NYS reaches 5-year labor contract with faculty, professional staff in SUNY system

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the ratification of a five-year labor agreement with the United University Professions (UUP) which includes approximately 42,000 SUNY faculty and professional employees. The agreement, which runs until July 1, 2031, was approved by 98 percent of UUP members who cast ballots.

“This agreement invests in the hard-working members of the United University Professions, recognizing their contributions to SUNY while also underscoring my administration’s support for New York’s public university system and its talented workforce,” Governor Hochul said. “I thank UUP’s dedicated members for ensuring that students at our state universities continue to grow and thrive by preparing them for the challenges ahead through a world-class education and the support they need, which in turn is a worthy investment in New York State’s future.”

The ratified contract includes raises in each of the five years of the agreement, as follows: 4.5 percent, 4 percent, 3.5 percent, 3 percent, and 3 percent. The contract also includes boosts to location pay and several other unit-specific payments.

Members also will gain 20 hours of paid pre-natal leave and an increase in the cap for sick leave accumulation. The agreement also includes health insurance provisions eliminating certain co-pays and incentivizing the use of in-network providers. This reduces projected plan costs for services and will help reduce future premium increases for our employees.

United University Professions President Frederick E. Kowal said, “I would like to thank Governor Kathy Hochul for her willingness to work with us on an agreement that recognizes the important work our members do, in our teaching, student support, healing and life-changing research. The governor understands the importance of public higher education, appreciates the central role of unions in building a middle class and shows a deep affinity for workers in these challenging times.”