The Communicator

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March 13, 2026 | Volume 44. No. 2

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Momentum this Spring

As communities across New York State emerge from one of the harshest winters in recent memory, March 20 – the first day of Spring – reminds us that renewal and progress are always possible.

This year, that renewal is already taking shape.

On March 8, more than 15,000 union members from Long Island to Buffalo filled the streets of Albany for a massive Fix Tier 6 rally. PEF members sent a clear message to lawmakers and the Governor: the current pension system does not treat all state workers fairly, and it must be fixed. Our members made their voices heard, and that momentum is driving the conversation in Albany.

At the same time, contract negotiations are underway, led by PEF Chief Negotiator Mark Richard and VP and Contract Chair Darlene Williams. Our objective is clear — secure across-the-board raises and improvements that recognize the essential work PEF members perform every day, and ensure that our members can support their families as costs continue to rise.

The State Budget is entering its final weeks of negotiation, and PEF members across the state are continuing to advocate for our priorities. Through direct outreach, letter-writing, and engagement with lawmakers, our members are helping push the issues that matter most to working families.

We also continue to stand with our member who was the victim of recent violence at Lakeview Shock Incarceration Facility. The open letter written to the incarcerated individual responsible for the attack—and to DOCCS management—demonstrates tremendous courage. No worker should face violence on the job. PEF will continue advocating for the changes needed to strengthen safety protections and prevent incidents like this from happening again.

As you read the stories in this March issue of The Communicator, I hope you see what I see: a union that is active, engaged, and moving forward together.

The challenges ahead are real, but so is the strength of PEF members across New York State.

In Unity,

Wayne Spence
PEF President