September 15, 2026 — From the nearly 1,000 members in Region 8 flocking to a minor league baseball stadium, to what many are hailing as the highest turnout ever at the celebration in Buffalo, PEF members made a strong showing at Labor Day events across the state.
Region 1
Excitement was palpable at Cazenovia Park in Buffalo, said Region 1 Coordinator Vincent Cicatello.
“This year may have been the biggest turnout in 20 years, and people took notice that many more PEF members came out this year than in years past,” he said. “It warms my heart knowing we are reaching out and getting new members involved. We had about 70 people, families came out, and there was so much energy.”
Cicatello said the day was full of food, fun, and camaraderie.
“Fellow union members, politicians, community leaders, we all came together and focused on labor, the fight of workers every day in the workplace, health and safety, fair pay, and more. Region 1 is proud to be part of the Western New York and New York State labor movement.”
The region was also an event sponsor. Cicatello credited rising membership for the ability to get involved and contribute to more local events.
Region 3
PEF members took to the streets of Rochester to participate in the Labor Day parade.
“Region 3 had about 100 members, retirees and family members show up to the Rochester parade to support PEF and Labor,” said Regional Coordinator Leisa Abraham. “Our members and their families spread union messages, candy, and goodwill to the parade watchers as we walked to the Rochester ballpark to enjoy a lunch, family activities, and a ballgame! Special thanks to all our members, retirees their families for turning out on a holiday, and of course our region 3 PEF staff whose efforts and time made it all work.”
Region 4
Labor Day is the traditional last day of the New York State Fair in Syracuse, and it draws union families from across the state. The Region’s booth in the Center for Progress building welcomed hundreds of visitors, PEF members, and PEF retirees.
“It was an amazing 13 days at the great New York State Fair,” said Region 4 Coordinator Monica Moore. “I enjoyed connecting with members and retirees from Region 4 and around the state. I advocated for PEF members and urged fair attendees to register to vote and make their voices heard this November. It was a huge success!”
Booth visitors could participate in a visual display that showed the diversity of PEF titles by placing a leaf on the “Rooted in Solidarity” tree.
“We had an overwhelming response and we ended up at the end of the 13 days in full bloom,” Moore said. “Thank you to all the members and retirees for stopping by the booth – it was great engaging with all!”
Region 7
The Solidarity Parade and Picnic in Massena drew members from several unions, including 1199SEIU, NYSUT, IBEW, NYSNA, CSEA, and AFGE, to name a few.
“We had an amazing turnout by both PEF members and other local unions,” said Region 7 Coordinator Barbara Stransky. “The day was spent marching in solidarity then a family picnic. Labor is strong in the North Country.”
Region 8
More than 950 members of Region 8 celebrated Labor Day at the Capital District Area Labor Federation’s family-friendly event at Joe Bruno Stadium in Troy, N.Y., said Region 8 Coordinator Danielle Bridger.
“PEF was a clambake sponsor, and our members made up almost 50% of the total 2,000 union members and families that attended,” she said. “The event was free for union members and their families, but we asked all that attended to being a nonperishable item for donation to the food bank.”
