May 7, 2026 — Region 6 Coordinator Christopher Dunham and Region 7 Coordinator Barbara Stransky brought leaders from their Regions together the first weekend in May for the annual Leadership Weekend in Clayton, New York.
Discussions and workshops focused on health and safety, membership benefits, legislative advocacy through COPE contributions, organizing and the importance of mapping worksites, an overview of the PEF mobile app, as well as a breakout session on challenges facing DOCCS members.
COPE and federal lobbying
PEF union dues can’t be used for federal lobbying efforts, but many PEF members’ jobs are tied to federal funding, making COPE contributions critically important.
“If nothing is done, seven years from now there will be an automatic reduction in everyone’s Social Security of approximately 23%,” said COPE Coordinator Don Morgenstern. “What we hope to get really amounts to a cup of coffee per paycheck. Help us fight for you in Washington.”
VP Randi DiAntonio encouraged leaders in the room to talk about COPE.
“If we’re not asking people, no one’s going to participate,” she said. “The one thing that makes a difference when we talk to members is that somebody asked them. You are on the front lines.”
You can contribute to COPE or change your contribution amount here.
Committees are key
Health and Safety Director Josh Kemp and specialist Jazmine Nova-Morales outlined the ins and out of the Public Employee Safety and Health (PESH) provisions, a New York state program that is overseen by OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
“There are 22 states that do not have state programs,” Kemp said. “It took 10 years of union advocacy to get it in New York. It’s something we have to hold on to and continue to advocate for and strengthen.”
Health and safety committees at the local, agency, and statewide level are the union’s opportunity to effect real changes for employees across the state. When something occurs in the workplace – from a chemical spill to bad ventilation to an exposure – committees make a difference.
“How do we prevent it from happening again?” Kemp said. “That’s a really great question for committees to ask and get management thinking that way as well.”
Visit PEF Health and Safety online here.
DOCCS breakout
One of the breakout meetings brought together DOCCS members from across the two regions to discuss issues around health and safety and exposures. Field representatives and local leaders say members report that they frequently smell drugs at work.
“After Mohawk (Correctional Facility) had multiple officers exposed, PESH did go out and one of the things that we got feedback on is almost everyone they spoke to felt like having canine units at the facilities would be a good deterrent,” said VP DiAntonio, adding while canines can’t smell all illicit substances, their mere presence can sometimes be enough to prevent someone bringing them in.
PEF President Wayne Spence has written to DOCCS Commissioner Daniel Martuscello III urging him to deploy canine units.
Participants also raised the issue of visitors and how there does not need to be a known relationship between the person visiting and the incarcerated individual, so anyone with identification is able to enter. Yet, staff need a gate pass to enter another facility.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is the lowest bar on the safety ladder, yet that is what DOCCS provides. One participant said if she opens mail with gloves on but puts it down on her desk – now the desk is contaminated. Cross contamination is so high that current measures aren’t enough.
PEF leaders need input from DOCCS members to fully understand and advocate for appropriate change. President Spence has invited DOCCS leaders to Albany on June 12 for a one-day meeting to further strategize about how to improve working conditions.
All aboard!
After a full day of workshops and presentations, members enjoyed an Uncle Sam’s boat tour of the Thousand Islands. The voyage took them down the St. Lawrence River and under the bridge that connects the U.S. and Canada, with views of Boldt Castle and the vacation homes that line the waterfront.
