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Wot. 23 NO.5 Official Publication of Council 82, AFSCME, AFL-CIO yy MAY 1986)
BELT TIGHTENS; AFSCME INSURES VITAL SERVICES
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Clinton Honors 22 Retirees
Local 1272 at Clinton Correctional Facility paid honor to 22 retirees recently at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Plattsburgh. Among the
veterans were, from the lett; Robert Meehan, Roland LaPier, Al Wolfgang, Don Jessey, Bill LePage, Robert Carr, Vince Lennon, Howard Pas
Ryan, Robert Carter, Bill Noland. \d Gary Howard,
Staff Representative Dale Sears and Public Relations Director Chuck Booth
long-time Dannemora
sino, J. J. Ryan, Mike
9
those honored for achieving their "golden years” status. He receives his award {rom Executive Vice
President Paul Doner. Local President Jack Kiroy (center), Council 82 Executive Board member, was
master of ceremonies. Principal C82 speaker was Executive Director Richard J. Bischert (right)
COUNCIL 82 ENFORCER May
May COUNCIL 82 ENFORCER
Enforcer Cutbacks May Be Forewarning
Due to the financial restraints placed on Council 82, we have again re-
duced the size of the Enforcer. We have also eliminated our publication's
colors, red and blue, to save additional pressrun costs.
staff, without reducing mandatory services. Shrinking funds has forced me to
review all staff positions, and to develop contingent plans for staff layotts.
Should layotts become necessary, four field staff positions will be eliminated,
as well as four Council 82-funded part-time positions. Naturally this would
19 staff, and on of our
members.
an effort not to implement such layoff plans, | met with AFSCME
International President Gerald McEntee, and business agent James O'Mally,
requesting assistance in obtaining funds from AFSCME to pay staff salaries
during the loss of dues check-off,
for New York
State, Steve Fantauzzo, we obtained grants from AFSCME to cover the short-
fall of staff salaries through the end of May. At that time we face a serious
curtailment of staffing,
Council 82 members must view AFSCME as a safety net, not a bureau-
cracy which takes and never returns.
‘AFSCME supported Council 82 after the 1979 “Job Action,” during the
recent challenge, and again since last August with money for Council staff,
training, public relations, and legislation programs.
In January 1986, | again received a grant to continue the Enforcer in
reduced form, rather than no publication at al.
‘The safety net of AFSCME has helped us since the loss of check-off in
February, and | think it wll continue; however, | am also realistic enough to
know there is a limit as to what they can afford to do for us.
There are some frightening financial realities. Before the U.S. District
Court decision denying our claim in December, we had only $9,600 in out-
standing bills. In January, preparing for the loss of checkoff, Council 82 spent
$45,000 more than it took in, and unpaid bills doubled. In February, C82 dues
income was less than $83,000 and the Council spent more than $163,000,
Unpaid bills rose above $60,000. In March, we had dues income of about
{$136,000 and spent about $156,000. The unpaid bills rose to almost $92,000!
Council 82 Scholarship Program in Gear
Director’s Corner
By Richard J. Bischert
Executive Director
member paying dues only through Feb. 12, even though the deduction was
taken on the 26th of February.) In some cases, three bi-weekly pay periods
elapsed before a single deduction was taken. Members must make up back
dues to become current and up to date.
Also, a bank debit is only implemented on the 15th of each month, and
because our March April8,
this method will show a different “paid through” date,
‘Asa reminder, Council 82 dues were increased in April 1986, as required
by our constitution, effective the same payroll dates as the percentage in-
‘creases, both for administrative and institutional. The correct amount is $9.66
bi-weekly. Local presidents were advised of this last month
Letters
En Con Officer Thanks Union
Dear Sirs:
{J want to extend my sincere thanks for an excellent job done on the part of
Council 82. Having encountered a problem that was not only upsetting but a
two cases. Others are in the horrendous category, as little as 22 per cent.
cerning my work atmosphere, | called Council 82. The
competent, effective, and knowledgeable handling and assistance in this mat-
We
Again,
and continue our membership services.
