![\"PEF](\"https:\/\/www.pef.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/PEF-DoesIt-Header-1.jpg\")
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PEF\u2019s 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 has begun negotiations with the New York State Office of Employee Relations on a successor contract to the 2023-2026 agreement for the PS&T unit, which expired on April 2, 2026. PEF Vice President and Contract Team Chair Darlene Williams provided the following update on negotiations as of April 14, 2026:<\/span><\/p>\n On April 13, your PEF Contract Team met again with the State. During this negotiating session, proposals were exchanged regarding health insurance and dental benefits. Improving PEF’s dental coverage remains a priority, as the current plan does not meet the needs of members.<\/em><\/p>\n In order to effectively evaluate and respond to the State\u2019s position on dental benefits, our team requested supporting information that would allow us to fully understand their proposal and develop a meaningful response. Unfortunately, that information was not provided, despite assurances that it had been shared. When we sought clarification and asked that the materials be resent, the dismissive response we received included the statement, “Who do you think you\u2019re talking to?\u201d\u00a0State negotiators failed to exhibit the level of professionalism and respect that should define these negotiations. While it would have been easy to respond in kind, your Contract Team remained composed, firm, and focused. We made it clear that unprofessional and disrespectful communication is unacceptable. When the tone of these discussions is unproductive, it\u2019s not simply about the nine individuals at the table; it impacts all 60,000 PEF members we represent.<\/em><\/p>\n Let me be clear about who we are.<\/em><\/p>\n We are the dedicated professionals who serve the people of New York State every single day. We are the workers who ensure safety and care in correctional facilities, often under difficult and dangerous conditions. We are the staff who support taxpayers during critical times, the healthcare professionals who care for patients in need, the employees who maintain our parks and public spaces, and those who assist individuals and families seeking employment and stability. We are also the workers who help navigate complex systems to ensure people receive vital benefits and services.<\/em><\/p>\n We are the Public Employees Federation.<\/em><\/p>\n As we move forward, we recognize that these negotiations may become increasingly challenging. However, your Contract Team remains steadfast. We will continue to advocate firmly, professionally, and relentlessly for the respect, benefits, and contract you deserve.<\/em><\/p>\n We return to the table on April 28, 29, and 30, including discussions with Roswell Park on April 28. As of today, we are 13 days without a contract. We will continue to keep you informed and will mark each day until an agreement is reached.<\/em><\/p>\n No matter the tone or the obstacles we face, we will not back down.\u00a0 We will remain at the table and push forward until we secure a fair and equitable contract for all PEF members.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n We ask you to stand with us as we continue this fight together.<\/em><\/p>\n —VP Darlene Williams<\/em><\/p>\n ____________________________________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n The Contract Team is traveling around the State meeting with members to answer questions about the process and update them on the progress of negotiations. The next meetings are scheduled the week of April 20-24 in Buffalo, and April 27 on Long Island. Click here to RSVP for any of those meetings.\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n ____________________________________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n Payroll dates for longevity, increments, and Higher Ed Differential<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nCONTRACT MEETINGS<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n
FAQ: What benefits continue while PEF is out of contract?\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/h3>\n