years. State management would clearly be the target and should be hardest hit due to there poor decision making ability in better years. Less management wouldn't hurt. From reading the remarks from those who will be forced to leave most are have a conscience and do very good work and are quite proud of there work. Most of there family budgets are already strained and doing with less seems to be the rule, now they will be doing with nothing, which is quite impossible. The greed of some with seniority and vote who refuse to aid there brothers and sisters sickens me and leaves me thinking that they are terrible union members and just poor character individuals that I DO NOT WANT working for this state or sitting next to me in church. If you choose no compromise please live well in your greed knowing this taxpayer dislikes you and hopes it's your good fortune and greed that are attack next. Yes the state will look at you next and those more senior then you may offer you the same fate, what goes around comes around. A union is about solidarity and compromise not greed and to hell with my coworkers. Cold weather, Thanksgiving, and Christmas is coming, happy holidays to all those who refuse to compromise, I do hope you can live with your decision.

A Concerned New York State Taxpayer

As a 29 year PEF State employee I strongly encourage a revote. This is with the spirit of making the saving of 3,500 members' jobs a priority at this point. The message has been sent that there is not overwhelming acceptance of the contract. But now it is time to accept reality. Considering the current economic climate the contract is liveable and in comparison to most of our counterparts in local and private sector agencies we still have relatively stronger salaries and benefits.

Most of us are human services workers. Let's show some humanity and save trauma and hardship to 3500 of our own.

Thank you.

Me and my family are being effected by this layoff as I am one of the 3500 members losing their jobs. I live in the North country (above Albany, ADK) which doesn't have many options for jobs. I am willing to make some sacrifices to save all our jobs of course mine too. Attached is a pic of my kids us will take the brunt of these layoffs.

Thank you so much for reaching out. We all have stories and none of them are pretty. I suspect that many of us in

the 3500 rely upon our jobs and income, don't just work for spending money.I am a single mother of two children.

I recently separated from my husband, who, Thank God is very supportive as we face this trial. During my tenure

with the state, three years, I have dealt with my separation. Then, I saw my own doctor's with certain complaints.

I will abbreviate the story, but during the last year I have been treated for cancer, while working full time and more

than meeting the expectations of my position. Now, I recently began treatment for Multiple Sclerosis, again while

working full time and more than meeting the expectations of my position. I can beat cancer and cope with MS.

My children have been veritable troopers through all of this. It is difficult to face that something as simple as a

paycheck might beat us. Lastly, I wish to point out that in my position, my successes SAVE the taxpayer dollars

in entitlement monies that aren't used or needed. I help people to find appropriate employment after they have

applied for entitlement monies. In my mind, everyone is losing by laying me and people like me off. We are not

dollar signs. We are here to produce and provide much needed services. It is difficult to see the layoff lists when

it appears that the majority of the layoff "victims" are direct service providers. The state workforce is too fat, but there

are plenty of people willing to retire thereby taking their much higher incomes with them. It frustrates me that this

option isn't being considered.

Thank you for a forum by which to tell my story. I know there are more stories and people facing more harsh realities

than I am. I hope that others will find this a place to share.

Barbara

I can tell you what will happen to me. I will lose my residence. Unemployment will bring me well over a $1,000 less per month and I will no longer be able to afford my housing costs. I will lose my health insurance, which means I will not be able to afford medications that I desperately need. I likely will not qualify for any cut rate or state program health insurance since in their infinite wisdom, someone on unemployment makes too much money. The list goes on and on of disastrous effects this will cause in my life. Also, the fact that I am provisional and that I am not being laid off, I am being terminated, will also have serious effects. I don't expect or need a pity party but its just tough to know all of this could have been avoided.

PEF did a horrible job throughout this entire contract debacle. Instead of coming up with realistic ways that we could make concessions that we could live with, the leaderships imply harped on about not taking from us but taking from the "high priced consultants" used by NYS. While this is a great argument and should be part of the solution to get the state out of the cellar, it was never going to be a realistic option. Then when the Governor paid this no mind and didn't even really respond to it whatsoever, much less consider it, did PEF change their approach and try some other idea that might have more success? Nope right onward with the same argument to the very end, even after the 9/28/11 layoff notices, Brynein was quoted still harping on about this obvious, lost cause.

As I said at the outset, people should vote their conscience. However, if we are really a union, if we are really like family, then the following argument should ring true. It is my belief that we have two choices. PEF is going to be hurt, not being hurt is not an option. So we can choose to spread that hurt out amongst us ALL, and ALL lose a little OR we can make a smaller portion of us suffer and be completely devastated and left with next to nothing. It should be obvious what I believe the right thing to do is. Good luck to everyone and if the worst happens, I hope those who are effected land on their feet and persevere.

Anonymous

I am one of the state employees who received the impersonal layoff notice through e-mail. A supervisor in Albany called my personal cell phone after hours to let me know to expect the e-mail. I thought she was being nice but tlaterlearned they were all told to get a hold of us by any means, even if they were out of office, out sick or on vacation. NICE! I never received an official copy of the notice.

People in my office won't make eye contact and seem to be avoiding me- perhaps because they feel guility or are just uncomfortable. I am one of the employees in our office that absolutely loves my job and gives 100%. So now, we sit in limbo praying that the Layoffs will be retracted so that our families don't go thru the stress of losing income and what the future might hold. I have also sacrificed time with my family while working at Disaster Relief Centers over the past few weeks. My last day is scheduled at Center which we were told was Top Priority by the Governor.

With an adult daughter who is learning disabled and a son who just went away to college, my income is crucial at this stage in our life. My son also has a chronic incurable disease which requires lifelong medication and treatment. We depend on the state health insurance. If laid off, we may have to go to my husband's plan which is twice as much if not more, than the state's plan. This is the reality- many private plans are much more than the state's plan even including the proposed increases in the contract which was voted down...

Being that I have less than 2 years state service, I am not optimistic that I will be able to transfer to another state department- especially since 3500 other state employees are in that pool hoping to transfer. With 9 1/2 % Unemployment rate, I guess, instead of being a contribuing member of the community, I will go on Unemployment for 1st time , request more aid for my son in college, and spend a lot less in my community so that our family can get by. If we all end up doing that, look how much more taxpayers will have to come up with to support the thousands of additional unemployed and underinsured in New York State.

I really hope people who didn't vote last time will vote now that they are seeing and hearing the impact of the layoffs on their friends, families and fellow union brothers and sisters, I am also hopeful that some of the previous NO voters will reconsider their vote so that so many lives are not devastated by the layoffs.

Proud State Employee from Western New York

Thanks Pete for putting up this website so folks will know how this is going to affect more than just the 3500 folks laid off like myself.

The economic reality of this is a true disaster waiting to happen. Personally I know I'll be ok but there are folks out there that stand to loose everything they have worked for in the last 20 years.

The word UNION means we stick together and should all help one another out. There are folks that will vote NO out of spite and not look at the big picture I hope this site reminds our fellow union members that it could have been them on the other side of the stick.

Mike

First of all thanks for creating this site. I am a retiree and was sad to see the tentative agreement voted down. Although I seem set, I am willing to make concessions because it is so heartbreaking to see people out of work. These will be the younger workers who are energetic and committed and probably have started having families and now have no job. Please understand all of the wonderful benefits you do have and save the jobs of others Thanks.

