PEF Contract 2021 Details: What You Need to Know
The Public Employees Federation (PEF) has announced the details of its new contract for 2021. This agreement covers approximately 50,000 professionals in various fields, including healthcare, engineering, and research, among others.
If you are a PEF member, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the key provisions of this contract. Here are some of the essential details you need to know:
Salary increases
Under the new contract, PEF members will receive a three percent salary increase on April 1, 2021. This increase will be followed by an additional two percent increase on April 1, 2022. These raises will apply to both base salary and location pay.
Healthcare
Healthcare benefits are always a major concern for PEF members, and the new contract includes some significant changes in this area. One of the most notable changes is that the contract includes full funding for the Empire Plan, which is the state`s primary health care provider for PEF members.
Additionally, there will be no increase in employee contributions towards health insurance premium costs, and PEF members will also see a decrease in co-pays for primary care visits.
Retirement
The new contract also includes several provisions related to retirement benefits for PEF members. The maximum employer contribution towards employee retirement will increase from 15 percent to 16 percent, and there will also be a new tier for employees hired after April 1, 2021.
This new tier will require employees to work longer before becoming eligible for retirement benefits, and it will also require them to contribute more towards their pensions.
Paid time off
PEF members will see an expansion of their paid time off benefits under the new contract. Specifically, the maximum number of annual leave days will increase from 40 to 45 days, and employees will also be able to carry over up to five days of unused leave each year.
There will also be a new pilot program to test the feasibility of telecommuting as a work arrangement for PEF members. This program will allow employees to work from home on a part-time basis, with the goal of improving work-life balance and reducing commuting time.
Conclusion
PEF members will have a lot to look forward to under this new contract. With salary increases, improved healthcare benefits, and expanded paid time off, this agreement offers significant benefits to union members.
However, it is important to note that this contract is only valid for the next two years. PEF members will need to stay engaged and involved in union activities to ensure that their needs are met in future negotiations.
Overall, the PEF Contract 2021 is a positive development for union members and represents an important step forward in safeguarding their rights and benefits in the years ahead.