Members in the PS&T unit will undoubtedly welcome the pay increases gained from the 2007-2011 contract. The date for the increase for those on the institution payroll is scheduled for July 3 and those on the administrative payroll will see their increase on July 9. Checks will include all of the retroactive payments due, except longevity awards.
According to the Office of the State Comptroller, the pay dates for the longevity awards for those who became newly eligible after the 2003-2007 contract expiration, will also take place on the same dates. Members will receive the longevity awards in a separate check.
Gov. David Paterson signed the PEF pay bill June 18, shortly after it passed in the state Senate and Assembly.
Members who may have questions about their increases or retroactive payment should contact the personnel office at their agency or facility.
A part of the new contract is also designed to help keep those extra dollars in your pocket by taking advantage of the NYS-Ride program. Under the 2007-2011 agreement, the program allows employees to pay their mass-transit commuting expenses using pre-tax dollars through payroll deduction.
In the 2003-2007 contract, the pilot program was available to state employees working in one of the five boroughs of New York City.
In an effort to support a greener New York and help members save up to 40 percent on the cost of monthly transportation fares, the program will be expanded statewide to employees in eligible negotiating units. Participants in the pilot program will continue to be eligible to participate regardless of their negotiating unit.
The enrollment process is easy and can be done online at www.nysride.com or by calling a toll-free number at 1-866-428-7781, where you can also get more information. — Deborah A. Miles