Ron

This is my son Joshua. I am a grade 28 referee being displaced from Suffolk County to Brooklyn.due to the contract failure. This changes my commute from twenty mínutes each way to almost one hour and foury five plus 350 a month in commuting costs. I urge people to vote yes

I am a younger laid off employee with less than 5 years of service. I have a new home that will be lost and a family that will be destroyed. It's hard to make sense of this all, particulary because the titles being cut in my agency produce many times the revenue that they cost to employ. The State will see a net loss for laying us off. And of course, the CSEA support staff will remain, with no PEF titles to support. None of it makes any sense. I beg the no voters to consider the 3500 devasted families if we are given the opportunity for a revote.

Anonymous

I work at the Tax Dept, and my whole unit was essentially eradicated by the layoffs. That's nearly 40 people sent packing. And, for the record, I voted YES on the contract. I have 15 years of state service, I am 51 years old, the father of three, in a single income family, with a mortgage and large student loan balance (I went back to school later in life to hElp better myself and my family).

I didn't know what to tell my family the day I received my notice. I sat in the office stunned all afternoon after most people went home in despair. When I wondered where my son was for his piano lessons (which we have had to stop), he was in his bed in tears. We all believed that my many years of state service would protect us from layoffs, yet I still voted YES. We are talking about people's lives, and I would never want to take a chance on sending a fellow co-worker into the street. People in my office with anywhere from 5 to 25 years of service are outright gone!! No fallback, no nothing. To completely wipe out that many people in one unit, a revenue generating unit at that, makes no sense at all. The taxpaying public should be aware of this drastic measure.

I believe the 30% who didn't vote the first time around, and perhaps many of those who voted NO, might be more inclined to pass this deal with the knowledge of how it will affect their PEF brethren.

On behalf of my entire family, I ask all of you to vote YES for the sake of each other.

Thank you,

Pain is hard to describe when it comes to telling how it feels. To think that this day would have been realized never entered my mind when I gave up my permanent state item for a provisional item leaves me feeling violated. The mortgage, college bill, basic needs, extended family in this economy takes a lot of inner strength to think like and optimist.

Keti Colbert

I work at the DOT as a civil engineer. I took this job because I thought it would provide my family with stability. The ramifications of losing my job are terrifying. Not only is the job market bad, this layoff impacted many civil engineers so the competition will be fierce. I urge my fellow PEF members to consider their fallen comrades if there is a re-vote. We need our jobs!!!

Heather

Last month my wife was laid off. This month I was. We have a2-year-old daughter.I understand there are many reasons

to vote down the contract. Butright now, the union has to stick together. I would feel the same even if I wasn't laid off.

Anonymous.

I guess I still sit here in disbelief. I've only worked for the State for a little over four years, but I've always believed that I made the right decision in working there. I was one of those women who put their life on hold for a few years for their children, and then decided to go back to school and get my Masters while in my 30's. I had a father who retired from the federal government, so when I was offered a job with the State, I thought the stability and benefits would last me until my retirement. I opted for a State job because I wanted to make a difference. I know we all hear about these kinds of stories, but I honestly mean it when I say it. I've personally saved the taxpayers millions of dollars in just the last couple of years, and when I look at my open audits I see another 2.5 million that will be received after I am let go. You ask how much I make a year? $44,000, that's what I make. I have a $800 a month student loan payment (that will be paid off just before my first son goes to college in 9 years), and a mortgage payment of $1,000. I do not spend money on extravagant things, I never have, and never will. I live in a small home with huge taxes, but I still do not complain because I chose to live here. I live for my children, because that's what my parents did for me, and that's what we are put on this earth to do.

I've sat in my cubicle at work for the last week hearing everyone talk about how they voted no to the contract, and for the first time in a long time I've started to have a voice. I work for an agency that is very top heavy. I would guess that 75% of the individuals are eligible for retirement, or within the next three years will be. Most of these individuals are a grade 23 and above, and yes they are looking out for their future, but I do not believe that it is realistic to vote no in this economy.

I was pulled into my manager's office yesterday late in the day to get the official news from her. I heard the word sorry twenty times in total (trust me I was counting), but knew in the back of my head that she had voted no to the contract. I sat there for about fifteen minutes as I looked around her office at the pictures of her family at their beach house, and finally looked her in the eyes and said "do you really know what this is going to do to my family?" She did not answer me, but once again responded with a polite "I'm so sorry". My husband lost his job of thirteen years close to five years ago, and still cannot find permanent work. He works part-time for another State agency making $12 an hour, and we work around my schedule because we cannot afford daycare for our two children. We will not be able to continue to live in our home, and despite our hard times in the past, I am proud to say I have never been late on a payment in my entire life. As soon as I got home from work yesterday I canceled our Time Warner cable account. I plan on canceling one of our cell phones and putting one of our vehicles up for sale next week. Even if this contract is voted down again, I truly believe that I'll be laid off in the near future no matter what happens. All of these choices I can control, but unfortunately if there is a second vote, it is out of my control.

My co-workers and manager cannot relate to what is happening to all of us, but before my last day of October 28th, be sure that I will get the word accross about how this is impacting all of us.

Anonymous

I have a beautiful wife and two beautiful children, 6 and 8 years of age. My job is our main source of income, however on the 19th of October this income will disappear completely and I will have to explain to my children why their father isn't going to work anymore. You may not only be displacing co-workers but you may also be displacing children, causing them to be uprooted during the most formative periods in their lives, taking them away from their families as many will most likely have to travel to find work in the worst job market in over 80 years. Ignore the rhetoric and talking points and ask yourself these questions; "Would I be willing to go on strike without pay for these concessions if it was an option?" or "Will I be able to live with a decision that had a gravely negative long term impact on families and my union?".

In numbers there is great strength. When a union is willing to push 7-10% of membership onto their swords for small monetary concessions, that unions days are numbered. If you vote no, do not wonder why there is nobody left to fight in front of you, do not wonder how they made it to your title after the doors of privatization are swung open with a rejection of another contract.

The economic times that we are living in are uncharted territory and should not be compared to previous experiences. Please realize this; in the end, your decision will have an enormous impact on this union, in the end your decision will have an impact that will be felt for decades by people and families across the state.

~Buffalo, NY

What I'm reading here is just tragic! Real people with real families are going to suffer in extraordinary ways if these layoffs proceed! My family will be hit hard and while my spouse will still be employed, with both of us having advanced degrees - we've paid mightily toward student loans as neither of us had assistance from our extended families. Approaching 40, I still have about $30,000 of student loan debt and when taking our other bills into consideration, we will need to cut everything that is not absolutely necessary - in order to keep afloat on our mortgage and car expenses. I really feel for people here who have everything on the line because in this economy (the worst since the Great Depression) the likelihood of reemployment - when thousands of other highly employable people are unemployed - is slim to none. The private sector simply cannot absorb the 3500 plus people who will be affected! This means more foreclosures and desperation! We need to support each other and our UNION - and come together to pass a contract - which will not be perfect - but will keep our members in their homes and out of the unemployment line!

