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. In 2025, members of PEF’s largest unit — Professional, Scientific and Technical (PS&T) — can look forward to 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) payable in April 2025 to all members with an Associate’s Degree or higher or a license issued by the State Education Department. Members who received the HED in 2024 will receive it again in 2025. If you earned a degree or obtained a license in the last year, contact your HR department to submit proof of eligibility for the HED.
- Location Pay will be increased in April 2025. The Downstate adjustment will be increased from $3,400 to $4,000 per year and the Mid-Hudson adjustment will be increased from $1,650 to $2,000 per year.
In addition, a new year provides members an opportunity to continue or start participating in:
- Productivity Enhancement Program (PEP): Exchange vacation or personal leave for a reduction in your health insurance premiums. Salary grades 17 and below can exchange a maximum of 8 days, SG 18-24 can cash in up to five. The deadline for 2025 PEP enrollment is December 9, 2024.
- Dependent Care Advantage Accounts (DCAA): Members who enroll receive between $600-$1,100 annually from the State to be used for eligible childcare, elder care, or disabled dependent care expenses. Members can also set aside pre-tax dollars from each paycheck, in addition to the contractual employer contributions. The deadline for 2025 DCAA enrollment is December 9, 2024. Here is a brochure with information about the various flex spending plans open to PEF members.
There are a variety of other pre-tax benefit programs PEF members may want to consider. We’ve summarized them, here.
The 2023-2026 Collective Bargaining Agreement was ratified by the PEF membership on July 28, 2023. It is in effect until April 1, 2026. Click the + sign below to read the Articles, Side Letters, Salary Schedules and other documents about the CBA.