Ratification of the proposed contract for staff in the professional service of the State University of New York represented by United University Professions announced
On June 4, 2013, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and United University Professions (UUP) President Frederick Kowal announced the ratification of a collective bargaining agreement between the state and the union representing more than 35,000 SUNY employees in the professional service of the State University of New York.*
UUP members had been without a contract since 2011. The agreement won the approval of 77 percent of UUP members who cast ballots.
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.
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.
Contract highlights:
· Zero percent General Salary Increases for the three years 2011-2013, and 2% General Salary Increase increases in 2014 and 2015.
· Deficit Reduction Program involving nine days.
· A two percentage point increase in the employee's health insurance premium contribution for employees earning less than $40,137, making the employee contribution 12% for individual coverage and 27% for dependent coverage.
· A six percentage point increase in the employee's health insurance premium contribution for employees earning $40,137 and above, making the employee contribution 16% for individual coverage and 31% for dependent coverage.
· 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.
· A health plan opt-out provision so employees can opt-out through a spouse/partner to a non-State health plan.
· 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% annually (1% at end of the contract term).
* See Subdivision three of Section three hundred fifty-five-a of the Education Law.