November 15, 2024 — More than 2,100 state employees in professional traineeships at 46 state agencies, many of whom are PEF members, will see pay increases of either 5.7% or 11.6% in salary, depending on their title. According to a bulletin from the State Comptroller’s Office, the increases will raise the salary of those in Trainee 1 titles from Grade 13 to Grade 14, and those in Trainee 2 titles from Grade 14 to Grade 16.
“We commend the Governor for continuing to invest in the state workforce and recognizing the value of competitive salaries as a recruitment and retention tool,” President Wayne Spence said in Gov. Kathy Hochul’s press release on the salary changes. “These pay increases are a good first step toward bringing state salaries in line with the private sector and retaining and recruiting highly skilled public servants. It’s critical that we address chronic understaffing, and we look forward to the continued review of compensation for state employees as a tool to bolster our ranks and strengthen our workforce.”
The salary increases are expected to have the greatest impact at the Department of Environmental Conservation, Department of Health, State Insurance Fund, Department of Transportation, Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, Office of Mental Health, Department of Civil Service, Office of Medicaid Inspector General, Department of Motor Vehicles and Office of General Services.
More than 280 trainee titles will be impacted, including specialty and language-related titles. Job titles that utilize traineeship paths include Human Resources Specialist, Administrative Specialist, Contract Management Specialist, Health Program Administrator and Business Systems Analyst.
“The union is well aware that salaries need to be adjusted to reflect the skills and education of our members, and we have advocated and fought hard for change in this case,” said President Spence. “The PEF Civil Service Enforcement/Research Department continues to pursue salary restructurings and upgrades for various titles, and we look forward to continued collaboration with the New York State Department of Civil Service.”
Traineeships are used for entry-level professional positions to provide on-the-job training and hands-on experience while individuals acquire baseline skills. Professional traineeships typically last two years and trainees receive salary increases based on performance and achieving milestones. Most professional two-year traineeships require a college degree or equivalent work experience.
Employees whose salaries are below the hiring rate of the new equated grade will have them adjusted to the hiring rate of the new grade, effective November 7 (Administration) or November 14 (Institution). Performance advancements will be restructured as well. There is no impact on duties, probationary status, or leave rights.
“To better align with jobseekers’ expectations and to assist state agencies in an ever-increasingly competitive labor market, New York State is increasing the traineeship salaries to attract and retain more candidates to assist state agencies in fulfilling their hiring needs and provide the public with valuable and necessary services,” Department of Civil Service Commissioner and Civil Service Commission President Timothy R. Hogues said in the Governor’s release.