The PSC has ratified an agreement with the CUNY Research Foundation on a new contract for workers at the RF field units!
After countless hours of bargaining and organizing, and an overwhelming 99% YES ratification vote, we have reached a agreement for a new contract for covered RF employees at the CUNY Graduate Center, LaGuardia Community College, New York City Tech, and the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies!
See below for important information about the implementation of raises, lump-sum bonuses, back pay, and more.
Information and Updates about the Implementation of the New Contract:
Oct. 1, 2025 Wage Increase and One-Time Lump Sum Payment:
The contract included a wage increase of 3.25% – or $0.70/hour for employees making less than $20/hour – effective Oct. 1, 2025. All covered employees should have seen this wage increase reflected in their Nov. 26, 2025, RF paycheck, as well as any back pay back to Oct. 1, 2025.
The contract also provides for a one-time lump sum payment according to the table below for all covered employees who were on an active RF appointment from May 19, 2025, through June 1, 2025. Eligible employees should have received their lump-sum payment in the Nov. 26, 2025, RF paycheck as well.
| Years of Service at the RF | Full-time employees | Part-time employees |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | $750 | $500 |
| 5-10 | $1000 | $750 |
| 10-20 | $1500 | $1000 |
| 20+ | $2000 | $1500 |
Back Pay Based on Oct. 1, 2024 and Jan. 1, 2025 Pay Increases:
Per the new contract, covered employees who were on an active RF appointment from May 19, 2025, through June 1, 2025, are eligible for back pay for the following retroactive pay increases:
- October 1, 2024 – 2% or, for employees making less than $20/hour, $0.70/hour
- January 1, 2025 – 1%
Eligible employees should have seen back pay for these pay increases included in their Dec. 10, 2025, RF paycheck.
How does back pay work, who gets it, and when will it be paid?
Our last contract expired on June 30, 2024. Three of the raises (Oct. 1, 2024; Jan. 1, 2025; and Oct. 1 2025) negotiated were effective before the contract was implemented. Therefore, eligible employees are owed the difference between what they were paid during the periods covered by the raises and what they should have been paid based on the negotiated pay increases. Any back pay owed due to the Oct. 1, 2025 pay increase should have been paid in the Nov. 26, 2025, RF paycheck. Any back pay owed due to the Oct. 1, 2024, and Jan. 1, 2025, pay increases should have been paid in the Dec. 10, 2025, RF paycheck. To receive back pay for the Oct. 1, 2024, and Jan. 1, 2025 pay increases, you must have been on an active RF appointment from May 19, 2025, through June 1, 2025.
What should I do if I have not received my wage increase, my back pay and/or one-time lump sum payment, or if what I was paid was incorrect?
- First, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria (see above), especially for the lump-sum payment and back pay.
- Second, download and double-check your paystubs from November 26, 2025 and December 10th, 2025.
- Third, write to the Research Foundation to ask them why you have not received your retro. You can email Mohammad Elayan ([email protected]) and Thomas McDonald ([email protected]).
- Fourth, fill out the form below so we can keep track of members who have not been paid correctly.
Union Grievance Over Denial of Lump-Sum Payments and Back Pay to Some Employees:
Last month, RF management took the position that they would not pay the lump-sum payment or back pay to any employee who was on an active RF appointment from May 19, 2025, through June 1, 2025, but then left RF employment after this period. This is not what we agreed to and we are fighting this change. We have filed a grievance over the matter. We will continue to provide updates on this webpage as the process moves forward.
If you are an employee who was denied a lump-sum payment and/or back pay due to having left RF payroll after June 1, 2025, please let us know by completing the form below
RF Field Units Pay Discrepancies Reporting Form
If you did not receive the correct wage increase, lump-sum payment, or back pay for which you are eligible under the new contract for RF Field Units employees (review eligibility criteria and pay dates on this page), please fill out this form only after completing the steps outlined above:
