August 21, 2026 — The message from PEF President Wayne Spence after 88% of voters in the Professional, Scientific and Technical (PS&T) Unit cast yes votes for a new 2026-2031 agreement is clear: PEF is growing stronger.
“Labor unity builds power,” said President Spence. “Overwhelming support of this contract sends a message and will position us for gains in the legislature, in the workplace, and in the community. Our members saw the value of this contract, with well over $4 billion in new money, and they stood behind it.”
President Spence personally attended the vote count on Aug. 18 at the American Arbitration Association (AAA) in New York City and provided member participation statistics in a union-wide statement following certification.
“In the end, 26,067 ballots were validated by AAA and counted,” read part of the statement. “That means nearly 46 percent of the 56,782 eligible voters — or almost 1 out of every 2 eligible members — voted. Of those who voted, 88% supported the agreement.
Among many other highlights, the new agreement includes across-the-board wage increases of 4.5%, 4%, 3.5%, 3%, and 3% each year of the deal, retroactive to the expiration of the last contract on April 2, 2026. That retro pay is expected to be distributed later this fall. The agreement also allows PEF to establish an Employee Benefit Fund, with the goal of administering union-run dental and vision benefits for members.
Until the Fund is up and running, improvements to the existing dental plan are included in the agreement, such as an increase in the maximum annual dental benefit and the lifetime orthodontic benefit, as well as a doubling of the amount covered for implants. Additionally, increases to location pay for Downstate and Mid-Hudson members, increases to Special Assignment to Duty (SAD) pay, five more years of the $600 annual Higher Education Differential, pay increases for long-term seasonal employees, and a hazardous duty pay bonus are some of the hard-fought gains in the agreement.
The release of the total compensation study conducted by the New York State Department of Civil Service (DCS)—which has been a PEF priority for many years—is also built into the contract, with guarantees that DCS will release the findings to PEF by January 31, 2027, then meet to discuss them.
In her press release touting the labor agreement, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul said that she is grateful that members voted to approve this contract and thanked PEF and state workers for their hard work.
“Public employees provide vital services every day to New Yorkers everywhere, and this agreement recognizes their hard work, professionalism and contributions,” Governor Hochul said. “New York values its talented public servants, and this agreement underscores my administration’s support and dedication to the Empire State’s public workforce. I thank PEF’s leadership in helping realize this deal, and I applaud PEF’s members for their continued commitment to serving New Yorkers all across this state.”
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The governor’s press release also highlighted other benefits, including 20 hours of paid pre-natal leave for members who are pregnant, and an increase of the cap on sick leave accumulation.
President Spence thanked the membership and Governor Hochul for helping to bring this agreement together.
“While contract negotiations can be challenging, we appreciate Governor Kathy Hochul’s leadership in forging an agreement that works for the 62,000 professional, scientific, and technical staff represented by the NYS Public Employees Federation as well as for the residents of New York,” he said. “We look forward to continuing to work with the Governor to improve the safe, efficient and effective delivery of services for every New Yorker.”