Breaking News from readMedia

PEF endorses Letitia James for New York State Attorney General

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:27:34 -0400

"Letitia James has been a relentless champion for working people and a steadfast ally of the labor movement," said Public Employees Federation President Wayne Spence, following a vote by the union's executive board to endorse her for reelection.

New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli earns resounding endorsement from PEF

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:22:05 -0400

As a result of his stewardship of the State pension fund and effective agency audits that cut down on fraud and hold government accountable, Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli has earned the endorsement of the New York State Public Employees Federation.

PEF President Spence on Gov. Hochul's selection of Speaker Adams as her running mate

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 15:23:14 -0500

"I was pleased to learn of Governor Kathy Hochul's selection of Former City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams as her candidate for Lieutenant Governor of New York. I have had the opportunity to work with the former speaker on several occasions and f...

PEF Statement on State of the State

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 16:35:05 -0500

"The 55,000 professional, technical and scientific workers that comprise the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) thank Governor Kathy Hochul for her continued focus on affordability in her 2026 State of the State address.

PEF statement on tragedy at Marcy Correctional Facility

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 18:27:57 -0500

"Our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of the PEF member who tragically took his own life at Marcy Correctional Facility this morning. We have been in contact with DOCCS and the PEF members who work at Marcy. This i...

PEF to Congress: Don't cut New York's Medicaid funding for 1 million New Yorkers!

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 07:33:52 -0400

The 55,000 members of the NYS Public Employees Federation stand with U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. House Minority leader Hakeem Jeffries as they work to restore critical cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) as pa...

PEF to hold Sept. 11 memorial ceremony

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 08:57:14 -0400

PEF will observe a moment of silence and remember the 34 PEF members who died during the September 11, 2001 attacks. The ceremony will take place at the memorial outside the building, to the right when you enter the parking lot.

PEF to host Community Wellness Fair & Book Giveaway

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 09:37:03 -0400

The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) will host its third annual Community Wellness Fair and Book Giveaway from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Albany Armory. The event allows members of the community to interact with dozens of ven...

PEF to join 50501 Movement Day of Action rally, march

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 12:57:12 -0400

As part of a National Day of Action, members and leaders of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) will take part in the Rise Up & Reach Out Day of Action and Peaceful Demonstration from noon to 2 p.m. April 19 at the Dr. Martin ...

PEF Executive Board to consider no-confidence vote against OMH Commissioner Sullivan

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 20:11:03 -0400

The 120 members of the PEF Executive Board, representing more than 54,000 New York State employees, voted unanimously at their quarterly meeting today to consider a no-confidence vote against Office of Mental Health (OMH) Commissioner Ann Sullivan...

More public comment, transparency needed regarding long-term plan for SUNY Downstate University Hospital

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 15:56:13 -0500

Union leaders from UUP, PEF, and NYSUT will be joined by State Senator Zellnor Myrie, Assemblymembers Brian Cunningham and Phara Souffrant Forrest, and Brooklyn faith leaders for a press conference calling on the state to consider the needs of SUN...

More public comment, transparency needed regarding long-term plan for SUNY Downstate University Hospital

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 12:42:17 -0500

PEF Applauds Governor Hochul's $75 Million Investment in the Institute for Basic Research

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 14:19:46 -0500

The Public Employees Federation (PEF) extends its deepest gratitude to Governor Kathy Hochul for her unwavering commitment to the Institute for Basic Research (IBR) and its dedicated workforce. The Governor's proposed $75 million investment in the...

PEF Statement on Fatal Beating of Robert Brooks at Marcy Correctional Facility

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 09:28:42 -0500

PEF President Wayne Spence released the following statement on Dec. 30, 2024:

Statement from PEF President Wayne Spence on Signing of LOADinG Act

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 13:12:31 -0500

Statement of Public Employees Federation (PEF) President Wayne Spence on Signing of LOADinG Act into Law:

PEF, labor organizations to host job fair

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 08:44:45 -0400

Several labor organizations are coming together from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. October 19 to host the Rochester Labor Community Job Fair and a school supply/backpack giveaway for jobseekers and families.

PEF to mark 23rd anniversary of September 11 attacks

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 11:00:12 -0400

PEF President Wayne Spence's Fourth Inaugural Set for 11 a.m. Saturday

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 20:00:57 -0400

PEF President Wayne Spence will be formally sworn-in for his fourth consecutive term as President of the Public Employees Federation on Saturday, Aug. 3. He is the first person in the 45-year history of the union to be elected to a fourth three-ye...

PEF statement on closures of Great Meadow and Sullivan Correctional Facilities

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 13:57:56 -0400

The following statement was issued by PEF President Wayne Spence following notification to the union from the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) that two correctional facilities will close effective Nov. 6, 2024:

PEF leading the way on intersection of state workforce and artificial intelligence

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 13:44:33 -0400

The Public Employees Federation (PEF) convened a summit on the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in the state workforce on July 10, bringing together top officials in the state Office of Information Technology Services (OITS), legislators, an...

PEF members re-elect Wayne Spence as union president for historic fourth term

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 14:55:38 -0400

Ballots cast by members of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) for the union's top leadership positions were certified June 26 by the American Arbitration Association in Manhattan.

PEF statement on confirmation of DOCCS Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III

Thu, 23 May 2024 16:56:33 -0400

PEF President Wayne Spence issued the following statement on May 23, 2024, after the confirmation by the New York State Senate of Daniel F. Martuscello III as DOCCS Commissioner:

PEF 'Day of Action' against bullying at Kingsboro Psych

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 08:16:40 -0400

The New York State Public Employees Federation's "Toxic Tales" campaign will make a stop at Kingsboro Psychiatric Center in Brooklyn as leaders and members gather outside the facility from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 1, 2024, to call out management for ...

PEF hosts Community Wellness Fair & Book Giveaway

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 12:09:52 -0400

The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) will host its second annual Community Wellness Fair and Book Giveaway this Saturday at the Albany Armory. Doors open at 9am for the community and the event takes place until 3pm. There will be ...

PEF to observe Workers' Memorial Day at union headquarters Friday

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 10:38:09 -0400

The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) will honor and remember members who died on the job at 10 a.m. Friday, April 26, at the memorial outside PEF headquarters in Latham. PEF President Wayne Spence and Health and Safety Director Ger...