• Conference tackles health and safety through skill-building and fostering partnerships with management

    Conference tackles health and safety through skill-building and fostering partnerships with management

    May 21, 2026 — More than 300 PEF leaders and State management representatives came together to discuss health and safety at this year’s PEF/NYS Health and Safety Conference from May 11...

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  • Workshop highlights DOCCS response and investigation into substance exposures

    Workshop highlights DOCCS response and investigation into substance exposures

    May 21, 2026 — Exposure incidents at New York State correctional facilities are on the rise. PEF has documented cases at Attica, Clinton, Mohawk, Upstate, Wyoming, and several others. Just last month, a parolee in Queens blew powdered narcotics...

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  • Leaders take advantage of PEF Health and Safety resources on occupational stress 

    Leaders take advantage of PEF Health and Safety resources on occupational stress 

    May 21, 2026 — As a union, PEF takes on every level of workplace health and safety – from violence at facilities, to ergonomics, to occupational stress. Member leaders can...

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  • Members invited to comment on federal and state legislative agendas

    Members invited to comment on federal and state legislative agendas

    May 21, 2026 — The 48th Annual PEF Convention is set for October 18-21, 2026, in Niagara Falls. Delegate elections are underway for contested seats, but the union expects another large turnout this...

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  • State Senate honors late PEF member and civil rights leader

    State Senate honors late PEF member and civil rights leader

    Members of the extended Reid family, along with PEF leaders, pose for a photograph outside the New York State Senate on May 19, 2026. May 21, 2026 — At a...

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  • 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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