Region 8 Retirees

PEF Region 8 Retirees Committee Meeting

Minutes

Monday, May 4, 2009

The May meeting of the Region 8 PEF Retirees began at 12:40 with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Barb Kearney introduced the guest speaker, Linda Borosky of “OASIS”, who spoke about this organization, which is dedicated to programs and events for retired Senior Citizens. Linda’s presentation was enthusiastically received by the members.

President Marje DeVoe then introduced Tom Comanzo who thanked the retirees who had rallied to the call for their help in fighting Governor Patterson’s initiatives through their union activism. He stated that Governor Patterson is a “union-buster” who is making CSEA and PEF scapegoats for the states budget problems. He stated “we met him at the Gideon Putnam”, and Joe Fox presented the Governor with a copy of “Ways For The State To Save Money”. Tom explained that our union leaders are always ready to sit down with the Governor and talk, “but we are not going to reopen our contract”. Tom asked that we contact Malcom Smith and Shelly Silver’s offices by phone about the union’s stand on this issue.

Tom also informed the members that on Thursday, June 25th, PEF is sponsoring a bus trip to NYC to see the Mets vs the Cardinals, for $48.

They are still looking into the possibility of trips to the new Yankee Stadium, but that it appears only bleacher seats will be available.

Marje then asked the members for an approval of the April meeting minutes, and this was moved and seconded, as was the Treasurers Report, presented by Dick Klee.

Hiram Eberlien handed out an information sheet, and spoke of the upcoming Legislative Lobbying Day of the Alliance of Public Retirees Organization at 11 AM until 4 PM May 20th, and,said they would like to see a significant turnout of the PEF Retirees. Those who are interested in attending should gather on the third floor terrace of the LOB.

Marje then spoke of the statewide PEF Training upcoming in Binghamton on July 21st. At least 4 of our members should attend, and she will be providing more information at the picnic. If anyone is interested in attending, they should phone Marje. She informed the members that there are problems ongoing between the Times Union and the Newspaper Guild, and that the Holiday Inn in Latham just fired 3 employees for trying to organize a Union:”Don’t go there”. She mentioned that Health Insurance issues have gone “strangely quiet” with everything else going on, but that we should all remain vigilant. She reminded the members that Governor Pataki tried to made us pay for Medical Premiums, but thanks to our Union’s activism, it never happened. She told the members who had not yet signed up for the annual Picnic, which will be at Mosall’s Grove again this year, to do so today. She informed the members that Dennis Anderson is working on updating the Retiree Page of the PEF Newsletter.

Vice Pres. Roy Bailey reminded the members that there will be no September meeting because of that day being the official Labor day Holiday.

Respectfully submitted – Barbara Kearney, Secretary