Pef Information Line RSS

Empire Plan NurseLine available 24/7

2013-05-13T14:50:59Z

PEF members who are enrolled in the Empire Plan now have a 24/7 NurseLine available. If you have delayed seeking care or not certain if you need to see a doctor, a trained registered nurse is available who has the experience to advise members on various health-related questions, or help determine the level of care you may need. The number to call is 1-877-769-7447, and select prompt 5 for the NurseLine.

Workers Unite Film Festival celebrates global labor solidarity

2013-05-13T14:50:35Z

The second annual Workers Unite Film Festival is taking place in New York City through Friday, May 17. The festival is part of a Global Labor Film Festival and screening are taking place at several locations in Manhattan, including the historic Cinema Village near Union Square, and The Brecht Forum on West Street. For more information, visit

Interested in a Disney trip? Visit PEF May 8 for a great night of fun and information

2013-05-06T15:17:22Z

If you ever wanted to go to Disney World, or would like more information about this magical kingdom, PEF Travel has a special night for you. On Wednesday, May 8, a Disney representative will describe what’s new and exciting at Disney World. Registration begins at 6 p.m. and the presentation follows at 6:30 p.m. The event includes light refreshments, door prizes, and if you book a vacation, free parking at Albany Park, Ride & Fly.

Disney Night is being held at PEF headquarters in Latham. If you would like to attend, please RSVP by calling (518) 782-9045 or send an email to peftravel@pef.org and include the number of guests who will attend.

Workers’ Memorial Day – An International Day of Remembrance

2013-04-29T17:39:00Z

Workers’ Memorial Day, April 28, is now an international day of remembrance for workers killed in incidents at the job, or by diseases caused by their work.

Throughout New York, PEF members gather to honor co-workers and others whose lives have been lost. On Monday, April 29, PEF leaders will hold a wreath-laying ceremony in Latham at 10 a.m. with PEF President Susan Kent officiating. Kent will also participate in another service at the state Department of Labor in Albany at 12 noon.

PEF members should contact their council leaders or regional coordinators for information on Workers’ Memorial Day services in your area.

International Workers’ Day – May 1

2013-04-29T17:38:28Z

May 1 is International Workers’ Day and a celebration of the international labor movement. Although May Day is celebrated in many countries with various themes, in the United States, it is the commemoration of the 1886 Haymarket affair in Chicago, where laborers went on strike for the eight-hour workday.

In Albany, a number of activities are planned, including a march for immigrants’ rights, a justice for janitors picket and a solidarity march. If you would like more information on these events, go to www.occupyalbany.org

PEF participates in health care training conference

2013-04-22T14:51:22Z

PEF members will be attending the 6^th annual Safe-Patient Handling Conference and a “Train the Trainer” program for clinical specialists beginning Tuesday, April 23 through Thursday, April 25 in Albany. This is a multi-union event designed to provide the latest information about ways to make workplaces safer for health care providers and their clients. Those attending will bring back information to members and materials from the dozens of vendors who participate this event.

2013 Health and Safety Conference designed to improve occupational wellness

2013-04-16T14:54:07Z

The state of New York and PEF is holding its 2013 statewide Health and Safety Conference in Albany, Thursday April 18 through Saturday, April 20. This year’s theme is “A Call to Action.”

The conference brings together agency managers and union leaders to learn about emerging strategies for preventing occupational injuries and illnesses to impart with their employees. Both the state and union share the common goals of eliminating hazards in the workplace, reducing workers’ compensation costs, and the detrimental effects employee injuries have on state operations.

Participants will attend a variety of workshops such as accident investigations, occupational stress, emergency preparedness and health and safety communication for the membership using social media techniques.

If you would like more information about an occupational health and safety topic, contact a member of your agency’s health and safety committee.

PEF reviews state budget

2013-04-08T13:27:17Z

PEF leaders continue to review the 2013-14 state budget and will keep a close eye on how it is affecting jobs and vital state services. For a thorough look at the budget and PEF’s concerns, visit the PEF website and clink on the message from President Susan Kent about being part of the solution. You can also find more information on the state budget in the April issue of the Communicator, which soon will be in your mailboxes.

Members can also find information on the website about the April 2013 Performance Awards and Performance Advances. If you have questions about your eligibility to receive an award, contact your PEF Field Representative.

Members are invited to ‘Disney Night’

2013-04-08T13:27:00Z

State budget passed for 2013-14, PEF responds

2013-04-01T14:31:27Z

For the third year in a row, the state budget has been passed on time by Albany’s lawmakers. PEF played an integral role in the state budget process by meeting with legislators and sharing its concerns and solutions to keep vital state services alive in New York.

PEF leaders will be monitoring the cuts in the $135 billion budget to see how they will affect statewide community services, such as the $120 million cut in programs that cares for developmentally-disabled children and adults in group homes.

PEF’s full response to the state budget will be posted on its website and also in a story in the upcoming April issue of The Communicator.