October 30, 2026 — More than 700 delegates gathered in Niagara Falls Oct. 18–21 for PEF’s 48th annual Convention, approving legislative agendas, reviewing union finances and acting on resolutions.
Vice President and Convention Chair Darlene Williams opened plenary by highlighting PEF’s workplace advocacy and contract ratification, approved by 88% of voters.
“The theme this year is Rooted in Solidarity, Rising in Strength,” she said. “I want you to think about what those words really mean. When we left last year’s Convention in Lake Placid, we returned to our workplaces with renewed energy and a new purpose with a reason to commit to standing together.
“Look what we have done since then,” she said. “We confronted workplace violence in psychiatric facilities, better staffing and respect for our members. We addressed overwhelming caseloads and workplace concerns. We continued to fight for members in DOCCS, OMH, and OCFS, and every agency we represent.”
The greatest accomplishment?
“Our contract,” said VP Williams, who also chaired the Contract Team. “I traveled the state talking to members. Not every conversation was easy. Some members were happy, some were frustrated, and some were downright angry. What made me proud was that we could agree to disagree. We always remember we belong to the same union.”
Vice President Williams expressed hope that delegates would walk away with a renewed sense of solidarity and purpose.
“I want you leaving with a toolbox overfilled with knowledge, resources, and confidence,” she added. “When someone asks you, what is PEF about, let them know we are here, we are organized, and let them know we are rooted in solidarity and rising in strength!”
Speakers bring thanks, inspiration
Several guest speakers took the podium on both days of plenary, including AFT President Randi Weingarten, New York Attorney General Letitia James, Keynote Speaker Skye Perryman of Democracy Forward, U.S. Rep. Tim Kennedy, Western New York Area Labor Federation President Denise Abbott, as well as at the President’s Reception on Sunday, where New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli spoke.
State of the Union
President Wayne Spence delivered a clear message in his State of the Union address at Convention: the union has made meaningful progress in the last year, but protecting those gains and making new ones will take continued solidarity, vigilance and member involvement.
He spoke at length about the compensation and benefits secured in the five-year contract ratified by the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Unit, but made clear that PEF won’t rest on that accomplishment.
“Every agreement takes hard work and depends on the strength of our membership,” he said. “Whether you voted yes or no, you should be proud that your union values your voice. Members made the contract possible, and members decided our direction and that is union democracy. Now, we have to go enforce what we have won.”
Legislative agendas approved
“Whether you love or hate politics … politics determine what we earn, what our pensions are worth, whether our agencies are funded, staffed, or closed,” said Vice President and Statewide Political Action Committee Chair. “Politics matter to all of us, in every title and at every worksite.”
Convention delegates set the federal and state legislative agendas, one of the most important tasks the body undertakes.
PEF is fiscally strong
VP DiAntonio, who at President Spence’s request assumed the duties of the Secretary-Treasurer’s office following the retirement of Joe Donahue, reported that PEF remains in a strong financial position, with net assets up by $2,108,571 and income from membership dues rising by approximately $3.4 million.
Delegates vote on 14 resolutions
With a packed schedule, delegates acted on 14 out of 40 resolutions, about everything from Artificial Intelligence regulation to affordability issues to unsafe caseloads and NY HELPS. The PEF Legal Department is summarizing the actions taken and will share their report with the membership when it is complete.