I am a 20 year employee who is not immediately affected by the layoffs. My decision on the contract vote was one I struggled with for a long time. As did others, I had to struggle with personal monetary loss, the impact to respected co-workers preparing to retire, and the potential impact on bright, hard working, younger co-workers. I am open minded enough to understand all sides of this difficult situation. But, in the end, I could not in good conscience vote to put people out of work in an economy that is bleeding. I qualify that by saying perhaps my position would have been different if I were a year away from retirement.

I don't think it was a case of selfishness for those that voted no. I think it was a case of fear of the unknown. A yes vote guaranteed furloughs, higher health care cost and significant changes to benefits for retirements that in some cases are right around the corner. All this in an economy that is failing with everyone struggling to meet financial obligations. And a yes vote brought all this on without the certainty that no more will be laid off. A no vote quaranteed that people would go out on the streets. Some of the brightest, program changing minds that this State employs would be jobless; our friends and co-workers. I opted to have faith in the saying, we have nothing to fear but fear itself. So I voted yes.

I applaud your efforts to tell the other side of the contract story. The vote no contingent was strong. I urge all union members to give thought to all the positions and have a clear understanding of the facts before voting. No one takes satisfaction in seeing co-workers getting laid off. No one is that heartless. And no one wants to see co-workers who have dedicated their lives to the people of this state get slighted in their retirement. Let's have compassion and respect for each other, regardless of differing views.

Again, thanks for your efforts!

Anonymous

Just want to let you know that there are many people who do care and think what is happening is tragic, heartbreaking

and unnecessary. Below is the note I sen my union rep as soon as I found out about the layoffs.Sent: Saturday,

October 01, 2011 8:15 PM To: my union rep Subject: We should do anything possible to save people's jobs

Hi,

I do not want anyone to lose their job. Therefore I think the contract should be resubmitted for another vote.. Hopefully when people realize that by voting in the contract they can save people's jobs they will do so. It should be made clear that voting for the contract will save the jobs of our fellow union workers.

Personally, I think it is a very small sacrifice when you can save someone's job.

thanks,

I am a single mom with a beautiful daughter from China. She is counting on me (and only me)...I cannot let her down. I understand that everyone has a right to vote the contract as they wish and I respect that. I am imploring any voters who did not vote, assuming the contract would pass, to please vote to ratify a contract which will hopefully be presented to us soon. I am literally sick with the prospect of unemployment and my daughter having to go without.

Thank you.

Anonymous

I am one of those who originally voted no. After figuring the losses, I decided that I couldn't take that much of a hit. What I wasn't ready for was the carnage that has happened in the days afterwards, particularly because I work in a revenue generating agency that has until now been relatively immune to layoffs. Seeing people in your own agency devastated by the loss of their jobs changes one's perspective. Reading posts on PEF's Facebook page and on this website from good, hard-working, decent people who for all intents and purposes are begging for their jobs so their lives won't be destroyed makes one realize exactly how good you have it. We must save these jobs. Our time to fight will come another day. For now we must do what is right.

Joe

Dear No Voters,

I moved back to Syracuse to take a state job, thinking that it would be a safe and secure decision. I am one of 3 Landscape Architects in the state being affected. My husband and I bought a house, had a child, and thought we were making a good choice. I put myself through college and grad school and have acquired student debt, but it was all so I could get a good job. I thought I had that. Now, I am committed to living in Central New York to raise my son, but returning to the private sector is not going to be easy. With no development, there isn't a lot of work to be had for my profession. I am a licensed professional that will now be forced to collect unemployment. But the one who will suffer is my son. I was saving money for him so he wouldn't have the college debt I have, but now that won't be possible.

Sincerely, Erin.

I'm a single dad to the most beautiful and wonderful little girl in the world. I'm honest and not in the least bit hyperbolic. You see, I should know I'm a scientist and I've taken all the appropriate measurements and I'm not, even in the slightest sense, biased.

How I will be able to support my daughter once I'm laid off is the greatest fear for me. I can't afford my apartment on unemployment. How am I going to make child support payments? Will her mother now be able to keep her house? How will this effect my little girl? No father wants to put their children in a situation where their futures are compromised. It appears I did just that when I started working for the State nine and a half years ago. I have a unique title and I was effectively recruited in based upon my expertise. In coming to work for the State, I took a pay cut because I knew what I was doing was important and protects people. Unfortunately, I was chosen from some spread sheet in Cuomo's office because my being laid off wouldn't effect CSEA and given the ax. No consideration for anyone or the programs involved. It's one thing to have your entire career destroyed, it's entirely different thing when your child's welfare is on the line.

Now, I hear some of my supposed PEF "brothers and sisters" are going to vote down anything they are presented with. Some of the reasons I hear include how they aren't going to get raises every year or that the furloughs are "too much". They talk about how they won't be able to support their families. A lot of talk coming from people who still have jobs. Try supporting your family with no income. Shameful and hypocritical! These people, I'm sorry to say, do not stand with me and my fellow laid off brothers and sisters. Despite what these people say and do, they are throwing us under the bus in the belief it will benefit themselves. Instead of fighting for their coworkers, these people sit around, create false spreadsheets, and start conspiracy theories and lies. I've even heard a PEF Division 392 Council Leader claim we'll all loose our health insurance if this contract is passed! Then, she turned around and said the layoffs "don't matter"! These lies are not even false -- they lack anything resembling a grain of truth! Then they say, the "real" fight is with SAGE. So what if it is? How is sacrificing my job and the welfare of my daughter going to, in any way, help PEF "fight" SAGE? It won't SAGE will happen with or without a contract. All our layoffs will do is weaken the Union and, afterward, weaken its ability to fight should SAGE start eliminating the people who eliminated us by refusing to compromise.

About my title: my departure will, effectively, end a profitable mandated Department of Health program. A program that protects people in all walks of life and a program I to which I had dedicated my career. Now, it is destined to perish because my lab will no longer have the number of people it needs to function. We are now at the bare minimum of employees needed to function. So, my being laid off will harm the people of the State. Cuomo's layoffs will have long reaching and detrimental effects on the health of the people of New York.

Unless the majority of the PEF membership starts learning the real meaning of Solidarity, everyone is on the block. Some seem to believe that steadfastly refusing to compromise will somehow benefit them. They really fail to see the forest through the trees. Yes, there will be fights in the future. Unfortunately, there's a lot of "I'm thinking about me" mentality out there and very little "I'm thinking about us". As long as that remains the dominant thinking, more will be laid off. More will feel what I'm feeling. Go through the sleepless nights worrying about paying for the necessities of life. Have to lie and tell their children everything is alright. These uncompromising "no" voters are doing precisely what they claim the "yes" voters are doing -- sacrificing the long term for the short term. They are more concerned about 3 years without raises (remember, however, step increases were still in the contract) than the potential of the life-long and productive careers that are being erased. They are more interested in padding their pensions over a 4 or 5 year period than preserving the Union and what it stands for -- Solidarity! These people are not Union members, they are Union users.

Negotiations are about compromise. All you "no" voters, think about that when you say you're perfectly happy ending mine and others careers and harming our childrens future. Hell, even Cuomo's negotiating and he's the bad guy! What does that make you?

