Otlicial Publication of Council 82. AFSCME, AFL-CIO 1989
PB RLEINSCHMIOT
Page2
TEN YEARS LATER
This edition of the Enforcer commemorates the “job action” taken by
members of the state unit within Council 82, The tenth anniversary is April
19889
In 1979, correction employees totalling 6,400 out of a possible 6,800
including supervisors, refused to work for 16 days. In addition to correction
employees, several of our non-correction locals added great support to this
Officers. Asa
resultathe “job action" they were ined twodays or one under the NYS Taylor
Law. Many frustrations with the employer resultedin this job action." In those
days, employees were forced into daily overtime situations, the contract was
consistently being violated, labor/management meetings were non-existent
___ COUNCIL 82 ENFORCER
Memories of the Strike of
April 1989
April 1989
~j
©
Director’s Corner
By Richard J. Bischert
Executive Director
‘Yes ir"
he''strike” of
years of mismanagement and the final employee response.
Does all of this sound familiar? It should, except for the forced overtime
issue. Many of the issues of the past are again causing frustrations among
correction employees.
In the early eighties, a new era with a focus on employees’ needs and
involvement began. The employer recognized the need for changes. The
commissioner of correctional services actually attended agency level
ip with Council 82.
Last year, Commissioner Coughlin agreed with Council 82 and Assembly
Corrections Committee Chairman Dan Feldman in that assemblyman's rec-
| was 28 years old, a correction officer for two years in ajob that offered
security, and recently married on April 7, 1979. | thought | was living the
‘American dream that comes with the line ..."They lived happily ever after.
Then April 19, 1979, struck, literally and | realized that it was a false sense of
security at best
lians, in)
place todo the ob | supposedly was rained todo, On the night of Apri 18,1
said goodbye to my new bride of 12 days and spent the next 16 days with my
brother correction officers fighting a battle that the State of New York and
Dot in. Inthe
of the brotherhood of COs and it was never more prevalent than on April 19
when | stood alongside those brothers and sisters because we wouldn't take
anymore.
truly are when we stand together from Butfalo to Brooklyn and Plattsburgh to
Elmira on an issue we believe in.
And, honestly, we paid the price—a large one—but one we had to pay to
reap profits in the future. And | think the 10 years since have exhibited those
profits, even though the fights never end. We are now facing another battle
COUNCIL 82 ENFORCER
Where Were You in April 1979? |
From the President |:
By Joseph P. Puma ;
f Counc 82 Presiden ;
Assembly Committee on Corrections that the DOCS should change the cur-
rent 1.7 “relief factor” to a more realistic 1.9 which would mean an increase of
757 new correction officers in the system,
i
z
i
| wonder what it was that changed your mind in this position, and I pray
thatit just wasn’t the fact that the Governor, your boss, expects you to support
Qmimendtian to nereate corecton oe tating by 787 new anpoyees,
No,
This year,
posts". .. and Commissioner Covghin responds" can lve with it" In other
words, neither cares about the impact on already strained staffing patterns
within the prisons.
nda policy
lators. Council 82 held
were adhered to
it's Action Conference in February. Many met with their egs-
‘ouncil 8 Wetelt
lators 9 locals of their tuture responsibility. We
‘out posteards for and return to their area
9 PI fa resul ert
of our members and for several years it seemed to work. Gradually however,
legislator with follow-up legate ‘meetings to be held socal All of this is
5, namely I
sion of Budget and Governor Cuomo. Agreements made at the table were
overridden by budgetary restraints on the political needs of the Governor, i.e.
closing of Long sland Correctional Facility, manning wall towers at Arthur Kill
In y port, which he
did trom
the labor movement, except in campaign speeches. Today, he has proposed
cutbacks throughout state service. Not only does this affect Council 62
geared legislator to oppose the
and to deter the proposed tax cut forthe wealthy. Only time wil tli these
efforts are productive. Even if some changes come about, the employer ap-
pears to0 willing to forge ahead without regard into a head-on collision with
frustrated employees,
Couglin and the wonderful budget proposal, read the DOCS Today, Winter
Edition, 1989, It is such a wondertul piece of journalism except there is no
discussion of the impact of this budget proposal on state operations. | am
9 by Republi-
, New York,
is facing a monstrous budget deficit also created by a Democratic administra
tion, Through all of this, he continues to press for the NY tax cuts that only
of taxes by localities, who also will receive a reduction in state aid.
‘The Governor has lost touch with the needs of New York State residents.
His proposed 2 percent budget cuts with layoffs within the NYS correction
facilities will only result in increased future costs.
‘Commissioner Coughlin, like Commissioner Surles of Mental Health is a
good soldier anda “team player who wants to stay onthe team." He also said
-
Alchard J. Bischert
Executwo Dicctor
Joveph P. Puma James Mann C.Pageau Roland. Marlin James Scorzel
President — Vico President Associate Director Treasurer ‘Secretary
Executive Board
John Bukovinsky Nathaniel Grinnage viames McCabe
Charles Cambaresi Wendel! Hil Warren MeMil
7 Hoyt Richard O'Conneli
John Ippolito Robert Patterson
Thomas Kennedy Richard Petfer
Jack Kiroy Richard Stovens
Dennis Koerick Richard Walikas
Joe Kral
Trustee
Peter Kilian
Ronald Russel
Duty Seetelat
Editor and Public Relations Director
Charles R
ol. 26. N ‘Council 82 Enforcer April 1969
Felis V Ghose Buln, 61 Colin Avenue, Albany, NY. 1208 (518) 469-8424
‘editions of such uninformative, political rhetoric.
