Cuomo, PEF Reach Deal – Avoid Layoffs

Albany, NY (WIBX) - The second largest state-employee union and the State of New York have reached a tentative agreement, avoiding nearly 1000 union member layoffs. New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) President Ken Brynien says the union "stepped up and made the necessary sacrifices" adding, "the agreement will preserve our members jobs and careers while bringing long term fiscal stability to the state. We are confident this is the best agreement that could be negotiated in the current environment".

In a released statement, Governor Cuomo added that he was "please to avoid layoffs, protect the workforce and the taxpayer". The agreeement in principle still needs to be ratified by the 56,000 PEF members and approved by the legislature.

PEF is the state's second-largest state-employee union, representing 56,000 professional, scientific and technical employees.