April 14, 2026 — The following is a rough timecoded summary of the PEF Telephone Town Hall that was held on April 9, 2026. Members may listen to the entire Town Hall in the PEF app. If you don’t have the app on your phone, follow these instructions to download it.
0:00:40 – PEF President Wayne Spence introduces Vice President Darlene Williams, Legislative Director Pat Lyons, Contract Administration Director Ben Traslavina and Executive Director Deb Greenberg.
0:01:49 – Lyons starts with discussion on late pay due to budget extensions.
The New York State budget was due on April 1. However, ongoing negotiations between New York State Governor Kathy Hochul and legislators in the State Senate and Assembly over priorities means that there is no agreement in place for a budget. Two budget extensions have been passed while talks continue, with one extender passing late on April 8, causing some state employees to receive their pay later than usual. However, Lyons says that shouldn’t happen again.
0:03:50 – Lyons briefly discusses budget items that are holding up the state budget.
Several of the priorities being discussed by the Governor and Legislature are central to PEF’s agenda, like pension reform, but other items concerning climate protections, automobile insurance fraud and housing are holding up the budget. PEF pushed the Legislature to act on a bill that authorizes body scanners to be used at OCFS facilities that both houses passed outside of the budget. It must now be signed by the Governor.
0:04:20 – Lyons speaks about affordability and Tier 6 reform.
Lyons details the pension reform package that has been endorsed by the AFL-CIO and is being discussed as part of this year’s budget talks. Currently, 66% of PEF members are in Tier 6. Of that percentage, those who earn less than $45,000 pay 3% of each paycheck into their pension, those who earn between $45,000-55,000 pay 3.5%, between $55,000-75,000 pay 4.5%, between $75,000-100,000 pay 5.75%, and members earning more than $100,000 pay the maximum of 6%. PEF is seeking to compress those ranges and reduce contribution rates, so if the union proposal is adopted the maximum would be 5%.
0:08:00 – Lyons addresses some of the monetary concerns and pension myths talked about in the media and elsewhere.
In addressing some negative media coverage following the “Fix Tier 6” rally in March, Lyons reminds members that while pension reform would result in a small cost increase to localities, there is a cost to doing nothing that is much higher as New York’s towns, villages and other municipalities grapple with issues and costs associated with retention, staffing and overtime.
0:10:55 – Lyons reiterates that costs are ramping up for everyone in New York State.
A report issued on April 9 by the Office of the State Comptroller shows that New York State overtime costs increased in 2025 to 22.7% for a total of $1.6 billion and 26 million hours of overtime. Additionally, the upcoming budget proposes paying $535 million to support National Guard officers providing security in correctional facilities. An additional $22 million is set to be allocated for traveling nurses in state-run facilities. The Governor’s budget also spends $1.3 billion on consultants working inside state agencies. The overtime report, coupled with covering the gaps in staffing with personnel from outside the state civil service system, clearly shows a critical staffing shortage, and that money could be used instead to hire more salaried New York State workers.
0:13:30 – Lyons discusses some of the history regarding New York State’s pensions, including the push from unions against a 401k plan for New York State workers.
Lyons recalls when defined contributions plans were nearly pushed through by then Governor Andrew Cuomo. These plans often have a lot of volatility. However, they are largely used by private employers, especially since there is little union pushback in the private sector. Lyons says being a member of a union that can help fight back and represent the best interests of members is more important than ever when it comes to pension reform.
0:15:00 – Lyons gives a call to action for members to continue writing letters on important budget priorities. (Write yours here!)
Lyons says that Tier 6 letters are working and can help bolster the efforts of the union to continue to fight for the reforms outlined earlier in the call.
0:15:13 – Lyons reminds members of upcoming primaries happening in June.
PEF endorsed Tom DiNapoli to continue as New York State Comptroller. June 23 is the date for the primary election. Lyons refers to leaders who have helped the union achieve success in pushing for Tier 6 reform.
0:16:02 – President Spence introduces Vice President Darlene Williams and Contract Administration Director Ben Traslavina for a contract update.
President Spence also speaks about a recent affordability survey conducted by the American Federation of Teachers in which many PEF members participated. Across the nation, gas prices, food prices, rents, mortgages and more continue to rise. As the Contract Team meets members across the state, many are speaking candidly about how they cannot afford to live where they work—with one member even mentioning moving into a shelter.
0:22:32 – Traslavina begins by discussing continuing payments coming to PEF members, including the Higher Education Differential (HED) and when PEF members will be seeing that money.
This annual payment would have expired with the Collective Bargaining Agreement on April 2, but thanks to the work of the Contract Team and President Spence, a 2026 HED will be paid to eligible members. Traslavina gave a brief update of the dates for when they will see checks for an additional $600 for administration and institution payrolls. Additionally, further information was given on how newly eligible members—those who have become PEF members since the last HED was paid or who have acquired a degree or license issued by the State — can submit proof to receive the $600 benefit as well.
Traslavina also provides information and dates for longevity payments to members who are eligible.
0:28:58 – VP Williams provides an update on how the PEF Contract Team is handling negotiations and dates when the state will be meeting with the PEF Contract Team. The vice president also shares some feedback and stories from the contract tour, which has visited Regions 9, 10 ,11, and parts of 12 to date.
0:31:22 – VP Williams addresses affordability and gives a call to action.
VP Williams focuses on the reality of PEF members everywhere, who are struggling to afford everyday expenses and continue to live in New York. She also calls on members to support the Contract Team whenever and however necessary.
0:33:30 – President Spence expresses skepticism about getting a successor contract by June.
President Spence hopes to see the entire membership mobilized by June for a fair contract. He reminds members that they are “not an item.” He calls for members to bring their families out to rallies when they are scheduled and reminds those in charge that PEF members are people, they are voters, and they are influential.