The five-year agreement calls for no increase in base wages over the first three years, and a two percent wage increase over the fourth and fifth years.

Danny Donohue, CSEA's president, said these were "not ordinary times."

The deal still requires approval from the union's membership, but if it passes, would set a benchmark for negotiations with other public sector unions.

PEF has criticized Cuomo's approach recently and protested the proposed layoffs earlier this week. Whether this will bring them to the table to cut a similar deal remains to be seen.