Welcome!
January 19, 2008
Many of you in ORPS have heard about the tragic accident that our Division Labor/Management Chair Jim Haskell had several weeks ago. Our thought and prayers are with Jim and his family during this difficult time. Jim is a long time activist with PEF and a longer term employee of our agency. We all hope that he will be able to fully recuperate and continue his work in ORPS, or undertake his favorite pastime enjoying a good game of golf in a warm and sunny climate.
I know Jim would want me to thank all of you who filled in leave donation requests on his behalf. Jim and I have spoken many times about the ups and downs of our agency. We always agree that ORPS is fortunate to have the high quality staff to get the job done. More importantly, is the quality and character of the people in our agency. It is times like this that show the true character of our coworkers.
Tonight, which is January 19th, I have just gotten off the phone with Joe Haskell, Jim’s brother. Joe reports that Jim is doing better than expected and will remain under heavy sedation for some time. Jim’s vital signs are improving daily according to Joe. Jim is far from being “out of the woods” yet, but each day is a better one for him.
In the short term, we will be assigning Jim’s union responsibilities to another steward. We will post the name of your temporary steward for Syracuse as soon as a decision is made.
On another note, I have not been in ORPS since November, and before this, half time for most of the last year or so, while we negotiate the next PEF contract. You may wonder what is taking PEF this long to come to an agreement with the state. I am not at liberty to discuss specifics, but I will break it down in several statements:
The state has not offered us a comparable package to the other unions who have completed negotiations. We will not accept a substandard contract just for the sake of finishing. PEF has many unique issues that impact major portions of our union, either by title, location, or working conditions that do not impact other unions. Hopefully, in the very near future, more specific information will be available to the membership.
Finally, I would like to thank the other stewards of Division 232 for taking over the responsibilities of the 2007-08 scholarship award program and holiday party rebates. It is comforting to know that our division can function without my presence. I can now contemplate turning over the reins to others in the near future. After all, thirty years of union responsibilities will wear a person down. Hopefully, you all will have a new contract soon that meets your needs, and I will have a major portion of my life back.
President, Division 232
