The Communicator

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May 8, 2026 | Volume 44. No. 4

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Happy Public Service Recognition Month!

May is always one of the busiest on our union calendar and this issue of The Communicator certainly reflects that. From a leadership conference for Regions 6 and 7, to demanding the release of the comprehensive pay study that was commissioned more than a year ago, to the continued negotiations for a successor contract, PEF is truly on the move!

May is also the month when the labor movement recognizes all sorts of jobs – from nurses to correction officers to mental health professionals to teachers, and to everyone who has devoted their career to public service. I say it every month but thank you all for your dedication and professionalism. “New York works because we do,” is more than just a catchy slogan. It is the essence of public service, and I am grateful that every May we remind everyone of that.

It is ironic that while we celebrate the public servants who make New York work, we are witnessing familiar disfunction in Albany. On May 7, Governor Hochul held a press conference to announce “an agreement has been reached with legislative leaders on key priorities” in the State budget. Hours later, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie told the press “there is no budget deal.” The only thing I know at this point? When the details are released, your union will analyze the budget bills and provide members with an analysis of the impact they will have on state agencies and the work you do.

As for that work, I was pleased to see the opening of the first of a dozen computer-based civil service testing centers across the State in Cohoes. PEF has been advocating for years to modernize the merit and fitness system. This center — and 11 more to follow — will make promotional exams more convenient and easier to administer. They are a key building block when it comes to recruiting and retaining the quality professionals New York needs in its workforce.

In terms of the contract that you, the PEF workforce, deserve: The team continues to press hard for your priorities at the negotiating table. Affordability is the top concern, so we asked members in Buffalo and NYC to share their stories. Be on the lookout for rallies in your area as we escalate our demands for a fair contract!

Finally, a few words of appreciation for New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. He graciously answered a half dozen questions for us in this issue about his public service and the principles he follows when investing the New York State pension fund. I hope it informs members as they consider who to vote for in next month’s primary, which will be held on June 23.

In Unity,

Wayne Spence
PEF President