I am still livid over the rejection of the contract. The reason I voted “Yes” was to stop the torture of PEF members who were facing layoffs or the prospect of relocating. Granted, some members felt the contract was an insult, and voted “No.” Some voted “No” as a matter of principle. Still others felt they wouldn’t be affected by a “No” vote, voted as such, and now find themselves affected.

I heard that many members who voted “No” included comments on the ballot. If those people had issues, they should have forwarded them to PEF as soon as those gripes came to their minds. The gripes placed on the ballots were only seen by the organization tabulating the vote. PEF did not seen them, neither did the governor.

I am very upset at the prospect of having to drive 150 miles to Albany from my home in NYC this coming Saturday to look for an apartment if in fact my job only exists in Albany by 10/31/11. I hope to God the “clock is stopped” early this week so another contract can eventually be voted upon. I HOPE that those not affected by layoffs and relocation will do as I did last time: THINK OF OTHERS BEFORE THEY THINK OF THEMSELVES AND VOTE “YES.”

Louis Menchise

I have been working for the State of New York since 11/2000, next month it will be 11 yrs. I started out working for Lifespire 7/1995 and left there after 5 yrs and started out as a Hab Specialist for 5 yrs before I went to the MSC Dept and love what I do. I

came to the State because I thought, I would have better job security, and pension. I never thought that I would be facing a lay off. I can't imagine what I will do if I am not able to be placed somewhere else.

I did not really like the contract but I voted yes because I felt that if it would stop them from laying off anyone.

I am hoping for a miracle to happen and I am scared that we may have to be laid off. Even if they have a new agreement, our Dept will be closed, therefore, I still have to start over in a new position, locations,etc

People please vote and don't assume that the decision is already made therefore, your vote doesn't count but it does as you can it does.

Deica Johnson

MSC/BDDSO

My name is Amanda and I am a social worker (LMSW2) through OPWDD in the Finger Lakes region. Our whole department (MSC) is being closed across the state and because I don’t have enough seniority in my title, I will be without a job and any source of income should these layoffs occur. I currently own my home and pay for it on my income alone and in the event of a layoff, I will not be able to afford to pay my bills and will struggle to keep from losing my house. Furthermore, finding a job in this economy is a battle all in itself. I voted yes for the contract and feel that as a union everyone should be working as a whole and doing what is best for all the members, not just themselves. After all, isn’t that what a union is about and the principle it stands for? I am more than willing to take less salary or increase in costs if it means keeping my job. I look at those around me, specifically family members of mine who have been unemployed for almost a year and can’t find work and who don’t have health insurance because they can’t afford it, and it makes me grateful for the job, salary, and benefits I do have even with cuts!! Should we have the opportunity to vote on another contract, I urge those who voted no to reconsider and think about the 3500 families around this state that will affected by this, and those who didn’t vote at all to support your fellow PEF members and vote yes!

Here is the story of my family with two kids. My wife and I are both junior PEF members; new state employees under probation.

We gave up much higher income on the west coast and moved to NY upstate for career consideration. In June, my wife

was found pregnant with a surprise. Two weeks later, I received a layoff notice. Bought a house, two kids are in elementary

school, losing one job and might also lose the other, which means losing medical insurance benefit... Wedebated for a week

before my wife decided to call the doctor for an abortion arrangement. And she did call. But I persuaded her to wait for some more

days.Fortunately, a tentative agreement was reached and the first wave of layoff was rescinded. My 3rd baby was saved, while we

bet everything on the contract ratification. On Sept 27, the contract was voted down. I received the layoff notice the 2nd time, and

my wife’s agency is currently in the process of sending out layoff notices...... What is the end of the story? What the world my new

babe will face when she is born? We do not know yet. If you are a PEF member and if there be a chance of re-vote, your vote may

be the answer.

Anonymous

Hi. I am one of the 3500. I will be 55 years old in Dec. I have 26 years of state service. I have been working for NYS Parks and Recreation since 1986 as first a sign maker and then upgraded to Artist Designer 3 about 5 years ago. When I first came to the state I hand lettered signs for all the parks and historic sites in the Saratoga-Capital region with another sign maker. It was a lot of work but it is all I ever wanted to do since I sold my first sign back in 1972. After the other sign maker retired I was all alone in the shop and the work load was incredible, so I decided to bring my own computer graphics equipment into my state sign shop to show them how much faster cutting out vinyl letters would be as opposed to hand lettering, I know I should not have done this but I did. My bosses soon realized that this was the answer to increase production so in 1990 they bought a computer and the program and the cutter and I was up and running and doing 10 times the work I had done before. In 2007 I was subbing out intricate design pieces to a local graphics company (print on vinyl) for interpretive panels, after the cost of this reached a certain point I convinced my superiors to buy a print on vinyl machine and the programs to go with them, this increased my productivity even more and expanded my capabilties to a more far reaching audience. I was producing the same interpretive panels that they had been buying for $600 for the small price of $24, I made special stickers for the sites and parks to sell in their gift shops I could print full color banners and i could pump out 1000's of signs a year now for not only my region but state wide. I love my job and never ever missed a deadline. Three years ago I decided to take the "green initiative"to heart and decided that I should try to come up with a "green"solution to signage, I now make signs and posts out of 100% recycled or recyclable products, the best part is that these signs are now totally maintenance free (no staining or painting the posts) the signs will last 15+ years out in the weather. I have been trying very hard to complete the total sign rehab for every park in my region but alas because of this lay off I will have only completed Saratoga Spa and Thacher park. I have always given 110% to my Agency and always thought that if I worked really hard someday it would all pay off maybe with a letter that I was doing a good job or something, but what I got with the July layoff threat, was a padlock on my shop and an escort off the property. I was treated like I was some sort of criminal and was told it was all in the name of "protecting their equipment". This last lay off at least I am able to get into my shop (with a babysitter) to try to finish off some last requests before I leave and I will complete this and I will lose time because of it, I don't care I have work to finish. I have a work ethic that is incredible and I am proud of it but I guess that does not matter to my Governor nor to the people that put my name on the list. I have saved the State $1000's and $1000's of dollars in signage costs and maintenance and it is all for nothing, they don't care.

I received my layoff notice last Friday as I was moving into my new duplex – displaced as a result of Hurricane Irene. I lost ½ of my house, now I am losing my job. I also am raising my 8 year old special needs grandson who will be effected if I am unemployed. I spent time as a volunteer in Owego County on behalf of NYS trying to help those who also lost homes and possessions during the disaster – I return home to a layoff notice. I came to NYS after ten years at a County job where I had seniority and more benefits because I wanted an opportunity to advance, now I cannot even return to that job since I had to move out of the County due to losing my home. Thank you PEF “NO” voters, I hope you sleep well at night.

Patricia Bryant, MSW

A Concerned New York State Taxpayer

Most of us are human services workers. Let's show some humanity and save trauma and hardship to 3500 of our own.

Thank you.

Hi – I am another YES voter who is getting laid off. I am a single mother who has worked for NYS since 1989!! I am the only Legal Assistant II in my agency (NYS Dept of State) and my agency does not employ any Legal Assistant I’s, so even after 22 years of service I have no one to bump! I carry a heavy caseload at work and no one is going to do my job if I’m laid off. I have always gotten great evaluations and my supervisor and fellow employees do not want to lose me, because my work will not be done. I cannot afford to live and support myself and my daughter on unemployment. I am afraid to even think what will happen to us, when I’m not able to pay my bills. This is absolutely sickening!

