Tentative Taylor Law contract agreement for SUNY employees in collective bargaining units represented by United University Professions announced
Governor Cuomo and United University Professions [UUP] President Smith announce agreement on a tentative Taylor Law contract agreement for State University of New York [SUNY] employees in collective bargaining units represented by United University Professions.
On February 19, 2013 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and United University Professions [UUP] President Phillip H. Smith announced a tentative contract agreement between the state and the union representing more than 35,000 SUNY employees. UUP members had been without a contract since 2011. The proposed agreement is tentative pending ratification by UUP membership.
According to the State Budget Office, the agreement will save approximately $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 tentative pact includes the following provisions:
1. Zero percent wage increases for the three years 2011-2013, and 2% increases in 2014 and 2015.
2. Deficit Reduction Program involving nine days [of wages] over the contract period.
3. A two percentage point increase in health insurance premium contributions for employees earning less than $40,137, making the share 12% for individuals and 27% for family premiums.
4. A six percentage point increase for employees earning $40,137 and above, making the share 16% for individuals and 31% for family premiums.
5. Benefit design changes for use of out of network services in the Empire Plan, including deductible and coinsurance increases for out of network medical benefits.
6. A health plan opt-out provision so employees can opt-out through a spouse/partner to a non-State health plan.
7. Three payments of $500, $500, and $250 to be awarded to employees at the discretion of the Chancellor. UUP members receive no "step" increases or longevity payments but campus presidents may make performance incentive lump sum payments of 0.5% annually (1% at end of the contract term).