ALBANY — CSEA members have overwhelmingly approved a new five-year contract with New York State, ratifying an agreement that will provide annual pay increases, health insurance improvements and other workplace benefits for more than 55,000 state employees.
The agreements, which runs through April 1, 2031, follows months of negotiations between CSEA’s negotiating team and the state. Members approved the contract after a statewide education campaign and ratification vote.
Among the contract’s provisions are annual salary increases, paid prenatal leave, increased location pay and changes to health insurance that reduce members’ out-of-pocket costs. The agreement also includes workplace and contractual improvements aimed at strengthening employee protections and supporting the state’s efforts to recruit and retain workers.
“Today’s ratification is a victory for CSEA members and for every New Yorker who depends on these dedicated public employees who keep our state running,” said CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan. “Our union members spoke with one voice, and together we secured a contract that recognizes their value, protects important benefits and makes meaningful investments in the people who provide critical services in every corner of New York.”
The contract builds on CSEA’s efforts to improve compensation and working conditions for state employees while addressing workforce shortages across state government.
Sullivan credited Gov. Kathy Hochul and her administration for working with the union throughout the negotiations.
“I appreciate Governor Kathy Hochul and her administration for working with us in good faith throughout this process,” said Sullivan. “By working together, we reached an agreement that invests in New York’s workforce and helps ensure the state can continue to attract and retain employees who serve our communities every day.”
The negotiating team spent months working toward an agreement that addressed members’ priorities, Sullivan said.
“Our negotiating team worked tirelessly to deliver an agreement that addresses our union members’ priorities and reflects the value of the work they perform every day,” said Sullivan. “This contract is an investment in the dedicated workforce that serves millions of New Yorkers.”
Contract highlights
- Annual salary increases throughout the five-year agreement
- Health insurance improvements that reduce members’ out-of-pocket costs
- Paid prenatal leave
- Increased location pay
- Workplace and contractual improvements that strengthen employee protections