I am a Nurse/Auditor for the Office of the Medicaid Inspector General (OMIG). In two audits that I performed I found over $5 million in overpayments owed to NYS. And now, I am the one that OMIG has chosen to lay off.

The Office of the Medicaid Inspector General is in the same layoff unit as the Department of Health (DOH). I have worked as a registered nurse in the Buffalo office of OMIG for the past three years. After twenty years spent in witnessing Medicaid fraud, I thought I could contribute to its demise. I guess politics takes precedence over money. Recovered Medicaid money, in my case.

I will keep my title and salary, although I am being forced out of an agency which I have publicly condemned for their administration's lack of ethics. Now, they have a chance to get even and, as usual, are taking it. Out of over fifty nurses in our agency, only two nursing positions are being eliminated: the two in the Buffalo Branch. Not coincidentally, I am one of the two. The other is being punished for my deeds, and, newly married, and a new home owner, will be forced to take a salary cut and bump back to a previous position.

I have seniority over thirty provisional employees in the two agencies that comprise our layoff unit and more than twenty permanent employees, but I am to be pushed out of a job that offers me the ability to work full-time and be a parent to two young children. I am able to take VRWS, telecommute, choose a work schedule that allows me to drop my eleven year old off at school in the morning. I have always, and will continue to be, grateful for a job.

I don't know what will happen if I am transfered to the Department of Health. Perhaps they will be able to provide me the same flexibility of scheduling that I have now. But, I am scared that they are too understaffed to do so. Further, my older daughter's father died three weeks ago. She and I are able to meet a few times a week, as she works in Buffalo, too. It helps to have your mother around when you are grieving the death of your Dad. I don't know what will happen with that either. Perhaps I will be able to stay in Buffalo at the DOH, and still support her. Perhaps I will be able to transfer to Rochester and still be able to support my younger children. But really-is this all necessary?

Why were no other nursing positions-many created in the last 2 or 3 years of hiring frenzy at OMIG with Federal monies- not targeted? Why was there no additional "retirement incentive" offered? Why would anyone, with a conscience, vote to retain their job, with the result that three thousand people would lose their jobs?

Is it greed? I'll do anything that I have to do to be the best parent that I can be, but I would not do what has been done by almost 20,000 people to get the best retirement paycheck that I can get. Everyone just wants to be happy, but are they really happy if that is the way they think?

I pray for them.

Cary

I am a retired state worker. My daughter is one of those targeted for layoff in a few days. She and her husband are devastated as their family income will be cut in HALF. They have an infant son to raise, mortgage to pay,taxes,etc. and now, they face economic hardships ,not to mention the depression and fear this has brought to both of them. How will they pay their bills? This is the question they now face. It took them a half a year to locate day care for their child who now has to be taken out as October 19 approaches. Then she will go on unemployment and if she finds a job, they will have lost their place in daycare and have to start all over again. I realize that PEF members nearing retirement might not want to lose the benefits/money that they have worked very hard for over the years. But tell me, how about this young couple who is driving old vehicles, struggling to pay bills and trying to keep a home, supposed to get by?I agree that it is now time for PEF to start acting as a family and be concerned about all of its members, younger ones included. I am very sad to sit by and watch the axe come down next week while those with jobs are arguing about the future of those facing lay off. And how much sense does it makes to lay off folks to save the state money, then have them collect unemployment paid for by the state? This entire situation is very scary to me. Were I still employed there, I would gladly give up my raise, longevity pay, or anything else to save my fellow employee from losing their job. Why? Because I would still have a job. What happened to the concept of being "my brother's keeper?"

Mary

I am glad to say I voted "yes" to the contract. I am eligible to retire, still working for a couple of years, but voted yes. There are some of us close to retirement that did not want to be responsible for anyone losing their job. Unfortunately, some of the "no voters" felt that voting no was making a statement or simply that the contract was bad. It seems as though they don't see how bad the economy is, and that maybe all of us should tighten our belts and keep as many working as possible. Within the next several years many will be retiring. It would make so much more sense to have a hard freeze on hiring for a time rather than layoffs. People could be moved around (per whatever the Sage commission comes out with). Another comment was that there would be layoffs anyway because of the Sage commission. However, isn't it best to deal with what we know rather than what might happen. My heart goes out to all affected. I pray that the notices are rescinded.

Anonymous

Hello,

I am a grade 13 Senior Engineering Technician from the dept. of transportation.

I do not fit into the public and Governors perception of a “lazy state worker” stereotype, who is too costly to employ.

We have been short handed since my first day and the early retirements, people passing away and initial layoffs have

only made that situation worse. While only a state employee for less than four years, I have enjoyed learning, paying

my dues, earning my keep, giving the State of New York great value every day, doing more with less, performing the

manual labor and computer work and keeping my mouth shut. At this point I feel I need to speak up though.

It has been a pleasure to be a Union employee after 22 years of private sector work. I did not come to the state for greed.

Private sector compensated me much more and believe it or not I was required to do much less demanding tasks.

I came to the State for stability! I am a hard working Proud Union member and Resident of NY, and will vote yes to keep

myself and 3500 other hardworking PEF members employed!!!

Humbly,

-Bill Antalek Jr.

Thank you for creating this website. I have been trying to get any bit of information I can from the PEF website (not timely and not conducive to reader input) and from the Albany Times Union website. I work for OMH in Northern NY. I can't shake the feeling that our union is not reaching out to all the membership. The "Capitol Confidential" blog tells me that PEF recently did a phone survey about the proposed contract and why members voted the way they did. I do not know a single PEF member who was contacted.

My job was not affected by the layoff. However my new hire received a pink slip. She is young (29) and the sole wage-earner in her family of 3. I am sick with worry about what will happen to her and her family, especially when the health insurance lapses. I would gladly take a cut in pay to save her job and the other PEF jobs. As for our small workplace, I am also anxious about how the work is going to be done. We work under strict time constraints with no margin for error (pharmacy). Increasing workload and stress will negatively affect patient safety.

I am also frustrated by the union's rhetoric about how they need two weeks to conduct another mail-in vote. Is computer-voting not possible? Or phone-in voting?

Thanks for providing an outlet for my frustration and concerns. I pray that your efforts will be rewarded.

Anonymous

I am a PEF member who strongly supports a second vote on the contract.Since many of the positions

now targeted for layoff are different than the positions previously targeted, it only makes sense to allow

members to vote based on the current situation.Furthermore, as union members, the welfare of our fellow

members is supposed to have a high priority. In today's economic climate (with 10% unemployment), it is an

absolute disgrace if we allow 3,500 people to lose their jobs so that the rest of us can keep a few dollars

more in our paychecks. If we don't help each other, who will help us?

Anonymous

I, like some of the my fellow state employees soon to be laid off, received the layoff letter via e-mail. At first I thought that it was so cold of the State to inform us that way, and that not even the HR people had the guts to come tell us face to face. But then I realized this is the new techno era and just the tangential of future weird communications to come, in fact in the end I was ok that no one had to witness my shock and disbelief that I was being laid off. I retained my dignity in the face of such bad news without a witness to it.

