Scott Staub, a Disability Analyst 3 at OTDA in Endicott, was elected by Region 5 members in January 2025 to be their regional coordinator.
Staub has taken on various PEF leadership roles throughout his career. He served as a Division 399 steward for 10 years, and at various times has held the positions of council leader and secretary. He’s been a PEF Executive Board member since 2021 and co-chairs the Region 5 Political Action Committee (PAC).
“I believe in the idiom ‘many hands make light work,’” he said. “I think that people should get involved in the union however they can. I’ve always wanted to make sure members get the information they need to make good decisions while being a part of this union.”
Staub comes from a union household. As a child, he watched his father, a member of a local ironworkers’ union, go on strike and advocate for safety at the workplace.
“Everyone wants to be able to go to work and be safe, and also come home safely,” said Staub. “A lot of the things we advocate for, the social contract aspects of our benefits, we do great on as a union. But I know that right now even that seems to be a challenge and we must work to keep those good parts of our benefits.”
During his time as co-chair of the Region 5 PAC, Staub was able to work with members outside of his division and agency and was glad to get to know what other agencies need. He believes that Region 5 members are concerned with a lot of issues, but that top of mind for most members is safety.
“I know that we do our best to make sure Region 5 members know what PEF is doing to address their issues,” he said. “As the PAC co-chair, I have had a chance to see those issues and grievances among the different divisions. I want to continue that connection as coordinator.”
Staub believes in PEF, and in all unions, and the good they can do for all New Yorkers and Americans. Even as unions and civil service come under fire, Staub is hopeful for the future.
“I understand that unions often have defined benefits packages that other employees, especially in the private sector, may not have, but we should be advocating that they get those, not trying to take it away from those who do,” said Staub. “With civil service under attack, especially at the federal level, and with the demonizing of public service, we have a lot of work to do. But I am ready to do it.”