PEF seeking last-minute deal

PHOTOGRAPHER: The Associated Press

The Public Employees Federation union is reaching out for a last-minute deal to avoid layoffs that the Cuomo administration plans to begin in 20 days.

PEF’s members rejected a tentative deal with the administration that included pay freezes and higher employee payments for health care.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he needed the concessions from all the state worker unions to contend with $10 billion in deficits in the last fiscal year.

The administration sent 21-day notices to 3,496 workers on Wednesday. The layoffs will happen unless the union approves the tentative contract in a second vote.

PEF President Ken Brynien says the new contract proposal will meet both sides’ needs.