My family and I will be affected in many-many ways just as all those soon to be laid off PEF members – it will be a ripple effect on even my extended family and friends. Before I even go further my heart goes out to all those other 3500, and pray that somehow stuff will work out, on or off the payroll. My last day will be 10/19th next week. I have only been employed for 3 years by the Dept. of Transportation, I was in my 4th year. I love it here, I like the benefits and the people. I work in an area that is dominated by senior employees who have been here decades and had nothing to lose if they voted no. I do believe most did vote yes, at the same time we heard some go around masquerading on how they would vote no irrespective. And they did and that hurt. However, I would like to focus on those veteran PEF members who voted yes when they really had nothing to lose; thank you for your support. For those who did not vote, please vote yes if we are given a second chance, so that couples do not have to make tough choices like keeping a pregnancy or not; or losing their homes or their children having to make the ultimate sacrifice of milk or medications.

For those who voted no, we hope you can read our pain and realize that you hurt so many; a spouse who is like yours, children who have a lot in common with yours, families who believe in values like yours and work as hard as yours, brothers and sisters who fend for each other like yours, and parents who hurt seeing their children struggle – just perhaps like yours. Short of the layoff letter, we are like you just as you are like us but somehow you did not feel it worth to save our jobs – so we can have a job just like you and our children have health insurance, albeit a little more pay, just like yours. I look at history and always marvel at the dynamics of how society self corrects; somehow somewhere this will take a toll on you as well if this sort of thinking suffices now or in the near future– who knows, I am young, still have ways to go career-wise and one day I may be that politician who will have to vote “yes” or “No” to social security – after all I too will have nothing to lose since I am in a generation which will be the future majority, that very likely will not have access to SS anyway. I hope when that moment comes, I will vote “yes”, so some elderly people will have some sort of income especially knowing fully well that they will really need it to survive. “No” will be easy for me then, but “yes” will be more considerate and the right thing to do. We have had world wars, we have had cold wars and it seems like faced with tough financial decisions, we are now facing selfish heartless wars. This can’t be right – let’s think about what the human sacrifice is in terms of housing, health, emotions and families and little children – it is horrible. I hope you find it in your hearts as well to vote yes this time around if at all, when you think about yourselves being just like us.

Anonymous

Good afternoon:

Thank you for the thoughtful message on your new web site. I too would have voted to accept the proposed contract, but since being moved to M/C, I did not have that option.

After 40 years of state service, I retired two weeks ago. I was among those that voted to have PEF represent us thirty plus years past; I was one of those who accepted contracts not always the way I would have liked, for the purpose of saving jobs. Probably some of those voting No today were saved from losing their jobs back then, because we "old timers" took less so they would stay in service. Sadly, they've forgotten that!

Today's PEF leadership and membership have lost their way; a union is for all its members, even if that means taking less than what each individual wants. We never sell out our own members! The sense of a common good has been replaced by a sense of "what is good for me" mind-set. Sad. We have no need for a union if we send those 3500 brothers and sisters out!

Regards,

Ingo Gloeckner

PEF Families,

I had one question? Why would anybody risk losing a very good job under the current economic conditions

by voting down a 5 year contract? I have worked in the private sector my entire life and coming from that perspective

it is very hard to understand why anybody would take such a risk. NY State is in a financial mess and I believe

that the Governor is not bluffing he will lay people off and I have to say you will not get much sympathy from most

New Yorkers who cannot understand why you would jeopardize your job. I guarantee you will regret it after you have

been out of work for a long period of time and cannot find a similar job in the Private Sector….Good luck I hope

you all make the right decision and vote with your heart and not with the wishes of your Union leaders...

I am slated for layoff on 10/19. I have 2 small children and 1 just started kindergarten. I relocated from out of state 4 yrs ago and took a significant paycut to take a state job for job security. Now I am going to be laid-off. I am just devasted and disappointed by the gov and union using us as political pawns in this standoff.

Anonymous

Hi I wanted to have this leader I am sending on to PEF posted on the page. Thank you for making this website, its good for us to have a place to mutual support. Thank you.

Brian.

Dear Pef Leadership, Executive board, and Ranking members,

I am one of our 3496 people who are about to lose their jobs on Oct. 19th.

I was hoping you could take a minute and hear my thoughts on this contact dispute.

FIRST I understand everything that you are feeling. It’s NOT right that our governor has asked these concessions of us while millionaires and large corporations have in many peoples’ opinions yet to pay a fair share. State employees have fought long and hard for our benefits and it’s these very jobs that we work which deserve proper compensation. These are already difficult economic times and I know the thought of furloughed days and higher healthcare costs are burdens that will not be easy to overcome. Its understandable why we voted down this first contract.

BUT now we are faced with dire consequences to our actions. The governor will be laying off myself and 3495 other members of our union. Our jobs in many cases will become more difficult with lessened employees and in some cases, vital services will not be completed at all. Our patients, clients, recipients, consumers, and/or tax payers will not be receiving the same level of service they have depended on. It appears now that the union will not come out looking good if these layoffs continue. We must all realize that everyone loses if these layoffs go through.

SO why not stop them? Let us vote again with a better understanding of the circumstances we are currently facing. YES the millionaires and corporations in our state need to be paying more, BUT what better way to fight that fight then after giving up concessions of our own? Wouldn’t we rather save our members? Save our quality of services? And come out looking better in the end to greater public?

We have made our statement by our rejection, now its time for us to do the right thing. Because that’s who we are. The hard workers, who despite these hard times, care about their fellow members, and understand their importance to the state and its functioning. The Governor knows it too. Don’t let the contract dispute die in our arms; we CAN stop these layoffs.

Leadership, let us vote again, give us that chance to make this right. Let’s be the better side and give our concessions to save our jobs.

Sincerely,

Brian Greco

Social Worker

At this time I am proud and grateful for the good work I am able to do as part of the hard working support team for the NYS Housing & Community Renewal Weatherization Assistance Program. I know from living in a poor city how vital the job of weatherizing a home to be a place of comfort and health for seniors and families is, and this stimulus funded effort helps our planet and national security too.

I forwarded this link to a downtown Troy, NY e-mail list because the impending layoffs of PEF NYS employees are causing stress and concern to many of my Troy and Albany friends, neighbors and coworkers. When you layoff a person, you layoff their family too. It has been hard for me to see talented hard working professionals put in turmoil, rather than being able to concentrate on their work. After seeing the natural devastation while working at some of the FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers I know there is much work to be done in New York State. Local economic devastation will hurt, rather than heal. Time to renegotiate in good faith, allow reasonable time for a revote and reflect on what Solidarity means to our Unions and our community. I don't want Troy to be known for its dead labor history only, and it is time to speak up for working people.

