PEP, March 2005: Union victories in state Legislature

In the 2004 legislative session, DC 37 scored important legislative victories benefiting members and retirees. Signed into law were S. 7246, the OCA pay bill; S. 7538, governing distribution of OTB revenues; S. 7444, to increase much-needed municipal funds; S. 7291, allowing retirees to authorize voluntary contributions from their pension checks; S. 6374, providing early retirement for Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority employees exposed to contaminants such as carbon monoxide; and S. 7466, providing for excess benefit plans for municipal retirees.

The governor vetoed S. 7157, early retirement for Transit Authority Cashiers in Local 1655; S.6214, to expand layoff and recall rights of non-competitives; and S. 7204, to allow 25-year, age 50 retirement for TBTA maintainers.

A number of bills that were passed by the Legislature and presented to Pataki Dec. 31 died on the table when he failed to respond in 30 days. These “pocket vetoes” included S. 6790, extending disability leaves of absence to two years; S. 7154, providing grievance rights for provisionals; S. 7163, allowing Peace Officers and City Investigators to retire after 25 years; S. 7474, air temperature controls for Local 372 cafeteria workers; S. 6338, requiring reports on technology job outsourcing and the state’s job market.

S. 3802, to provide training and certification for Assessors in Local 1757, has been reintroduced for the 2005-06 legislative session.

Gov. Pataki vetoed a minimum wage increase, but the Legislature overrode him. Chapter 747 raises the minimum to $7.15 per hour by 2007.

“Our friends in the Legislature always come through for us,” said DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts, “but the governor has consistently failed to support labor on issues that would benefit working families.”