February 17, 2023 — The Supreme Court, Onondaga County, issued a decision January 13, finding unlawful a Department of Health (DOH) regulation mandating certain health care workers be vaccinated. The decision stands in contrast to a number of prior court decisions finding the regulation to be lawfully adopted, including one issued in Supreme Court,...
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February 17, 2023 — This week, acting at the request of Gov. Kathy Hochul, the New York Department of Civil Service published Policy Bulletin 2023-01, “Paid Parental Leave.” The new policy grants 12 weeks leave for any unrepresented employee of the State’s executive agencies so that they may “bond with a newly born, adopted,...
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February 17, 2023 — SUNY Upstate Medical University halted its efforts to acquire Crouse Hospital in Syracuse, instead deciding to enter into a strategic affiliation agreement between the two hospitals. “We said loudly and clearly from the moment the merger was first proposed that this was a bad idea for employees of both hospitals and...
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February 17, 2023 — Since December 2022, the PEF Contract Team has presented the State with 15 comprehensive proposals based on the economic and workplace priorities expressed by PEF members. “Our team is prepared to move negotiations forward with detailed, thoughtful proposals,” said Contract Team Chair Darlene Williams, following negotiations with the State on Feb....
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March 10, 2023 — The generosity of members across the state generated more than $9,000 through the PEF Relief Fund for members in Region 1 impacted by the unprecedented snowstorm over the Christmas holiday. “When the blizzard hit Buffalo, PEF activated its Relief Fund to do what we do best — help our fellow union...
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February 17, 2023 — During Women’s History month each March, PEF recognizes and celebrates members who have demonstrated significant accomplishments or leadership and have excelled and served as a role model to peers. Women’s History Month was established by Congress in 1987 to address the fact that, “the role of American women in history has...
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February 17, 2023 — New York’s dedicated social workers are burnt out, underpaid, feel unsafe at work, and face skyrocketing caseloads – all while continuing to provide vital care to a patient population that has grown more complex and difficult to serve. It’s time for change. That’s the message about 50 PEF social workers...
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February 17, 2023 — President Spence weighs in on workforce crisis With a looming shortage of more than 12,500 state workers, the governor’s budget calls for investing more than $18 million in programs to boost the lagging workforce. PEF President Wayne Spence was quoted in an Albany Times Union article on the state of the...
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February 17, 2023 — PEF submitted written testimony on Feb. 7 to a committee focused on the public protection components of the governor’s executive budget proposal. The written testimony and the remarks made by in-person witnesses will help the committee as it considers how best to fund state-operated services for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated...
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February 17, 2023 — Two vacant seats on the PEF Executive Board were filled during the first-quarter special election, and balloting will be held to determine who will fill three contested seats. Tanya Oliver was elected to Seat 25, representing certain members at the Department of Corrections, and Stephen Powers was elected to Seat 425,...
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