Press Releases Archives

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

PEF President Wayne Spence released the following statement on Dec. 30, 2024: “The release of the surveillance footage related to the tragic death of Robert L. Brooks has shaken all...

Statement on passage of the LOADinG Act

PEF President Wayne Spence issued the following statement on Dec. 23, 2024, following passage of the “Legislative Oversight of Automated Decision-Making in Government Act” (LOADinG): “We applaud Gov. Kathy Hochul...

Workers’ Comp benefits expanded to include work-related stress

One of PEF’s legislative priorities was signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul on Dec. 5, 2024. The law removes significant barriers for workers wishing to access New York State...

2024 Election Results Statement

PEF President Wayne Spence released the following statement on Nov. 6, 2024: “The results of the presidential election have brought a change in leadership at the national level. Regardless of...

PEF condemns insulting remarks directed at Latinos during Trump rally

PEF President Wayne Spence issued the following statement on Oct. 29, 2024: PEF joins our union siblings from the AFT Latino Caucus and the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement...

PEF advocacy pays off as Governor signs union priorities into law

September 10, 2024 — At a ceremony in New York City on September 4, Governor Kathy Hochul signed several bills written or supported by PEF. The legislation improves due process rights...

PEF statement on announced correctional facility closures

The following statement was issued by PEF President Wayne Spence on July 18, 2024, following notification to the union from the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) that two...

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

ALBANY – 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...

Citing “Unintended Consequences,” Governor Hochul Hits Pause Button on NYC Congestion Pricing Plan

After listening to concerns from various public employee unions, including those raised by PEF President Wayne Spence, Governor Kathy Hochul announced in June 6, 2024, that Manhattan’s congestion pricing program...