Sincerely,

Nora McDowell

My name is Molly Kennedy and I have been employed by the New York State Department of Corrections & Community Supervision and a PEF member since June 2006. I can still remember the day I got the call and was told that I was being hired as Supervisor of Correctional Facility Volunteer Services (SCFVS); I burst into tears of joy when I hung up because I thought I was going to finally have a stable future and be able to get married, start a family and finally live the American dream. I had struggled for four years to find a decent job after being laid off from a contractor at a nuclear cleanup site, having done everything from tending bar to selling cars; all the while working with little or no health insurance, accumulating debt and often working two jobs. My only solace during that difficult time was that I didn't have small children depending on me. I felt as though my prayers had finally been answered.

My path in Corrections wasn't exactly an easy one either. Like many in DOCCS, I had to uproot my life and move to another part of the state to take the job and work my way back toward home as SCFVS vacancies opened. So although I was now earning a grade 18 salary, I was still living paycheck to paycheck trying to help support two households - mine in Watertown and my now husband's in Gowanda - and spending upwards of $500 a month in travel costs to come home on the weekends. Finally, after nearly a year and a half, I made it home to work at Gowanda Correctional Facility. I got married and my husband, who is a Cook at the facility and a CSEA member, and I started our family six months later. We welcomed our beautiful daughter, Darcy, into the world the December following my transfer home. After learning of my second pregnancy in October of last year, we bought a bigger home and moved in this past January. Our son, Patrick, arrived in June to complete our little family and we lived a blissful life until Tuesday of this week.

Tuesday, October 11th started like any other ordinary day - we shipped the kids off to the sitter's and headed in to work. I had barely finished my coffee, when I was called in to the Superintendent's office. It was then that my world started to crumble. I could see the pain in his eyes as he told me that I would no longer have a job as of October 28th, unless PEF and Governor Cuomo could reach some sort of an agreement. He tried to comfort me by telling me what a great job I've done, how my reputation as having a driven work ethic was known by so many areas in the prison and how respected I was by the previous Superintendent. All I could manage to say was, "Thank you sir, but all due respect, it doesn't matter how well you do your job - you're at the mercy of these unions, civil service laws and politicians." I walked back to my office like a zombie, I felt like I had just been kicked in the gut. And when I got there, I couldn't even look at the photos of my kids because I had this overwhelming panic over how I was going to provide for my family. This was not the "welcome back" I had anticipated after just returning to work from maternity leave.

During the rest of that morning, I found out that my twelve other counterparts (one with 28 years of service) throughout the state had all received notices. Our leadership in Albany was as blind-sided as we were. How could they be laying off the entire Division of Volunteer Services? We manage and coordinate programs that provide rehabilitative services to inmates and their families for FREE! Not only that, but we are the first line of defense against those who wish to enter correctional facilities with malicious intent who may try to enter under the guise of well-intentioned volunteers. It is the responsibility of DOCCS to protect inmates from their enemies on the outside, and in a post 9/11 world, inmates are also a favorite target of radical terrorist groups who are trying to gain support for their cause. The registration and screening process for correctional facility volunteers unbelievably thorough and extensive for these reasons, and it was our job to administer it. Our Division took a hard hit in the '91 layoffs, being reduced from a statewide staff of 89 to a staff of 24. And now we're being wiped out entirely.

Those who have not ever worked in a correctional facility cannot fully understand the intricate balance between Security and rehabilitative programming for inmates that must exist in order to maintain the safety of all inside the fence. NYSCOPBA Corrections Officers aren't the only thing that keeps a prison safe. At any jail, the inmates greatly outnumber the staff, and if they wanted to, inmates could easily overtake a jail at any time. What helps maintain that delicate balance of peace and order are program services and civilian staff (including volunteers) that keep inmates constructively engaged. That was the biggest lesson learned from the Attica Riot of 1971. Many of the programs provided by civilian staff are court-mandated. If inmates aren't able to take part in this programming because of the staff shortages resulting from these layoffs, not only will they file costly lawsuits, they will stage uprisings.

Considering the potentially disastrous results of staff shortages among program services staff inside correctional facilities, no one was more surprised than I that there were actually people I work with at a prison who voted "no." Ironically, these are the same people who are constantly griping about their tremendous workloads and deadlines. I've been trying to point out to them that their workloads are only going to increase if these layoffs happen. My encounters with them over these past three days have been eye-opening. I'm shocked that so many well-educated people could be so out-of-touch with reality; there will be no better contract because there is no more money, and the job market out in the "real world" is a nightmare! I spoke with my union representative today and he made me feel more discouraged and enraged than anyone. When I asked what my chances are of keeping my job, he just started yammering on about how "we're going to fight this contract hard," because "what's he (Cuomo) going to do to us in two more years anyway?" Then he tried to tell me about my likelihood of being rehired by another state agency. Apparently he needs to learn that a hiring freeze isn't a job fair held in blizzard. But more than anything, I'm just plain disgusted and hurt by the greed of the "no" voters. These are people who've always been friendly to me and seemed to genuinely care about me and my family. Now they act like the well-being of me, my husband, Darcy and Patrick is all insignificant and expendable if it means they can pad their retirement funds a little more. I feel like I'm caught in the middle of some immature standoff between this union that supposed to be helping me and a spiteful Governor who merely wants to make an example of PEF to anyone that dares to defy him.

I want to thank you for starting this movement and giving me some kind of forum to have my voice heard. I've been feeling so helpless and that I have no one fighting for me and my two little ones. But by sharing my story, I feel like I've done something…..even if no one reads all of this (I didn't mean to write an autobiography).

CHALLENGE to all the NO voters: Find a Job in the Private Sector and see how the benefits compare to the State employee benefits. I doubt you will find a job any time soon and doubt you will find one with the hours that you have now, with the health insurance coverage, with the retirement system we have or with the holidays and the time off that we earn. Most private sector jobs are based on performance and not an entitlement. We can all admit that there are people in our offices that if they were working in the private sector would have lost their job by now! If you could find something comparable , I believe you would be in the private sector now.

For the NO Voters who realize that voting NO unfairly jeopardized their fellow union members and coworkers, and who are opening saying they will vote YES next time, THANK YOU! For the people who didn’t vote, Please go out and vote and show that we are a Union which promotes solidarity! And for those of you who voted NO and say they will continue to vote NO regardless of the changes in the contract, Please get out and leave room for the energetic and passionate employees who appreciate their jobs and understand that concessions in this economy is a necessity!!! Perhaps you will find satisfaction and happiness in a private sector job!

I hope that UNION LEADERS who were bullying and encouraging people to vote NO last time realize that is not their job and will refrain from pushing their personal agenda and falsehoods about the contract on fellow union members.

To all of those who are facing layoff, stay strong and stay proud!!!

Yes, I am but one of the 3,500 who expect to be unemployed come 10/19/11, and largely due to the 1/3 of my fellow union members who couldn't have been bothered to vote on for or against the contract last time around. These "too busy" most certainly saw that their job title was not listed on the chopping block and joined the cold hearted misinformed as their lack of action was as hurtful as those with the "W.T.F. should I care" attitudes, as some unknown smuck in Buffalo was losing a job but at least it wasn't them.