Now, what caused the problem in 1979?
who professes the family of New York and then because of the budget deficit
wants to fill it off the backs of state employees. And in so doing this, sacrifice
safety and security in our Correction, OMH and OMROD facilities. We must
again stand together across the state and fight this battle. As in 1979, these
battles are fought not only for today but for the future of the membership of
a2
From the People Who Brought You the Family of "NuYork”
There have been many editorials, news stories, and articles trom every-
one's perspective on the NYS budget deficit crisis. Sometimes | think we tend
to complicate matters the more we think about them.
Below—in a message prepared for the recent Mid-Hudson regional
and comply
are neglecting your duties to the State of New York. | believe itis your duty to
mi the
realities of corrections. You must be in the forefront expounding that a reduc
tion in statf makes incidents such as Attica, Sing-Sing or Coxsackie more apt
to happen. You must educate the Governor with the facts on why we are the
most respected correction system in the nation, and by adequate staffing and
training we can continue to be that system. Raping the system of correction
tion makes a mockery of the system. It also puts every correction employee,
imate, facilities in a mor
tion. And all this for the sake of reaching this magic number of 2% cut across
the board in the DOCS budget.
1 would hope that you would join C82's battle (which was yours just 16
meeting—! jt
more importantly for Governor Cuomo. | hope it will assist him in his very
difficult times.
solving the budget deficit is by the following analogy.
bal
of New York's budget with balancing a
Compa 1cing the Stat
y's 7
in the country. And instead of showing BLIND FAITH in your boss’ budget,
show him the faults in this absurd budget recommendation.
Captivity Insurance: Beneficiary Procedure
Dear Joe:
The recent captivity insurance policy obtained by Council 82 is unquestion-
ly
due to overspending and mistakes in calculation. Mario is not upset because
he has several ways to correct this imbalance. First, he brings in his children
who have all been given chores to do around the house and property of the
family of NuYork for slight allowances. He informs them that due to this
imbalance, he will have to cutback on their jobs in order to save money. No
He explains
these are not necessary due to the imbalance. He also brings in Grandpa and
Grandma NuYork to explain that the money they have been saving for their
golden years must now be used to balance his checkbook instead.
back on their allowances and in some cases discontinue them in their entirety
for
his triends have been waiting discussing their recent 32 per cent raises and
how they will spend this new found wealth. He begins a conversation on how
poorly the family of the Country is doing with Mr. & Mrs. Republican running
, stating that I'm proud .
we are all doing so well
Coughlin Must Fight for Our System
For some years now when reference has been made to the NYS DOCS
Thomas A.
is isa frequent rep!
inmaki 0
tackling serious Correction iasues suchas overcrowding, AIDS, stating and
ably one
great deal of appreciation
One question in particular occurred to me as | read about this program: will
members be afforded an opportunity to designate a beneticiary’ If death
occurs as @ result of captivity, an officers survivors who enter into litigation to
determine who will receive the settlement may eventually spend it all on
attorneys. Sincerely,
—John Shipley, Correction Otticer
Local 1264, Coxsackie CF
ayy .
President's Reply via Jardine Insurance
Dear Joe:
Recently you requested informaiton with regard to the order of payment to
beneficiaries in the event of death of a member under the captivity coverage
program
As you know, the benefit to the survivor is two times the annual salary in the
‘event of death occurring while in a captive situation. Order of payment is as
follows:
1) To spouse i ving
2) If no spouse, in equal shares to the children
3} If no children, in equal shares tothe parents
4) It no parents, in equal shares to siblings
5) If no siblings, to the estate
many others. When other officer unions or
guidance or assistance they usually contact CB2 fo advice on how NYS dot
it, This did not happen by mistake or luck, but rather due to a good commis-
sioner and his staff working together with well-trained and professional cor-
to mirror. progres-
the minors, or cannot give a vatid release, payment will be
prone 0 to the duly appointed guardian or committee. Sincerely,
Nels E. Carlson, Executive Vice President
Jardine Group Services Corp.
