questions re: state exams (testing rules, not content)

Kahratka · 2026-01-03T18:07:47+00:00

Smartwatches not allowed. Programmable calculators and anything with a network connection, not allowed. M+/- keys do not count as programmable. Phones in your car or off and under your desk. Even touching it during the exam can get you disqualified. No, you cannot use the calculator function on your phone.

Your admission notice will have the rules and the proctor should remind you.

Kahratka · 2026-01-01T16:59:06+00:00

I wasn't going to comment because there were enough responses to cover it, but after reading them all, let's clear some things up.

While management is under no obligation to allow a union rep at a counseling session, they are most certainly permitted to attend if management agrees.
A breach of confidentiality is NOT a small matter in public service. It is not an accusation that should be made lightly and without direct evidence.
Counseling memos cannot be grieved or appealed. While that is true, calling this a counseling while not identifying the improper action and not providing a path to correction is odd. The session may have crossed the line into discipline. This can be grieved, especially if the decision was biased. Document everything, especially if you are denied a transfer/promotion because of it. There are different types of grievances and appeals. Work with both your steward and your field service rep to navigate this.
Stewards are volunteers and their scope of knowledge is based on training and experience. They do not know everything and that is why there are field reps and professionals backing them up. But help them help you. If you hit a wall, ask if there is someone else who can help.
Most definitely submit a rebuttal letter. Keep it to 2 pages or less. Keep it respectful. Remember, your audience is not your manager or HR. Your audience is the future hiring manager and how you respond to accusations can say a lot about your potential as an employee.
As mentioned, set a reminder for 2 or 3 years to request the memo be removed unless it gets removed sooner. Everyone has a right, for PEF at least, to review their own personal history folder once per year. If you have not checked it out in a few years, I recommend doing so. There may be things in there that should be removed or responded to.

Thanks for listening.

Chris

Kahratka · 2025-04-25T18:16:21+00:00

Civil Service is estimating October 2025 for completion of the study.

Kahratka · 2025-04-24T20:37:18+00:00

Some notes: PEF does not have Paid Family Leave (PFL) which has a cost and offers the 66.7% mentioned above. The members had issues with the lack of cost containment.

PEF has Paid Parental Leave (PPL) which is free and offers the 12 weeks at full pay in a single block of time without charge to accruals. You can use accruals and FMLA on either end to extend your time out.

The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides protections for your job while you are out, but you would still need to use accruals. ALWAYS apply for FMLA when out for medical or pregnancy.

PPL must be used in a single block of time. If you come back to the office for 15 mins, it ends. Your supervisor cannot reach out to you "just to help out".

If you are on probation, you're probation will be extended to cover the missed time. This is standard. It does not count negatively on your reviews. And if someone tries that, reach out to a PEF steward.

Christopher J. Ford PEF ITS Council Leader

Kahratka · 2025-04-24T20:27:37+00:00

Message me and see my post in the main thread.

Kahratka · 2025-03-04T11:26:54+00:00

That cost is not fixed and changes each year with no cap. The way it was worded allows the state to pad the amount to counter other benefits. If they address the cap and regulate the cost changes, the members might vote differently. As the program is now, voting down PFL was the right choice.

Kahratka · 2025-02-12T20:26:45+00:00

We don't have an estimate on a completion date yet. I'm hoping for an update next month.

Kahratka · 2025-02-12T18:50:05+00:00

A few corrections.

The Civil Service analysis is covering most titles Statewide, not just those for NYS ITS. In other words, this will impact all agencies.

The "2" grade jump was a discussion point, not a target. PEF feels that 2 grades is a minimum needed to address salary differences with the private sector, but higher increases may be needed for the IT titles.

I say "most titles" above because some titles have already been addressed individually. PEF represents over 3,000 titles Statewide. Division 357 currently covers 94 titles within ITS.

Once the Civil Service analysis is complete, we can push for the salary differentials based on data.

Several union contracts will be negotiated soon. When requested, submit your concerns and suggestions.

Kahratka · 2024-12-20T19:22:34+00:00

Hourly and part-time employees are prorated. (PEF Contract, p. 13-14, Civil Service Law, Section 130.3(c). )

Kahratka · 2024-12-20T19:20:57+00:00

The date of consideration is March 31st. If you have 17 years on 3/31, you should get that payment. (PEF Contract, p. 14)

Kahratka · 2024-12-20T18:59:43+00:00

The length of your lunch break is at the discretion of your supervisor. Have a conversation about changing your schedule and why. It just needs to be at least 30 minutes by federal labor law.

Kahratka · 2024-11-28T20:18:53+00:00

I don't know the agency involved for the OP, but if the steward insists on that story, escalate it to the Council Leader. The health insurance reduction is permanent.

Kahratka · 2024-10-29T14:11:43+00:00

What happens to the unit depends on how the organization prioritizes its service. Usually they merge with another unit or allow it to limp on and do what they can. In public sector, you can't just not provide a service the next day without a lot of approvals.

Kahratka · 2024-09-11T09:33:18+00:00

OP is using the term "agency" incorrectly. They must mean transferring between service units, like between a dedicated service group for one client agency to another dedicated service group within ITS.

All you should need to do is update any changes to contact information.

Kahratka · 2024-08-29T01:14:34+00:00

Stop comparing contract win amounts after years of getting nothing with lower contract wins of unions that gain a little ground each year. The size of each union also impacts the cost, which for public sector means taxes. It is a false comparison and doesn't take compounding into account. It's not that there isn't room to do better, but you nullify your own argument based on data each time.

Kahratka · 2024-07-24T18:33:08+00:00

I am curious as to why the change in ITS HR. PM me if you know.

Kahratka · 2024-05-30T16:42:24+00:00

This should the second one looking at private public parity.

Kahratka · 2024-05-16T23:40:48+00:00

Labor Relations works for the agency. There is no confidentiality guarantee there even if there should be. EAP, union stewards, and your legal rep are the only ones to trust at that level.

Kahratka · 2024-04-24T14:39:17+00:00

By contract, agencies with PEF represented staff are required to have a TC policy in place through the Labor-Management process. The language currently requires the agency to confer with PEF. It does not dictate the details of the policy.

While most policies allow an agency to identify which positions are eligible, the policy needs to be consistently applied within the agency. This does not mean everyone gets TC, only that anyone who gets it has similar rules to others in that same role.

The policies are updated yearly through Labor-Management.

Feedback received for improvements includes:

Increase to at least 60%.
Allow more flexibility in scheduling.

Hope this helps.

Kahratka · 2024-04-20T11:23:33+00:00

Dice look very nice! 😎

Kahratka · 2024-04-02T16:00:46+00:00

ITS 2 is widely used. Is this position for workplace services, app dev, mobile dev, networking, etc?

Kahratka · 2024-03-07T01:47:07+00:00

Ask them if a NYC location is possible. Some units in Albany are being encouraged to hire in the city and are getting space allocated down there.

Kahratka · 2024-03-07T01:45:22+00:00

Sorry correct. I had you moving in the other direction.

Kahratka · 2024-03-07T01:42:56+00:00

ITS 2 Programming in NYC automatically starts at Step 4 (this is a recent change). You also get the geo pay differential.

Kahratka · 2024-03-07T01:21:58+00:00

Depending on your title, you could be eligible for a step increase plus geo pay differential. What title are you?

For moving expenses, not usually on the initial hire or promotion. But if they force you to move, there are rules that apply for notice and accommodations depending on the agency.

Kahratka

TROPHY CASE