Once upon a time, a dedicated New York State parole officer embarked on an extraordinary journey after receiving a life-altering, Valentine-themed opt-out email from the enigmatic Freedom Foundation.
Filled with gratitude, our protagonist credits the Freedom Foundation for unlocking the secrets of the First Amendment rights kept hidden from him for at least the past five years by the union that claimed to be representing him.
The newly informed parole officer has learned that the Public Employees Federation (PEF) cares more for its own welfare and the liberal candidates and causes it funds with his dues dollars than it does about his legitimate compensation and workplace concerns.
His suspicions are confirmed when he discovers a Change.org petition revealing that the overwhelming majority of his fellow parole officers’ desire to join the prestigious New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA).
Predictably, the mighty PEF doesn’t take rejection lightly.
Undaunted, our intrepid hero passionately argues that NYSCOPBA membership would reward parole officers with heretofore inconceivable benefits. For starters, they would have enhanced leverage at the bargaining table, courtesy of over 16,000 NYSCOPBA members united within their very agency.
But wait, there’s more. An enticing 25-and-out retirement plan, exclusively enjoyed by the esteemed NYSCOPBA members, beckons parole officers towards a radiant future filled with boundless possibilities.
In a perfectly choreographed dance of destiny, the interests of parole officers and NYSCOPBA are in perfect sync. By contrast, the civilian nature of PEF proves woefully inadequate in fulfilling the unique needs of parole officers.
Fueled by righteous indignation, our protagonist takes a daring leap and opts out of the union, defiantly ceasing his own dues payments and setting a sterling example for his peers. A staunch supporter of unions, he is driven only by his unyielding belief that parole officers deserve representation from a fierce law enforcement union.
In a remarkable twist of fate, our plucky parole officer discovers his seniority, pay and cherished benefits will remain untouched despite his renegade status.
Gone are the days of relying on the feeble shield of PEF for grievance or disciplinary representation. A formidable alternative awaits our protagonist, having forged an alliance with the gallant Professional Law Enforcement Association (PLEA), offering unparalleled legal defense services at a fraction of the cost — $220 instead of the onerous $700 demanded by PEF.
The stage is set for an epic transformation. Armed with newfound knowledge, star of our drama becomes a Freedom Foundation Opt-Out Ambassador, joining forces with the much-respected organization to spread the gospel of emancipation to his fellow parole officers.
A new age of enlightenment follows as he passionately shares materials, gifted by the Freedom Foundation, illuminating the path to liberation.
In a matter of mere months, our parole officer-turned-ambassador has steered countless colleagues towards the path of liberation. One by one, they cast off the shackles of PEF, embracing the intoxicating allure of a brighter future.
Best of all, dear readers, this captivating saga is far from over. Our crusader of justice vows to march forward, rallying more parole officers to rise up and opt out of PEF until they find the representation they truly deserve.
With sunny optimism, they march into the unknown, armed with the revelation that change is within their grasp.
The battle has only just begun.
Onward, Opt-Out Ambassadors.
