This series contains records of PEF committee activities at both the state and local level, along with information on a wide range of other programs and events. Particularly notable is coverage of PEF annual conventions from 1979-2000, although not all years are included; the statewide and regional Political Action Committees; the Women's Program; the statewide Health and Safety Committee; Leadership Development Conferences, and the Public Service Training Program.
There is also significant coverage of conventions held by PEF's affiliates: the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the New York State Union of Teachers (NYSUT), and the Services Employees International Union (SEIU).
Also included are files on political parties and reform groups within PEF; most significantly, the Statewide Coalition for a Democratic Union and the Pro-Member Party.
Not included are committees, programs, and events connected to labor/management relations between Division 169 and the Department of Environmental Conservation or to the Executive Board. These are found in Series 2 and Series 3, respectively. Also not included are subject files on organizations with no direct PEF connection. These files are found in Series 1.
Records in this collection were kept by Stanley Byer, who was involved in PEF at the state and division level since its inception. From 1978 through 2001, Byer served in a variety of roles in the union, including executive board member, trustee, shop steward, and division secretary. Byer also participated in numerous PEF committees and events, including statewide election campaigns and annual conventions.
All items in this manuscript group were donated to the University Libraries, M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives, by Stanley Byer of New York State Public Employees Federation, AFL-CIO, Environmental Conservation Division 169 in April 2001 and April 2003. Additional material was transferred by Susan J. DuBois in October 2006.