(ALBANY, NEW YORK) - Governor Kathy Hochul has announced her Administration has reached contract agreements with the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) and with the United University Professions (UUP).

The agreement with PEF is for a three-year term running until April 1st, 2026 for more than 51,000 State Employees in a wide variety of Professional, Scientific and Technical Titles.

The agreement with UUP is for a four-year term running until July 1st, 2026 for more than 37,000 State University of New York (SUNY) System Faculty and Professional Employees.

Both contract agreements include increases in salary for Employees in each year of the agreement, consistent with other negotiated agreements, State Officials said.

The agreements also include increases in location pay and changes with health benefits consistent with other recently settled contract agreements, State Officials added.

The contract must now be approved by the Unions’ Executive Boards and ratified by their Union Membership.

"These agreements with PEF and UUP represent major wins for the hard-working Employees of New York State," Governor Hochul said. "Through these agreements, my Administration is standing by its commitment to investing in New York's Public Workforce and continuing to work hand-in-hand with our Brothers and Sisters in Labor.  I applaud the Unions' leadership for helping to bring these deals to fruition and for their partnership in ensuring that New York Workers' pay and benefits reflect their important contributions to our State."

PEF President Wayne Spence said: "Governor Hochul promised to invest in the Public Workforce and we believe this contract reflects that vow.  She has long valued the services PEF Members provide to New Yorkers in good times and bad.  And with this contract, she recognizes the urgent need to attract State Employees in every job title with competitive wages and solid benefits.  Combined with the initiatives established in this year's budget, this contract will go a long way toward recruiting and retaining the Skilled Professionals New York needs."

UUP President Frederick E. Kowal, Ph.D., said, "This is an historic agreement that builds upon the gains achieved in our last contract, all while addressing many of our Members' current concerns.  It is a fair and equitable agreement with reasonable salary increases, minimum salary gains for part-time Contingent Faculty and other enhancements important to our Members.  I would like to thank Governor Kathy Hochul for working with UUP to find common ground on this tentative agreement, and I look forward to joining her in working to build up SUNY after too many years of neglect.  This tentative agreement enhances UUP Members' professional lives, and that is good news for our students, patients and campus communities."