I would have never known how one voted as the process is anonymous; however now that that I still see you daily and you can't even look me in the eye....I know. Yup, that friendly, helpful, co-worker who you have dealt with daily over the past several years will shortly be gone. It's amazing how you can no longer even acknowledge with a hello in the morning anymore, as that soon to be laid- off co-worker actually has a face, a name, a family to feed, a house to lose and a very uncertain future.....but at least you have a job. The "too busy to even vote" are in for a rude awakening as they will have to pick up the workload of those now gone. Perhaps you weren't that busy in the first place and the budget savings should have begun with your forced exit as it would have been more efficient to lay-off the slackers who milk the job, rather than those who actually enjoy their jobs and give it the 110 % and looked for an achievement not necessarily compensated with a paycheck.

So now that you turned your back on your co-workers and saved (so you think) your job, your families in turn will suffer too as your sons and daughters may not be needed as my newly unemployed brothers and sisters no longer have the income to support their existence and jobs. Your lack of vote or "NO" vote will have the trickle down effect and eventually come back to cost you much more then a few furlough days might have. I'll have less money for retail, entertainment, restaurants and other services. Multiply this by the laid-off masses and perhaps you can now support your twenty-something who was working to pay for college but now is let go due to the decrease in state employees and spending.

Yes, I have a name, a family and a home I'm sure to lose. I can already tell that the guilt of your selfish actions is eating at you as you can't even look me in the face. After October 19th we both suffer, me with a imposed catastrophic financial disaster and if you have the slightest sense of compassion for the one of many, then you too suffer having thrown your fellow "team-mate" under the bus in order to save ten cents on the fare.

To those who truly were my "team-mates" on the job and in the spirit of union solidarity that we are all in this together; I thank you.

Sincerely,

J-D WOOD

Sent: Tuesday, October 18, 2011 7:46 AM

Subject: layoffs

Hi Peffamilies,

I am the wife of Tim Ryan who is one of your members that is in the second round of layoffs. He is a Voc. Instuctor 4 with 23 years of service. This is the second time in his lifetime that he may lose a job that he thought he would be able to retire from and worse yet, I lost my job last year from Phizer. Now both of us will be unemployed with 2 kids in college. We don't know what to do. We have many sleepless nights wondering what is going to happen to us and our kids. Will my daughter Meg have to give up her dreams of being a Physical Therapist and Nolan who is working hard to receive a degree in Criminal Justice for a future in Customs. I don't know what we are going to do? I really don't know how we are going to even pay our bills and keep our home. I'm sorry for sounding so desperate and discouraged. Thanks so much for this website. It helps to see that we are not the only ones who are hurting right now. I encourage everyone to vote yes and help save all the famalies who are affected by the layoffs. I would be deeply touched by your support. Thanks for listening, Kathy

Thanks for providing this site. I, too, am scheduled to be laid off on Nov. 4. I won't go into the details of my situation, they are similar to the many others who have posted here, with my emotions bouncing between fear and anger. I'd rather address something that I hear over and over again - that it doesn't make a difference whether there's a contract or not, people can be laid off anyway. While that is true, there are far more protections with the contract in place. With the contract, there will be no layoffs unless there's a catastrophic event or an act of the legislature. Without a contract, the Governor can pretty much do anything he wants. In fact, there's already talk of laying off up to 4,000 more PEF employees next year to plug the budget gap. And, as we've learned, even 25 year veterans aren't safe.

I have to be honest, I never thought I'd be laid off but I immediately voted "Yes" last time. There's just no way we're ever going to get a better contract in this economic climate. I know some people are livid that the agreement calls for an extra $37 per pay period for health insurance, but we're still paying a lot less than many in the private sector. We live in an economically challenged time, and the contracts of 15 years ago are over. Some people are living in a dream world if they believe otherwise. They may think they're better off saving that $37 every two weeks by voting No, but what good will it do when they get pink slipped next year because they didn't have the protection of a contract?

The argument for a "Yes" vote seems to be largely driven by sympathy for the unfortunate 3,500 of us who are being laid off. That's extremely important, but it really needs to be coupled with an argument as to why this agreement is good for all PEF members, i.e., stronger job security, better health insurance than most in the private sector, the four-year agreement that puts us negotiating before CSEA, etc. Plus the fact that there will NEVER be a better agreement than this, and many thousands more will be laid off while they are waiting for one. Sympathy for their fellow workers may swing some voters, but many people are naturally asking "What's in it for me?". The fact is this contract is as good as it will ever get, and it's an advantage to all to vote YES.

Rich F.

Good morning PEF Families!

I would just like to say I've received an outpouring of support from my co-workers. We realize that times are difficult and the economy is in terrible shape. If I have to make some small sacrifices in my household budget to help save a co-worker's job, than that is what I'm willing to do. How would I be able to sleep at night knowing the person sitting next to me is in a constant state of worry, wondering how they will pay their bills, feed their children, etc. Is it so much to ask that I give up maybe a movie and dinner once a month, or cut a service I really don't need if this means I'm saving someone's job? We're all in this together and I will do my part if it means that I can take the fear and worry off someone's shoulders. The holidays will soon be here and I know plenty of people who will donate toys, food, etc. Why not make the donation now? Why not save someone's job so that they will also be able to enjoy their holidays?

Thank you for your time!

l.a.s.r.

To my fellow PEF members,

I have been a PEF state employee for 29 years and do NOT have a pink slip. I have read the arguments on your blogspot and in other places. While I understand and respect the spirit of fighting for our Union rights I believe we are choosing to continue the wrong fight at the wrong time. It is crucial to pick and select in order to maintain crediblity and potency.

I feel we just do not have a strong enough position at this time. Public opinion is already growing increasingly negative toward Unions and public employees in general. CSEA ratified their contract on the first round and our own PEF leaders have twice now negotiated concessions and reached a tentative agreement. Also remember that the original offer was even much more austere----we were able to twice shorten the contract duration and now have attained full reimbursement for all the furlough days.As for the wage freeze given the difficult current fiscal climate it is understandable especially when most of our private and public sector counterparts have not received a pay raise in years. In fact our salaries and benefits are still stronger than most. In addition the first year of the freeze is almost over already so 2 more years and we get a 2% raise and start to negotiate a new contract(in a hopefully improved economic climate).

Most importantly we can save the jobs of almost 3500 of our fellow PEF employees. We can rationalize about blaming the Governor all we want bur WE HAVE THE CHOICE. We can let go of our anger and accept reality including a contract that is really not that unfair. It is liveable and will prevent the devastation and trauma facing the 3500 not to mention the added pain of knowing that it is ultimately their own members who signed off on their layoffs. ---and for what? At this point we are not going to get anything more and to do so at the demise of 3500 would be bad karma and like accepting "blood money".

Again we have almost no public support at this time and are just portraying our membership as spoiled,selfish,unreasonable,greedy,and entitled people. If you step back our continued gripes sound petty. In fact it is actually self-destructive in nature because common sense would tell you , if you follow this through, that in the future if the contract is rejected again there will be even MORE LAYOFFS because the State will have to operate at higher costs.

The good news is the solution is very simple ---just vote "yes" to ratify the contract. We can immediately save the jobs of 3500 of our coworkers and prevent more possible layoffs in the near future.(Which could be any one of us). We will also be able to continue on with our lives with some measure of job security and stability .

The message was certainly sent that we are not pushovers. But now it's time to save our fight for a time when we might really need it.

Thank you.

Charlie Silverberg

Kingston,N.Y.