NY set to replace IT consultants with state workers

[OhioChick]

Legislation could add up to 500 IT jobs; calls for bypassing H-1B workers

March 11, 2010 03:51 PM ET

Computerworld - New York State has embarked on a plan to shift a number of jobs filled by IT contractors and consultants to the state payroll as part of an effort to save millions of dollars.

As many as 500 new state IT jobs may be created under a new in-sourcing program that was recently approved by the legislature and backed by Gov. David Patterson.

This law creates "term appointments" for state IT workers, which strip away some hiring and firing rules that apply to permanent workers. The maximum tenure for "term appointments" is five years.

The state estimates that it can save approximately $25,000 annually for each contracting position that is shifted to the state payroll. The annual savings is pegged at as much as $15 million, but that estimate is contingent on whether the contracted positions can be replaced.

"I think most managers here would be very happy if we didn't need to outsource," said Mark Leinung, deputy director for state operations, said yesterday in a presentation to state managers that was made available on the Web.

More: http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9169558/NY_set_to_replace_IT_consultants_with_state_workers

[jody]

1. Govermentization is a rebuttal to Privatization n/t

[ProgressiveProfessor]

3. This isn't really "Govermentization" since it is a 2nd class form of civil servant

and looks a lot like the start of union busting.

[jody]

4. I used terms from the federal government where "Privatization" describes federal contracting out

services performed by government agencies under Circular A-76.

I used "Govermentization" in opposition to "Privatization" to describe returning services to the government formerly performed by contractors under Circular A-76.

I seen no reason why "a 2nd class form of civil servant" would result.

In fact one could argue that when federal government services are privatized a 2nd class form of private worker results.

[ProgressiveProfessor]

5. You are correct in the A-76 context, but that is not what NY is doing here

Also in the Federal Gov, you have CSS people who often work as an integral part of the office, which is not considered privatization.

NY is creating 5 year term limited position without civil service protections. Those same jobs if made full civil service would have much better protection rights and union options. My question is just how long before many more kinds of jobs are given that same treatment in NY and why the unions are allowing this to happen.

[jody]

6. Apparently the jobs are of short duration. It seems like a "5 year term limited position" is at

least as good as the job security for private IT workers.

In either case the article describes an "in-sourcing program" that meets my use of the term "Govermentization".

[ProgressiveProfessor]

2. Contractor support is a trade that all businesses make

However, its clear the approach being taken here is to create a 2nd class form of state civil servant. Have to wonder why the appropriate unions are tolerating this form of union busting. How long before its done to other job types by the state?

[zalinda]

7. I don't see this as a form of union busting

The state has been using basically temp services for their IT workers. So it pays a premium wage for the worker, the contractor takes a cut and then pays the worker what's left. This is good for the state and American workers.

I'm not sure what you are objecting to. This is just a cost cutting move, and one that should have been done a few years ago. It made sense in the beginning when few people knew how to work computers, but the market is wide open now, and the state can get employees without the contractor go between.

zalinda

[jody]

8. Suggested correction "the contractor takes a BIG cut" n/t

[zalinda]

9. Very true, sometimes as much as half. n/t