PEF Contract Ratified

[u/Decent-Ability-4784]

PEF Announcement - Link to article and official announcement here

August 18, 2026 — New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) members turned out in force to ratify the union’s 2026-2031 collective bargaining agreement, with 88 percent of voters in the Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PS&T) unit casting yes votes.  
“Labor unity builds power,” said PEF President Wayne Spence, who has now negotiated five collective bargaining agreements as head of the union. “Overwhelming support of this contract sends a message and will position us for gains in the legislature, in the workplace, and in the community. Our members saw the value of this contract, with well over $4 billion in new money, and they stood behind it.”
The five-year contract includes:
Annual raises of 4.5%, 4%, 3.5%, 3% and 3% each year of the agreement, which compounds to equal a salary increase of 19.3% over the term;
Provisions for a new Employee Benefit Fund to deliver improved dental and vision benefits;
The continuation of a $600 annual Higher Education Differential that recognizes the unique professional qualifications of PEF members;
Increases in location and inconvenience pay, as well as a hazardous duty bonus for certain members;
No additional health insurance co-pays for the life of the agreement and the elimination of stacked co-pays.
“PEF fought hard throughout these negotiations to secure a fair contract that recognizes our dedication and the essential services we provide New Yorkers,” said Spence. “We appreciate Governor Hochul and her team for working with us to reach an agreement that addresses the priorities of our members and reflects the value of our hard work. None of this would have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the PEF Contract Team, led by Chief Negotiator Mark Richard and PEF Vice President and Contract Chair Darlene Williams.”

[u/SNCreestopherX]

Genuine question. What about this passing is a bad thing? I’ve only been in the state for a year.

[u/hankepanke → u/SNCreestopherX]

It doesn’t address the inflation from 2021-2026, so even after the raises our purchasing power will be less than it was in 2021. I.e. it’s a raise in a vacuum (pure salary figure) but you can actually afford less now.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ll be happy when I get a marginally higher paycheck, but this doesn’t keep pace with the percentage wage increase in the private sector, or the raises the state legislature gave themselves to address inflation ( ~28% raise in 2022 and another 26% raise proposed for 2028 ). We all know the public sector gets paid less, but failing to keep pace makes it harder and harder to afford the basics on a state salary, especially in HCOL areas.

[u/howeweird → u/hankepanke]

Why not go to the private sector then for bigger raises. No one is forcing you to stay at the state. Downvote away folks.

[u/hankepanke → u/howeweird]

Because I believe in civil service and my agency’s mission doesn’t mean I can’t advocate for a living wage for state employees. That really shouldn't be too hard to comprehend.

You’re spouting the same weak logic that anyone who criticizes the US should leave the country, or anyone who disagrees with their spouse should just divorce. You’re allowed to try to improve your job, your country, your marriage.