• Happy Public Service Recognition Month!

    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,...

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  • Contract Tour swing through Western New York focuses on affordability  

    Contract Tour swing through Western New York focuses on affordability  

    May 7, 2026 — From Buffalo to Allegany, April 20-24, members of the PEF Contract Team – led by PEF Vice President and Contract Chair Darlene Williams and Region 1...

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  • Public safety requires rigorous training. So why is ICE cutting back?

    Public safety requires rigorous training. So why is ICE cutting back?

    May 7, 2026 — Editor’s note: PEF is an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and this article originally appeared in the AFT Voices blog. I am...

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  • PEF ramps up pressure on statewide pay study 

    PEF ramps up pressure on statewide pay study 

    May 7, 2026 — PEF President Wayne Spence sent an email blast to all members on May 1 with a simple message: Tell New York State to release the comprehensive...

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  • Affordability is an everyday struggle

    Affordability is an everyday struggle

    May 7, 2026 — For people across the country and across New York State, affordability is not a buzzword. It is a constant reminder that wages have not kept up...

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  • PEF members play key role at Division of Human Rights 

    PEF members play key role at Division of Human Rights 

    May 7, 2026 — The New York State Division of Human Rights (DHR) is dedicated to protecting and enforcing the civil and human rights of New Yorkers through New York’s...

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  • SUNY Downstate fight the subject of AFT Health Care Q&A with union leaders

    SUNY Downstate fight the subject of AFT Health Care Q&A with union leaders

    May 7, 2026 — PEF President Wayne Spence and interim Downstate Regional Field Services Director Deb Egel participated in a question-and-answer feature in the AFT Health Care publication’s Spring 2026...

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  • North Country leaders gather for annual conference 

    North Country leaders gather for annual conference 

    May 7, 2026 — Region 6 Coordinator Christopher Dunham and Region 7 Coordinator Barbara Stransky brought leaders from their Regions together the first weekend in May for the annual Leadership...

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  • PEF urges DOCCS to address spike in chemical exposures

    PEF urges DOCCS to address spike in chemical exposures

    May 7, 2026 — Over the years, state employees working inside DOCCS facilities have faced an increase in violent incidents as well as incidents of chemical exposures. Last year, incidents...

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