Public worker unions and New York's Assembly are angling to curb the hiring of temporary workers and consultants instead of permanent state employees who Gov. David Paterson says saves taxpayers money. The conflict, with serious implications in the 2010-11 budget, surfaced Thursday. It means ...

The Public Employees Federation has endorsed Scott Murphy for Congress, pledging members to work in phone banks and canvass door-to-door for the Democratic candidate. P.E.F. has consistently supported Assembly Minority Leader Jim Tedisco in his Assembly races, but decided to back Murphy in part because he took a strong and clear stance in favor of the Employee Free ...