Denis Hughes, President	Ed Donnelly, Director
March 31, 2008	Issue Ten

President's MessageA NEW NEW  REGIME

Our Federation has historically promoted labor-management harmony as  a path  to economic improvement for our membership and all New York workers and their families.   If you take a look at the “Issue of the Week” you will get a glimpse of what we are up against.

All political figures pay lip service to reform, some even believe in reform—their brand of that highly perishable commodity. One reform of our decayed state economy is to advocate a high wage policy for the workforce, as a sure way of pumping more money into our struggling economy.  Seems simple enough—pay workers fairly—increase income tax collections—reduce debt—provide for discretionary spending.

Strangely enough those charged with such matters in the Executive Branch are reluctant to consider such a strategy because “the Business Council doesn’t approve.”  A variant of that sort of response is that “the Business Council and the insurance companies don’t like the idea.”

The curious thing about such opposition is that it is based on the view of the very economic blocks that have been most avid for the failed economic development status quo that got us into the mess we are currently hoping to work our way out of.

A new regime is forming. Here’s hoping for openness, courage and willingness to place people first.

Call to ActionLABOR LOBBYISTS MEETING
Monday, March 31, 2008
100 South Swan Street, Albany
1:00 p.m.
Senator Andrew Lanza, newly appointed Chair of the Senate Civil Service and Pensions Committee will attend.

Issue of the WeekThe New York State AFL-CIO strongly opposes the following:

Article VII Proposals
SFY 2008-2009 Executive Budget Submission
Education, Labor and Family Assistance
State Employee Relations Board

The proposal in question would: A) assess an arbitration fee of $750 on both parties in such a proceeding and B) change the method of compensation for SERB members from a full annual salary to a per diem rate.

This Federation has taken an active role in the effort to preserve labor harmony in our state. Historically, since the time of Al Smith and forward, the state has recognized the importance of this policy. Unfortunately, the Budget Division, which is somewhat sheltered from the real world of labor relations, has taken a bean counting view of SERB and its predecessor boards.

In recent years, this Federation has tried to reenergize the State’s policy toward labor harmony and labor rights. A new vision of the SERB function is included and has met with seeming legislative and gubernatorial agreement and approval.  Why damage this important function now by reducing access to and availability of the Board? This Federation urges these shortsighted budget proposals be laid aside.

Keep An Eye OnThursday, July 24, 2008
COPE Day at the Races, Saratoga

August 17-19, 2008
New York State AFL-CIO 2008 Constitutional Convention, Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers, NYC.