![\"Capitol](\"https:\/\/www.pef.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Cap-Building-Mail-300x253.jpg\")
Collective action is the cornerstone of union activism.<\/p>\nCollective action is the cornerstone of union activism.<\/p>\n
When legislators receive thousands of personalized letters from voters who live and work in their districts, it sends a clear message that the issue matters and people are paying attention and demanding action. Letters put a human face on issues and are a vital tool in PEF’s legislative lobbying efforts.<\/p>\n
Sending a letter to your elected leaders is a powerful way to get involved. Take a few minutes to click the links below<\/strong> and send a letter today!<\/p>\n When we work together, we can make a difference.<\/p>\n Tell Governor Hochul to sign or veto these bills before the end of 2026!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Prohibit Impersonating Union Representatives<\/strong><\/a> Require Exit Interviews for State Employees<\/strong><\/a> Prohibit ‘Contracting Out’ During Hiring Freezes<\/strong><\/a> Access to Menstrual Products in Public Buildings<\/strong><\/a> State Jobs Vacancy Study<\/strong><\/a> Extend Limited Permits for Mental Health Professionals<\/strong><\/a> Disability Coverage for County Probation Officers (Local Option)<\/strong><\/a> Disability Payments in the Event of Death<\/strong><\/a> Access to Employment Records<\/a> Authorize Use of Accruals Pending Workers’ Compensation Determination<\/strong><\/a> Oppose Change to New York\u2019s Geologist Licensure Standard<\/strong><\/a> Oppose New York State Entry into Psychological Interjurisdictional Compact<\/a> Collective action is the cornerstone of union activism. When legislators receive thousands of personalized letters from voters who live and work in their districts, it sends a clear message that…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"allowed_regions":[],"allowed_divisions":[],"class_list":["post-13582","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
\nThe Internet and Artificial Intelligence make it easier than ever for fraudulent actors to impersonate someone or something, including unions. It’s hard enough engaging busy, hardworking professionals in the business of their union — State lawmakers agreed and signed a bill to crack down on this fraud.
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\nIf employers don’t talk to staff after they decide to leave a job, how will they ever know what they might have done differently to retain quality workers? That’s the basic principle behind this bill, which establishes an Exit Interview process for State employees much like most private employers already use. Please write to Governor Hochul and tell her to sign this common-sense legislation.
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\nIt’s time to put a stop to a disturbing trend that arose during the pandemic — the hiring of contractors to do work that can be more efficiently and effectively performed by State employees. This bill prohibits “contracting out” during any future hiring freezes. Join PEF and tell Governor Hochul it’s the right thing to do for State workers!
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\nThis bill extends what is already in place at schools, correctional facilities, and temporary housing provided by New York State. It would require that menstrual products be provided at no cost in public buildings owned or leased by the state under the control of the Office of General Services. Please let Governor Hochul know it’s worthy of her signature!
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\nState agencies continue to struggle with hiring and retaining enough staff to deliver services. Without data about these vacancies, we as a union cannot successfully address these substantial shortages. This bill would commission a study on state job vacancies so that unions like PEF can do what we do best — advocate for changes that will help the State hire qualified professionals to deliver public services!
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\nIt’s time to make it easier for social workers to practice their profession while they wait to take their license exam! This bill would extend the limited permit granted after the completion of licensure requirements from 12 to 24 months. That will help provide more stability for workers and their supervisors as they continue to serve clients during the ongoing mental health workforce shortage
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\nThis legislation amends the General Municipal Law to allow counties to provide full salary replacement for probation officers hurt in the performance of their duties. Currently, Nassau County is the only county that has adopted provisions to provide this benefit to probation officers who are hurt while doing their job.
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\nThis bill amends the Workers’ Compensation Law to include, but not limit, non-schedule awards as an entitlement payable even in cases where the claimant has died for reasons other than the worksite injury. This change is important to codify existing case law and to support a surviving spouse, children or other dependents.
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\n<\/strong>This legislation would allow employees the opportunity to access their personnel records at least twice per year at all worksites in New York State. It’s a commonsense protection against retaliatory managers and it simply makes sense that employees should be able to see what is in their personnel file.
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\nThis legislation would allow public employees to use their accrued leave during the workers\u2019 compensation claim process, which can sometimes take months or longer.
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\nThis legislation falsely assumes that a bachelor\u2019s degree is the baseline measurement demonstrating competency in the field of geology and we are urging the Governor to VETO IT.
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\n<\/strong>PEF supports increasing access to mental health services for all New Yorkers, but does not believe that entering into this multi-state compact will accomplish that. On the contrary, this legislation is much more expansive than simply addressing issues around maintaining the continuity of care between clients and providers.
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