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September 13, 2023 | Volume 41. No. 7

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PEF leads the way on workplace bullying

This is the last Communicator update before the 45th Annual PEF Convention, which takes place Oct. 15-18 in Syracuse. The next issue will be filled with stories about the state of our union and the agenda that Convention delegates will determine for the year ahead.

The top story in this update is the Toxic Workplace Rally we held on Sept. 21 during the quarterly meeting of the PEF Executive Board in Albany. Media coverage was widespread on Spectrum News, the Albany Times Union, and New York’s only newspaper dedicated to the labor movement, The Chief. We invited leaders from other unions to join us on our march to and around Empire Plaza, but once again PEF led the way. Just as we did with the push for hazard pay in the wake of the pandemic, we are speaking out on behalf of all State employees to stop the culture of bullying and abuse that is far too prevalent at State agencies two years after Gov. Hochul took office and promised to make New York “the most worker-friendly State.” We will continue to advocate on this issue and keep you informed about how you can help in the effort.

Other stories to point out in this first issue of the fall: Covid boosters are approved for everyone, and PEF members are still entitled to four hours of uncharged leave to get one if desired. There are no longer any vaccine mandates in effect, however.

Congratulations are in order for this year’s Joseph Scacalossi PEF Scholarships. These young women and men make their union families proud, and we can’t wait to see how they contribute to the world in the years ahead. 

And lastly, you probably forgot to celebrate, but National Roundabout Week was recently observed across the U.S. We caught up with a member at the New York State Department of Transportation to find out why traffic circles are more and more popular.

In Unity,

Wayne Spence
PEF President