Press Releases Archives

PEF statement on announced correctional facility closures

The following statement was issued by PEF President Wayne Spence on July 18, 2024, following notification to the union from the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) that two...

PEF leading the way on intersection of state workforce and artificial intelligence

ALBANY – The Public Employees Federation (PEF) convened a summit on the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in the state workforce on July 10, bringing together top officials in the...

Citing “Unintended Consequences,” Governor Hochul Hits Pause Button on NYC Congestion Pricing Plan

After listening to concerns from various public employee unions, including those raised by PEF President Wayne Spence, Governor Kathy Hochul announced in June 6, 2024, that Manhattan’s congestion pricing program...

Tragic death of NYPD Officer Diller influenced by ‘Less is More’ parole law

The following statement was released to the media by PEF President Wayne Spence on March 26 following the shooting death of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller on March 25 in Queens....

PEF statement on NYS Senate budget proposal

PEF President Wayne Spence issued the following statement following the State Senate’s release of their one-house budget proposal on March 12, 2024: “Under the leadership of Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins,...

PEF calls for negotiated ceasefire in Gaza

PEF President Wayne Spence issued the following statement on Feb. 9, 2024: “It has now been more than four months since the horrific acts of terror committed by Hamas on...

PEF Statement on SUNY Downstate

The following statement was released by PEF President Wayne Spence on Jan. 19, 2024: “After serving the residents of Brooklyn for more than 100 years with distinction, SUNY Downstate is...

PEF statement on State of the State address

Following Governor Kathy Hochul’s State of the State address on Jan. 9, 2024, PEF President Wayne Spence issued the following statement: “After a decade of neglect, Governor Kathy Hochul has...

PEF condemns Hamas attacks

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...