Governor Hochul announces ratification of new five-year labor agreements covering more than 55,000 Civil Service Employees Association members across New York

Albany, New York – More than 55,000 New York State employees represented by the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) will receive updated wages, expanded leave benefits and changes to health insurance after members voted to approve new five-year labor agreements with the state, Governor Kathy Hochul announced.

The newly ratified agreements cover all four bargaining units represented by CSEA and will remain in effect from April 2, 2026, through April 1, 2031. According to the governor’s office, the contracts received overwhelming support from union members, marking the conclusion of negotiations that establish pay increases and benefit improvements over the next five years.

“Every day, dedicated CSEA members perform essential work to keep New York moving, and these agreements recognize those efforts while also serving as a fair deal for New York’s taxpayers,” Governor Hochul said. “Our valued public servants are the backbone of a strong Empire State, and I thank the members and leadership of CSEA for their dedication in continuing to help and serve their fellow New Yorkers.”

CSEA represents employees working in a broad range of public service positions across New York. Its members maintain highways, care for vulnerable residents, support state parks and college campuses, provide community protection and carry out many of the day-to-day responsibilities that keep state government operating.

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Under the new agreements, employees will receive scheduled salary increases each year of the contract. The raises include a 4.5 percent increase in the first year, followed by 4 percent in the second year, 3.5 percent in the third year, and 3 percent increases in both the fourth and fifth years.

Beyond wage growth, the contracts also introduce several benefit enhancements. Employees will receive 20 hours of paid pre-natal leave, while the maximum amount of sick leave that can be accumulated will increase. The agreements also include higher location pay and other adjustments tailored to specific bargaining units.

Health insurance provisions were also updated as part of the deal. State officials said the changes are designed to lower out-of-pocket costs for employees by removing certain co-payments and encouraging the use of in-network health care providers through additional incentives.

CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan welcomed the approval of the agreements, saying they recognize the important role union members play in delivering public services throughout the state.

“I thank Governor Hochul for working with CSEA to reach an agreement that reflects the value of our members and the vital services they provide. Every day, more than 55,000 CSEA members keep our roads safe, care for our most vulnerable neighbors, maintain our parks and campuses, protect our communities and deliver the public services New Yorkers depend on. This contract is an investment in them and in the future of our state.”

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The agreements reflect the state’s continued effort to maintain a stable public workforce while addressing employee compensation and workplace benefits. Officials said the contracts are intended to support recruitment and retention across state agencies, while balancing the needs of employees with fiscal responsibility.

With the agreements now formally ratified, the new contract terms will guide pay, benefits and other employment conditions for tens of thousands of CSEA-represented workers through the spring of 2031.