May 7, 2026 — From Buffalo to Allegany, April 20-24, members of the PEF Contract Team – led by PEF Vice President and Contract Chair Darlene Williams and Region 1 Coordinator Vincent Cicatello – heard one common message: The cost of living is too damn high.
That’s why addressing affordability issues in the next PEF contract is so crucial.
“We have heard PEF members loud and clear,” Cicatello said to members at OMH, DOCCS, DOT, DEC, Parks and Recreation and other worksites who came out in high numbers to hear updates from the team. “Salaries are not keeping up with inflation — including the high cost of groceries, utility bills and gas prices. Many members are experiencing insecurities in being able to pay the bills required to support their families. Some members are telling us that they cannot afford rent, and putting food on their table has become challenging. Other members are seeking assistance and are getting in line at local food pantries.”
Among the 24 PEF proposals delivered to the State on the first day of negotiations – Feb. 2, 2026 – was one dealing with Article 7, Compensation.
“We know that many of you are struggling, and we know that 3% just isn’t going to cut it,” said VP Williams. “We also know that with all the instability in the world, we may need more as time goes on. That is why for each year of the contract, we’re asking for a percentage increase. We do not want to end our next contract at a lower percentage than where we start.”
Health care costs have increased for PEF members by nine percent. The Contract Team noted that at the negotiating table, the state has tried to push for a change in healthcare costs.
“The members are concerned, and several are facing hardships in being able to support themselves and their family members,” said Cicatello. “One anonymous member during the tour said, ‘New York State is just disrespecting us,’ when talking about the proposed medication increases and seemingly wanting to force us to go in network. Many PEF members are not only upset. but are concerned that they will not be able to afford the cost to care for themselves and their loved ones.
Members across Region 1 spoke candidly about different issues. For members at OMH and DOCCS facilities, safety was one of the central concerns. As violence continues to rise and illegal contraband makes its way into the facilities, members felt that more needs to be done to keep them safe at work. For other members, bullying and retaliation were also top of mind.
“We have been negotiating articles that deal with hazardous duty pay,” said VP Williams. “While this is being negotiated, PEF is committed to working with the legislature to pass more significant changes to DOCCS and O-Agency facilities to help keep our members safe.”
For members at DOH, OMIG, OTDA, WCB, and several other agencies located in the Ellicott Square building in Buffalo, parking was a main concern. Many pay hundreds of dollars for parking, on top of other commuting costs.
The Contract Team also met with members at Roswell Park. They discussed both the main table contract, which applies to all PEF members as well as special provisions for Roswell Park members, including proposals on safety and security at the cancer hospital.
“In the past, we have negotiated Roswell Park contracts separately and after we finished the main contract,” said VP Williams. “It was important for the team, and the PEF members at Roswell Park, that we not do that this time. The members at Roswell Park deserve a fair contract as soon as possible, just like we all do.”
Finally, the Contract Team shared that they are seeking to bring dental coverage under PEF’s control. On the table is a proposal for the union to administer its own dental plan, like CSEA and UUP, which should result in cost savings and more network dentists across the State.
“We’ve heard that some people are fine with the current coverage, but we’ve also heard plenty of members say otherwise,” said VP Williams. “We believe it’s time to take the dental coverage in-house and to figure out how best to serve all members.”
At the end of each meeting, VP Williams came back around to affordability and told members no matter where they live in New York, the reality is the same.
“Coming from Downstate born and raised in Brooklyn and now living on Staten Island, I understand firsthand the challenges our members face in the lower regions,” she said. “However, what this past week has reinforced for me is that regardless of geography, the core issues impacting our members remain the same. Whether you are in the heart of Brooklyn or in Buffalo, affordability is a challenge for all of us.”
Editor’s Note: The contract team met again with representatives from the State the last three days of April and will be meeting again May 20 and 21. Members can find the latest updates at www.pef.org/contract.
