December 21, 2025 | Volume 43. No. 11
2025 in one word? Solidarity!
What a year it’s been for your union! From the wildcat strike at DOCCS, to speaking out against federal budget cuts, to saving SUNY Downstate, PEF truly did it in 2025. Together with our parent unions AFT and SEIU, we showed New York what it means to stand up and advocate for workers. Thank you for the solidarity and support you showed me and all your union siblings this past year. We’ve pulled together highlights from each month of 2025 in this issue.
Last week, the PEF Executive Board met for its final quarterly meeting of the year in Albany, receiving updates from the Secretary-Treasurer about union finances, PEF Organizing about the remarkable growth we enjoyed in 2025 (55,000+ dues-paying members, and climbing!), and the PEF Legislative Department about the State and Federal budget outlook.
The board also discussed the 2025 PEF Convention, after watching this video that summarized it so beautifully. I heard from many delegates how much they enjoyed their time in Lake Placid. The Convention Committee is already planning for 2026, so mark your calendars for Oct. 18-21 in Niagara Falls! Nothing says Union Strong like more (and new!) delegates year after year.
Also in this issue, we celebrate a $545,000 settlement for former PEF members Deidre Manns, who worked with the consultant assigned to PEF’s Joint Affirmative Action Advisory Committee, Eric Josey, to obtain legal representation for her discrimination claims again the Department of Financial Services. It’s proof of SEIU’s slogan that “when we fight, we win!”
Finally, every year ends with some goodbyes and the promise of new beginnings. I’d personally like to thank PEF Executive Director Todd Kerner and Health & Safety Director Geraldine Stella for their decades of service to all PEF members. Both are retiring in early 2026 and their guidance and professionalism will be deeply missed.
The work of the union goes on, however, and I encourage all members to keep an eye on our Careers Page to see if jobs at PEF are a good fit for you or someone you know.
Whatever your traditions, I wish you and your families a restful and peaceful holiday season, and look forward to welcoming in the New Year, which will mark the start of my 12th year as PEF president. Thank you again for trusting me to lead this remarkable union.
In Unity,
Wayne Spence
PEF President
WAYNE SPENCE
Featured Stories
Table of Contents
- 2025 in one word? Solidarity!
- PEF member earns settlement for discrimination faced at DFS
- Retired PEF member reflects on the good of DOOCS programming and the fight for safety
- Eboard votes to send Albany Housing Authority tentative agreement to members for ratification
- Do you want to be a union leader? Executive Board special election coming in January
- Jet Dental clinics coming to Cattaraugus County in the New Year
- Telephone Town Hall covers health insurance increases and benefits to help you save money; deadlines are December 8
- Union ready to assist members impacted by prison closure
- RAISE Act will protect New Yorkers from unchecked AI
- PEF members put street medic training to good use
- PEF and other labor unions uplift Regional Food Bank in time of need
- A year of growth, networking, and learning for Statewide Women’s Committee
- ITS delegates share value of PEF Convention
- My first SOMOS, 25 years in the making
- PEF member collects donations for Hurricane Melissa relief in Jamaica
- Analyzing the state’s fiscal outlook and sharing useful resources for elder services
- Your 2026 Printable Calendar
- Leave Donation Program offers hope to members in need
- PEF members need your leave donations