Call to Action: NYS Call Center Bill

June, 22, 2010 The Call Center bill was scheduled to go tonight. Senator Michael Ranzenhofer laid the bill aside and stopped a floor vote. We need to call, fax, and email him first thing in the morning and ask him to remove the lay aside and support S4208. In addition, we need to call any and all Senators that you have a relationship with and ask them to push for a floor vote immediately. Please keep me posted on progress.

BILL NUMBER: S4208

PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL : This bill requires public utilities to provide certain call center service assistance from centers located within New York State and within the utilities' service area.

SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS : A new subdivision 13 is added to section 65 of the public service law to require utilities to provide certain call center services to customers from centers located within the service area of the utility. The bill directs the Public Service Commission to establish call center performance thresholds and penalties for utilities that fail to meet such thresholds and provides for exemptions.

JUSTIFICATION : Claiming cost savings and more efficient customer service; many public utilities are considering or are already employing the services of call centers located out-of-state and outside the service area of these companies. While on the outset the above intentions seem reasonable, this strategy is actually a disinvestment in both New York's economy and overall safety. To have employees who work and reside in communities within the service area of a given public utility, as opposed to workers at a centralized location out-of-state will assure a greater level of responsiveness and sensitivity to local conditions not possible with remote centralization. Community-based employees have a vested interest in the safety and general well-being of the areas in which they live. Additionally, relocating call centers outside designated service areas also demonstrates the potential for compromising the timeliness of and quality of responses to emergency calls. As evidenced by the severe ice storm that struck a large portion of Upstate New York and the entire Northeast in December 2008, locally based utility employees play in coordinating the efforts of emergency response crews brought in from outside of the impacted region. Their institutional knowledge of the systems, geography and conditions on the ground are essential to the effective deployment of emergency response units.

Please make a minimum of three calls to the following senators to urge the senator to move the bill to the floor for a vote. Please also send an email to your Senator as well.

1. Senator Ranzenhofer (R,C) (518) 455-3161 from the 61st district (Erie, Genesee counties)
2. Senator Dean Skelos (R) Rockville Center (518) 455-3161.
3. Your NYS Senator (you can find Senators phone # on www.nysenate.gov)

NYS Senators        Albany Phone                             email                                   
Ken LaValle            518-455-3121            lavalle@senate.state.ny.us
John Flanagan        518-455-2071             flanagan@senate.state.ny.us
Brian Foley             518-455-2302            bfoley@senate.state.ny.us
Own Johnson          518-455-3411            ojohnson@senate.state.ny.us
Carl Marcellino        518-455-2390            marcelli@senate.state.ny.us
Kemp Hannon         518-455-2200            hannon@senate.state.ny.us
Craig Johnson         518-455-2622            johnson@senate.state.ny.us
Chuck Fuschillo      518-455-3341             fuschill@senate.state.ny.us
Dean Skelos           518-455-3171            skelos@senate.state.ny.us

Local 1049 Political Action

Local 1049 understands the importance of being politically active. Our Union’s involvement in Legislative Issues and Political Action Committees is vital if we intend to succeed in our constant battle for the good paying jobs that our members deserve. When our members participate in Labor Walks, lobby days or simply gather together at town hall meetings, we create the foundation along with strong relationships that are essential in lobbying for important legislation.

This type of involvement not only helps Local 1049's membership, but all other unions and working people alike. When seeking the support of key Political figures, we must first show that we are familiar with the issues in order for them to take us seriously. Once that is established, the most important task of the committee is to be persistent or no official will act on our behalf and that’s where you come in. Elected officials often witness Local 1049's members mobilizing in great numbers in support of new legislation or candidate support. The political community instantly recognizes how valuable we are in the political process. When we lobby for laws to protect working people, elected officials are often reminded by their staff of the impact that was demonstrated through our Political Action Committee. They know that when we care about an issue or a cause, we commit our full support wherever and whenever necessary.

To get involved with the Local 1049's Political Action Committee, or to find out how you can help your union gain a voice in local, state and federal legislation, contact the Local 1049 Union Office. You can also speak with your shop steward or attend a General Membership Meeting and discuss politics there. And remember, when it comes to politics, all politics is local!

Sign Up for COPE!  You can make a contribution to the Committee on Political Education (COPE) easily through a check off.  This is a great way to help out our unions political efforts. Please email Assistant Business Manager Don Daley at ddaley@ibew1049.com for more details.

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If you are registered , you should vote for labor friendly candidates. Issues that your candidates should be concerned about are healthcare reform, pension reform, fair trade not free trade, social security reform, energy costs, all aspects of the economy and the rights of all working men and women.

YOU CAN MAKE A POSITIVE CHANGE WITH YOUR VOTE! —LET YOUR CANDIDATES KNOW THAT YOU ARE A UNION MEMBER AND YOU VOTE!