We now have 287 members paying through Norstar Bank debit account,
2,760 paying through credit unions, 1,371 paying by hand collection, 6,122
paying by direct payment, and 68 paying via VISA/Mastercard, for a total of
10,608. That's 65 per cent paid!
The April 1986 printouts to locals will show who has paid and by what
method, the dates paid through, and the total dues paid.
IMPORTANT: Every dues paying member must verify their payment and
method of payment by reviewing the printout sent to each local treasurer.
Contact your local treasurer and/or president if your name is not on the
printout. They, in turn, can supply Council 82 with your name and /ora lst of
names. If further required, pl at
the Council 82 office.
identity because certain information is missing. It is imperative you supply us
with the following information: complete name (Jr. included), address, local
9 and
method of payment selected. It may be helpful to include a phone number
where you can be reached. Your cooperation will assist us in correcting
current problems.
‘As | have stated, local treasurers will receive a complete printout of all
paying and non-paying members. This will be followed with a printout of
non-paying members to the local presidents. This will be done to further
inform members who may have paid dues, but who have not been recorded.
benefits for them.
ter by field falter Cavanaugh was greatly appreciated.
Union dues are certainly a small amount to pay, considering the quick re~
applicants for the 1986 C82 scholarship program. This is one aspect of our
cutive C ic y enjoyable. Itis quite
refreshing
what they want for their future. It is enjoyable to think that by assisting them
with this scholarship that C82 is helping them to achieve their future goals.
Due to the “L ft" |am unable to list t at thi
time, They must all be put through the computer to assure that the applicants
will be personally sending out letters of congratulations to all our winners.
Loss of Dues Checkoff
Recently the strain of dues collection has surfaced not only on the local
level, that C82 id
agency.
Y
\/
From the President
By Joseph P. Puma
Council 62 President
a
that when itis over this union will be better for it. THANKS.
Privatization of Prisons
Recently | had the opportunity to speak at Siena College, Loudonville, to
"Cr
laken away
their members. My suggt y
of your authority to other members of your executive board.
| commend our local leaders who have sacrificed their own time for the
good of Council 82, trying to balance dues collection and everyday union
business.
rime and
Control.” The instructor wanted me to give my opinion of privatization of
prisons. | was reluctant at first but agreed to speak when | realized those
students are voters who may one day be deciding whether private industry
belongs in the prison business. | conducted both classes on April 10 and was
y happy
educate the public on the real issues of privatization. Issues such as safety,
professionalism, and the ethical responsibility of the government. If you be-
1991 .
load. | have found this to help me in my everyday business. There are many
issues that can wait until another day. | applaud all local union leaders who
Di Bischert
they get their foot into the door in New York State.
C82 Wins Improper Practice Case in Ulster County
Council 82 recently won an improper practice
charge on behalf of the Ulster County Sheriff's
Employees Association, Local 373.
‘The case centered around the unilateral rescis-
pute the existence of the practice. However, the
civil administrator, Lorraine Hodes, did not tes- who presented the cai
tity, purportedly becasue she was il, and the tes-
timony of T. R. Gallo, the deputy civil administra-
Christopher Gardner, Council 82's counsel
stated: "We demon-
strated pretty clearly to Sheriff Post that there is
no such thing as a ‘free lunch.’ We also demon-
sion of a paid one-hour lunch period for two sec-
retaries employed in the Civil Division. Forthe five
years prior to June 18, 1985, Helen Lyle and Mary
sponse and support | received from Council 82 staff and
THANK YOU! Sincerely,
COLLEEN SANDBERG
NYSDEC, Long Island
‘Council 82 Is You and Me. . .’