‘And in order to continue this progressive system we must continue to be the
best rained and more important the best tafe, Artal, commissioner,
pproval of th
1998.80 NYS DOCS Budget as proposed by Governor Cuomo. A budget hat
calls for a statewide workforce reduction plan that eliminates at least 334
security posts. A budget that reduces the amount of training for correction
others anda budge tat calls for 2% reduction in budget across the board
Terrific Deal for Families: counci 82 has arranges «
‘special deal for all members in good standing for the 1989 season at
Ma
‘and cleanest in the nation, is about an hour's drive from Albany and the
the fiscal committee on Fed 27,1960 hat". could ve withthe Governor's
budget for the DOCS.” This just 16 months after you agreed with C82 at the
sina, must be obtained through the Council office in Albany. More
detal or call (518) 489-8424,
COUNCIL 82 ENFORCER ___ April 1989 HAVE A NIc& DAY By L.P Kleinschmidt
i a
J) musa ne
Programs,
Retired Security Officer Stanley Jones is congratulated by Stat Representa-
tive Ron Brown (lett) and C82 Public Relations Director Chuck Booth, who
presented Jones with Council 82's first retiree hat of 1989, President George
Floyd (at right in photo alright) praised Jones for his long-time contributions
tothe union and wished him well in his retirement
; Stanley Jones Feted for 23- Year’ Career
Floyd. president of the Local sice its inception and charter m
82, C82 Stal! Representative Ron Brown, C82 Public Relations Director Chuck
(Continued on Page 5)
“agers eer
'ge's Best “roasts’
Staten Island Local 2398 Calls for Support
rs of Council 82, AFS
nage. presi
guitod extensive robieing andre
Is
i »stitly cosmetic, Grinnage told the
\ SUNY Police Leaders Sworn In at a luncheon in the Quality of
i a
1 of Local 1792, University Police. From left: Jack Emmett, president, ‘Oneonta The fa r valuable to the New York met ropolitan area
Jean Young, regional vice president, Buffalo; Howard Curie, secretary, Farm-
Ingdale; Mike McBride, treasurer, Potsdam. Absent for picture, Gordon
Schipper, vice president, Oswego.
navel Woodbourne Local 1151 honored its
ini sie “Hack of the Year” fourfold this year.
More than 100 people attended the
annual Christmas dinner dance where
(above) President Adam Cassiack
presents CO Loren Rosencrants his
award for the Playboy Incident. CO
Bob Vanest (below) received his for
the Pizza Incident. Stay tuned to this
space next month for more.
a week trom 8 30 a.m. to 3 p.m. This gre
Sonny Brotman Ct escorts Assemblywoman Connelly
and Assemb! during the Arthur Kill tour.
Stanley Jones Retirement (Continued from Page 4)
Booth, and Correction Policy Chairman Thomas P. Kennedy III, who congratu-
lated Brother Jones on behalf of Executive Director Richard J. Bischert and , _
President Joseph P, Puma. Wassaic Officers Honor Congressman
The festive dinner at Your Place for Ribs in Rego Park, Queens, was Satety Officer John Conto (right) presents a plaque
capped by several personal testimonials and presentation of gifts from co- to Congressman Hamilton Fish Jr. (Republican, 21st
workers, the Local and Council 82 7 District), for his 20 years’ service in Congress. The
Congressman presented a flag thal had flown over
Local 1798 represents security officers at employment and motor vehicle the Capitolto the Safety and Security Department of
offices and has members under jurisdiction of both OGS and Department of ; Wassaic Developmental Center. The events were
Labor. part of the National Fire Prevention Week at WDC.
The Quality of Working Life Aetivity Center (above) at Arthur Kill Correctional Facilly on | Long Island was the site of a legislative luncheon and press
top ot
rMega ot Brooklyn, Local 2398
the steps are CO Sonny Botan, Staten Island,
TURAN ected
Page 6
Local 3471, Geneva Police Department (the Acneas McDonald PBA), has
elected Thomas Fox president, succeeding Ed McGuigan Arden Combs is
vice president; Joseph Wukitsch, secretary. Peter Liberatore, treasurer, suc-
ceeding long-time scl Gary Baxter. Trustees are Brian Travis, Alan Deva-
resident, whose
mualling address Seneca Falls,
Loca! 3559 just got its number and an inaugural set of officers, Timothy
McGuire of Johnstown as president; Dick Stay, New Hartford, vice president
Charles Restle, Sauquoit, secretary: Erle Johnson, Frankfort, treasurer
There are several new faces on the board at Local 2625, Bayview CF.
Manhattan. N. Cooper was olected recording secretary, Owen McKenzie board
member at largo, and F, Edwards, K. Gardner and E. Porter as trustees. Re-
elected were President Ronald Remsen, VP Frank Caminiti, Secretary-
Treasurer Slater Bilge. board members Albert Dublin and T. McKellar and
Chie! Steward E. Franqui
James Douglas of Jay has succeeded long-time activist Greg witiams as
vice president at Local 866, Adirondack Correctional Faciliy, Ray Bro
as treasurer.
members are Bruce Keith, Ronald Gardner and Greg Williams. New trustees
are Bruce Dominie and Lawrence Branch. Chief Steward Jim Hartson is as
sisted by stewards Paul Woodruff and Brian Straight. Dick Whitford of Lake
Clear was re-elected president
Ken Taylor, after a year’s sabbatical (unionwise), has been elected presi
dent of Local 1265, Bedtord Hills CF, succeeding veteran union leader Lillian
Francis, who is new vice president. Executive board members are William
Moore, Belle Prunty and Peggy Miller. Janet Wein and Rene Casanas remain
secretary and treasurer
Michael Guarino has been elected vice president of Local 1447, Auburn
CF. He is replaced as chief steward by Rod Ashby. New trustees are John
Kinney, Donald Young and Peter Ficchi. Several union officers have been lost
to the new facility at Cayuga.
Donald Foley has been elected vice president of Local 1548, Watertown
F. Fussell Seltried is new treasurer. New board members are Howard
‘mour, Leonard Robbins, Terence Halle; trustees, Donald Van Alstyne and
Howard Abbott; chief steward, Nicki Kogut. Michael P. Booth remains
president.
