• Let the great budget debate begin!

    Let the great budget debate begin!

    The Legislative Session is in full swing here in Albany, following Governor Hochul’s presentation of her Executive Budget proposal last month.  Between now and April 1, lawmakers will hold hearings and gather input from stakeholders like PEF as they shape the governor’s proposal into something that can pass both the State Senate and Assembly. PEF’s...

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  • Pivotal moments in Black labor history highlight growth, change and solidarity 

    Pivotal moments in Black labor history highlight growth, change and solidarity 

    January 30, 2024 — Throughout the history of the labor movement in the United States, there are moments when Black workers, fed up with working conditions, lack of benefits and low pay, took steps to not only create new unions, but lead labor in the fight to secure better quality of life for workers.  ...

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  • Governor Hochul’s State of the State message: The Future is Bright

    Governor Hochul’s State of the State message: The Future is Bright

    January 11, 2024 — During her State of the State address on January 9, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul told a joint session of assemblymembers, state senators and other government officials and guests that New York is on the rise.   “The state of New York is strong,” Hochul said. “Stronger today than when I...

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  • Expansion of HELP program is a small step to address staffing issues

    Expansion of HELP program is a small step to address staffing issues

    Jan. 23, 2024 — Positions in nearly every state agency are in dire need of filling – more than 12,000 in all, according to the governor’s most recent Executive Budget proposal. To help agencies fill positions with a diverse pool of applicants, the Department of Civil Service (DCS) launched the Hiring for Emergency Limited...

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  • A banner year for COPE 

    A banner year for COPE 

    January 11, 2024 — In 2023, PEF contributions to COPE – the Committee on Political Education, a political action fund administered by PEF’s parent unions, SEIU and AFT — increased by 21% over 2022, and the number of contributors rose almost 11% from 2,401 to 2,658.  “This is a significant accomplishment,” said PEF President Wayne...

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  • PEF in the News

    PEF in the News

    Brooklyn Eagle links to PEF article on SUNY Downstate  The Brooklyn Eagle included a brief on the SUNY Downstate “transformation” plan, including a comment by President Spence and linking to PEF’s full statement on our website.  New York Amsterdam News quotes President Spence on Downstate  President Spence spoke with the newspaper about the...

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  • PEF member highlights his union values during U.S. presidential race

    PEF member highlights his union values during U.S. presidential race

    February 1, 2024 — January 23 was Primary Day in New Hampshire, and believe it or not, a PEF member was on the ballet. Raymond Moroz, a chief computer operator at the Office of the State Comptroller and a PEF Executive Board member, is on the Democratic ballot in the state of New Hampshire. “I...

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  • Quality of Work Life grants now available

    Quality of Work Life grants now available

    The Quality of Work Life grant program is back up and running.  This program allows divisions to spend up to $1,000 per year to purchase a microwave, refrigerator, or coffee maker, subject to funding limitations.  The guidelines for the program can be read here and the application, which is a fillable PDF form, can be downloaded  Read More

  • A Union Family: Christopher and Anne Jordan 

    A Union Family: Christopher and Anne Jordan 

    UNION LEADER SPOTLIGHT  Husband and wife, Christopher and Anne Jordan, are a strong example of a union family – both serving their PEF Divisions and their coworkers as union leaders.  How long have you been a PEF member?  Anne: I have been a PEF member since Nov. 11, 2015, previously I was 10-plus years with...

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