PEF’s collective bargaining agreement with the State dictates the compensation and non-economic benefits members receive as part of a New York State bargaining unit. The 2026 PEF Contract Team will sit down with negotiators from New York State for the first time on Feb. 2, 2026, as they begin discussions for a new contract.
PEF Contract Administration created answers to Frequently Asked Questions about what happens if negotiations linger beyond April 2, 2026, the expiration of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement.
In 2025, members of PEF’s largest unit — Professional, Scientific and Technical (PS&T) — received the following:
- A 3% raise in April 2025
- Performance Awards of $1,500, $3,000 or $4,500 in April 2025 for eligible employees based on a members’ years of service to New York State, not years at top of grade. 12-16 years of service receives $1,500, 17-21 gets $3,000 and 22 or more years earns $4,500. Years of State service in other bargaining units are included.
- A $600 Higher Education Differential (HED) in April 2025 to all members with an Associate’s Degree or higher or a license issued by the State Education Department.
- Location Pay was also increased in April 2025. The Downstate adjustment rose from $3,400 to $4,000 per year and the Mid-Hudson adjustment increased from $1,650 to $2,000 per year.
The 2023-2026 Collective Bargaining Agreement was ratified by the PEF membership on July 28, 2023. It is in effect through April 1, 2026. Click the + sign below to read the Articles, Side Letters, Salary Schedules and other documents contained in the CBA.