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PEF’s lobbying, organizing helped stave off DOL layoffs in 1987

April 3, 2024 — In 1987, hundreds of state Department of Labor (DOL) members faced layoffs. They were initially spared by a reprieve, but layoffs were back on the table and slated for March.  PEF leadership and rank-and-file members mobilized immediately. The union organized what observers said was the largest public demonstration in Albany by...

PEF members mobilize to make eclipse viewing safe and instructive 

  March 19, 2024 — PEF members at numerous state agencies are working hard behind the scenes in anticipation of crowds flocking to western and northern New York on April 8 to catch a glimpse of the rare total solar eclipse that will follow a roughly 100-mile-wide path across the state.   Cities and towns...

PEF Membership Benefits hosts children’s book signing with local author

March 18, 2024 — PEF Membership Benefits organized a book signing at the Howe Branch of the Albany Public Library on March 16. Dozens of kids and their caregivers attended, talking to author Teryn Roberts about her book, “I Deserve Better!”, which she wrote to help kids deal with the difficult emotions they feel when...

Region 3 hosts New York legislators from the Finger Lakes region at annual breakfast 

March 18, 2024 — PEF Region 3 welcomed nearly a dozen State lawmakers to the regional office in Rochester on March 16 for a Legislative Breakfast.  About 90 PEF members from a dozen State agencies attended to hear from Senators and Assemblymembers. The annual tradition is a chance for lawmakers to speak directly with PEF...

Kate Stickles: Reporter/Editor • Communications

PEF solidarity on display in the community and the Capitol

The first quarter of each year is always a busy time for this union.  The State Legislature is in session, soliciting feedback from PEF and other stakeholders as they formalize the budget. The halls of the Capitol in Albany echo with advocates pushing their priority issues at rallies and press conferences.  PEF has been an...

Rally for SUNY Downstate Hospital shows community strength

March 7, 2024 — When SUNY Chancellor John King started making calls in January about a plan to “transform” SUNY Downstate, unions like PEF and United University Professionals (UUP) were quick to mobilize. Their message? Brooklyn Needs Downstate!  At a rally on February 29, 2024, a crowd of about 1,200 hospital workers, community members and...

Tier 6 rally highlights state workers’ fervor to fix pension plan

  March 7, 2024 — Since April 2012, all employees hired by New York State have been part of what’s called “Tier 6” of the pension plan. PEF knew it was a bad idea by Gov. Cuomo then, and more than a decade later, the union continues to fight for improvements.  In 2022, PEF and...

PEF gathers elected leaders, NYC clergy for discussion about SUNY Downstate 

  March 7, 2024 — Following the multi-union rally at SUNY Downstate on Feb. 29, PEF invited faith leaders from Brooklyn and the surrounding area to Albany on March 4 and 5 to talk with legislators and other officials about the importance of saving the state-run hospital in Brooklyn.  Nearly a dozen clergy members participated,...

PEF contract money to be paid this Spring

April 3, 2024 — Members have started reaching out asking, “Where’s the money?”  We’re happy to share that PEF members in the PS&T bargaining unit have seen or will see quite a few bumps in their paychecks in the next few months negotiated as part of the 2023-2026 PS&T Contract.   $400 Dental Stipend: During...