ALBANY -- Cuomo: “We will work very, very hard to find these savings by working in partnership with labor.”
Yet three weeks after the governor gave this budget address, the state and its public employee unions have yet to begin formal negotiations. Contracts for both CSEA and PEF run through April 1st. Although there have been informal talks, union officials say no bargaining sessions have taken place.
Cuomo was not specific in how he would achieve these savings from the state labor force. But Governor Paterson had some ideas: a new lag in pay, furloughs and putting off scheduled salary increases. The unions at that time said no.
If new contracts aren’t in place by April 1, current provisions will remain in effect.
A spokesperson in the governor’s office confirmed some contact with the unions. He expects there would be more soon.
Another statewide union is firing its first shot in the budget battle. New York State United Teachers has kicked off its ad campaign opposing Governor Cuomo’s proposed cuts to education.
The spot also takes aim at Cuomo’s opposition to reinstating the so-called millionaires tax.
The Capitol is relatively quiet as the President’s week recess continues. Look for things to heat up when everyone returns next week and the final push to the April 1st budget deadline begins.
