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April 2, 2026 | Volume 44. No. 3

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President’s Message: A busy spring for your union

The first quarter of 2026 is behind us — and we are starting the second quarter with momentum and results.

We begin with some great news on the Contract front. Three provisions that were set to expire today (April 2) have been extended, including the $600 Higher Education Differential (HED), a benefit we secured for the first time in 2024 and 2025. The HED recognizes the professionals in our union who have an Associate’s degree or higher, or a license issued by the State Education Department.

The contract team also ensured continuation of supplementary Workers’ Compensation benefits for PEF parole officers, and expedited suspension review rights for members who face disciplinary charges. My thanks to the Contract Team, led by Vice President Darlene Williams, and New York State Director of State Operations Jackie Bray for her willingness to consider PEF’s requests to get these three items off the table so we can focus on the rest of the Contract.

Region 9 members turned out in great numbers to hear from the Contract Team over the course of the past six weeks. The team will travel to Region 1 in Western New York for meetings the week of April 20-24, and I strongly encourage you to sign up and attend a meeting if you are able. If you’re not, we’ll continue to update members on the Contract page of the website, in the PEF app, and via our social media accounts.

The PEF Executive Board convened for the first meeting of 2026 at the end of March, accomplishing a lot over the course of its two-day meeting. I was proud to swear in seven new board members, who stepped up to represent their colleagues and serve on the union’s highest decision-making body outside of the annual Convention. Additional board seats remain open, and petitioning begins April 6. Visit the PEF Elections page for details.

Finally, I want to recognize our General Counsel’s Office and Statewide Field Services team for once again doing what this union does best – making sure our members are treated fairly when it comes to the terms and conditions of their contract. Their work secured back pay for three registered nurses at Batavia Veterans’ Home who were performing out-of-title work, delivering thousands of dollars for them and their families.

We enter this next quarter focused, engaged, and ready to work. I wish you and your families a healthy and strong spring.

In Unity,

Wayne Spence
PEF President