March 24, 2026 — Following a long, successful Lobby Day at the State Capitol on March 17 in Albany, PEF members and members of the legislature attended PEF’s annual Legislative Reception. The reception is a chance for members of the Senate and Assembly to meet with PEF members from various agencies across the state to discuss the union’s priorities face-to-face ahead of the passage of the New York State budget in April.
PEF continued to ride the wave following the sold-out “Fix Tier 6 Rally” in Albany on March 8 that saw 15,000 members from various unions show up to demand pension reform. Legislators spoke directly with leaders and members about why fixing Tier 6 is so important.
“With so many of our members telling me they are struggling, we need to make sure we are bolstering the workforce by looking long-term,” said PEF President Wayne Spence. “We need to make sure legislators hear us when we speak. We need Tier 6 reform now and we have the power to make it happen.”
Nearly two-thirds of PEF members are in Tier 6 of the pension plan, and the union supports reducing member contribution rates and other reforms (such as allowing retirement at age 55 after a 30-year career) that will bring Tiers 5 and 6 of the plan more in line with Tier 4.
President Spence took a moment to thank New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli for ensuring that the pension system is fully funded. DiNapoli said that he believes that as PEF and other labor unions fight for reform to Tier 6, they have allies in the legislature.
“I know they’re certainly working on fixing Tier 6, but they’re also fighting for adequate staffing in all our state agencies,” said DiNapoli. “I see firsthand every day the excellence, the professionalism and the dedication of the men and women of PEF.”
PEF is also in negotiations with the state for a new contract. At the reception, President Spence made sure that legislators understood that he and the contract team will not rest until there is a fair contract on the table.
“On April 1, the union that represents 60,000 members will be outside of a contract. The contract will expire. And if the time comes, I will call on members of the Legislature to stand with us if we have to rally for a contract,” said President Spence. “You have stood with us before. I am hopeful that there is a path to a contract, but if there isn’t, I have to do what the union does: Make noise. And I hope you will stand with us.”