Ronald L q
1871, a statewide unit. LaDuke is at Bare Hill in Malone,
Anthony Arduini of Selkirk has been elected president of Local 3364,
Bethlehem Police Department. He succeeds long-time president Marvin C.
Koonz. Vincent Rinaldi of Slingerlands is new vice president; Jeffrey Vunck,
Glenmont, secretary; Joseph Mosca, Delmar, was re-elected treasurer.
Clyde A. Black has been elected president of NYS Forest Rangers, Local
1872, He was a member of the 1988 C82 Negotiating Committee. Also elected
were Joseph Kennedy, first vice president; Jim Prunoske, second VP; Bernard
4J. Siskavich, secretary-treasurer; Steven B. Ovitt, Daniel E. Richter and
Richard K, Swanson, executive board; trustee for three years, John M, Gillen
Others receiving votes were Paul Rinaldi (for president), Daniel Singer (for
second VP), Doug Reidman, Vic Sasse, Gary Lee, Pete Rossi, Terry Figary,
John Seitts, Warner Schwab, Roger Blatter and Rick Requa (all forboard), and
Bill Henry and Tom Koss (for trustee)
William Branch has succeeded Joseph Siskavich as vice president of
Local 300, Lyon Mountain Correctional Facility. New board members are
Orlando, Here We Come
plan for all its members,
All Destinations, Inc., and Piedmont Vacations, are offering air and
car from $284 to $283 per adult, based on double occupancy. Children’s
rat available. Weekend and holiday surcharges may apply. Rates
effective tll April 15, 1989. For further information, please contact Nancy
or Gwynne at All Destinations, Inc. Call collect (518) 785-3946, Please
identify yourselt as a member of Council 82 when calling
Rodeway Inn at Orlando, Fla., continues to offer a special price to
Council 82 members. T! , up to four
persons (a standard room with two double beds). An alternative of a
COUNCIL 82 ENFORCER
cPtae
UNCIL 42 AFSCME
AFLP
tion Fair at Bill
Mayers, Public Relations Director for Council @ Chuck Booth and Elona
Hamarich, C82 health program specialist
Owenas trust
Tolosky, Treasurer Joseph LeClair, board member Greg Danussi and Trustee
Robert Lavigne
Dewey LaValley of Chase Mills has been elected president of Local 2390,
u artment. He 1d Michael Aldrich. Seot
Amaral of Canton was elected vice president. Seott Bonno of Canton, Michael
Ames of Canton and Michael Sherry of Ogdensburg are new shop stewards.
Incumbents are Secretary Barbara Towne, Treasurer Merrill Brainard and
Steward Earl Bonno,
‘of Taconic Correc-
tional Facility Local 2718. The rest of the board headed by President Antonio
Corredo remains intact
Jaurer of Malone h
Hill Correctional Facility in Malone. Brian Gokey of Malone is vice president,
Clift Richmond of Constable in secretary and Art Jolley of North Bangor is
treasurer.
Anthony Guarco of Middletown has been elected a trustee of Local 2982,
Mid-Orange CF, Warwick. Mike Didio is incumbent president,
Bill Meck,
local, isthe new president at Local 8544, Southport CF. Pine City, Barty
Fletcher of Elmira has moved up {rom secretary to vice president; Nicholas
Gaudiosi of Horseheads is secretary; Timothy Murphy of Pine City replaces
Gaudiosi as treasurer. The all-new executive board includes former president
Paul Sullivan of Elmira, Mike Griffin of Pine City and Dick Gunderman of
Elmira. Trustees—all trom Elmira—are Charles Wright, one year; James
Richards, two years; Randy Seymour, three years.
Kathleen Coffman of Newburgh has been elected president of Shawan-
gunk CF Local 3276 at Wallkill, Charles Farley of Goshen is the new vice
president; Donald Brooks of Wallkill, secretary; Patrick Turso of Monroe,
treasurer. Trustees are Diana Arlzmendi of Highland and Paul Van Riper of
Walden joining incumbent Bruce Allen of Newburgh, the sole holdover from
the previous regime headed by Jose Laboy. Executive board members are
John Schnelder of Modena, David Awad of New Paltz and Joe Notarnicola of
West Camp.
up
to six persons at $60 a night.
Reservations must be made in advance and the member should
This offer is valid
when space is available. Further Information is available by calling (toll
free) 1-800-826-4847, Ask for Jeannie Wilson.
Le jew slate at Washington
Conectional Facility vocal 3088 Vice President is Pick Ringley of Whitehall;
7 treasurer (re-ele
witha a former president. New board ments Be Inglee of Hudson
of Hudson Falls and Keith Brunelle of Fort Edward.
April 1989
_ COUNCIL 82 ENFORCER __ Page7
A Memory Lane of '79 Strike |
This special
i
i
bi
8
pull-out section
highlights the
last 10 years
The 1979 strike turned
this union around, and
forced the state to deal
fairly and honestly with
our officers and their
legitimate concerns. In
this section we recall
some bittersweet
moments of that strike
and another kind of
picket line.
