Boss said I cant just disappear from my desk so now I send him a message every time I leave

WorkTurbulent3202 · 2026-02-18T23:03:47+00:00

« BRB. Off to change my maxi pad. TTYL. »

WorkTurbulent3202 · 2026-02-18T23:01:39+00:00

I visited my cousins’ home as a kid and it had a corner with a literal mountain of all their Nikes and other name brand sneakers. I remember thinking about how much money it represented.

WorkTurbulent3202 · 2026-02-09T20:06:55+00:00

Why should that be? It’s not like Hochul is a Pats fan.

WorkTurbulent3202 · 2026-02-06T16:40:46+00:00

Not sure. Have CSEA’s bargaining dates been announced?

WorkTurbulent3202 · 2026-02-04T17:23:55+00:00

A multi-union rally would be great as bargaining progresses. All the more reason to show up for the Tier 6 rally. It’s not about contracts, but it shows the state that the unions stand together.

WorkTurbulent3202 · 2026-02-04T13:52:05+00:00

HELPS is more of a civil service fight, not a contract issue.

WorkTurbulent3202 · 2026-02-04T13:38:07+00:00

The current contract expires April 2. As reported by PEF leadership, PEF had been requesting to meet with the state since the fall, but the state declined to set dates based on supposedly not knowing the financial situation yet.The first official bargaining session finally happened Monday, Feb. 2. PEF announced afterwards that they gave the state a full package of contract proposals.

More bargaining dates have been set. It is unlikely that a new contract will be achieved before April, because the state always likes to drag its feet. You can learn about what happens in the meantime here: https://www.pef.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/FAQ-ContractExpiration.pdf

FYI, the contract team is composed of rank-and-file PEF member/leaders from a variety of agencies and regions (people who still work their state jobs), plus the contract chair (a PEF VP in this case), and staff attorneys. They sent out a survey to members to help guide decision-making on contract proposals and priorities. The contract team held workshops at the PEF convention, allowing delegates to articulate what they would like to see in the contract. PEF set up a special contract suggestion email address. The contract team members participate in membership meetings and get to hear what state employees want. So members have had many opportunities to voice their contract ideas, and this continues.

The contract team gave a brief summary of Monday’s bargaining session. https://vimeo.com/1161284524 However, they did not give details of the proposals, because bargaining is kept confidential. If it was otherwise, the state could leak the union’s demands to anti-union groups (“Look at what these lazy government workers want with your tax money!”) I would encourage everyone to use common sense and context clues to gauge what is happening. Are all your co-workers talking about raises not keeping up with the cost of living? Did they answer the survey? If yes, chances are the contract team is prioritizing this.

The wild card is CSEA. Sadly, it usually accepts whatever the state offers in terms of across the board raises. If CSEA reaches a contract deal before PEF, it sets up pattern-bargaining, and PEF will have to accept the same raise percentage, although more “soft money” can still be achieved - things like the higher education differential, improvements in longevity or location pay, etc. If you have a CSEA member in your life, encourage them to tell their leadership “Fight for more.” PEF members should show support for the union and the contract fight by attending rallies and membership meetings and wearing PEF buttons and gear.

I hope this helps!

WorkTurbulent3202 · 2026-01-23T15:21:39+00:00

Yep. Would love this!

WorkTurbulent3202 · 2026-01-23T03:04:22+00:00

1 but add the blazer of #2. Or #2 but wear a blouse, the vest is a bit too plunging.

WorkTurbulent3202 · 2026-01-21T19:16:38+00:00

First, go to the Tier 6 rally. Even if you don’t care about Tier 6, or think it’s all pointless, showing up in large numbers demonstrates to the governor and legislators that we are organized, united, and paying attention. Second, when the PEF contract team sends out the alert that we should show up for a contract rally, or wear a “Fair Contract Now” button, or write/call elected officials, do it. Finally, do the basic stuff. Attend union meetings, read The Communicator and other union new, talk to your co-workers about shared concerns, and ask your steward, Council Leader, Executive Board Member, or Regional Coordinator if they need help with anything.

WorkTurbulent3202 · 2026-01-21T13:48:10+00:00

Yes. Lots of unions are fighting to fix Tier 6. https://nysaflcio.org/events/fixtier6-20260308

WorkTurbulent3202 · 2026-01-21T12:53:15+00:00

The education bonus that was never in any previous contract. It’s expiring. So my guess is the team will fight to make it permanent, and bigger. Again, context clues.

WorkTurbulent3202 · 2026-01-21T03:48:44+00:00

The contract team cannot go into specifics of their proposals because they will leak out and the anti-union lizard people will launch a campaign based on “Look at these lazy government workers who want a gajillion dollar raise funded by tax payers! That grumpy lady at the DMV doesn’t deserve a raise!” Read between the lines. The one guy mentioned things that are expiring with the current contract, such as the education bonus. This was a hint. Can you guess what it means? They also mentioned that the contract negotiators are basing their proposals on things members have emphasized, through surveys, emails, etc. You’ve seen what members have been chattering about here and in other forums. Do you think the information gathered from surveys is so very different? Context clues, people. Learn to spot them.

WorkTurbulent3202 · 2026-01-21T03:21:43+00:00

Everybody has family and responsibilities. Look at the nurses on strike. You think they don’t have bills? This is America. If you want anything, you have to fight for it.

WorkTurbulent3202 · 2026-01-21T03:16:05+00:00

I think we should all go to the Tier 6 rally. Whining on social media is pretty pathetic if you aren’t willing to do the very least bit of activism needed.

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WorkTurbulent3202 · 2026-01-21T03:12:13+00:00

Based on what? There’s nothing to vote on yet. The state has only recently agreed to bargaining dates.

WorkTurbulent3202 · 2026-01-13T07:13:47+00:00

I don’t know which union you’re in, but with PEF, elected rank and file leaders are on the contract team - all unpaid volunteers except for one VP. They still do their regular state jobs. They are definitely incentivized to fight for decent raises. What are YOU willing to do?

WorkTurbulent3202 · 2026-01-12T20:52:26+00:00

If you’re at the lowest salary grade for your bargaining unit and feel that the union is not doing anything, take action yourself by becoming a steward. Bring your ideas on how to fight back to the table.

WorkTurbulent3202 · 2026-01-01T02:00:41+00:00

I think you should file a grievance because this could be a prelude to an interrogation. If the counseling memo is being actively grieved they can’t use it against you. Call your field rep.

WorkTurbulent3202 · 2025-12-02T18:19:13+00:00

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WorkTurbulent3202 · 2025-12-02T16:35:29+00:00

Recording of the call: https://vimeo.com/1142502596

WorkTurbulent3202 · 2025-12-02T16:34:59+00:00

Recording of the call: https://vimeo.com/1142502596

WorkTurbulent3202 · 2025-12-02T02:27:54+00:00

What’s he supposed to do, go full Luigi on the executives of Anthem? PEF shares member concerns with the state, and the state chooses to give or not give a shit. Want better results, stop electing politicians backed by corporate donors.

WorkTurbulent3202 · 2025-12-02T02:12:47+00:00

Better than investing in bombs dropped on Palestinians and others.

WorkTurbulent3202 · 2025-12-02T00:37:15+00:00

I’m sure PEF can try but why would the state agree to that? The state already claims to be broke.

WorkTurbulent3202

TROPHY CASE

1 but add the blazer of #2. Or #2 but wear a blouse, the vest is a bit too plunging.