October 30, 2026 — Every year after PEF delegates arrive in the city in New York that will host them for Convention, the union invites delegates to a welcome reception hosted by PEF President Wayne Spence.
The gathering also serves as a chance for members to share ideas before convening on Monday, and features brief welcome remarks from the president, as well as invited guest, New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.
DiNapoli praised PEF leaders and the members for reaching an historic high: 65,000 members in all units across the state of New York.
“PEF numbers are stronger than ever and because of the strength of this union, you have had historic victories in terms of wages, benefits and working conditions,” said DiNapoli. “And let me just say, to all of you, thank you for your public service!”
DiNapoli also thanked retirees for their efforts in staying engaged with the union and took a moment to recognize the PEF members who work at the Office of the State Comptroller.
“I see firsthand just how important the work of PEF members is,” DiNapoli said. “I see it every day at the comptroller’s office and I am very proud of the fact that we have a strong contingent of PEF members.”
DiNapoli congratulated members on the ratification of the new five-year collective bargaining agreement with New York State and for pushing for changes to the pension plan. He recognized PEF’s activity throughout the state on several of the issues that matter to members.
“You have been standing up against bullying in the workplace. No one should be intimidated in the workplace,” he said. “And PEF is always the first voice to say that public services should be provided by public employees, not contracted out.”
Comptroller DiNapoli shared some good news about the pension with members. With more than $300 billion invested in the New York State retirement system, DiNapoli said that the defined benefit plan that so many members rely on is doing great.
“We have the best funded public retirement system in the United States of America,” said DiNapoli. “We are 97% funded. We have a fully funded pension plan, and we work hard to keep it that way.”
While focusing on this year’s convention theme, Rooted in Solidarity, Rising in Strength, the comptroller reminded PEF members that unity will be critical for the fights ahead.
“President John Kennedy once said those who would destroy or limit the rights of organized labor, those who would cripple collective bargaining or prevent organization of the unorganized, do a disservice to democracy,” said DiNapoli. “I think that’s something we need to keep in mind. Unions are a strength in our democracy. And the more unions we have, the more working people are represented by unions, that strengthens our democracy.”
To close his remarks, DiNapoli called on members to do their best to work through complex issues during convention, to remember why they fight, and to stay unified.
“I want you to come through this convention more unified. Let us know how we can work in partnership to support you and do what you need us to do to make sure New York State is the great state that we want it to be.”