On our cover:
Staff Artist
Ludwig Paul Kleinschmidt
recreates the scene
at Clinton's front
gate on the 10th day
9 ce. Here he p
of the 1979 strike, ‘arborough, | ial '
Bsslatnt othe president of ArScuE; unidentified otler, Forest Ranger Bob Contin and co fon Cheeseman, %
in Albany County Jail,
Page 8
COUNCIL 82 ENFORCER
April 1989
COUNCIL 82 ENFORCER
W's not the’ 1987. President.
lauds
while y 9
striking officers circles the gate at Hudson CF. Wives got in the act too, as seen by the la
y
Comstock is seen in the 1979 photo at upper right. Below,
dies marching (lower right) outside Comstock.
Page 9
Page 10
COUNCIL 82 ENFORCER April 1989
staff; Hollis V. Chi
Tom Morand Fishkill, correction poly chairman; CO Clayton DeFayete, Clinton resin
b Graham, Coxsackie, i
Capital Police, treasurer.
Officer John DeCocca of Capital Police Local 1870, pickets on
the State Office Campus in Albany in 1979 to support his
inion's strike and to prove solidarity with his brothers and
Istera in the joints
Officers and tamilies made
nor ki
to the wealthy
Executive Board members 3; the pres in the brite: a anonlerence room in Alb: the
Conklin, CO Kevin Casey, CO Ron Wert, AFSCME's P. J. Executive BiecaHal V.Chaees An a oclok oie Tae en birthed
Clayton DeFayette; CO B6b Poot, CO Frank McDonnell, sat ‘ohn Casey, CO Valentine Krele and GO Ron cl semen ans Pee
April 1989
Gabriels, Adirondack
Officers Earn Praise
are praised in a news release distributed statewide by the Adirondack Park
Visitor Center (Enforcer, January 1989) at Paul Smiths. Because it concerns
two of our facilities, and furthermore may be of interest to many families
touring the Adirondacks, we are reprinting that release, written by
Ann Melious, in large part.
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES SAVES
VISITOR INTERPRETIVE CENTER MORE THAN $1 MILLION
The finely crafted bridges, boardwalks and overlooks and handsome
Adirondack-style furniture which will grace the Adirondack Park Visitor Inter-
pretive Center (VIC) trail system and building when it opens in May are the
work of talented craftsmen
‘And those craftsmen happen to be inmates in the NYS Department of
Correctional Services (DOCS) system. The new VIC has saved more than $1
million by using the expertise of skilled corrections officers (COs), DOCS
vocational education instructors, and the labor of inmates who had never
before held a hammer or spent a day in the woods.
“The cooperation of Superintendent Arthur Rabideau of Camp Gabriels
and Superintendent James Racette of Adirondack Correctional Facility has
made it possible for us to offer a unique experience at the Visitor Interpretive
Center while saving taxpayer dollars,” VIC Program Director Ed Lynch stated
COs and inmates trom Camp Gabriels, a minimum security corrections
theentires.5
mile trail system at the center, and vocational education instructors and in-
mates at Adirondack Correctional Facility (ACF), a medium security facility in
nearby Ray Brook, constructed interior and exterior furnishings to comple-
ment the Great Camp-style VIC building. The VIC provided materials and staf!
support to the correctional facilities.
A Camp Gabriels crew supervised by CO John Carris started trail work in
October 1986. "We started andit was trial and error,” Carris stated. "Most of the
crew had no carpentry skills whatsoever, but by the end of work on that trail
the men were coming up with fancy cuts and their own solutions to construc-
tion problems
re plans for
contingencies. Allowances had tobe made forhigh water when bridges were
constructed and boardwalks had to curve unexpectedly around the root sys-
tems of large trees orto avoid boulder
railings for the traits, making installation aucker and esac
Heron
| was out in waders and stepped on what looked lke a little mound of grass. |
sank up to my hips and had tobe dragged out," Cars remembered. "When |
hole, it
arall Carrs andi crew were joined in 1988 by four more crews.
CO Yvon Fortier and his crew worked on dam reconstruction along with
Gould Hoyt, professor emeritus of Paul Smiths College. The highly technical
project on the Shingle Mil Falls Trail required replacement of
COUNCIL 82 ENFORCER
HEALTH BEAT
By ELONA HAMARICH
(82 Health Program Specialist
HEALTH INSURANCE SKYROCKETING COSTS
Q. Why do | have to get a second surgical opinion?
Q. Why do we have co-pays for doctors visits?
Q. Why does a hospital stay have to be precertified?
A. Due to the rising cost of health insurance.
That is the simple answer to why health insurance has become so com-
plex. Cost containment measures such as co-pays, second surgical opinions
and precertification programs are being implemented in health insurance
programs in hopes of combating skyrocketing costs. More than 70% of Ameti-
‘cans who are insured through their employer are now enrolled in a managed
care plan, defined as an HMO, PPO or managed fee-for-service. (Managed fee
planswith
tion review.) This was a 10% increase from 1987 when approximately 60% were
enrolled
The following are some statistics that illustrate the skyrocketing cost of
health insurance, according to the Health Association of Americ
—Health insurance premiums rose by 12% between Spring 1987 and
Spring 1988
—Preferred provider organization plans rose 17%
~Conventional health insurance plans rose by 11.2%,
premiums by 10%
Traditional staff or group HMO’s experienced an 8% increase.