Dear Chuck:
| was asked to put into words what Council 82 means to me as a Local leader.
| thought about that question a long time before writing this letter. | thought
about the time I called our field representative at his home at 11 p.m. and got
y paid
lunch break during which they were free to leave
the building. On June 18, they were told by Lor-
raine Hodes, the civil administrator, that they
would not be permitted a paid lunch hour or to
leave the building during the mid-day meal with-
out her permission,
‘At the hearing, the employer attempted to dis-
tor, judge,
Robert Miller, as "imprecise, unpersuasive and
inconsistent with the documentary evidence.”
The Public Employment Relations Board or-
dered the employer to restore to Lyle and Deyo
the paid one-hour off-premise lunch period, and
to pay them at the overtime rate forall pe
time in which they were not permitted to take a
lunch break. This will amount to about 170 hours
back pay at the overtime rate, plus interest, or
about $2,000 for each employee.
ll take whatever action necessary to protect
them from arbitrary management action. Council
82 Executive Director Richard J. Bischert, com-
menting on the victory, stated, “This is further
evidence of Council 82's commitment to prevent
Unilateral changes in termsand conditions of em-
ployment without good faith negotiations. Man-
agement has to be taught that it must negotiate
with the union, and in this case, it was an expen-
sive lesson.”
Wyoming Joins Attica’s Easter Egg Hunt
hhim out of bed to answer a question that couldn't wait. | HI the
times I've called the Council headquarters for help. | thought about our local
‘executive board, and how they supported one another in good times and in
times not so good. also thought about the membership, the men and women
themselves.
{ter all I
whatever stands in “OUR way! That's what Council 82 means to me, Thanks
for being there when we needed you.
Fraternally yours,
TOM KENNEDY
President, Local 1279, Great Meadow
1), Al
This will produce a printout with varied results.
Additionally, we have found that some credit unions have not deducted
86.
‘co Adamik Coordinating]
Watertown Career Day
Correction Officer Karl Adamik is chairman of the third annual
areer Day
tional Facility
Alchard J. Blachert
Executive Director
Joseph P.Puma James
President Vice President
Executive Board
John Brooks
m
ack Kiroy
Philip Knight
rt
Roland Martin
Ronald Russell
Attica Correctional Facility Local 1040 sponsored its sixth annual Easter
Egg Hunt recently and was joined by Local 1169, Wyoming Correctional
Facility, for the first time.
Greg Williams was chairman of the event. James T. Mann, president of
Local 1040 and vice
young winners. They were:
uneil 82, ant
‘Age 4 and younger, 1- Rachel Lutey, 2- Christopher Stedman; 3- Mike
| Tristen L
Richard Lean
‘Secretary
Warren MeMilan
Dennis Middaugh
Rober Patterson
Fichard Petter
Di ist
inthe facility's Vocational Building,
toset up
display booths between 11 a.m. and noon that day. There will also be &
refreshment stand. Council 82 will, of course, be represented.
For further information, contact Adamik at Watertown Correctional
Facility, Dry Hill, Watertown, NY 13601, or call him at (315) 83-6285.
0.
63 Colvin Avenue, Albany, N.Y. 12208
Editor and Public Relations Director
Coun
|__83.Cobvin Avenue, Albany, NY. ¥2208 00
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(18) 489-8424
9 to 12 years old, 1- Melanie Fuest, 2- Christine Baker, 3- Julie Almeter.
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Pages COUNCIL 82 ENFORCER May
Council 82 will be hosting seven lobby days during May and June. They
are:
May 6—Satety Officers—Assembly Parlor—10:30 a.m,
May 12—Park Poli
‘AFL-CIO Conference Room—10 a.m.
May 13—Deputy Sheriffs—Hearing Room C.—10 a.m.
May 19-EnCon/Forest Rangers—Assembly Parlor—10 a.m.
May 20~Correction Otticers—Hearing Room C—10 a.m.
June 2—University Police/SHTAs—AFL-CIO.
June 3—Capital Police—AFL-ClO.
This year, several of cl
100 S. Swan St., Albany. The building is directly across the street from the
l legisla-
tive office in the building. This gives us the privilege of using their beautiful
conference facilities.
