June 12, 2026 — Through Article 14 of the PS&T contract, PEF divisions can apply for a grant of up to $1,250 per year for certain kitchen appliances to improve breakroom/lunch areas at facilities that do not have them or where they aren’t in good working order.
The Quality of Work Life (QWL) Grants Program is a reimbursement program that can be used to pay for coffeemakers, microwaves, or refrigerators; the size, type, and quantity is determined by the number of employees served at a specific location.
“I’ve had members reach out to our Division for help in purchasing coffee makers, microwaves, and refrigerators,” said Division 344 Council Leader Josephine Slifka at Central New York Psychiatric Center (CNYPC) in Marcy. “I called PEF and found out immediately about the QWL program. Our members need these appliances to make work life more pleasant, more like home, and boost morale.”
Slifka said some worksites had no appliances and others had broken ones.
“Since we started applying and receiving these items, more PEF members are coming forward to request these items for their offices or departments,” she said. “This program is invaluable to our members. They are thrilled to have coffee in the morning and throughout the day, a place to heat their food, and a place to safely store their food.”
Members at CNYPC tell Slifka they hope the program adds toasters to the eligiblily list in the future!
Any PEF member can access the grant guidelines here and the application here. New forms for 2026 are not yet available from the Office of Employee Relations, but OER will stil honor last year’s forms. Reach out to the Organizing Department at QWLgrant@pef.org for more information.
— Kate Stickles