This was for last year, but rising medical costs have been increasing for
several years, according to the Hay/Huggins Benelits Report
—The average cost of providing family health insurance for one
worker increased 182% from 1980 to 1988,
—In 1980,
family medical coverage. In 1988 the average was $2,544
—In 1980, the average worker paid $97 a year for family medical
insurance.
—1n 1988, not
ible and coinsurance payments,
Council 82 has been informed by several members that they have
and helped preserve a 60 acre marsh. His crew also built platforms along the
Silvicultural Trail
ct COsKris
ding to Council 82's contact,
$100 for exams and ontae lenses. If you have received a voucher from
ban by
Bruno and Mike Spear. Relief Officers included COs John Snow and Joe
and statement received with the check to Elona Hamarich, Health Pro-
{Os working
on the trail project, "Ed Lynch willbe the last name | forget on my deathbed.
The APVIC opens in late May. The main building houses a 150-seat
theater, a permanent exhibit on evolution of the Adirondack Landscape, a
sales outlet, workshops and a touch-screen information system for the entire
Adirondack Park, The center is on Route 30, one mile north of Route 192 in
Paul Smiths. It will be open daily
CSC Reverses DOCS;
Hoffman Reinstated
list, Council 82, 61 Colvin A\ New York 12206,
to obtain the maximum allowance. The State has been informed, so
hopefully this problem will be corrected,
Staten Island Local 2398 (Continued from Page 4)
inmates, unlike their upstate counterparts who often must wait months be-
tween visits because of the expense of traveling
An additional “plus” is the extensive education program offered by St
John’s University, Mercy College, Bronx Community College and the prison’s
‘own academic and vocational staff. These advantages, complemented by a
y prob-
lem tree.
'We invite yout visit and judge for yourself the conditions to which both
0,
ot ConssteCoreton Otc Chas Hainan
had cs after suffering seizures. However, his neurologist Dr. Staniey Bal, prescribed a
which he cleared Holtman to
conte ang ac Thebtlom ine atv lon Pe aes Ns maine wl Oe
seizuretree
of the Civil Service Law alleging that he was not fit for duty. Following two days of hearing
4
2 appealed this fring to the Chil Service Commission, which unanimously voted to
reinstate Hotfmen.
ubjecter hiss thetargest
would be a travesty of justice. It is quite apparent that the Department of
Budget has ho said,
‘A man may build himselt a throne of bayonets, but he cannot sit on it"
Also representing Council 82 at the conference were Thomas P. Kennedy
Ill, correction policy chairman; Kathy McCormack, legislative director; Chuck
Booth, public relations director.
teat asinine, whe ire det ue bse
Richard Bische stated
Chris Gar Stated: "This case, more than
anything, Tothe
tohis attention. Once again, the State AFL-CIO demonstrated tha itis an aggressive, responsive
organization. Additionally,
epartment,
sed machinery.
they arise
and we wil ight
eats
Page 12
COUNCIL 82 ENFORCER
Letters to the Editor
“Those Who Do” & "Those Who Don't”
To the Editor
Consider this! You have just been faced with a serious problem. After years of
doing your job one way, management (administration) has made a decision to
make a significant change. You as a member of a union, should be concerned
that you edone, must be
done by the union as a whole, not by just a group of your peers that have the
title of UNION OFFICIALS,
Just because you have voted foran official to represent you, doesnot complete
YOUR obligation. This offical is only as good as you make him or her, You
have tobe the eyes and ears for this official, Do whit you canto help. Showan
interest, GO TO A UNION ce be heard. Most people
(THOSE WHO DONT) love tositback and criticize the local officials for whatis
happening or what is not happening in their work environment, Become one of
THOSE WHO DO.” Power is in numbers, and we have these numbers.
Our biggest problem is getting “THOSE WHO DON'T" to become one of
“THOSE WHO DO.” So the next time you pass judgment on one of your union
officials for something that has happened or something that has not happened
ask yourself this: "Have | really done anything to help?” If the answer is "NO
then sit back, Keep your thoughts to yourself, and your mouth shut, because
you, my friend, are one of "THOSE WHO DON'T!
Bar's Ridiculous Reasoning
From The Record,
Troy, N.Y., Feb. 15, 1989
Regardless of what your position might be on the issue of capital punish-
ment, itis hard to understand the rationale used by the New York State Bar
Association in explaining its opposition to legislation legalizing capital pun-
ishment for certain crimes. The state bar claims it would be better for the state
to spend money on “conventional” crime fighting methods than to set up the
machinery for capital punishment. According to a study released by the bar
association toobusy
coping with this decade's flood of criminal prosecutions to handle capital
punishment cases
We have heard some fuzzy-brained idei
this ill-conceived argument.
