TO: Department and Agency Directors, Human Resources and Affirmative Action Officers
FROM: Jessica Rowe, Director of Staffing Services
SUBJECT: Paid Parental Leave for PEF Employees

On July 28, 2023, Governor Hochul announced the ratification of the 2023-2026 labor agreement with the Public Employees Federation (PEF) which includes 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave to bond with a newly born, adopted, or foster child. The purpose of this advisory memorandum is to inform agencies on the implementation of Paid Parental Leave for PEF represented employees.

Employees in the PEF (PS&T) Bargaining Unit 05 will be eligible for Paid Parental Leave retroactively to April 2, 2023:

The Department of Civil Service has created a new NYSTEP Action/Reason code to be used to identify employees who have received approval to use Paid Parental Leave. This Action/Reason code is effective for use on or after April 2, 2023:

Agencies must allow retroactive use of Paid Parental Leave and reconstruct an employee’s time and payroll records, as appropriate.The maximum duration of Paid Parental Leave is 12 weeks. Paid Parental Leave cannot be extended beyond the 12 weeks and an employee can only go out on Paid Parental Leave once in a 12 month period.

Complete details on Paid Parental Leave for PEF Employees is available in Attendance and Leave Policy Bulletin 2023-03.

All employees eligible for PLA/PPF (i.e., CSEA, PEF and M/C employees) must meet certain eligibility criteria. Agencies should ensure that employees meet the appropriate service requirements for their bargaining unit prior to submitting a PLA/PPF transaction.  The submission of the NYSTEP transaction will serve as an attestation that the appointing authority has made the appropriate check to the employees eligibility for PLA/PPF.

Through December 31, 2023, for PLA/PPF transactions submitted beyond five pay periods, no additional documentation needs to be provided for the Department of Civil Service's review of the backdated transaction.  For any transactions submitted on or after January 1, 2024 with backdated effective dates beyond five pay periods, agencies will need to provide their Staffing Services Representative with information supporting the backdated request for their review and approval (i.e. information related to the birth or placement, the time frame of the requested PLA/PPF, and the reason for the backdate).

Please ensure distribution of this memorandum to appropriate Human Resources Personnel.

Any questions about Paid Parental Leave should be referred to the Attendance and Leave Unit of the Department of Civil Service at (518) 457-2295.

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