Wage Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for PEF Members

The fact that a dollar doesn't go far in Downstate New York is legend. A permanent wage COLA is necessary for those who work there to make their dollar go as far as other parts of the State and Country. The Federal government recognizes this and provides a COLA for their employees who work in the Downstate New York Region. The Governor's negotiators are now at the bargaining table with PEF. PEF has a proposal on the table to address this problem. Send a fax to Governor Pataki today and ask your friends and co-workers to do the same. Let the Governor know how important this issue is to you and your family! The message below will be sent on your behalf!

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Re: Wage Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for PEF Members

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am a New York State employee and a member of the Public Employees Federation (PEF). Many PEF members experience the burden of working and living in areas with extremely high costs of living. Frequently they are forced to hold more than one job in order to support their families. Yet, the state's current salary structure does not adequately address this hardship. I am writing to state how crucial establishing a permanent wage Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is to me and to thousands of other state employees.

The federal government and other state governments have addressed this problem by establishing pay systems that recognize salary inequities in different geographic areas. New York State needs employees to work in all areas of the state and it should adequately compensate employees in high cost areas for their increased living expenses.

In an address to our Union, you commented that geographic disparities in the cost of living was an issue that must be addressed. The PEF membership needs your support now. Our Union is negotiating a new contract with the Governor's Office of Employee Relations (GOER), and has included a comprehensive proposal to correct this long standing inequity. Please support our efforts and tell your negotiators to fix the problem in this round of bargaining.

A wage COLA is the only way of providing us with realistic wage compensation!

Thousands are counting on your help!

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
November 03, 2003

Background Information

- The fact that a dollar doesn't go far in Downstate New York is legend.

- A permanent wage COLA is necessary for those who work Downstate to raise their quality of life to standards in other parts of the State and Country.

- The Federal government recognizes this and provides a COLA for their employees who work in the Downstate New York Region.

- The Governor's negotiators are now at the bargaining table with PEF. PEF has a proposal on the table to address this problem.

- NYS needs to follow the lead of the Federal Government and provide a fair COLA to its employees who work and live Downstate!

- Send a fax to Governor Pataki today and ask your friends and coworkers to do the same. Let the Governor know how important this issue is to you and your family! Click here!