EnCon Police Officers
Winant Elected; 1873 Pursues Positive Image
4
congratulated by Executive Director Richard J. Bischert
r Local 1873,
eds L
Charles Winant
upon Charlie's el
2 Officers’ Fast Thinking
Prevents Major Catastrophe
EnCon Police Officers Stewart F. Field and Robert T, Hyde were credited
ntly with preventing a major environmental catastrophe.
‘According to Lt. Charles Winant, zone supervisor (and coincidentally
Local 1873 president), as quoted in the Corning Leader, they supervised the
onstruction of two sand dams across a minor tributary of the old Chemung
Canal near Watkins Glen,
‘Their fast thinking intercepted 5,000 galions of fuel oil spilling from an
‘overturned tanker vehicle. Only 200 feet separated the oil spill from Seneca
Lake.
very important
The ECO
I hope you will make an effort to come to Albany and meet with your
legislators. Please
post the lobby notices.
toe ke
The New York State budget is finally in place. Although we were not
successful in getting extra money in the Department of Correctional Services
budget, we have been meeting ongoing with the department on the issues of
overtime and contingency posts. Hopefully, this summer we will avoid the
problems we had last year.
Thanks to all who sent postcards and set up meetings with their legisla-
8.
tors
with their legislator at their facility should contact me.
te et
We expect bills to start moving out of their respective committees soon.
will update you at the lobby days. Keep up the good work.
Charles Winant of Chemung County (Region 8) has been elected to a
two-year term as president of Local 1873, Environmental Conservation Ot
ers. He succeeds Larry Johnson.
Others elected for two-year terms are Walter Sudol, Oneida County, Re-
gion 6, vice president; Peter Barton, Livingston County, Region 8, secretary
James Groebe, BECI-Butfalo, Niagara County, treasurer.
Others on the executive board are Tim Huss, Region 1; Larry Johnson,
BECI-Albany; Dan Sullivan, Region 7. Trustees are David Wayman, Herkimer
County, three years | Drury, one year, and Louis Gerrain,
two years.
Candidates, some of whom ran very close to the winners, included Dale
Balmer, Norm Channing, Fran Vinski, Bob Gossen, Lance Maly, Tom Stoner,
Marlin White, Fred Schram, Harry Young, Doug Kerr, Jerry Desko, Otto Ter-
tinek and Ray VanAnden,
“With contract negotiations accomplished in 1985,” said Winant in his
acceptance message, "Local 1873 efforts will be concentrated on expanding
public awareness of the job of the Environmental Conservation Police in
today's society. We are vigorously pursuing needed legislation in the area of
officer retirement. A new effort to ally with groups holding similar public
interests, and bringing the opinions and knowledge of the members to the
Public eye for public enlightenment, will be a major undertaking. The officers
feel they have been silent too long on many important topics.
Editor of the Local 1873 publication, The ECO Review, willbe Neil Ross of
Wilson. Don Snell will He
is a past president
Immediate goals outlined by the new board, in addition to those above,
re:
*® To continue to work within Council 82, through the Law enforcement
Policy Committee, to assist in defending fair labor contracts and moving
Upward in the security and law enforcement professions. "We have been law
enforcement people since 1880.”
oT
C 9
generations. "Ot
deserve or pay for.”
* "To achieve these goals, we pledge to work with Council 82, the De-
partment of Environmental Conservation and the legislature to enhance the
chances for optimum results with minimum cost.”
* To guarantee the integrity of the contract and “protect our members’
rights under that contract, Problems seem to emanate not from top officials,
but from upper-middle members of the bureaucracy that, through ignorance
or attempt to avoid 7
* To speak publicly when “our members are unjustly attacked, and to
follow with truth squads’
the public in a distorted context.”
So there you have it, simple and progressive, “The men and women
represented by this local are unique and talented people. They also tend to
Review, “it allowed the offic
\F8 to save the taxpayers a huge expense and
New water.
nt under a bushel,” in
“We hope to gain them the recoginition and assistance they deserve in their
almost unnoticed daily battle to save, quite literally, the world.”
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