PEF statement on Gov. Hochul’s State of the State address

PEF President Wayne Spence attended the State of the State address by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Jan. 10, 2023, and issued this statement following the speech:

“Governor Hochul advanced a budget blueprint that builds upon PEF’s ongoing ‘Fund Our Future‘ campaign.  From dedicating resources to support more state-operated mental health services, indexing the state’s minimum wage to inflation, supporting specific policies to rebuild the state’s workforce, and addressing on-going concerns over public safety, the governor is clearly listening to the needs of all New Yorkers.  We look forward to reviewing specific proposals in the upcoming Executive Budget release and will work with all of our partners in the Senate and Assembly to reach a final budget agreement to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of the quality state-operated services that PEF members provide and New Yorkers deserve.”

Happy New Year!

As 2022 comes to an end, we thank all PEF members for their tireless efforts on behalf of New Yorkers.  Your union notched some big wins this year – from pension reform to a healthcare workforce bonus to nurse title restructuring – and we resolve to keep up that momentum in 2023! Happy New Year to all!

December/January Communicator

In 2022, the doors reopened, the meetings returned to conference rooms, and parades and rallies are back. Read the entire issue now at https://communicator.pef.org/

Happy Hanukkah and New Year!

On this first night of Hanukkah sending everyone wishes for health, happiness, peace, and prosperity. Have a warm and wonderful holiday. Happy Hanukkah and New Year!

A holiday message from PEF President Wayne Spence

Thanksgiving comes around once a year and everyone is filled with gratitude.   But I want you to know that PEF is truly thankful for you and the work you do for your fellow New Yorkers every single day.  As I travel this great state and meet members, I am humbled by your sense of service and the pride you take in your work.  I hope you are able to take a moment among family and friends this week to reflect on your blessings.  On behalf of all of PEF’s statewide officers, I wish you a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

The Communicator: November Issue

The theme of this issue is pretty clear from the cover – our strong union deserves a strong contract!  The PEF Contract Team, some of whom we introduce in these pages, has already had an introductory meeting with the State and scheduled two more meetings next month.  You responded in force to our contract survey and the team will advocate for the priorities that members told them mattered most: Fair and increased compensation, an improved dental benefit, and telecommuting and alternative work schedules, to name just a few.

Click here to read the latest issue!

Veterans Day

On this day, November 11, we thank all of the brave men and women in uniform, both past and present, who have proudly served our country!  We wish you all a safe and happy Veterans Day.

PEF nurses thank Gov. Hochul for making good on her promises

At the union’s annual Convention in Niagara Falls, Oct. 23-26, 2022, nurses represented by the NYS Public Employees Federation recorded messages for Gov. Kathy Hochul, who this month delivered the Nurse Title Restructuring the union has demanded for decades.  It will make a difference in their professional lives and help the State recruit new nurses as well.