Author: ccanham

Strike ends at two NYC hospitals 

January 13, 2023 — As more than 7,000 nurses from two of New York City’s largest hospitals entered the fourth day of a strike, the nurses’ union and hospital administration reached a tentative agreement on Jan. 12, 2023.  The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) and nurses at Mount Sinai Hospital and Montefiore Medical Center...

PEF leaders attend key State events as new legislative session begins

Are you interested in a leadership role? Nominating petitions for special elections available now 

The first quarter special election is underway to fill 14 vacant Executive Board seats.   Petitions are due by 5 p.m. February 1, 2023. The term of office will be until July 31, 2024. To be nominated for an Executive Board position a candidate must have been a regular PEF member since August 5, 2022.  “Keeping...

PEF visits NYC Children’s Center campuses fostering a love of reading through First Book program 

  PEF joined the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) to distribute books to kids at the Bronx and Queens campuses of the NYC Children’s Center on January 6 as part of the First Book initiative.   Between the two facilities, 60 kids had their pick of books donated by PEF and could take with them...

New Region 12 Coordinator Bill Holthausen is ready to serve

Bill Holthausen recognizes the struggles of a state workforce that is understaffed and underfunded, and he is ready to go to bat for the members of Region 12.   “When I began my career with the state in the late 80s, the state was a good job, a good career,” he said. “We did good work,...

The Statewide Nurses Committee introduced its first annual scholarship

January 10, 2023 — The Statewide Nurses Committee introduced its first annual scholarship at the PEF Convention in Oct. 2022. All nurse delegates were asked to bring proof they had attended an education program over the last three years for consideration. Money for the scholarship was set aside before the pandemic. This year’s winners were...

PEF does it for fire protection specialists! 

January 4, 2023 — In a legislative win for PEF, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill that provides a three-quarter accident disability benefit for PEF fire protection specialists.  The new law allows fire protection specialists to receive an accidental disability benefit provided that the injured individual is physically or mentally incapacitated as a natural and...

Labor in the News

  USPS celebrates life and legacy of John Lewis  The U.S. Postal Service announced seven new stamps for 2023 – including one honoring U.S. Rep. John Lewis, a key player in the labor movement, who passed away in 2020.  “Devoted to equality and justice for all Americans, Lewis spent more than 30 years in Congress...

Letters to the Editor – February 2023

Contract questions  Are we going to be entitled to the $3,000 bonus like CSEA members received?  With the recent increase in cost of living in counties close to the city, could we include members who work in Sullivan County in the Mid-Hudson adjustment? The cost of living mirrors or exceeds Orange County, which is included...