Cuomo, University Union, Reach Contract Deal

The state and the United University Professions union has ratified a contract that will increase teacher salaries by 2 percent in each of the next two years.

The contract was ratified by 77 percent of the members casting ballots, the state announced Wednesday. The UUP members have been without a contract since 2011. The union represents 35,000 academic and professional faculty on 29 New York state-operated campuses, including Farmingdale State College.

"By overwhelmingly ratifying this agreement, the membership of UUP for the first time in years has a new contract, and I commend the union leadership for their hard work in this achievement," said Gov. Andrew Cuomo in a statement. "The new contract recognizes that our university employees are the backbone of our SUNY system and safeguards their jobs and benefits, while protecting taxpayer dollars."
 
According to the State Budget Office, the agreement will save about $87 million in wages through a Deficit Reduction Program over the contract period. All changes to health benefits will save $99 million over the contract period.

The contract calls for:

• No salary increases for the three years 2011-2013, and 2 percent general salary Increase increases in 2014 and 2015.
• Payments of $500, $500, and $250 to be awarded to employees by the Chancellor. UUP members receive no "step" increases or longevity payments but campus presidents may also make performance incentive lump sum payments of 0.5 percent annually (1 percent at end of the contract term).
• Deficit Reduction Program involving nine days.
• A two percentage-point increase in health insurance premium contributions for employees earning less than $40,137, making the share 12 percent for individuals and 27 percent for family premiums.
• A six percentage point increase for employees earning $40,137 and above, making the share 16 percent for individuals and 31 percent for family premiums.