9/14/2004

PEF members overwhelmingly approve contract with state

In a landslide vote of 24,300 to 4,306 — an 85 percent approval rating — members of the NYS Public Employees Federation (PEF) today approved a four-year contract with the state.

Retroactive to April 1, 2003, the new contract provides an $800 bonus for full-time employees; a base pay raise of 2.5 percent retroactive to April 2004; a 2.75 percent raise in April 2005; a 3 percent raise in April 2006; and, $800 added to base salary in April 2007.

The votes were counted by the American Arbitration Association in New York City this afternoon.

“Our members recognized the gains and enhancements of this contract,” said PEF President Roger Benson. “Despite a severe state budget shortfall and skyrocketing health care costs, we negotiated an agreement that provides a compensation package that is remarkable within this economic environment, plus several benefit enhancements specific for PEF members.”

Some of the highlights of the new pact include dental benefit enhancements such as a $500 increase in the maximum allowable annual coverage; a portable longevity award for employees who are promoted; 13 days sick leave for all members; a merit advance salary step for salary grades 1-18; and, a pre-tax transportation benefit for New York City members. The contract also retains timekeeping restrictions unique to PEF members, which was one of the stumbling blocks during the 19-month bargaining stretch.

“At the onset of negotiations, our goal was to stand together with pride, power and purpose,” Benson added. “We achieved that goal because our membership delivered strong support when the contract team needed backing. This vote is a sign of our solidarity and strength.”

Today’s vote does not include a potential 422 additional ballots from PEF members at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Those ballots will be counted on Monday, September 20.