{"id":5732,"date":"2024-09-24T10:14:05","date_gmt":"2024-09-24T14:14:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/?p=5732"},"modified":"2024-09-24T11:10:06","modified_gmt":"2024-09-24T15:10:06","slug":"convention-speakers-proud-of-pefs-unity-share-message-of-togetherness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/issue\/volume-42-no-7\/convention-speakers-proud-of-pefs-unity-share-message-of-togetherness\/","title":{"rendered":"Convention speakers, proud of PEF\u2019s unity, share message of togetherness"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em>September 25, 2024 &#8212;\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-5741 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/DiNapoli.jpg\" alt=\"New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/DiNapoli.jpg 400w, https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/DiNapoli-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/>President\u2019s Reception kicks off the week<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The President\u2019s Reception is a chance for delegates to take a pause, mingle, and share ideas before assembling on the main Convention floor the next day. It is also a chance to hear words of encouragement and unity from PEF President Wayne Spence and a special guest. In recent years, that special guest has been New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">DiNapoli praised President Spence for being elected to an historic fourth term.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cI have no doubt, and I don\u2019t think any of the delegates in here have any doubt, that you are going to continue to deliver for our public employees in New York State,\u201d he said.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">DiNapoli pointed to PEF\u2019s role in continuing to reform the retirement system, specifically Tier 6. This year, Tier 6 saw two major improvements including a change to the Final Average Earnings and the exclusion of Overtime Pay to contribution rates.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cWayne Spence worked with his colleagues across the board and across New York State and said: We have to be united and we have to be reasonable, that\u2019s how we\u2019re going to get victory,\u201d DiNapoli said. \u201c<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The comptroller also praised the delegates and PEF members across the state, for their work during the COVID crisis. He recalled that, even during the worst of times, PEF and President Spence focused on keeping the state working and keeping members safe.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cWayne, I remember you followed up with me the first couple of days to get personal protective equipment, and you all got the job done,\u201d he said.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The comptroller ended his remarks by answering a question on the minds of a lot of delegates: Is the pension fund doing well?\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">DiNapoli assured that not only is the fund doing well, but at 93% publicly funded, New York State\u2019s pension system is the best-funded system in the United States.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cWe ended our fiscal year with an 11.5 percent positive return, so we had a good year, a strong year,\u201d said DiNapoli.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-5738 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/Speaker-1.jpg\" alt=\"Bishop Orlando Findlayter\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/Speaker-1.jpg 400w, https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/Speaker-1-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/>A Special Invocation<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Before the convention formally gaveled in, President Spence invited Bishop Orlando Findlayter to the stage for the Invocation. The bishop was a leading voice in helping PEF, other unions, clergy, and the local community combat efforts by the state to close the SUNY Downstate hospital.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The bishop recalled when he first met PEF, during the first fight for the future of SUNY Downstate 12 years ago.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cWe came together then as clergy, unions and community, and we said no to the state 12 years ago and we beat the state and kept SUNY Downstate Medical Center open,\u201d said Findlayter.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When the SUNY Chancellor threatened to close Downstate again this year, PEF and other unions rallied with him and other clergy to say no for a second time, demanding that SUNY Downstate remain a public hospital for the people and not\u2014according to the Chancellor\u2019s plans\u2014an outpatient or Urgent Care center.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cI am here today to let you know, as state workers, that you matter. That we appreciate you. That what you do counts and that your community supports you,\u201d said Findlayter.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0\u201cAnd I am pledging on behalf of the Flatbush Community, the Central Brooklyn Community and the clergy, that we\u2019re going to fight with PEF, we\u2019re going to stand with PEF, we\u2019re going to support PEF.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-5739 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/Spek-hougges.jpg\" alt=\"New York State Civil Service Commissioner Timothy Hogues\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/Spek-hougges.jpg 400w, https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/Spek-hougges-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/>Commissioner Hogues conducts Q&amp;A session<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The New York State Civil Service Commissioner Timothy Hogues also made an appearance at this year\u2019s convention. He has had a regular dialogue with President Spence since coming on the job two years ago.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cEver since that day we\u2019ve been meeting on a regular basis,\u201d Hogues said. \u201cAnd President Spence, he does not mince words. He is not shy about what he stands for, and he stands for the people. So, every time we talk his North Star is: I have to bring this back to my people.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hogues said New York State is \u201cmoving together\u201d with the people in order to best serve them.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cPeople are our greatest resource, and so we have to appreciate you, we have to make sure we are listening to you, we have to make sure you we are compensating you properly and thinking about your health and safety,\u201d said Hogues. \u201cWe have to make sure we are training you and thinking about your families. You deserve work-life balance.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Instead of prolonging his speech, the commissioner opted instead to take questions from delegates for the remainder of his time on stage.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Members asked questions about the dental plan, which goes into effect in October, as well as changes to exams that still ask for sensitive information like Social Security numbers, and how the HELPS program is going to be refined. <\/span><br \/>\n<span data-contrast=\"auto\">In response to questions he couldn\u2019t answer on the spot, Commissioner Hogues promised to get back to members with answers.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-5743\" src=\"https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/RandiW-Wed.jpg\" alt=\"AFT President Randi Weingarten\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/RandiW-Wed.jpg 400w, https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/RandiW-Wed-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/>Final Remarks from Randi Weingarten<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">On the final day of convention, AFT President Randi Weingarten appeared via Zoom to address the delegates. She took a moment to address that while the world, the country, and the state are facing hard times, PEF members have always had the best interests of the people at their core.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cYour membership is very acutely aware of what is right and what\u2019s wrong in the country and in the state,\u201d said Weingarten. \u201cI watched the PEF membership take great care of my father, and I\u2019ve always been in awe of what you do.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Weingarten said that while divisions across the nation deepen, especially during this election year, it is important to remember why unions fight.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cI am hopeful that we can actually get the candidates that we support elected, because they believe in the work you do,\u201d said Weingarten. \u201cThis election has to be about us and our needs. Whether it\u2019s Social Security and Medicare, whether it\u2019s the servicing and funding of public services, right now what we need to do is make it about us.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Weingarten pointed to the fight to keep SUNY Downstate open, the fight for retirement reforms, and even contract negotiations, as focuses for keeping the union together and working together. Elections, she said, are just a piece of the puzzle. Regardless of who is in office, keeping the energy together and having hope is the most important thing.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cWe in the public service have to fight to make sure that we have communities, that regardless of their ideological differences, they actually can have a conversation with each other,\u201d she said. \u201cThey can actually understand that our common unity and common bind is much more important than what divides us. That is our challenge. And if we can do that in PEF, and we have, it means that we can do that across the nation.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>September 25, 2024 &#8212;\u00a0 President\u2019s Reception kicks off the week\u00a0 The President\u2019s Reception is a chance for delegates to take a pause, mingle, and share ideas before assembling on the&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":5736,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"division":[],"allowed_regions":[],"allowed_divisions":[],"class_list":["post-5732","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","issue-volume-42-no-7"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.6 (Yoast SEO v27.9) - 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