Albany, NY - May 24, 2018 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that his administration has reached a six-year contract agreement with the United University Professions, the nation's largest higher education union serving more than 35,000 SUNY employees. The contract agreement includes 2 percent wage increases each year through 2021-2022 with access to new Paid Family Leave benefits, and establishes an adjunct minimum compensation. This is the first labor union agreement with the state that includes Paid Family Leave benefits since the policy took effect on January 1, 2018.
"The contract agreement reached with UUP fairly compensates SUNY university employees as they work to support students in higher education throughout the state," Governor Cuomo said. "This agreement is a significant step forward for all of New York's public universities and ensures the highest quality of education for the next generation of leaders. I am grateful for the collaboration that helped make this agreement possible and look forward to UUP's growth and success for years to come."
"This is a fair and equitable agreement that meets the unique needs of our members and provides them with reasonable salary increases, paid family leave benefits, a new minimum salary for part-time faculty, and other enhancements that address members' concerns," said United University Professions President Frederick E. Kowal, Ph.D. "I'd like to thank the governor for his willingness to work with us to reach an agreement that recognizes the dedication and service provided by our members to SUNY's students, patients and the university system. We fought hard for the gains in this pact and we believe our members will recognize that."
"I am grateful to the representatives of the state and UUP, as well as the team at SUNY who worked earnestly to reach this agreement," said SUNY Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson. "The academic professionals who are members of UUP are key to the success of SUNY, its students, and the state. Their work educates the next generation, and supports economic development through research, innovation, and community partnerships that span the state. I am pleased to see progress in key areas including family leave benefits and look forward to continuing the collaborative work needed for SUNY to continue to draw and retain the best higher education faculty and employees in the nation."
The contract must now be approved and ratified by UUP membership, which will conduct a ratification vote by mail this summer.