PEF President Wayne Spence sent the following message to all members on Aug. 4, 2022, following the announcement from the governor’s office about the process created to distribute the $1.2 billion allocated in the state budget to pay bonuses to eligible healthcare workers. Yesterday, Governor Hochul officially announced the process to begin the distribution of...
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The following statement was issued July 15 by PEF President Wayne Spence, in response to media reports that more than 75 staff who work in New York Senate offices across the State have declared their intent for form a union. “New York Legislative Workers United seeks voluntary recognition by the State. PEF stands behind them...
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The following statement was issued July 1 by the undersigned Statewide Officers and members of PEF’s Executive Council regarding the recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade. PEF is deeply troubled by the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson overturning women’s right to control their bodies and lives....
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ALBANY – The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) endorsed Governor Kathy Hochul for a full term at this week’s quarterly meeting of the PEF Executive Board. “Governor Hochul recognizes the challenges members of the Public Employees Federation face delivering quality services to their fellow New Yorkers,” said PEF President Wayne Spence. “PEF members went above and...
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PEF President Wayne Spence issued the following statement on May 26 regarding the recent mass shootings in Buffalo, N.Y. and Uvalde, Texas: “As a father and the president of a union whose members provide public services to New Yorkers, I am horrified by the recent mass shootings in Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde, Texas. Do we really have to...
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The state Legislature was in session Tuesday, May 10, but at least 16 lawmakers ducked out of meetings at lunchtime to join PEF nurses at a press conference outside the Capitol. “Our nurses made a strong case for better staffing and better pay to meet a nursing shortage in state health care facilities that has...
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PEF President Wayne Spence issued the following statement in reaction to the proposal by SUNY Upstate Medical University to buy Crouse Hospital, a non-profit facility in Syracuse. “SUNY Upstate Medical University’s bid to acquire Crouse Hospital presents a huge range of complex issues that must be closely considered. PEF deserves a seat at the table...
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The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) denounces granting state parole to infamous Queens drug lord Lorenzo “Fat Cat” Nichols, who orchestrated the murder of Parole Officer Brian Rooney for $5,000 in blood money. Nichols ordered Rooney killed by two of his lieutenants, Howard “Pappy” Mason and Chris Williams. The “contract” was executed the...
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Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York Legislature have agreed on a $220 billion state spending plan for the 2022-23 fiscal year. This budget clearly provides what Governor Hochul termed a “blueprint” for our future. “I want to thank Governor Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Heastie for working with us to...
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