over the years, but none match
We can understand and accept arguments against capital punishment on
‘moral grounds. You do not have to agree with an argument to understand and
accept it. But to say you are going to base justice on convenience and cost is
nonsensical. The chairman of the bar group's criminal justice section, Joseph
Jaffe, al y, Says,"
crises to our system of criminal justice
's itnot strange that we have not heard of the cirminal justice systems in
Florida, Texas and other states that have capital punishment laws falling apart
as Mr argument
—Gary Southard, Chiet
Local 1041, Eastern NY Correctional Facility
‘THE CITIZEN, AUBURN, N.Y.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1989
Inmate says next time he'll succeed
KINGSTON (AP) — Moments A self-described “monster”
after he was found guilty in Ulster spawned by New York's legal sys-
County Court of trying to murder a tem, the 26-year-old Bosket made
ison guard, state prison inmate the statemeni
Willie Bosket vowed he'd complete woman jury found him guilty of
the deed next time, first-degree attempted murder, first-
“Next time, I won't try,” he degree assault, third-degree crimi-
replied to a reporter who asked him nal possession of a weapon and and
iff he would try to kill again, promoting contraband,
Poster Child for Death Penalty
Dear Chuck:
| would like to nominate this piece of trash for the Poster Child for 1989's
Society, and off to
have this hunk of ratshit exterminated ASAP. Agreed? Fraternally yours,
—Avery E. Neagle, Correction Officer
‘Auburn Correctional Facility
News Seminars Helped ECO Editor
Dear Mr. Booth’
hat February s Enforcer!
Imagine me (the student) receiving “laurels” from you (the master}! The popu
larity and success of The E.C.O. Review (Local 1873's official union publica-
tion for the Environmental Conservation Police) is largely your fault, Mr
Booth. twas through your excellent training seminars and personal guidance
that gave birth to our unique and highly praised periodical
THE E.C.O. REVIEW has become a trend-setter in the field of union publica
tions of which Local 187; proud. Other ti
our style and format in their publications; which, in itself, is the greatest
compliment an editor can receive.
Recently, THE E.C.0. REVIEW was entered in The Washington Crime News
Services Contest under the classification of “union police publications.
Winners of the contest will be announced in Crime Control Digest.
There isn’t a day spent slaving away at my editor's desk where my thoughts
don't think of you, Mr. Booth. Those same thoughts are filled with gratitude and
respect. Many, many, and many thanks: Warmly,
—Neil |. Ross, Editor
Local 1873, The E.C.0. Review
as. egislature will
be able to override Governor Mario M. Cuomo's certain veto of legislation to
reinstitute the death penalty for certain crimes.
Death penalty proponents say they believe they have an excellent chance
n both houses of the Legi
Every year for the past 12 years, the Legislature has passed death penalty
legislation, only to have the governor veto it. Never has there been enough
votes to override that veto.
Public opinion polls show New Yorkers overwhelmingly favor a return of
the death penalty. In our own Vote Line poll conducted two weeks ago,
response ran in favor of the death penalty by a four-to-one margin. The bar
be
We doubt it. We believe the people would recognize the bar association's
arguments for what they are—unmitigated drivel
Questioning the Accuracy
To the Editor:
Racket" in Pr 4
has not just put correction officers credibility in question, but all correction
‘employees as well. Itis a shame that you offer this type of opportunity to have
such an accusation printed with anonymity, because this one irresponsible
Person wouldn't have had the nerve to do it without proof of verification. For
h implication of Ce
for this person to allege the information, he or she would have to be there him
or herself. Instead of using the brain that he/she was born with, this person
Used their mouth with malice, unjust accusations, and contradictions.
The salary quoted in this article would have been accurate if it was the year of
1990. The sad part of his whole articleis, who is this complainer? A correction
officer as indicated or another employee or even an inmate who overhears
things? It absolutely amazes me that the newspaper would publish such an
article without any verification. The implications affect thousands of em:
ployees and their families in the Department of Corrections. Not only does it
upset their personal and professional feelings and attitudes, it also makes the
general public wonder what is what
am a correction officer and have been for the past eight years. | am damn
proud of it, We are now the best trained in the U.S. The Department of
Correction has become No. 1 through years of redirection, more training,
Professionalism and reprogramming for better conditions for all employees
r tl voice or write
their grievances to their immediate supervisors, superintendents, or even the
‘commissioner of the department. The person who sent this article is under-
educated, has very little time on the job, doesn’t work well with their peers, is
Not in good standing with their union, is jealous of people who he/she thinks
has it better than theirself, or itis an inmate.
With all the tensions, stress factors, overpopulation of the correctional system.
budget deficit, tightening of the belt, the employees of the Department of
Correct loner down to th
Complaint, especially behind the curtain of anonymity to stir up ill feelings,
mistrust in our ranks. The guideline you say to use in Speak Out is not the be
accusative or slanderous. If this particular article are not these | would like to
know your definition of slander and accusation,
—Richard P. Whitford, President, Local 866,
Adirondack Correctional Facility
COUNCIL 82 ENFORCER
These photos of Director Richard J. Bischert and President Joseph. Puma
were taken just before the strike in 1979. In case our little nostalgia trick on
Pages 2 and 3 escaped you, yes, they were young then.
, YEPARTME?
.enceph Be Pura
Correction Officer
vant #5239)
= ers =
Council 82 has had its share of glamour over the years. This trio al the 1975
convention (trom lett: Peggy Lemme, Cathy Cassidy and Palti Jacobs
oxsackie Correctional Facility
BRY At? 4955
“Male
Leeann! Pama,
Ut auaes wey
ON Memory
Lane
rs
Associate Dir. Steve Pageau (r.) confers with Brian O'Donnell & Paul Tirado
The Camp Gabriels annual project has employed pastel lights in the past. This year more vivid colors were used.
