PEF Members Overwhelmingly Ratify New Five-Year Contract with Significant Salary Increases and Enhanced Benefits
Members of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) have overwhelmingly ratified a new five-year collective bargaining agreement, with 88% of voters in the Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PS&T) unit approving the contract. The agreement, which runs from 2026 to 2031, includes annual raises of 4.5%, 4%, 3.5%, 3%, and 3%, resulting in a compounded salary increase of 19.3% over its term. PEF President Wayne Spence highlighted the contract's value, noting over $4 billion in new money. Key provisions also include the establishment of a new Employee Benefit Fund to provide improved dental and vision benefits, the continuation of a $600 annual Higher Education Differential, and increases in location and inconvenience pay, along with a hazardous duty bonus for specific members. Furthermore, the contract ensures no additional health insurance co-pays for its duration and eliminates stacked co-pays, addressing significant concerns for the union's members. 
