News Archives

PEF Telephone Town Hall recording is in the app

The PEF Telephone Town Hall held by President Wayne Spence is now available for viewing in the PEF app. Only members can download the app, so this ensures that we...

PEF opposes Civil Service plan to make 40 more titles eligible for NY HELPS

On January 14, the Civil Service Commission approved a request from the Department of Civil Service to move 40 additional titles to the non-competitive jurisdictional class, including 28 within the...

PEF Statement on 2026 State of the State

PEF President Wayne Spence released the following statement after attending Governor Kathy Hochul’s State of the State address on Jan. 13, 2026, in Albany. “The 55,000 professional, technical and scientific...

Check out the latest public service workshops!

New workshops have been updated as of Jan. 13, 2026 — sign up now! PEF members in applicable titles who need continuing education hours can take advantage of the Public...

Division 187 donates $2k to food programs

January 2, 2025 — Members and leaders of Division 187 presented a total of $2,000 to food banks around the state for the holiday season. In Buffalo, the Division donated...

Executive Board welcomes four new members

December 18, 2025 — Special Elections balloting is complete, and four new leaders have joined the PEF Executive Board. David Downing secured Seat 30, representing certain members at the Department...

Telephone Town Hall covers health insurance increases and benefits to help you save money; deadlines are December 8

December 2, 2025 — Just before Thanksgiving, PEF learned there would be a 9.6% increase in New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) premiums in 2026, and President Wayne Spence hosted a telephone town...

PEF and other labor unions uplift Regional Food Bank in time of need

November 17, 2025 — Across the nation, Americans are facing rising costs of living, with many struggling to access food. According to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York (NENY),...

PEF member collects donations for Hurricane Melissa relief in Jamaica

November 10, 2025 — Hurricane Melissa devastated Jamaica late last month. Current damage estimates show the Category 5 storm caused as much as $7 billion in damages. International aid organizations have descended on the island nation with relief supplies, and...