Page 13
Page 14 COUNCIL 82 ENFORCER April 1989
{As we approach the deadline for enactment of the 1989-90 budget of
April 1, 1989, Council 82 Political Action Committees are in full swing to
fight the cuts tooth and nail
What Council 82 Has Been Doing
For the past several months, back to November of 1988, Council 82
has been meeting with both our legislators and the New York State
Coalition on Economic Priorities to deal head-on with the impending
budget crisis. We have met with every key legislator on this issue
The battle to fight these cuts was kicked off at the Political Action
Conference held in Albany on Feb. 6 and 7, 1989. (See full page of
pictures at right.) At that point, Council 82's political leaders were briefed
On the crisis facing the state and the impact it will have on Council 82
(The Department of Correctional Services, the Office of Mental Health
and the Stale University of New York have been hardest hit.) On the
second day of the conference, Council 82's leaders descended on the
Capitol 10 voice their outrage at a budget constructed to be balanced on
the backs of our sat’ public employees
What Council 82 Members Can Do
At the conference, postcards were handed out to each local asking
Governor Cuomo and the legislative leadership to delay the third year of
the tax cut in order for the state to have an extra $400 million to spend on
budget items. (I hope you have gotten those back.) Further, the New York
State Ci (NYSCEP) has been
state to organize pressure on legislators in their home districts. This informa-
tion has been sent to each local president and PAC chairperson.
Further, Council 82s holding a statewide demonstration at each correc-
tional facility opposing cuts in the Department of Correctional Services’
budget on March 27, 1989. In order for these cuts to be restored, we must gain
the support of our local legislators. You vole in thelr districts—you make a
local, your community and the news media.
This battle must be fought in Albany, but more importantly, on the local
front. We cannot win this fight without a well-orchestrated fight on the local
level. Legislators listen to voters!
Below is information on the impact of the budget on your local property
taxes. It shouldbe enough to make you write a letter. (The numbers in paren-
thesis mean Notice that
$125,000 benetit the most}
Impact of the Cuomo Budget on Property Taxes
The Cuomo budget will result in a fax shift for many middle-income
taxpayers. Under the guise of maintaining an income tax cut, the budget will
force property tax increases across the state
It aNew York resident's home has a market value of $48,000, the average
property tax increase—just to compensate for the state cuts and imposition of
ew costs—would be $99 per year. That would mean an increase of $8.30 per
month in "
te 8149 por year or $12.40 per month. For a $144,000 home, the additional
property tax bite would be $298 per year, or $24.85 per month.
Homeowners are not the only New York residents who would fee! the
pinch
tax ralls by the reform will lose what they have gained. Landlords whose
ot higher rents
These property tax increases would more than offset any benefits most
taxpayers would derive from the income tax changes. In other words, there is
10 tax cut for most New Yorkers—there is just a tax shift from income to
property taxes.
The following table compares the change in income tax {in the income
NYSCEP)it the tax cutis
phase
proposed fiscal 1989-90 budget. The apparent income tax cuts are fully offset
by property tax increases below the $125,000 income level
THE SHIFT FROM INCOME TO PROPERTY TAXES
roy I “Vjzy
iti: SCAB
2 JUSRED
“AFTER GOD HAD FINISHED THE RATTLESNAKE, THE TOAD, AND
THE VAMPIRE, HE HAD SOME AWFUL STUFF LEFT WITH WHICH
HE MADE A SCAB.
“A SCAB IS A TWO-LEGGED ANIMAL WITH A CORKSCREW SOUL,
A WATERLOGGED BRAIN, AND A COMBINATION BACKBONE MADE OF
JELLY AND GLUE. WHERE OTHERS HAVE HEARTS, HE CARRIES
A TUMOR OF ROTTEN PRINCIPLES... JUDAS ISCARIOT
WAS A GENTLEMAN COMPARED TO A SCAB, FOR BE-
Tae TRAYING HIS MASTER HE HAD THE
CHARACTER TO HANG HIMSELF - THE
SCAB HASN'T... THERE |S NOTHING
LOWER THAN A SCAB,”
JACK LONDON
Further shifts of funding responsibilty from state to local government are
probable in subsequent budgets, as the revenue loss from the phased-in tax
Cut continues to grow. This table thus underestimates the total potential shift
from income to property taxes inherent in the phased-in tax cut over the next
three years
q
It Was a Great PAC Conference’
Dear Mr. Bischer,
On behalf of Local 2965's PAC | would like to thank you and Kathy McCormack
fora GREAT PAC Conference. It was informative, enjoyable and educationa
Each member ofthis Local's PAG learned and felt that it was a benefit for the
Security Hospital Treatment Assistant. Fraternally,
—Mike Surprenant, President
Local 2965, Central NY PC
|
Memo to Governor Cuomo: |
85 per cent of your subjects favor the death pen- |
alty. 99.9 per cent of your correction officers |
favor the death penalty. Does that suggest any-
thing to you?
April 1989 COUNCIL 82 ENFORCER
Legislative Director " McCormack
Assembly Speaker Mel Miller addresses the conference, pledging com-
mitment to maintaining staffing levels at state correction facilities,
NYS Comptroller Ned Regan
Newscaster Warren Doremus Is Seminar Speaker
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