The 2024 Open enrollment for the Productivity Enhancement Program (PEP) has begun and will run through December 11, 2023. PEF allows PEF members to exchange accrued annual leave or personal leave in return for a biweekly credit that reduces an employee’s share of the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) premium. For 2024, employees...
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The 2024 open enrollment period for Dependent Care Advantage Accounts (DCCA), Health Care Spending Accounts (HCSA), and Adoption Advantage Accounts runs from November 1 to December 11, 2023. These flexible spending accounts are state employee benefits that allow payment for certain expenses with pre-tax dollars. HCSA This account lets you set aside any amount from...
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Vice President Randi DiAntonio testified before the Senate’s Civil Service and Pension Committee on October 11, urging the state to reform pension plans; fix compensation and the lag payroll system; and combat bullying in the workplace to attract much-needed talent. “Since 2021, the state has lost 16,858 employees due to attrition,” she told the committee,...
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PEF President Wayne Spence issued the following statement on Oct. 9 concerning the Hamas attacks in Israel. “PEF joins our parent union, AFT, in condemning the attacks by Hamas against innocent civilians in Israel. Israel is now justifiably defending itself. We grieve for all those who are suffering, including those in our union community...
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This evening, members of the Jewish community will come together to usher in Yom Kippur, the most holy day in the Jewish calendar. Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement, provides a time to reflect and prepare for the year to come. To all those observing Yom Kippur, we extend warm wishes for a meaningful...
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During lunch on September 21, the PEF Executive Board, joined by rank-and-file members, marched from the Albany Hilton to Empire State Plaza, loudly and proudly calling for respect in the workplace and denouncing toxic environments. Members held signs emblazoned with “WORKPLACE RESPECT, NOT BULLYING” and “END BULLYING, EMBRACE RESPECT, CHANGE STARTS AT THE TOP!” Some...
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We wish all PEF members and their families who celebrate Rosh Hashanah a Happy New Year filled with peace, happiness, and good health. L’shanah Tovah!
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An open letter from PEF President Wayne Spence: The 50,000 members of the union I lead, the New York State Public Employees Federation, are dedicated professionals who provide vital public services for the people of New York. Unfortunately, “professional” doesn’t apply to everyone employed by the state. Many state workers walk into toxic workplaces created...
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Sept. 14, 2023 — “Starbucks claims to be a progressive company, but when it comes to respecting workers’ rights, you’re anything but progressive. As Starbucks customers, we are calling on you to stop stalling, get to the bargaining table, and negotiate a fair contract. No Contract, No Coffee!” That’s the petition PEF activists and volunteers...
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